Our School
We are a District 20 Public School in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Our warm and inviting community celebrates the diversity and inclusion. PS 503's multilingual and multicultural atmosphere amplifies voices of students and families. Our small class sizes and 2+ teachers in each class ensure that all students are seen for their strengths and assets!
Our Community Advocacy
Together our voices have power! PS 503 advocates for our students and families and the greater Sunset Park community.
In 2022, the School Leadership Team, a collaborative group of parents, teachers, and school leaders, and the students from 1st Grade class 1-334 worked with Councilwoman Alexa Aviles to improve the PS 503 school yard! PS 503 secured $1.5 million dollars! SLT also worked to get $2.25 Million to repair the school yard. We selected Trust for Public Land for the work. TPL will begin the design process with the community Fall 2023 with construction planned for April 2024- September 2024.
In the past, the school has led participatory budgeting campaigns to make important school improvements, such as installing air conditioning in our gym! At PS 503, students learn to advocate for themselves, their class, their school, and their community.
Our Staff
Becky Wu
4th Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Wu has been teaching since 2018. She enjoys working with students who celebrate different cultures and tries to integrate them into student's learning whenever possible! In her spare time, Ms. Wu loves spending time with her dog, Daisy. She also loves to explore different places with her friends and family.
Carla Moore
4th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Moore has been teaching at PS 503 since 2013. She loves teaching Social Studies and Read Aloud with a focus on social justice and equality while amplifying student voice. In her spare time, Ms. Moore loves spending time with her family and dog, doing arts and crafts, as well as cooking and baking.
Catherine Gladinier
4th Grade
Dual Language Teacher
Ms. Gladinier has been teaching at PS 503 since 2018 and teaching dual language since 2020. Ms. Gladinier loves teaching ELA and Social Studies in both languages. Ms. Gladinier's favorite part of the day is welcoming her students into the classroom every morning and sitting down together during morning meeting to get ready for learning. In her spare time, Ms. Gladinier loves to go hiking in different states in the U.S. and loves to draw and paint.
Geanine Pierro
4th/5th Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Pierro has been teaching at PS 503 since it opened in 2006. She loves to read books and talk about books with her students. Ms. Pierro is a reading specialist and an English as a New Language Teacher. Ms. Pierro has a rag-doll cat, that she loves to snuggle with. Ms. Pierro also loves to travel during Summer vacation and learn about how people live in different parts of the world.
Jenny Tran (Ms. Jenny)
4th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Jenny has been a teacher, substitute teacher, and paraprofessional at P.S. 503 since 2014. She loves teaching reading, writing, and social studies. Ms. Jenny loves working on group projects with her students and helping them build teamwork skills. In her spare time, Ms. Jenny loves to try new food and activities, explore new places, and cuddle with her two cats while watching TV shows.
Kaitlyn Davis
4th Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Davis has been teaching at PS 503 since 2010. Her favorite subject to teach is word work, especially vocabulary. Ms. Davis loves sports and reading.
Ms. Balogh
4th Grade
Ms. Balogh has been teaching at PS 503 since 2006. Ms. Balogh enjoys learning with her students and getting to know all the families of her class well. On the weekends, Ms. Balogh enjoys spending time with family and getting outdoors for fun adventures!
Sharon Gonzalez
4th Grade
Dual Language and Special Education Teacher
Miss Gonzalez loves to meet new students and learn all about them! She is a new teacher here at PS 503 and is excited to be a part of the school community. Her favorite subjects to teach are Reading and Social Studies. On the weekends she enjoys reading her own books and walking in nature.
Thomas Schrader
4th Grade
Mr. Schrader has been teaching at PS 503 since 2014. His favorite topic to teach is narrative writing, which allows students to explore stories from their lives and their identities. Mr. Schrader's favorite part of the day is helping students discover new ideas in Social Studies. In his spare time, Mr. Schrader enjoy going for walks and cooking.
Yelena Rivera
4th Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Mrs. Rivera has been teaching at PS 503 since 2011. She loves teaching Reading and Writing. Mrs. Rivera's favorite part of the day is when students have powerful book talk conversations. In her spare time, Mrs. Rivera loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Deeanna Abrams
5th Grade
Ms. Abrams has been teaching at PS 503 since 2007. She loves teaching all subjects with a focus on engagement, independence and preparing her students for middle school. Ms. Abrams' favorite part of the day is read aloud where student take notes and participate in discussion and debate. In her spare time, Ms. Abrams loves spending time in Sunset Park with her three kids.
Giselle Ramoutar
5th Grade
Ms. Ramoutar has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She absolutely loves working with her students to build a community of respectful leaders, ethical agents of change, and brave advocates. As a member of the Sunset Park community for over 30 years, Ms. Ramoutar's goal is to serve in the neighborhood she was born and raised in. Sometimes, you can even catch Ms. Ramoutar walking her dog Mugsy around the neighborhood!
Jasmine Bath
5th Grade
Ms. Bath has been teaching at PS 503 since her first year as a first grade student teacher in 2016. Since then, she has taught 4th and 5th grade. She loves playing games with her students in morning meeting and teaching fractions. When she's not at school, Ms. Bath loves to cook and ride her bike.
Lauren Bonsignore
5th Grade
Special Education and IEP Teacher
Ms. Bonsignore has been teaching at PS 503 since 2010. She loves teaching reading, writing, and read aloud. Ms. Bonsignore's favorite part of the day is enjoying free time with her students, where we can laugh and enjoy the school day. In her spare time, Ms. Bonsignore loves to spend time with her family and she enjoys reading.
Ms. Velez
5th Grade
Ms. Velez has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She enjoys getting to know students and their families. Ms. Velez's favorite time of the day is read aloud with books that capture an audience .
Muslimah Rodriguez
5th Grade
Ms. Rodriguez has been teaching at PS 503 since 2021. She loves teaching culturally responsive read alouds and social studies with a focus on social justice. Ms. Rodriguez's favorite part of the day is holding space with her students. In her spare time, Ms. Rodriguez loves exploring NYC kid friendly activities with her 4 year old daughter and her mom friends.
Patsy Ortiz
5th Grade
Ms. Ortiz loves to teach and get to know her students. She enjoys teaching Math and Reading. Ms. Ortiz wants every student to know how special they are and understand how much they have to offer our community. When she is not teaching, Ms. Ortiz loves to try new food, dance, watch movies, and spend time with her family.
Samantha Mansour
5th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Mansour has been teaching at PS 503 since 2017. She is an Arab-American teacher who grew up in Sunset Park. She loves in PS 503 with her siblings. She loves teaching reading and writing. Ms. Mansour enjoys meeting with her book clubs and having book discussions. In her free time, Ms. Mansour loves spending time with her family.
Stephanie Yens
5th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Yens, has been teaching at PS 503 since 2020. She loves teaching social studies with a focus on social justice and identity work. Ms. Yens also loves book club and having discussions with her book clubs. Ms. Yens favorite part of the day is in the morning during social 15 when she can spend time talking to her students. In her spare time Ms. Yens likes to crochet teddies and blankets. She also enjoys sketching, painting, and spending time with her family.
Tiffany Stathakis
5th Grade
Dual Language Teacher
Mrs. Stathakis has been teaching in PS 503 since 2016. She teaches in English and in Spanish during the week. Mrs. Stathakis loves teaching math and reading. Her favorite books are the Harry Potter series. On her spare time she likes to spend time with her son and daughter.
Connie Ford
3rd Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Mrs. Ford has been teaching PS 503 since 2012. She loves to connect her teaching to what students value. Mrs. Ford's favorite part of the day is listening to students have meaningful conversations - whether it's during books clubs, with writing partners, or during snack time. In her spare time, Mrs. Ford enjoys spending time with her family and creating nail art.
Dalila Ortiz
3rd Grade
Dual Language Teacher
Mrs Ortiz loves teaching and has had many roles at PS 503, Mrs Ortiz loves spending the day teaching, supporting and encouraging her students. When not teaching Mrs Ortiz enjoys engaging in physical activities.
Emily Burrell
3rd Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Burrell has been teaching at P.S. 503 since 2008! She has worked in grades 3, 4, and 5, and is currently serving as Instructional Lead on Grade 3. Ms. Burrell loves working with other teachers, and also enjoys challenging her students to become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers, in both English and Spanish! Her favorite part of the day is Word Study! Learning new words and communicating in two languages is Ms. Burrell's idea of fun. In her spare time, Ms. Burrell loves cooking, drawing, and exploring New York City with her son Omar, and her fiancé, Kirk.
Lauryn O'Halleran
3rd Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. O'Halleran has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She loves to start her mornings with a mindful breathing exercise, or dancing around with her students to a fun Kidz Bop video. In her spare time, Ms. O'Halleran enjoys running around the reservoir in Central Park, spending time with her family on Long Island or catching up with friends.
Meghan Condon
3rd Grade
Miss Condon has been teaching at PS 503 since 2014. She loves teaching math and social studies. Ms. Condon's favorite part of the day is when students share their thinking during number corner. In her spare time, Miss Condon likes spending time at the beach and running.
Ms. Rivera
3rd Grade
Ms. Rivera has been teaching at P.S. 503 since 2017. Her favorite subject to teach is math and read aloud with a focus on social justice. Ms. Rivera's favorite part of the school day is gathering together each day with her students for morning meeting. In her spare time, Ms. Rivera loves being crafty and creative. She enjoys a wide variety of crafts such as crocheting, polymer clay, and cross stitch.
Nalini Budhan
3rd Grade
Ms. Budhan has been teaching in the New York City public system for 9 years, which the last two has been in PS 503. She loves teaching math and doing read alouds. Ms Budhan’s favorite part of the day is when we are holding space. Giving students the opportunity to share what is on their heart and mind is extremely important to her. In her spare time, she likes to go to the gym, walks around her neighborhood, and read.
Pamela Coutain
3rd Grade
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Coutain has been teaching at PS 503 since 2010. She enjoys teaching 3rd grade reading and math especially in small groups. Mrs Coutain's favorite part of the day is learning along side my students. I enjoy singing and spending time with my family during my spare time.
Alice Orman
2nd Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Orman has been teaching at PS 503 since 2012. She loves teaching English as a New Language to her students. Teaching literacy brings her great joy! She loves to see her students faces light up while reading a good book! In her free time, Ms. Orman loves spending time with her family, playing at the beach, hiking in the forest, and eating yummy food.
Diana Figueroa
2nd Grade
Ms. Figueroa has been teaching at PS503 since 2007. She loves teaching math. Her favorite part of teaching is meeting and getting to know students and their families. In her spare time, Ms. Figueroa enjoys running and spending time with her family.
Ellie Hill
2nd Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Hill has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She enjoys teaching writing and fostering a love for reading in the classroom. Ms. Hill's favorite part of the day is greeting her students with a smile and welcoming them to school. In her spare time, Ms. Hill loves cooking and eating delicious food with her family and friends.
Flora Dominguez
2nd Grade
Dual Language and Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Dominguez has been teaching at PS503 since 2015. She loves teaching reading and math in both languages English and Spanish. Mrs. Dominguez favorite part of the day is read aloud in Spanish to her students. In her spare time Mrs. Dominguez loves to listen to podcast and walk on the beach with her daughter Delylah.
Gabrielle Rivera
2nd Grade
Mrs. Rivera is a second grade teacher and a mom of 3! Mrs. Rivera enjoys creating a classroom where students can come to learn and have fun. Mrs.Rivera's favorite part of the day is during morning meeting, when she can greet and discuss how everyone is feeling. When Mrs. Rivera is not teaching she enjoys reading novels of all genres, spending time with family and traveling to new places.
Jennifer Cordes
2nd Grade
Ms. Cordes has been teaching at PS 503 since 2009. She loves teaching reading and math. Ms. Cordes's favorite part of the day is read aloud. She loves reading her favorite stories to her students while they all sit together on the rug. Outside of school, Ms. Cordes loves spending time with her family at the beach and baking treats for family and friends.
Jodi Griffin
2nd Grade
Ms. Griffin has been teaching at PS 503 for 11 years. She has taught kindergarten, first and second grade. She loves teaching students how to read. Ms. Griffin's favorite part of the day is read aloud and bringing the characters to life for the students. In her spare time, Ms. Griffin enjoys seeing live theater as well as spending time outdoors.
Karen Castillo
2nd Grade
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Castillo has been teaching at P.S. 503 since 2022. She enjoys teaching math, phonics, and reading aloud. Mrs. Castillo’s favorite part of the day is a closing circle with her students. In her spare time, Mrs. Castillo loves cooking and traveling.
Yazmira Velez
2nd/3rd Grade
Dual Language and English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Velez has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She is a Dual Language teacher (Spanish) and loves to teach all of her students in both languages. Ms. Velez's favorite part of teaching a Spanish Dual Language Class, is watching the beauty of translanguaging unfold within her students. In her spare time, Ms. Velez loves enjoying quality time with her family.
Cassie Huff
1st Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Huff has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She loves teaching reading, math and social studies. Ms. Huff's favorite part of the day is when students enthusiastically share during morning meeting and get playful during choice time. In her spare time, Ms. Huff loves spending time at the beach and hiking in nature with her family and her dog, Riley!
Daphne Wong
1st Grade
Ms. Wong is a first grade teacher at P.S.503. She loves teaching word work and social studies. Her favorite part of the day is getting to know her students more during morning meetings and choice time. Ms. Wong loves to try yummy foods! When she is not teaching in school, she loves to watch movies, spend time with family and friends, and go on vacations!
Helen Spruill (Ms Spruill)
1st Grade
Ms. Spruill has been teaching at PS 503 since 2009. She loves getting young learners excited about learning! In her spare time Ms. Spruill enjoys traveling, reading and riding her bike around Brooklyn.
Ms. Chen
1st Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Chen has been teaching at PS503 for more than 15 years. She loves teaching ESL. Ms. Chen's favorite part of the day is at arrival when she sees her students' happy and excited faces to start the day. In her spare time, she loves taking walks and enjoy time with family & friends.
Thelma Arias
1st Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Arias has been teaching at PS 503 since 2006. She loves helping young students start their educational journeys at our community school. Ms. Arias enjoys opening the hearts and minds of children to the wonderful world of reading, the gift of expressing themselves through writing and exploring mathematics through the patterns and the numbers in our every day lives. She enjoys learning from the talents and wonderings her students bring to daily classroom discussions. Ms. Arias loves listening to music and taking walks along the Brooklyn waterfront.
Úrsula Túa Santiago
1st Grade
Dual Language Teacher
Ms. Túa is a new teacher in the Dual Language Program from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is passionate about inclusive children's literature, the teaching of literacy and fostering bilingualism as a superpower.
Claudia Grossane
Kindergarten
Ms. Grossane has been teaching at PS 503 since 2010. She loves reading books that reflect the various cultures and identities of our school community with her students. During her off time, Ms. Grossane enjoys exploring fiber art crafts with her friends.
Faustine Ou
Kindergarten
Ms. Ou has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She loves being silly and listening to the stories that the students have to share. Ms. Ou enjoys working with her students and watching them grow! When she is not teaching, Ms. Ou enjoys spending time with her family.
Gabriella Roces
Kindergarten
Ms. Roces has been teaching at PS 503 since 2015. She loves teaching reading and writing and particularly enjoys reading aloud and acting out stories with students. Outside of school, Ms. Roces enjoys taking walks around her neighborhood.
Lucy Delgado
Kindergarten/1st Grade
Mrs. Delgado has been teaching for 16 years, but at PS 503 since 2017. She loves teaching dual language and engaging in social emotional activities with her kids. Her favorite part of the day is read aloud. In her spare time, Mrs. Delgado enjoys spending time with her husband, their 4 kids and her big German Shephard named Oso.
Lydette Hendrickson
Kindergarten
Dual Language Teacher
Ms. Hendrickson has been teaching in the New York City public system for 19 years, which the last two has been in PS 503. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and is very proud to teach her native language and share her culture in our diverse school community. She loves her students, and truly enjoy see them grow as they learn. In her spare time, Ms. Hendrickson loves to dance and spend time with her family.
Mrs. DiPolo
Kindergarten
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms DiPolo has been an English as a New Language(ENL) teacher in the New York City for 14 years, and in our school for the last 7 years. She was born in Trinidad but raised in Brooklyn NY, she is proud of her West Indian culture and enjoys teaching in our diverse community. She adores her students and truly enjoy watching them evolve into their own. On her spare time, Ms. DiPolo loves to take long walks with her dog Peyton.
Nancy Ureña
Kindergarten
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Ureña has been teaching at PS 503 since 2017. She loves reading and supporting her students with special needs. She enjoys listening to the students share and tell their stories. In her spare time, Ms. Ureña likes to run, read in Spanish, cook and spend time with her family.
Vanessa Muñoz
Kindergarten
Ms. Muñoz has been teaching in the Department of Education for two years. She has taught kindergarten and first grade and loves working with students and families. Ms. Muñoz loves to spend time with her family. She loves teaching math! Ms. Muñoz enjoys being creative and enjoys painting as a downtime activity.
Nina Demos
Principal
Ms. Demos has been the Principal of PS 503 since 2015. Prior to becoming principal Ms. Demos was a teacher, coach and assistant principal. Ms. Demos is also the proud parent of a PS 503 graduate and a current PS 503 student. As a lifelong resident of Sunset Park Ms. Demos loves feeling connected to the community and seeing students and their families in the neighborhood. Look out to spot her shopping on 5th avenue! When she is not at work, Ms. Demos loves spending time with her friends and family, traveling and going to the beach.
Brooke Precil
Assistant Principal
Ms. Precil has been working at PS 503 since 2007. She has been a special education teacher, a math coach and an assistant principal since 2015. Ms. Precil is also a current PS 503 parent. Ms. Precil's favorite part of the day is hanging out with students and playing with them at recess. In her spare time, Ms. Precil loves to read and watch fantasy series.
Tu Harris
Assistant Principal
Ms. Tu has been an educator for over twenty years! She has taught many different grades and subjects and loves working with children and enjoying the lens of wonder and curiosity they bring with them. She delights in working with the early childhood grades, both teachers and students alike, and loves to incorporate play and inquiry into the classroom. "How do we look for more joy?" is a question you will hear from Ms. Tu often. Ms. Tu lives in Brooklyn and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. The night sky never ceases to amaze her.
Halima Abada
School Aide
Ms. Halima has been working at PS 503 since 2017. Ms. Halima favorite part of the day is greeting students and families at the entrance in the morning also likes playing with students at recess. In her spare time Ms. Halima likes to try new recipes and enjoy playing board games with her family. She is a former parents of PS 503.
Jessica Li
School Aide
Ms. Jessica has been working at PS 503 since last Year December 2022. She has a son who currently attends fifth grade at PS 503. Her favorite part of the day is during recess and lunchtime when she can enjoy playing with the students. In her spare time, she loves shopping and cooking for the family.
Juany Monclus
School Aide
Ms. Juany has been working at PS 503 for 11 years. It was the best decision I made in my life because l love learning with the children and helping with everything they need.
Judith Colon
School Aide
Hi, my name is Ms. Judy. I have been working with PS 503 for 17 years. I love helping out in any way I can, also supporting the children. I’m a grandma that enjoys cooking and spending time with my family.
Marwa Hassan
School Aide
Ms. Marwa has been working as a sub school-aide from two years ago and in PS 503 since last October 2022. She is a parent of 3 boys, one graduated from PS 503, and the other two still in the same school. Ms. Marwa’s favorite part of the day is enjoying a playful time with kids during Recess and Lunch time, and helping the school staff with all they need. In her spare time, Ms. Marwa loves making different kinds of Desserts, and going to the Gym.
Michelle Bueno
School Aide
Ms. Michelle was the former president for the PTA for 2 years before she transitioned into being a school aide. She currently has 2 children who attend ps 503. Ms. Michelle feels it is important to create special bonds and memories with all her of students during lunch duty and recess as she gets to know them more everyday. In her spare time Ms. Michelle loves spending quality time with her 4 children, they love to go shopping, watch movies and play outside when the weather is nice.
Rosa Asmal
School Aide
Sharon Swinton
School Aide
Socorro Morales
School Aide
I'm school aide in PS 503 since 2011. I'm a former PS 503 parent and also have a granddaughter in PS 503. I love to dance.
Toni Chan
School Aide
Yarissa Gil
School Aide
Mrs. Gil has been a School Aide since 2016. She loves and enjoys being around kids and bringing smiles to their faces. Her energy and love of life is contagious and the students love having her around. Her favorite part of the day is recess as she can be herself and show her inner child with all the students! Mrs. Gil loves to dance, exercise, cook and travel with her family.
Zaida Gavidia
School Aide
Abiola Bruce
Paraprofessional
Ms. Abiola has been working at PS 503 since 2014. Ms. Abiola's favourite part of the day is watching each student reach their individual potential daily. In her spare time, Ms. Abiola enjoys hiking and sharing her love of the great outdoors with fellow military Veterans and inner city students.
Ashley Garcia
Paraprofessional
Ms. Ashley has been working at PS 503 since 2019. She loves that she get the opportunity to work with different students and staff members. Ms. Ashley favorite part of the day is when she gets the chance to play games with students getting to know them. In her spare time, Ms. Ashley loves spending time with her two sons Dylan and Aalias , she also loves reading.
Bernice Meadows
Paraprofessional
Ms. B has been a paraprofessional at P.S. 503 since 2013. She has experience working with children of all ages. Ms. B’s favorite part of the day is reading time. In her spare time, Ms. B loves to spend time with her family and walking her dog, Zeus.
Cyslin Pajares
Paraprofessional
Ms. P has been a Paraprofessional at PS 503 since 2012. She loves to help her students with special needs reach their social and emotional goals. Although a Brooklyn native, she loves to spend time outdoors in nature and travel.
Diana Othman
Paraprofessional
Ms. Diana is a mother of 5. She loves being around the kids, she loves there stories and how they make her laugh. Ms.Diana loves to cook and feed people also loves to take long walks and listening to music.
Hector Gonzalez
Paraprofessional
Mr. Gonzalez has been at PS.503 since late 2015. He enjoys working with the students to bring out the best in their abilities. He enjoys art and likes to teach the children how to draw. When Mr. Gonzalez isn't at work, he enjoys going to the gym, reading books, traveling and learning new things out in the open world.
Ivette Fernandez
Paraprofessional
Ms. Fernandez has been a paraprofessional at PS 503 since 2014. She loves supporting students during academics and help run small group work. Ms. Fernandez's favorite part of the day is welcoming the students during morning meeting. Ms. Fernandez is also a current PS 503 parent. During her spare time, she loves to do arts and crafts, watch movies, and go on trips with her daughter.
Jadriane (Jada) Hernandez
Paraprofessional
Ms. Jada is has been working at 503 since 2019. Fun fact, she is an alumni from PS 503; she has always loved the community and loves being able to help the students in ways her teachers and service providers helped her. Ms. Jada loves interacting with the students and helping them strive to do their best. Her favorite part of the day is greeting every student in the morning because everyone starts off on the right foot. In her spare time, Ms. Jada loves to read and play video games.
Jeenizen Rochas
Paraprofessional
Ms. Jeeni has been working as a paraprofessional since 2010 at PS 503. She likes to work with small groups in any subject , also enjoys helping with new-comers students who do not know the English language. In her free time Ms. Jeeni likes to listen to music and go for a walk.
Karen Bittar
Paraprofessional
Ms. Karen has been part of the PS 503 community since 2011. Working with students from kindergarten to fifth grade. In Ms. Karen’s spare time she likes to read and garden.
Lily Zhong
Paraprofessional
Ms. Lily joined PS 503 as a paraprofessional in 2021, but has been part of the community since 2016. During her free time, she loves exploring new places and spending time with her family and friends. Fun fact about her is that she never goes a day without her iced coffee!
Linda Ebanks
Paraprofessional
Ms. Linda has been a Paraprofessional at PS 503 since 2014. She enjoys supporting the students to maximize their learning experience. In her spare time she likes crocheting, spend time with her dog and cook.
Maria Castillo
Paraprofessional
Maria Castillo is a paraprofessional at PS 503 since 2019. She loves working with children because they are the future and it’s gratifying seeing their growth.
Mr. Ben
Paraprofessional
Mr. Ben has been working at PS 503 since 2011. He loves to meet new students and learn all about them! Mr. Ben likes to play basketball.
Nadine Perez
Paraprofessional
Ms. Perez has been helping students at PS 503 since 2021. She enjoys supporting students with special needs and helping teachers with classroom structure. Her favorite part of the day is when she gets to interact with students during lunch and recess. Ms. Perez loves traveling to see her family and going to the gym.
Naia Ortiz
Paraprofessional
Ms. Ortiz started working at PS 503 since 2021. She loves to work with different students and staff while also supporting them. Ms. Ortiz's favorite part of the day is when she gets to enjoy lunch/recess with the kids. In her spare time she works on her small cosmetology business. Ms. Ortiz was also a student here at PS 503 when she was younger and now she is apart of the community.
Nancy Saldivar
Paraprofessional
Ms. Nancy is a Paraprofessional at PS 503. Ms. Nancy enjoys supporting students with disabilities to reach their goals. She is patient with students and loves helping them get the most out of their school experience. In her spare time, she love spending time with her family.
Qi Dan Lei
Paraprofessional
Ms. Lei has been working at PS 503 since 2006. She has been serviced in this community for over 20 years. Ms. Lei loves working with both students and parents. She enjoys gardening in her garden.
Saida Soto
Paraprofessional
Ms. Soto is what the kids call me. I enjoy engaging with the students, supporting their educational needs here at PS 503. Let's reach for the stars!
Shao Li Li
Paraprofessional
Ms. Li has been working at PS 503 since 2010. She loves working with lower grade students. She enjoys supporting students to meet their individual needs. She loves traveling with her family.
Wen Mei Liu
Paraprofessional
Ms. Mei has been working as a paraprofessional at P.S. 503 since 2010. She supports students with special needs and helps the teacher with class management. She enjoys helping students reach their academic goals. In her spare time, Ms. Mei enjoys singing and cooking.
Yaritza Olmos
Paraprofessional
Ms. Yari is a paraprofessional at PS 503 since 2021. She enjoys working with young students with special needs to support their personal and academic growth. Besides having fun singing and dancing during morning meeting/movements breaks, her favorite part of the day is Reading Workshop where she gets to help kindergarteners learn to read and cultivate a love of books! Ms. Yari loves to travel and spend time with family. On her days off you'll find her either volunteering in the ASL community, roller-skating, or curled up with a good book.
Dina Barghouti
Kindergarten/1st Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Barghouti is a special education teacher and has been working at PS 503 for 12 years. She is always excited to see her students and looks forward to being with them each and every day. Ms. Barghouti is from Palestine and she loves to share and teach about her culture to our diverse school community. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, cooking and spending time at the beach.
Kate Sullivan (Ms. Sullivan)
4th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Sullivan has been teaching at PS 503 since 2014. She loves teaching reading, she especially loves doing read alouds. She enjoys incorporating movement, art, and other activities into read alouds to promote student engagement and voice. Ms. Sullivan's favorite part of being a teacher is getting to know all of her students and their families as well. She enjoys working along side families to best support their children. In her spare time, she likes to go for walks around her neighborhood and spend time with her family and friends.
Kristin Bille
1st Grade/RTI Coordinator/SETSS Support
Ms. Bille has been a part of the P.S. 503 community since 2009. She has taught multiple grades and loves supporting both students and teachers inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Bille has 2 children at home who are in elementary school and play a huge role in her love for working with children. In her spare time, Ms. Bille loves spending time with her family.
Maddy Gecht
1st/2nd/3rd Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Gecht has been teaching at PS 503 since 2017. She loves learning about her students' unique identities through art, writing, and discussion. Ms. Gecht's favorite part of the day is reading centers because she gets so excited watching her students grow as readers. In her spare time, Ms. Gecht likes reading, bicycling, and grabbing a bite with friends.
Natalie Ruiz
3rd/4th/5th Grade
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Ruiz is an ENL teacher who has joined the P.S. 503 teaching community in 2023. She has also previously taught English online for 5 years to students in China. Ms. Ruiz loves to learn about different languages and cultures of her students. She prides herself in being a creative engaging in different hobbies such as sewing and painting.
Rabab Mansour
4th/5th Grade
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Mansour has been teaching at PS 503 since 2013. She loves teaching math and SEL. Ms. Mansour enjoys morning meeting with her students. Fun fact about Ms. Mansour is that she works with her three siblings. Ms. Mansour loves spending time with her family.
Shu Fang
Kindergarten/1st/2nd/3rd
English as a New Language Teacher
Ms. Fang has been teaching for 12 years with 8 years being in PS503. She loves interacting with students and getting to know them personally. During her time off, she enjoys spending time with her two children who are Chinese Mexican mix.
Aisha Butt
Permanent Substitute
Ms. Aisha has been teaching at P.S. 503 since 2023. She loves integrating Social Emotional Learning into daily lessons, and building meaningful relationships with her students. Ms. Aisha's favorite part of the day is connecting with her students during morning meeting and ensuring that all students are ready for a day full of learning, risk taking, and fun! In her spare time, Ms. Aisha loves to travel the world with her favorite travel partner, her mom.
Caitlin Cahill
Science
Kindergarten-2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Cahill has been teaching at P.S. 503 since 2016. She taught 5th grade for 4 years before returning to early childhood as the kindergarten, first and second grade science teacher. She loves learning about animals, planting both inside and outside of the classroom and doing experiments!
Carlos Graupera
Art
Mr. Graupera has been teaching at PS 503 since 2006. He has "the best job in the world" as the Art Teacher and enjoys unleashing the creative potential of his students. He is also the proud coach of the Sunset Knights Chess Team at PS 503. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and tai chi.
Gubran Mansour
Gym
Mr. Mansour has been working at PS 503 since 2015. He enjoys teaching Physical Education and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. HIs favorite part of the day is supervising outdoor recess. In his spare time, Mr. Mansour loves to play basketball and exercise.
Howard Gottlieb
Science
Special Education and 3rd Grade Teacher
Mr. has been teaching at PS 503 since 2006. I love teaching science and watching my students learn through investigations and experiments. Mr. Gottlieb enjoys spending time with his family, reading and watching baseball.
Julia Garland
Performing Arts
Ms. Garland has been teaching Performing Arts for 26 years (and has loved every minute of it!) After working in North Carolina and different parts of New York City, Ms. Garland has found a home in Sunset Park and plans to teach at PS 503 until the end of her career. Watching students find joy in dancing, singing, acting, and clowning keeps Ms. Garland young at heart. When not at school, Ms. Garland loves to explore new things with her family and dog.
Luz Garcia
Permanent Substitute
Ms. Garcia or (Ms Luz) as some students like to call her, has been substitute teaching at PS 503 since 2021. She loves the opportunity to teach all subjects and all grades! Ms Garcia (Ms Luz) favorite part of the day is seeing everyone's face at arrival and the joy of all the students at recess. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family who has also been a part of the PS 503 community since 2015.
Maria Koutras
Science
3rd-5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Koutras has been teaching in PS503 for over a decade and has been teaching in NYC for over 25 years. She was a classroom teacher for most of her career and is now the Science teacher in the upper grades. She loves learning about current science events and truly enjoys watching her students get excited when they observe their experiments work. Ms. Koutras loves sharing stories about her life to help the students make connections between what they learn in school and the outside world.
Ms. Martelli
Technology
Ms. Martelli has been teaching at PS 503 since 2011. She loves teaching her students computer coding with a focus on Digital Citizenship. Ms. Martelli's favorite time of year is when students participate in a nationwide event called Hour of Code. In her spare time, Ms. Martelli loves spending time with her 3 boys and husband, as well as traveling and experiencing new places.
Rachel Kugelman
Math Coach
Ms. Kugelman has been working as the Math Coach at PS 503 since 2015. She loves watching students make sense of the world around them. You may find Ms. Kugelman in any class across the school supporting teachers and students in math. In her spare time, Ms. Kugelman loves spending time with her family and exploring nature.
Safa Mansour
Gym
Ms. Mansour has been teaching Physical Education at PS 503 since 2006. She enjoys teaching her students about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle while still having fun. In her free time, Ms. Mansour enjoys exercising and being active. She also finds joy in making memories with her family and friends.
Fun fact: Ms. Mansour is the first Mansour sibling to be a part of the PS 503 family.
Laura Lovera
Parent Coordinator
Ms. Laura Joined PS 503 in the Spring of 2023. She was a preschool teacher for 2.5 years and now holds the position of parent coordinator for PS 503. Coming from immigrant parents where English is not her first language, Ms. Laura is a big advocate for parent voice and she is excited to join the community of Sunset Park. She is also a current parent of a student in our Dual Language program at PS 503.
Jade Wang
Parent Liaison
Ms. Jade joined the PS 503 community in 2012 when her son started Kindergarten. She has been a staff member at PS 503 since 2014. Ms. Jade enjoys working with children and parents. Her job is focused on creating a welcoming environment for families, directing outreach in order to engage parents in their children’s education and helping them reach their optimal potential. When Ms. Jade is not working, she likes cooking, reading and watching Chinese dramas.
Alicia Cintron
Social Worker
Alicia was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and is a proud Sunset Park native. She is a licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in mental health for over 20 years. Alicia has treated both acute and minor mental health disorders in both children and adults. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, listening to music, shopping and being with her family.
Viviana Rojas
School Psychologist
Ms. Rojas has been at PS 503 since 2006 as a Bilingual School Psychologist. She loves building connections and working with children, helping students increasing their social skills, and learning English. Ms. Rojas enjoys working and supporting families in the school community. In her spare time, Ms. Rojas loves yoga, meditation, mindfulness and wellness topics. Ms. Rojas loves helping students identifying and managing their feelings and increasing coping skills. She also collaborates with teachers and helps them finding better ways to support children's learning based to their strengths and weaknesses. Ms. Rojas loves Art and tries her best to include Art activities to support the PS 503 Children's social and emotional development. English as a New Language Learner (ENL) students are also her passion and she enjoys seeing students' progress in this area, adapting to the country, the school and community and growing in their journey as English Language Learners.
Yesen Jimenez
School Counselor
Mrs. Jimenez has been at PS 503 since its inception in 2006. She enjoys working with children and families to help them reach their optimal potential. Ms. Jimenez works closely with families especially when it is time for students to apply for middle school and throughout their experience at 503. In her spare time Ms. Jimenez loves spending time with her children, reading and cooking.
Danielle Cassagio
Part-time School Psychologist
Juan Martinez
Part-time Bilingual School Psychologist
Mr. Martinez is a bilingual school psychologist who loves working with our students, teachers, and families to understand each other better and help our students meet their full potential. Mr. Martinez has lived in Sunset Park his whole life and even went to school at PS 503 as a child (before it was even called PS 503!).
Mr. Martinez's favorite parts of being at PS 503 are working with students and telling their parents and teachers about their strengths. In his spare time, Mr. Martinez likes to play video games, walk his dog, and go to museums.
Elizabeth Fuentes
Family Worker
Sylvia Garcia
Payroll Secretary
Sylvia has been a payroll secretary at P.S. 503 since 2016. She takes great pride in all her clerical duties, including assisting staff, students and their families with any inquiries they may have. In her spare time Sylvia loves spending time with her family, reading, cooking and exploring new things.
Donna Demarco
Pupil Secretary
Mrs. DeMarco (DD) has been a secretary in PS 503 since 2006. She works in the main office and has many different roles, she loves meeting and registering students in our school. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also enjoys traveling.
Mohammed Ahmed
Technology Specialist
Mr. Mohammed has been a Computer Technology Specialist at PS 503 since 2014. He loves technology. He makes sure all the hardware and software in the school are working correctly. His favorite sport is cricket. He likes spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and learning new things.
Esmerelda Dominguez
Procurement Secretary
Ms. Esmeralda best known as Ms. Esme, has been working at PS 503 since 2014. She joined our community as the PTA Vice president. Then was hired as a school aide during which she enjoyed working with the students and playing with them during recess. In 2016, she became the school's Family Worker. During her time as Family Worker, she loved interacting with families and the clinical team. In 2022, Ms. Esme was delighted to begin work as the School Procurement Secretary. Ms. Esme's favorite time of the day is during arrival--greeting families at the main office and helping them with any questions. In her spare time, Ms. Esme loves listening to music and playing games with her two children, one of whom attends PS 503!
Christina Maiello
Speech Provider
Ms. Maiello has been a speech therapist at PS 503 since 2014. She enjoys providing speech and language services to students, grades Kindergarten through fifth. Ms. Maiello’s favorite part of the day is visiting her students in the classroom as they engage in academic activities. In her spare time, Ms. Maiello enjoys traveling, exercising and visiting family.
Diana Santana
Speech Provider
Ms. Santana has been providing speech and language therapy to bilingual (Spanish) students at P.S.503 for 10 years. She enjoys helping the students meet their speech and language goals. She feels that every student is a Super Star in their own unique way. Ms. Santana's favorite things to do is taking long walks and dancing Zumba!
Dima Ismail
Speech Provider
Ms. Dima has been a speech therapist at PS 503 since 2015. Her favorite part of being an SLP is being creative and creating materials for her students tailored to their individual needs. Ms. Dima grew up in Sunset Park and enjoys participating in school-wide and community activities. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Hector Rosales
Occupational Therapist Provider
Mr. Rosales, students call him, Mr. Hector or "The Editor". He has been providing Occupational therapy services at PS 503 since 2013 after transitioning from working 6 years at Maimonides hospital. Mr. Rosales enjoys weight lifting, jogging and eating sushi. His favorite part of the day is anytime when he gets the chance to teach a student new skills that will help them thrive in school.
Jenny Villar
Occupational Therapist Provider
Ms. Villar has enjoyed being a pediatric occupational therapist since 2017, and began working at PS 503 in 2018. She loves helping her students to participate in everyday activities that improve their function in the classroom, especially in their fine motor and attention skills. She loves hanging out with her family, going out to eat, and walking her dog Mason in the park.
Karen Liu
Occupational Therapist Provider
Ms. Karen has been an Occupational Therapist at P.S. 503 since 2014 after transitioning from working in an inpatient hospital rehabilitation setting. Ms. Karen’s favorite part of working at P.S.503 is the blend of cultures and become one big community. Ms. Karen enjoys seeing her students make progress and reach their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Maria Garyfallos
Speech Provider
Mrs. Garyfallos has been a speech language pathologist at PS 503 since 2008. She enjoys teaching all elementary students, but more recently post pandemic, she enjoys teaching 5th graders and students in the special education classes 12:1:1. Her passion is teaching grammar and parts of speech among other areas such as vocabulary, figurative language, and fictional story retell with her speech students. In her spare time, Mrs. Garyfallos is busy with her own three children and their activities, but she will always find time to hurl up with a good book.
Ms. Tania
Speech Provider
Ms. Tania has been a bilingual speech provider at PS503 since 2017. She's dedicated to helping her students improve their speech and language skills with a comprehensive approach that integrates the learning process through caring and playful interactions. In her spare time, she enjoys interacting with family, enjoys a vegan lifestyle, and is a member of PETA.
Pen-Pen Chen (Ms. Chen/Chen Laoshi)
Speech Provider
Ms. Chen is a Mandarin Chinese-English bilingual speech therapist who has taught at PS 503 since 2012. She splits her time as a bilingual speech and language evaluator for the DOE. By cultivating children's "growth mindset," divergent thinking, and problem-solving skills, Ms. Chen works to develop students' curiosity for and love of learning, having gratitude and kindness towards others, and being effective and efficient communicators. She is a TED-Ed innovative educator, a bilingual voice-over artist, and a Chinese and ESL teacher for the United Nations. She holds a doctorate in Chinese Medicine and is also a New York state licensed acupuncturist. 陳老師是一名中英雙語語言治療師，自 2012 年以來在 PS 503 任教，並兼任教育部的雙語評估師。陳老師通過培養孩子們的"成長型思維"、應用發散思維、解決問題的能力使得孩子們更熱愛學習，擁有探索的精神，成為高效，有效的溝通者，並懷抱著一個感恩、善良的心。她是TED-Ed創新教育家、雙語配音員、聯合國的中英文教師, 以及是一名中醫博士，持有紐約州的針灸執照。
Samantha Chin Kaganovskiy
Speech Provider
Ms. Kaganovskiy has been a speech therapist at PS 503 since 2015. She has a passion for helping children communicate and be confident in their ability to express themselves. Ms. Kaganovskiy's favorite part of her day is seeing her students excitement when it is their turn for therapy. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her daughter and family.
Tiffany Colaitis
Physical Therapist Provider
Ms. Tiffany is a Physical Therapist working at PS 503 since 2014. She helps her students get stronger in order to participate in the day to day physical demands of school. Ms. Tiffany enjoys creating obstacle courses and making exercises fun! In her free time, she loves spending time with her family.