Alysa Vega

I’m a passionate developer and educator specializing in Python and C++ programming, web development, and computer science education. I love teaching others about coding and technology, and I’m currently expanding my skills in game development and game engines. 

Giovanna Dalla Vecchia

Giovanna Dalla Vecchia, a NY-based storyteller from Brazil, believes in art as a tool for a healthier life. An honors graduate of NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama and a minor in Creative Writing, she trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Giovanna recently published her first bilingual poetry book, O Meu Amor é um Pé de Amora [My Love is a Blackberry Tree], reflecting on her childhood and self-discovery. Passionate about nurturing inner growth, she's excited to join Bloom Performing Arts as a teaching artist.

Ashley Bloom

Ashley Morgan Bloom, a professional actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild, is the founder and CEO of Bloom Performing Arts. With over 11 years of teaching experience in NYC’s top private schools, she specializes in improvisation, acting, public speaking, and debate. Ashley has starred in a Sundance official selection film, made her co-star debut on Law & Order SVU, and recently played Reporter Ainsley Neil in The Final Hour. Learn more about her at ashleymorganbloom.com and Bloom Performing Arts at bloomperformingarts.com.

Hanah V. Boyens

Hannah V. Boyens moved from Spencer, Iowa to New York City in 2022 to pursue the arts of film, music, and theatre. Before this she attended Oklahoma City University and obtained a BFA in film production and wrote and directed several short films and plays. She also has a BA in Music and has performed in operas, short films, musicals, and plays. Hannah is grateful to be joining Bloom, as she believes helping others create art is one of the most wonderful experiences in the world.

John Viggiano

John Viggiano is a New York City-based actor, writer, and director. Originally from the Austin, TX area, he began performing at ZACH Theater and later earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University in 2022. While at Rider, he performed in productions like Hair and Pete (Her) Pan, and directed or choreographed over 15 student productions. Since graduating, John has performed with MTWichita (42nd Street, Kinky Boots), workshopped for Signature Theatre, and directed and written for Broadway Dreams, a non-profit arts organization.

Sadie Prenda

Sadie Prenda grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska where she did speech, debate, choir, theater, and cello. She recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in performing arts. Now, she is an avid writer and all-around creative. She can't wait to work with the next generation of storytellers, debaters, and creatives!

Hope Dyra

Hope Dyra, originally from Nashville, earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in 2020 and a certificate in Classical Acting from LAMDA in 2019. Inspired by her experiences learning from talented theatre artists, she now shares her passion for performance with students at Bloom Performing Arts.

Marie Zaccagnino

Marie Zaccagnino, originally from Buffalo, NY, moved to NYC at 18 to attend Pace University, where she earned a BFA in Film, Television, Voice-Overs & Commercials. She has performed with the Alpha NYC Theatre Company and will make her lead debut in The Postman Always Rings Twice at the Producers Club this fall. Passionate about inspiring audiences through storytelling, Marie is grateful to share her experience with the next generation of artists at Bloom Performing Arts.

Gina Powell

Gina is a seasoned instructor and award-winning cheerleader with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Acro, Funk, Hip Hop, and Varsity Cheerleading, with extensive background in choreography. Gina has contributed to various dance projects, theaters, schools, and dance centers.

Ms. Julia Honari

Julia Honari is from Bellevue, Washington. She trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet School from 2007-2018. She attended summer intensives at Boston Ballet School, Carolina Ballet, and Ballet Chicago. She teaches ballet classes at Ballet and Body and creative movement classes through Fit4Kids. Julia loves sharing her love of dance with her students through teaching. She trains her students to use strong techniques while maintaining a joyful and exciting learning environment.

Bennet Kolber

Bennett is a game designer with a focus on education, research, and user experience. Previously, as a Quality Assurance Lead and Game Designer for Adam Poots Games, he implemented quality control best practices and developed engaging narrative scenarios. Bennett has also held positions at The Brooklyn Strategist, where he built a top-ranked Magic: The Gathering program, and taught game design to children at Brooklyn Game Lab.

Sensei David Thomas

Sensei David is a skilled martial arts instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience, specializing in organizing and managing karate programs for diverse communities. He holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in U.S.A. Goju Karate and is a certified personal trainer with the American Sports Fitness Association. He also serves as a Shape Up NYC fitness instructor and holds an Associate degree in Applied Science from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College.

Coach Anthony B.

With nearly 8 years of coaching experience and over 20 years of playing, Coach Anthony brings a deep passion for tennis to the court. A USAT Certified Coach (Level 2 PTR), he has taught at various prestigious clubs, including UPenn, Park Avenue Tennis Center, and Centercourt, offering both group lessons and one-on-one instruction.

As a player, Coach Anthony held an Eastern Sectional Ranking in the 18 and Under category, captained their high school team at Colts Neck, and played NCAA Division III tennis at Haverford College.

As a coach, he believes in positive reinforcement and keeping the sport fun and intuitive, balancing technical instruction with an emphasis on the joy of the game.

Giovanni Cassiano

With 7 years of experience teaching K-4th grade, Gio is dedicated to nurturing creativity and a love for learning in young students. Renowned for engaging read-alouds, collaborative book-writing projects, and a passion for arts and crafts, Gio encourages students to express themselves and explore their imaginations, creating a dynamic and inspiring classroom environment.

Gezime Baliaj

Gezime Baliaj has been a dedicated member of the ECFS community for over 15 years. She has taken on various roles, including school-wide associate teacher, woodshop assistant, and art class instructor, all with the goal of nurturing young students' creativity and curiosity.

Militza Manzanet

Militza Manzanet has been an educator for K-5 students for over seven years. With a deep passion for arts and crafts, she is dedicated to practicing mindful art and sharing this creative experience with young learners. Militza's focus on fostering artistic expression helps inspire students to explore their creativity in a thoughtful and engaging way.

Rezart Baliaj

Rezart Baliaj is a Finance major at Fordham University with a deep-seated passion for both numbers and education. His enthusiasm for teaching shines through in his innovative approach to business education, particularly through interactive projects like the lemonade stand. By blending his business expertise with a love for learning, Rezart offers our young students a dynamic and engaging introduction to the world of finance.

Yomira Meregildo

Yomi is a Manhattan-based teaching artist with two years of experience at Fieldston Lower, where she has served as an associate teacher and summer camp instructor. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Art Education at the School of Visual Arts.

IM Sherif El-Assoutti

Sherif El-Assoutti is a member of the Egyptian Olympiad Team.

John James Kennedy

National Chess Champion

Coach Andre

Andre Foster is a dynamic professional specializing in physical education and after school program coordination. He has a proven track record of designing engaging lesson plans that cater to diverse student backgrounds and promote physical well-being, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 

Previously, he served as an After School Coach at the Calhoun School, where he developed and evaluated curriculum for Sports, Health, and Physical Education. 

Melanie Corcino

As an educator with 14 years of experience, children and education are Ms. Melanie Corcino's passions. Ms. Corcino is BIG on fostering relationships with children and encouraging them to be their most authentic selves, sprinkle or spark their creativity everywhere, take risks, and never quit believing in themself. Being a part of afterschool allows Ms. Corcino to practice what she preaches and participate in activities she truly enjoys! 

Zoe Berger

Zoe Berger is a dedicated digital arts educator with a passion for integrating advanced software and technological literacy into artistic exploration. She currently teaches innovation to 4th and 5th graders at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York, NY. Her prior experience includes facilitating workshops on coding and digital art for various age groups, ranging from early elementary to college level. Zoe has also been recognized for her work with the Culture Push Associated Artist Grant for her screen-free coding project, “I Am <Not> a Robot.

Coach Cristian Quesada

Cristian is a former competitive gymnast from our own NYC area. As a former personal trainer, and future physical therapist, his strong fundamentals in fitness help his gymnasts excel through innovative training techniques. He is a firm believer in learning fundamentals both physically and mentally.

Jessie Salvador

Garry James

Donna Reyes

Emily Javier

Artemisa Baliaj

Sharon Javier

The Fifth Grade Times Team