Team Directory

David is the Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Assembly. He joined UA in 2014 as the Director of Social-Emotional Learning, where he developed the Resilient Scholars Program (RSP), a pioneering approach to integrating SEL into curriculum and classroom practices across the UA network and nationwide.

David serves on the Board of Directors for EL, AEP, and formerly for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). He is also a member of Teach For America’s Social-Emotional Learning Advisory Board, the Leader in Me Curriculum Advisory Board, and the advisory boards for The Wellness Classroom and Promoting Health in Haiti. Additionally, he sits on the Strategic Advisory Groups for Harmony/Inspire and National University and is an editorial board member for Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy.

Recognized for his leadership and impact, David was named one of Crain’s 40 Under 40, received a citation from the Mayor of New York City, and has been honored with awards including the Change Agent Award from the Gentlemen’s Factory, the Inspiring Educators for Life Award from Read718, and the Champion of Equity Award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

A co-founder of International SEL Day, David is the author of The Educator’s Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence and a contributor to Challenges to Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs in Organizations. He has also published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on social-emotional learning. In addition to his contributions to education and research, he retired as a Civil Affairs Officer in the Army Reserve and holds an M.Ed in Educational Psychology from Fordham University.

Gillian has been working to improve equity in urban education for nearly 20 years, and for the last five years has served as the UA's Chief of Staff. Before joining the UA as an Advancement Manager, Gillian served as a high school Dean of Students in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Prior to becoming a dean, she was the school's founding English teacher, grade-level leader, and English department chair. Gillian also taught Leadership and English in Charlotte, North Carolina at a CTE high school through Teach For America. As a certified facilitator of Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Gillian believes deeply in the power of empowering young people to reach their potential through development of mission-aligned habits. Gillian is a graduate of Syracuse University (BA in Public Policy and Sociology), and received her Master's degree from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Michelle Lewis is the Deputy Chief of Staff – People at Urban Assembly, Inc., where she leads people strategy, talent initiatives, and organizational systems that strengthen workplace culture and staff success. She is passionate about using data, process improvement, and strategic planning to build equitable and effective people practices. Prior to joining Urban Assembly, Michelle led performance management, employee relations, professional development, and career pathways for more than 400 employees across 10 schools. She holds graduate degrees from Brooklyn College and New York University and is committed to creating workplaces where people and organizations can thrive.

With over 20 years at education-focused nonprofits, including time at the Options Center at Goddard Riverside Community Center, Amy has spent her career making data and technology accessible and meaningful for colleagues who serve students. In her current role, she and her team ensure her colleagues have the right tools and information at the right time to do their most impactful work.

Lizbeth supports fundraising, donor cultivation, external relations, marketing, and communications efforts that expand the Urban Assembly's visibility and strengthen philanthropic support across its network of schools. Previously, she worked as a fundraising consultant for nonprofit organizations in the education sector, helping clients develop strategic campaigns and build stronger advancement programs. Outside of work, Lizbeth enjoys exploring local coffee shops and trying out their signature latte drinks and spending time on the pickleball court.

Reina is an experienced Social-Emotional Learning Specialist with over ten years of experience serving at-risk individuals of all ages. As Deputy Director of the SEL Team at The Urban Assembly, she supports Program Managers across the network, helping schools use data to strengthen SEL implementation, deliver tiered supports and interventions, and build staff capacity to teach social-emotional skills. Prior to joining UA, Reina served as Managing Director of Community Schools at Young Audiences in New York, where she led staff development and operations while building strong partnerships with teachers and families, and earlier as a Program Strategist at Phipps Neighborhoods, overseeing staff development and administration across multiple program sites. She holds several credentials, including the Family Development Leadership Credential, Mentoring Supervisor Certificate, and Trauma-Informed Perspective Practice Series certification, reflecting her deep and lasting commitment to the individuals and communities she serves.

Ann Hesler is an SEL Program Manager at The Urban Assembly, where she supports schools and districts in strengthening social-emotional learning, school climate, and sustainable implementation systems. She brings experience as a School Counselor and Scholar Support Services Manager, with expertise in professional learning, coaching, data-informed planning, MTSS, PBIS, and trauma-informed and restorative practices. Ann is passionate about helping schools build systems that outlast any single initiative, ensuring that SEL is embedded, sustainable, and responsive to student and educator needs. She holds degrees in psychology and mathematics, a master’s degree in school counseling, and New York State permanent school counselor certification.

Kandra Knowles-Ferreira is the Deputy Director of Social Emotional Learning at The Urban Assembly, where she supports educators, school leaders, and program managers in strengthening SEL implementation and sustainability. Her professional background includes clinical social work, program development, coaching, and supervision across educational and community-based settings. She has also served as an adjunct professor at colleges in both The Bahamas and New York, preparing future social work professionals and educators. Her work is grounded in equity, collaboration, accountability, and building adult capacity to improve outcomes for young people.

Darlene Arias is a Licensed Social Worker and Postsecondary Readiness & Success Manager with over 10 years of experience supporting young people in achieving their educational, career, and personal goals. Her background includes school social work, school counseling, crisis intervention, college and career advising, and therapeutic services for adolescents and young adults.

In her current role at The Urban Assembly, Darlene partners with schools across New York City to strengthen college and career readiness systems, expand access to postsecondary opportunities, and support educators in preparing students for success beyond high school. She is passionate about empowering young people through goal setting, career exploration, and practical life skills, while helping schools create equitable pathways that allow every student to thrive.

Fabiola Hernandez is the Postsecondary Readiness & Success Manager at Urban Assembly, where she partners with New York City public schools to strengthen students' pathways to college and careers. She has more than seven years of experience designing and leading education programs that expand access to higher education for historically underserved students. Prior to joining Urban Assembly, Fabiola led college success initiatives at Canal Alliance and worked on education policy and systems change through graduate consulting and research at ESG. She holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. She is passionate about advancing educational equity through data-informed strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative program design.

As a first-generation college graduate and Urban Assembly alumna, Angelina Lorenzo brings both lived experience and strategic leadership to advancing postsecondary success for New York City students. She earned her Master's in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College and has led initiatives that have expanded college access, workforce opportunities, and innovative advising models across The Urban Assembly network. Her work has helped schools strengthen partnerships with higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations while championing new approaches to preparing students for life after graduation. Angelina is driven by the belief that every student deserves the knowledge, resources, and network to pursue a future of their choosing.

Michael Manipakone is the Director of Postsecondary Readiness & Success at The Urban Assembly, where he leads strategies that help schools prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. He partners with school leaders and counselors to strengthen postsecondary advising, work-based learning, dual enrollment, college access, and data-informed continuous improvement. Michael is passionate about building sustainable systems that expand opportunities and improve long-term student outcomes. He brings extensive experience in higher education, workforce development, and K–12 school support to his work with the UA network.

Marytza Gawlik serves as Continuous Improvement Manager at The Urban Assembly, where she brings a strong foundation in data-informed improvement and systems-level change to her work supporting UA's network of schools. Prior to joining UA, Marytza held faculty appointments at Wayne State University and Florida State University, and served with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, where she prepared aspiring school and district leaders for the principalship and superintendency while advancing research and practice in educational leadership, improvement science, and school innovation. Marytza holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. She enjoys swimming, watching soccer, reading poetry and spending time with family.

Sara's career spans teaching, instructional leadership, and continuous improvement, giving her a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities schools face every day. Before joining The Urban Assembly, she served as a special education teacher and department chair, experiences that continue to shape her educator-centered approach. She is passionate about partnering with school leaders to use data as a tool for reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement that supports student success.

As a Continuous Improvement Manager at The Urban Assembly, Shelly partners with schools across New York City to strengthen Student Success Systems that improve student outcomes through data-informed practices and continuous improvement. Her background includes serving as a Social Emotional Learning Specialist at The Urban Assembly, a Crisis Counselor with the Mental Health Association of New York City, and an Administrative Supervisor at Montefiore Medical Center. Across each role, she has been passionate about building systems, developing people, and creating supportive environments where students and communities can thrive. Outside of my professional work, she helped plant Dyckman Heights Church, where she continues to serve in community leadership.

Michelizabeth holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work, with experience as an early education teacher, family worker, and coach. This background has shaped her into a relationship-builder who connects genuinely with students, educators, families, and communities. Her work centers on meeting stakeholders where they are while encouraging them to push beyond, in service to the communities she engages with. She also brings a strong focus on data-informed decision making, using trends and evidence to guide conversations, and create supporting resources.

Alyssa Schraier is the Director of the Continuous Improvement Team at The Urban Assembly, where she leads school improvement initiatives that help schools use data, coaching, and continuous improvement practices to increase student success. With more than a decade of experience as a teacher, social worker, and nonprofit leader, she is passionate about advancing educational equity by helping schools design systems that support every student. Alyssa earned degrees from the University of Michigan, National Louis University, and the University of Chicago, and is committed to developing collaborative, evidence-based approaches that create lasting change.