Raquel Maldonado, 6th Grade Global History Ms. Maldonado was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  She attended Milton Academy through Prep 9 and then went to Wesleyan University to get her B.A. in Sociology.  She has studied and written about hip hop and reggaeton in Puerto Rico. She is a Teaching Fellow and has previously taught bilingual Special Education in Washington Heights.  Ms. Maldonado believes that knowing one's history is the foundation to being an active and critical citizen.

Larry Sandomir, 7th Grade US History Mr. Sandomir has been teaching for 35 years in both public and private schools in New York City. He is married to a wonderful educator, Mindy, has three children (who are really adults), and three very young grandchildren, ages 2, 1, and younger. He believes that using language well and becoming invested in the written word is a key factor in reaching any worthwhile goal in one's life. He is thrilled to be apart of Democracy Prep because their vision is one that is both far-reaching, doable, and allows dreams to build on firm foundations. Mr. Sandomir also helps publish the DPCS Literary Magazine, DREAM Keepers.

Lisa Friscia, 8th Grade U.S. History, History Chair Ms. Friscia was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating Stuyvesant High School, she decided to attend Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts. While majoring in American Studies and Economics, she also became a counselor, campus organizer, and (much to her mother's dismay) a rugby player. Upon her graduation, she returned to New York City to become a New York City Teaching Fellow. She completed her master's in Social Studies Education while teaching in Ozone Park, New York. She has been teaching in Ozone Park for the past five years, serving as a lead teacher, Senior Activities coordinator and chair for the School Leadership Team. Last summer, she just completed her Master's in Educational Leadership at Teacher's College. She is incredibly excited to be a part of the Democracy Prep community, and to help our scholars on their journey of learning and growing!