Mary Rice Boothe, Principal
Mary Rice Boothe is in her second year as Principal of Harlem Renaissance High School. As principal she works to support all staff members in creating a positive, collaborative and successful school community. Her goal is to have Harlem Renaissance High School be a school that daily supports a students’ social, emotional and academic well-being to give them the tools necessary to be productive contributors to their communities. Of her many responsibilities as principal her favorite jobs are working with the school’s student council and teaching the Foundations Course that gives new students of HRHS the skills to be successful in transitioning into a new school environment. Mary began her career in the non-profit field running after-school programs and summer camps in Brooklyn, Bronx and East Harlem. After several years, she transitioned into becoming an English teacher at Central Park East Secondary School and has not looked back. Mary received her bachelor’s degree in Metropolitan Studies from New York University. She also has a master’s degree in English and a master's degree in English Education from the City College of New York. Mary lives with her husband and daughter in Harlem.
Christopher Lascoutx, Assistant Principal
Christopher Lascoutx has been working at HRHS since the doors opened in 2004. A Math teacher the first year, he is in his third as Assistant Principal. An educator who strongly believes in the students, Mr. Lascoutx has been credited with his students having faith in themselves. After closing his business a few years earlier, Mr. Lascoutx wanted to do something that would present “engaging challenges”. He has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and MA in Mathematics Education.
Samuel Ayeni, Physical Education/Advisor
Diane Ayers, Science/Advisor
Jacquelyn Bodenmiller, Science/Advisor
Bethany Clark,
Art/Advisor
At HRHS, she is the co-creator of the Digital Media Program and Yearbook Advisor, serves as the Chairman of the FOCUS Curriculum Committee; and a member of the Portfolio Committee and Hiring Committee. She is also the Teacher’s Union Delegate for our school. Before coming to HRHS, Bethany worked as a substitute teacher in New York City Public Schools and as an America Reads Tutor; a literacy program started by President Bill Clinton. She taught in various public schools in Manhattan and Queens as well as private schools in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. She was one of the teachers that were here when HRHS opened its doors in 2003, and has been committed to the students and the school since then. Bethany attended Long Island University, C.W. Post Brookville, majoring in Art Therapy and minored in Photography and graduating with honors. She later graduated from NYU, with a major in Art Education. Bethany contributes as an Art Editor for a New York City arts and culture webzine.
Phillip Cordero, Math/Advisor
Philip Cordero has been at HRHS for the past three years. He is a Math Teacher, a Student Advocate, a Student Council Leader, and a coach. Born and raised in Harlem, Mr. Cordero worked in the private sector, before deciding that he wanted to give back to the community by becoming a teacher and role model. Mr. Cordero attended Adlai Stevenson H.S. in the Bronx before going on to Ithaca College to complete his Bachelors Degree. He recently finished his Masters Degree at City College of New York.
Rhonda Creed-Harry, Math/Advisor
Frank DiMaggio, Social Studies/Advisor
Frank DiMaggio is in his first year at HRHS. He is a FOCUS Group Advisor and Social Studies teacher. As someone who had always fostered an interest in history, he wants his students to have an understanding of how history has impacted their life. A true believer in the school’s motto “rebuild, Renew, Restore”; Frank empowers his students to do more than just pass the Regents. He uses his knowledge, classroom management and personal bonds with the students to promote social growth. Frank went to Brooklyn College and Fordham University. Originally from Brooklyn, Frank is married with three children and lives in Westchester.
Robyn France, English/COSA Coordinator/Advisor
Thomas Forbes, Social Studies/Advisor
Thomas Forbes has been at HRHS over two years as a Social Studies teacher. His 11-year career as a teacher has been fueled by his need to make a positive impact in people’s lives. He has served as a Peace Corps volunteer for two year in the Dominican Republic, managed a solar energy business, and worked in Social Services. Thomas has both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. Thomas has been married for 18 years and has two children.
Lorraine Gutierrez, English/Lead Teacher
Gwen Garret-Joly, Business/UFT Chapter Chair
Gwen Joly is the Business and Technology instructor. With over 20 years of experience with the Department of Education, Gwen helps her students understand the importance of business and technology in today’s changing world. Her classroom serves as a training ground for the real world, and she aims to run her class as a business. Gwen received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Baruch College and Master’s degrees from Brooklyn College and the Bank Street College of Education. She has served as a Personnel Director and Director of operations for the Alternative HS Superintendent. She was also the liaison to the Learning to Work program and work closely with the NYC Mission Society in selecting students for internships and in planning curriculum. A Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher and a licensed supervisor and administrator, she has also served as the schools United Federation of Teachers Chapter Leader and have served as City, State and National delegate for NYSUT and the AFT.
Richard Martin, Math/Advisor
An integral part of the teaching staff, Richard Martin brings a variety of interests and experiences to HRHS. He teaches Mathematics, co-teaches the Digital Numeracy class, runs the Regents, SAT, and PSAT prep classes. He also spearheads the Chess Club. Richard has had over twenty jobs in his lifetime, and has expressed that working at HRHS has been his most challenging, as well as rewarding experience so far. His goal is to bring his experiences of traveling, human interactions and outside pursuits into the classroom. “I truly believe in the spirit and intelligence of our students; and I know with a little help from the teachers and staff, they will succeed.” Richard has spent several years as a New York City Teaching Fellow before coming to HRHS. He recently completed his Masters at CCNY.
Elizabeth Park, Music/Advisor
Narani O’Shaugnessy, Drama
Naran O'Shaugnessy is wrapping up her third year with HRHS. The school’s Presenting Arts and Drama teacher, Naran was the Drama teacher her first year, and Art teacher her second. In her classes, students have the opportunity to express and share themselves and their creativity. Naran has an MFA in Acting and she also has certification in Shiatsu, foot reflexology, and teaches beginner and intermediate levels of Hatha Yoga.
Carol Thomas, Social Studies/Advisor
Christine Tufts, Spanish/Advisor
Christine Tufts is the Spanish teacher, and has been with HRHS for two years. Viewed as a mentor by many of her students. Christine is able to reach her students on a different level, and impact their lives and learning in a more personal way.
After finishing her Bachelor’s from Georgetown University in 2006, Christine became a New York City Teaching Fellow. In June, she will complete her Master’s Degree from Pace University. One of five children, Christine was raised in South Florida and currently resides in Washington Heights.
Zena Wouadjou, English/Advisor |
