School Leadership Team

Meet Jordan. He began his career in education back in 1999 as a college tutor and became a NYC-certified special educator in 2008. He started with Brilliant Microschool as a passionate, fun-loving middle school teacher, but quickly took on additional tasks such as curriculum writing, teacher training, and policy development until he was named Principal in 2023. As Principal of Brilliant Microschool, his primary mission is to ensure the presence exceptional, passionate teachers and a thought-provoking, engaging curriculum, so that every student at BMS, regardless of their unique learning characteristics, can actualize their full potential and manifest their dreams, whatever they may be.

With 13 years of experience in general and special education, Gina is a passionate advocate for her students and a lifelong learner committed to instilling a love of learning in every child. She believes in the transformative power of education and strives to create inclusive, engaging environments where every student can thrive.
Gina also values collaboration, working closely with colleagues to share best practices and enhance instructional strategies. She feels grateful and proud to be part of BMS, a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing curiosity and growth in all students.

“Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” - Rita Pierson

Meet Kelly. Kelly has over 12 years of experience in education. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and began her career teaching in NYC public schools. Kelly later became a Special Education Case Manager, advocating for students and ensuring smooth communication between students, staff, and families. She has also worked with future teachers completing their student teaching experience required for certification. Kelly enjoys bringing her love of learning to all students, encouraging them to take control of their learning and develop their personal interests. Kelly is passionate about the learning model here at Brilliant Microschool, and the personalized instruction students receive.

Meet Stephanie. Stephanie brings over a decade of educational experience to our school. She began her career teaching Middle School English in Pennsylvania’s public schools, working in both general education and special education settings. With a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist, Stephanie combines her expertise in literacy with her passion for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere where every student feels valued, believing that all students can succeed when provided with love and respect. Stephanie strives to inspire curiosity in students and takes joy in seeing them grow and succeed. Having watched BMS grow tremendously over the years, she is proud to work for a school that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of its students.

River Lotus is an experienced leader in academic and business partnership development, specializing in forging high-impact collaborations that drive innovation and growth. As Director of Partnerships at Brilliant Microschools, she connects the institution with universities, corporations, and industry leaders to expand opportunities and advance its mission.
With a background in business management and academic leadership, River brings a strategic approach to building sustainable partnerships. Her expertise in working with neurodivergent and exceptional learners ensures that each collaboration supports the school’s commitment to accessible, future-ready education. River’s work positions Brilliant Microschools at the forefront of progressive learning, bridging the gap between education and industry to create meaningful pathways for success.

Meet Deborah! Deborah began her career as an educator in 1994. She has taught a wide range of subjects in public, private, and charter schools, including math, language arts, English as a second language, and farm-to-fork sustainability. Deborah consistently incorporates cross-curricular and real-life connections into her teaching approach. She is deeply passionate about and dedicated to social-emotional learning as the basis for academic success for all students, regardless of their learning styles. Deborah has a particular interest in working with neurodiverse students and those who experience school-related anxiety, drawing from her personal experience as the mother of a large blended family. Deborah is proud to work at BMS alongside many talented educators who share the common objective of providing meaningful education to all students and families.

Alfredo brings extensive special education expertise to Brilliant Microschools, passionate about creating inclusive environments where every student thrives. His approach aligns perfectly with BMS's mission of unleashing growth through fun learning, sound values, and strong relationships. Alfredo's skill in tailoring instruction to diverse needs and integrating technology supports our commitment to accessible excellence and real-world readiness. As a bilingual educator with retail management experience, he adds valuable perspectives on cultural diversity, innovation, and adaptability to our school community.

Meet Farhanah. With over nine years of dedicated experience in education, Farhanah brings a rich and diverse background to my work. I have taught in a variety of settings, including self-contained classrooms, inclusion classrooms, co-teaching environments, and resource rooms. Her experience spans both general education and special education, where I have honed my skills in creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments for all students. As the founder of a resource room program, she have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and meeting the diverse needs of students. In addition to teaching, she has served as a lead and mentor for special education teachers, providing guidance, support, and collaboration to enhance instructional practices and student outcomes. Her goal is to empower students to reach their full potential and to foster an educational environment where everyone can thrive.

Meet Katie. Being the Director of Student Engagement at Brilliant Microschool, she is passionate about fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for students. With a commitment to harnessing the power of technology, she leads initiatives that promote active student participation and collaboration.

Cassie is a dedicated special educator with over 20 years of experience supporting diverse learners. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Special Education Certification from Saint Ambrose University. She earned a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, enhancing her ability to promote positive behavioral outcomes. Cassie has worked in various educational settings, including public schools and therapeutic environments. At Brilliant Microschools she continues to provide academic, social, and behavioral support, creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments.

With over 20 years of experience in education and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Kristin has dedicated her career to nurturing student growth and success. She has worked in diverse educational settings, including public, therapeutic, alternative, and remote learning environments, where she has inspired students to remain engaged and passionate about their education. As Dean of Student Success, Kristin is dedicated to ensuring that each student receives the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She works tirelessly to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can flourish. Kristin’s focus is on collaborating closely with teachers, families, and students to develop a unified plan that empowers every student to achieve their fullest potential.

Meet Faith. Faith is a dedicated upper high school math and science teacher who believes that all students can thrive in a safe, supportive learning environment. As our Professional Development Coordinator, she brings that same passion for growth to our teaching team, helping educators refine their skills and stay inspired. With a deep love for learning and a commitment to excellence, Faith fosters a culture where teachers feel empowered to improve, collaborate, and create the best possible experience for their students.