Education is not the learning of facts, it’s rather the training of the mind to think. Albert Einstein

Hi, my name is Nelly Choueiri. I am an immigrant myself - a Lebanese American. Besides English, I do speak Arabic, French, and Spanish. I teach Math and Computer Science to our newcomers and I am a Math for America Master Teacher.  When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, walking, spending time with family and friends, and cooking for them.

Hello, my name is Michele Santo-Park and I'm from Queens, NY. I teach English Language Arts and I'm excited to welcome the new Foundations class to MIHS! A few of my favorite hobbies include playing piano, reading, discussing TV/movies, caring for plants, and taking pottery classes; overall, I enjoy trying new activities to hone my creativity. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy running and hiking, especially in the fall and winter.

I teach Global History at MIHS, and I am very happy to be here! I was born in South Korea, but was raised in different cities in the U.S. and in South Korea because my family moved around quite often. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. 

I grew up in Senegal, where I taught English at both middle and high school levels before moving to the United States. I instantly fell in love with New York City and have maintained a strong connection to it, even though I currently reside in New Jersey.

At MIHS, I collaborate with an amazing team to instruct Foundations (FS) students in 9th grade English. When I'm not in the classroom, you might find me on the soccer field coaching the JREC Boys’ Soccer team or exploring the city hand-in-hand with my daughters. I've recently started to enjoy watching American football, but I'm still in the process of learning the ins and outs of baseball.

Hello there!  My name is Len Melzer, and I am the Earth science and technology teacher for the 9th grade Foundations team.  I was born in Flushing, Queens, and have lived in New York city all of my life.  I am a passionate educator who strongly believes that the path to success is paved with bumps along the road!  Helping our student population traverse those bumps is what makes me take pride in what I do everyday here at Manhattan International High School.  In addition to teaching, I enjoy playing guitar, exercising, and spending time with my family. 

Hello! I'm Seth Blum, offering Work-Based Learning (Career and Technical Education), specifically in Education, where students learn about all possible careers in schools, and also Theatre Management, introducing students to the performing arts, technical skills (lights, make-up, costumes, sound, etc) and business operations. From 1999-2014, I proudly taught mathematics at MIHS - everything from algebra to AP Calculus. From 2014-2022, I performed in multiple off-Broadway musicals, taught math at a High School in Denver, CO and formed an original rock band. I grew up on Long Island, attended Binghamton University, received a BA at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ and an MA in Math Education at CW Post on Long Island. I also offer a music club to share what I've learned singing and playing both piano and guitar - and a Stock Market Club/Elective where students will compete with other schools in the statewide Stock Market Game while learning about stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

I teach theater and acting. After years as a part-time Teaching Artist with MCC Theater at MIHS and a substitute teacher, I'm thrilled to be a full-time educator. With a deep passion for theater, I'm particularly drawn to comedy and improvisation, which I often perform.

I firmly believe in the power of play. When we're having good healthy fun, our authentic selves shine through, creating opportunities for growth and learning.

In my free time, I enjoy distance running, basketball, reading, playing games, going to the movies, and spending quality time with my wonderful family.

I was born and raised in NYC. Upon spending a semester abroad in Italy while attending Hamilton College, I was smitten with the international life. After graduating from Hamilton with a B.A. in History, I went back overseas and spent two years teaching ESL in Krakow, Poland. I happily teach Social Studies to 10th and 11th graders who bring everything I loved about living abroad to the classroom everyday. When I’m not in the classroom you can find me running, reading, traveling, or admiring art.

Hi! I am so thrilled that I get to  teach English Language Arts at MIHS. I was born and raised in in Astoria, Queens, but now I live in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I feel very fortunate as both of these places are diverse and has delicious food. When I have free time, I am usually reading, watching foreign dramas (Spanish, Korean, or Hindi), traveling, and relaxing with my friends and family. 

I was born in  Santiago, Dominican Republic and was raised in Brooklyn NYC. I now live in Queens which Is my favorite borough mainly for its diversity and foods! I am so happy to teach 10th and 11 graders Mathematics here at CAR and am amazed how people from all over the world interpret mathematics in our classroom. In my free time I usually like to read, travel, find the best foods in NYC and play video games. 

I was born in Mexico City, or as we like to call it “El D.F.”.  In 1986, my mother and I moved to NYC, where I have been ever since.  My interests are quite varied; art, computers and science to name a few.  Most of all I love to encourage in others their inner scientist. I teach chemistry and health at MIHS and would love you to visit me in room 516.

I was born in Delaware, but raised between Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn and Delaware. As a kid, I loved reading, and that love continued to grow into my adult life. In high school, one of my English teachers encouraged us to give back to the next generation, and help them. This motivated me to want to become a teacher. After graduating from the University of Delaware, I moved back to New York, and have been teaching for the last 10 years. Besides work, I am a huge foodie, and love to try new foods and restaurants. I love to travel, read, write, and play basketball. I am a lifelong Star Wars fan, and I also love reading comics and watching films based on them. If you ever want to chat about geeky things, feel free to stop by.

Hello! My name is Jeisy Garrido, and I’m thrilled to be your new ELA teacher. I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. When I was 15, I moved to Queens, NY, and have been living there ever since. As a former MIHS alum, I know firsthand the challenges of adjusting to a new country, language and way of life. After graduating from MIHS, I studied Psychology at Brooklyn College and then a Masters in Education (TESOL) at Queens College. When I’m not teaching, I love traveling around the world, trying new cuisines, and spending quality time with loved ones! 

Hi! I was born in Brooklyn, raised in Amman, Jordan, and then began school in America in 7th grade. I’m very proud of my hyphenated (Arab-Filipino-American) background and love learning about my students’ backgrounds! I enjoy teaching 10th and 11th grade Social Studies. When I’m not in room 413, I’m either reading a memoir, traveling, or enjoying the great outdoors!

Hola! I’m Yanira, the Literacy teacher for IT. This will be my 4th year at MIHS and in that time I have worked with all the clusters! I love learning about different cultures especially their music and food, so if you ever want to share some delicious samples while listening to some cool tunes come visit me in room 413! 

Hello! I'm Laura. I grew up a passionate reader in Monterey Park, a major Chinatown in Los Angeles, California. The women in my family are Cantonese and Mexican... and I learned French as a second language! I am a first-generation American, and I am delighted and grateful to work with immigrants every day, sharing my love of words and learning. I also enjoy rock-climbing and watching ballet. Come by Room 422 and say hi!

Kris Ramir- Living Environment

I am from Worcester, MA (pronounced Wistah). I grew up in New England, lived on the West Coast and found a home in New York. Words to me are the most powerful weapon any person can own, and through studying the writings of others, and creating our own written masterpieces, we become  powerful.

Hello! I'm Ned Lauber. I am very grateful to be the IT math teacher here at MIHS! I grew up in Ithaca, NY, attended college in Massachusetts, and spent a few years teaching math in Connecticut before moving to New York City. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy running, playing board games, and exploring new outdoor areas. I also really like different kinds of puzzles. Feel free to stop by room 413 if you ever want to try a new puzzle!

Hello! My name is Carmen. I was born and raised in China and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 15 years old. I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees in childhood education (grades 1–6). What motivated me to come to MIHS is that I share a similar experience with our students and understand the challenges behind their growth. I aim to support them in developing professionalism not only at school but also through their internships. I can't wait to see our students shine!

Hello! I am so excited to join the MIHS team this year and to work with students from all across the world. I have been teaching for the past 8 years in many different settings from elementary schools in Madrid, Spain to high schools in my home town of Boston. Outside of schools I love traveling, seeing live music, cooking, and practicing yoga. I’m truly looking forward to learning along side my students this year! : )

I teach Calculus. I want students to see mathematics come alive in my classroom as well as in the world they live in. We do portfolio projects in a way that will empower students to be engaging learners in Math and English.

I am Martin Pascual. I was born in the Philippines and moved to NYC in 2004 as an International teacher. I am currently teaching Living Environment and Health with 10th and 11th grades. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Manhattan International HS, I am very proud and grateful to be part of this amazing community for eleven (11) years. Go MIHS!

Hello, I’m Dorentina, but you can call me Tina. I was born in the beautiful country of Kosovo and made the exciting move to the United States when I was just 2 years old. Now, I proudly call Brooklyn my home, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey of growth and discovery with each of you!

When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me indulging in my favorite activities: shopping, traveling to new destinations, enjoying a good romantic movie, or diving into a romantic novel. And here’s a little fun fact about me—I LOVE iced coffee! It’s my constant companion, so you’ll never see me without it. I can’t wait to share this amazing year with all of you!

I was born in Washington DC but have lived in California, Massachusetts, New York, and even New Zealand for a year. I teach 12th grade Government and Economics, which is the best! Outside of the classroom, you might see me playing soccer, going to concerts, or listening to podcasts while walking through the city.  Also, you’ll see me cheering on the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals!

Allison Finiasz - Guidance Counselor

I am a school counselor and college advisor. My passion is helping students realize and reach their full potential, helping students to become aware of their thinking and how it impacts their lives. I love the energy of high school students and love supporting them through all of the challenges of teenage life/high school! 

Daira Olivero - Guidance Counselor

I was born and raised in Colombia. I am an immigrant who loves New York City. I worked as an Early Childhood teacher and in my role as a manager of a community organization I implemented programs to support and mobilized high need communities in my hometown for many years. My passion to strengthen communities led me to a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and a Master's Degree in Counseling with advanced training. I feel blessed to work as a school counselor with newly arrived immigrant students at MIHS. During my leisure time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Madelin Zambrana-Gonzalez - School Social Worker

Working at MIHS is a dream come true. My passion is to work with young people and help them to achieve their utmost potential in spite of the barriers that they may face. I am a proud first generation mainland-born American of Puerto Rican and Salvadoran heritage. For years, I’ve worked servicing children and families in underserved communities in the NYC area. My background is in Sociology and Women’s Studies. I am also a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have a Master’s degree in social work with a specialization in clinical work with adolescents.  During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family!

I’m a school social worker and am passionate about helping adolescents along their journey to adulthood. I grew up in Long Island but have lived in 3 other states and 3 other countries! I learned to speak Spanish while living in the Dominican Republic and feel incredibly grateful that I am able to connect with many of our students in their native language. In my free time, I love to spend time outside in nature and am an avid runner, biker, and skier. 

Carolina Cedano - Parent Coordinator

I am a Bachelor of Legal Studies graduate from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of School Counseling program student at Mercy University. I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at a young age. Here I had the opportunity to attend The Manhattan International High School. As a former student, I feel that I can relate to many of the struggles our students face as English language learners. My advice to them is that the road may be bumpy but with hard work and dedication, they will go far. 

Hello! I’m Jadder Coronado, the community engagement specialist at MIHS. Originally from Colombia, I moved to the U.S. when I was 11 and grew up in Queens. I studied Sociology at Baruch College and am also an MIHS alum. I’m always eager to explore new experiences and have a passion for sports, art, food, and anything that keeps life exciting!