Alexei Greig, 8th Grade Chair & ACT Administrator Mr. Greig is a passionate educator who aims to effect positive life changes in the lives of as many people as he can touch. He started his tertiary education path by majoring in English at Williams College. Alexei's desire to educate then led him to begin his working career as a teacher at the Landmark School in Beverly, Massachusetts. While working at Landmark he completed his Masters in Education at Simmons College in Boston. Throughout his time in education Alexei has worn many hats from Math and Language Arts teacher, to developing Computer Science courses and directing Technical Theater. His constantly expanding group of interests includes traveling, dance, culinary exploits and speaking with his nephews Jordan and Nikolas whenever he can. He enjoys interacting with parents and students as he learns from the wealth of young scholars who will be present at the school this year. Mr. Greig is thrilled to continue working with the progressive-thinking team at Democracy Prep as the school develops into one of the best schools in the world.

Sarah Benko, Academic Collaboration Teacher Ms. Benko graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in English and Psychology. While studying there, she worked in a mentoring program for high risk youth in the Mt. Vernon community. After moving to New York, Sarah worked at YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities. She supported adults with developmental disabilities as an Employment Training Specialist by running classes focused on employment skills and provided job site support for her clients. Sarah is particularly excited to be working with children once again as she pursues her Master's degree in Education through Teach for America.

Amier Carmel, School Social Worker Mr. Carmel grew up in Northern NJ and attended Simon's Rock College of Bard in Great Barrington, MA where he earned his BA in Philosophy. After moving to "The Big Apple" he pursued a Master's in Social Work at New York University. During his clinical social work education he became interested in Modern Psychoanalysis and is a Psychoanalytic Candidate at The Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies in Manhattan. He is also an advanced Doctoral student at the Vermont Graduate School for Psychoanalysis. Mr. Carmel enjoys taking long walks in Central Park and thinking about the secret to the universe.

Ellie Grose, Academic Collaboration Teacher Ms. Grose grew up on the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts before attending Syracuse University for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Anthropology. Her experiences at ‘Cuse gave her the opportunity to travel abroad, and she was able to explore the world via SU’s London, England campus. She returned to move on to a Master’s degree in Education at Simmons College of Boston, MA, whilst teaching at a private school near her hometown. From there she moved to NYC to begin work with some of her favorite scholars in the world. She is so happy to return to DPCS for another highly successful and rigorous year!

Abena Mackall, Academic Collaboration Teacher Ms. Mackall is proud to be a native New Yorker. Born and raised in New York City, Ms. Mackall graduated from Princeton University, where she concentrated in American Politics and earned a certificate in African American Studies. Ms. Mackall also spent the spring of her junior year studying at the University of Cape Town and researching South African prison reform. As a member of the DREAM team Ms. Mackall has committed to working relentlessly to ensure that DPCS is a school that meets the needs of all its students.

Claudia Martin, Academic Collaboration Teacher Ms. Martín was raised in Northern California and received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis. She moved to New York to pursue teaching through the Teach For America program. During this time she earned her Master’s degree from Pace University, and taught elementary special education in the South Bronx. She is thrilled to be a member of the ACT team, and is excited to assist her students towards academic achievement.