Kimberly Ruyle, 6th Grade Science Kimberly Ruyle attended the University of Texas - the biggest university in the country.  (Go Longhorns!)  She graduated with special honors and B.A.s in Philosophy and Asian Studies and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  Ms. Ruyle continued her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she also taught Law, Philosophy and Writing classes.  In 2003, she moved to Taiwan where she became a lead teacher and director of curriculum development.  Ms. Ruyle has traveled extensively and deeply values the knowledge and experience she gained in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.  In 2008 she was accepted into Teach for America and moved to New York.  She is excited to join the DREAM Team as the new 6th grade science teacher.

Keith Schneider, 7th Grade Science Mr. Schneider graduated with a BA in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Shortly following, he took a temporary position teaching AP Psychology and found the teaching career to be both exciting and rewarding. He found his specific niche in middle grades science where he could combine his unique discussion style with enriching demonstrations and hands-on activities. He has spent the last few years teaching at a school in South Florida where he and his team were extremely successful in raising achievement for all students for both state testing and inter-school science competitions. He is very excited to be part of the DPCS team and their outstanding reputation for success! 

Tchanavia Merrick, 8th Grade Science, 8th Grade Team Leader Tchnavia Merrick, a Brooklyn raised scholar, received her B.S. degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology ( Georgia Tech) and a B.A. in Philosophy from Georgia State University. She also holds a Master's degree in Chemistry from Suffield University, and is completing her Master's degree from NYU in Science Education. She is also completing her Master's in Administration and Supervision at Mercy College. Upon graduation from Georgia Tech, Tchnavia worked as a Junior Research Scientist at Pfizer Pharmaceutical and a Engineer at NYNEX Mobile Communications. She also worked as an Engineer for Perkin Elmer Analytical Instruments where her territory included the Southeast Region, the Bahamas and Bermuda. In 1996, Tchnavia decided to share her love for science and math by teaching. She began her career as a 8th grade science teacher in the Department of Education and then moved to high school teaching both science and mathematics. She has also served as a Math coach for the past 4 years. Ms. Merrick decided to return to the classroom as a full time teacher and is excited to do so here at Democracy Prep. She is excited to be a part of a school that truly believes in the success of all children and is committed to ensuring that they will all go to college.