Our Educators
Meet our wonderful educators!
Our staff challenges our students to grow not only as learners but also as members of the community. The faculty possess the expertise, energy and engagement needed to deliver a BCCHS education.
English
Carolyn Castagna
9th and 10th Grade English TeacherI grew up in Queens but now live in Jersey City. I love to run, cook (and eat!), read, read to my kids, and cuddle with my dog, Judy. I have been teaching for 14 years, 8 of those at Baruch. I enjoy teaching because I love literature and language, and I get to share that with my students. Nothing makes me happier than when I give a student a book and they tell me they loved reading it!
Email:ccastag@schools.nyc.gov
Darius Lewis
9th and 10th Grade English TeacherHi guys! My name is Darius Lewis, I am a first-year English teacher and I’m very excited to join the BCCHS family! I’m also a filmmaker and writer, and I love to incorporate as much creativity and out of the box thinking into my classroom as much as possible. I love creating things, especially with other people. When we see each other, my little brother and I will make stop motion animation videos together (he uses his action figures as different characters and it’s actually pretty funny). I try to incorporate my love of languages, culture, film, and literature in order to spark the same excitement for reading in my students as I have. In college I minored in Japanese, because I’m an anime nerd. If there are any fellow anime nerds out there, then I welcome them with open arms! I hope you guys are ready to have as much fun learning this year as I am!
John Downes-Angus
11th and 12th Grade English TeacherI’ll be starting my ninth year as a New York City English teacher this year. Before coming to Baruch, I taught English for eight years at a small school in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. I came to teaching after working in book publishing by enrolling in the New York City Teaching Fellows program, and I haven’t looked back since—the work of teaching has become inextricably linked with how I see myself and my role in the world. I feel very fortunate to have a job in which my daily work entails figuring out how we can use discussion, writing, and reading to approach life’s most urgent questions; schools are fundamentally ecosystems of human self-discovery and growth—it doesn’t get much better than that.
I live in Jersey City with my wife, Elizabeth, and my cat, Dorothy. When I’m not planning for my classes, you can find me running, reading, cooking, or sharpening my skills as a competitive pinball player.
Rita Ross
11th and 12th Grade English Teacher; School LibrarianI have been teaching for 16 years. I love reading novels and non-fiction, practicing yoga, baking gluten-free treats, and bike riding with my children. I love Baruch for its warmth, welcoming classrooms, love of ideas and learning, and its proximity to Gregory’s, whose green tea is the best.
If you would like to help buy books/supplies from my Classroom Wish List: https://bit.ly/BCCHSross
Email:rross22@schools.nyc.gov
Math
Amanda Benowitz
9th and 10th Grade Math Teacher
Gloria Cao
9th and 10th Grade Math TeacherFor my undergraduate degree, I majored in Actuarial Science and minored in Biochemistry. I then attended Teachers’ College, Columbia University for my graduate degree in Secondary Math Education. I love to travel, bake, and go on food adventures with my friends. I am very excited to be working at Baruch because of the welcoming and loving community. I can’t wait to meet all my students and share my passion for math with them!
Email:xcao3@schools.nyc.gov
Jocelyn Forman
11th and 12th Grade Math TeacherI am finishing my 3rd year as a teacher (3rd year at Baruch). I am from Newton, Massachusetts. I love to paint, my favorite book is The Help, favorite movie is the Parent Trap, and favorite food is Shakshuka. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in the 6th grade (so thank you all for letting me live my dream!). I love getting to know my students and trying to convince you all that math is cool and FUN!
Simon Lu
11th and 12th Grade Math TeacherEmail:SLu14@schools.nyc.gov
Social Studies
Deborah Glick
9th and 10th Grade Social Studies TeacherHi! I am so excited to join the Baruch community as a Social Studies Teacher. I grew up right outside of Manhattan on Long Island. I studied Development Sociology at Cornell University and received my Master’s in Social Studies Education at Teachers College. I think social studies classrooms are spaces where we can learn more about the world and ourselves, and how to use our voices to advocate for change. Outside of the classroom, I love to read, rewatch my favorite shows, spend time outside, play with my dog, and explore different restaurants in the city (let me know if you have recs!).
Email:dglick2@schools.nyc.gov
Anthony Segreti
9th and 10th Grade Social Studies TeacherHello! I’m Anthony and I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a child, I was enamored with dinosaur fossils and geology, and as I grew older, my interests shifted to social studies and human history. I went on to earn degrees in History and Secondary Education from the University of Pittsburgh and began my teaching career in 2010.
I believe that it is vital for students to develop the ability to be lifelong learners and advocates of social justice, and I take pride in being part of their discovery process. I’m very excited to join the BCCHS community where I can both learn and contribute!
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my wife, reading, staying active, and sharpening my culinary skills in the kitchen.
Email:asegreti@schools.nyc.gov
John Jacobs
11th and 12th Grade Social Studies TeacherSpanish
Lori Nardacci
SpanishI’m from Rhode Island. I began teaching Spanish in 2006 in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baruch, I taught English in Quito, Ecuador for two and a half years. I have been teaching at Baruch for 8 years. I love traveling, especially around Latin America! I enjoy learning about other cultures and trying new foods. I never miss an opportunity to dance salsa, merengue, or bachata. I enjoy sharing my passion for Spanish and the cultures of the Spanish speaking world with students. I feel very fortunate to teach at Baruch with so many passionate and talented teachers. My colleagues and students inspire me every day!
Clara Muñoz
SpanishEmail:cmunoz6@schools.nyc.gov
Maria Garcia
SpanishScience
Angela Oldenburg
9th and 10th Grade Science TeacherI am a born and raised New Yorker. Growing up, I always had a life goal to become the next Indiana Jones. This led me to pursue a BA in Anthropology from Adelphi University, with a specialized focus in forensic anthropology (like the show Bones!), and an MS in Environmental Studies. I started my career as a forensic technician and environmental scientist. Wanting to share my love of science and our beautiful planet, I went back to school and received my MAT in Science Education from Queens College in 2013. Some of my favorite things besides teaching include reading books (Harry Potter!), cycling, and collecting rocks. BCCHS is so much more than a school – it is truly a second home full of family and friends, love and support. I am beyond grateful to be part of this community of amazing students and educators.
Ashley Grey
9th and 10th Grade Science TeacherHi! I’m an Earth Science/AP Environmental Science teacher at Baruch College Campus High School. This is my fourth year of teaching and second year at Baruch. I was born and raised in Astoria, Queens, and as a student, I saw a lot of educational inequity in the school system. This experience ultimately led me into teaching and sharing my passion for science. I love working at Baruch and immediately felt welcomed into the community. When I’m not teaching or working on lessons, I like to run and spend time outdoors. (Favorite Book: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah; Favorite Movie: Erin Brockovich; Favorite Drink: Taro Bubble Tea!)
Email:jgrey@schools.nyc.gov
Ceren Kilic-Gonul
11th and 12th Grade Science TeacherHi, my name is Ceren Kilic-Gonul. I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey, currently living in New Jersey! I moved to the United States when I was 18 years old to attend CUNY Queens College with an athletic scholarship. I’m a Chemistry teacher who is highly passionate about teaching science. I chose to be in education because I enjoy seeing my students realize their true potential. I love traveling, trying out different cuisines, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m very excited to be working at BCCHS and feel honored to be part of the BCCHS family.
Sam Zimmerman
11th and 12th Grade Science TeacherI’ve been teaching physics at Baruch since 1999. I earned my Master’s in Physics Education and my Bachelor’s in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. I love teaching at Baruch because the students and staff are amazing, hardworking people who never cease to impress me.
Email:szimmer@schools.nyc.gov
Art
Aneta Hawrylewicz
9th and 10th Grade Art TeacherPhysical Education
Tedi Schaffer
Physical Education and Health Teacher
Mike Breman
Physical EducationI have been a teacher at Baruch for 8 years. I have coached Soccer here for 7 years, wrestling for 8 years and Baseball for 5 years. Baruch is a special place with great staff, parents, and students.
Email:mbreman@schools.nyc.gov
Administration
Alicia Perez-Katz
PrincipalI have been a teacher for 22 years, with 21 of those years at Baruch. My hometown is Ridgewood, NJ, but I grew up as an expatriate (Ecuador, South Korea, Brazil) and have lived the last 20 years in Brooklyn, NY. My favorite hobbies are writing and cycling. My favorite book is 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Favorite food: Vaca Frita and maduros. I love being an educator because of the connections you make with your community. I love Baruch because we are a tight-knit community and everyone is known!
Douglas Keijzer
Assistant PrincipalI started my career in 2004 as a Middle School special education teacher. I joined Baruch CCHS in 2015 as a tenth grade special education teacher. I appreciate working in a school community like Baruch because virtually every student and teacher knows one another. I live in the city with my wife, daughter and son. I enjoy reading classic literature and history in my quiet free time. I also enjoy board sports like surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
Email:dkeijzer@schools.nyc.gov
Diana Di Rico
Assistant Principal and Athletic DirectorI am proud to work at BCCHS, where students become lifelong learners equipped for success and empowered to think, question, and make change. I began teaching in an imitation classroom in the boiler room of my childhood home, lining up folding chairs to teach my stuffed-animal students. Twenty years ago, I was thrilled when this imaginary world came to life as a Literature teacher here at Baruch HS. Since 2002, I have served in a variety of roles, such as teaching Global Literature, facilitating poetry slams, organizing social justice and equity initiatives, mentoring teachers, and leading the school’s sports programs as PSAL Athletic Director. I have an undergraduate degree in History and Italian from Fordham University, a MA in English Education from New York University, and a MS in Educational Administration from Baruch College. 2022 will be my first year as Assistant Principal; my goal is to serve the students, families, and staff more profoundly. I live in Rockville Centre with my inspiring husband, Luis, an ADA in NYC, and two adorable, spirited boys, Oscar and Luca. In my free time, I love to read, travel, cook, practice yoga, and be with the people I love.
Email:ddirico@schools.nyc.gov
Guidance
Stephanie Smith
GUIDANCE 9th/10thEmail:ssmith3@schools.nyc.gov
Julie Ougheltree
Guidance 11th/12th; College Counselor
Bonnie Phillips
Director of College OfficeI have been a counselor for 24 years. I have worked at Baruch for 20 years. I am from London. I love art, the book, Jude the Obscure, the movie, Daughters of the Dust, and my favorite food is Sushi! I love working to help others to be their best selves!
Email:bphilli@schools.nyc.gov
Barbara Ray
Bilingual Guidance CounselorEmail:bray@schools.nyc.gov
Nicole Epstein
12th grade counselorI obtained my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland and my Master’s in School Counseling at CUNY Hunter College! While at Hunter, I was fortunate enough to intern with the College Office for 2 years. I am now excited to be returning back to Baruch full-time to continue my work with this incredible community! I love helping students prepare for the next chapter of their lives and being an impact on that journey. Outside of school, you can find me cheering on the NY Knicks, spending time with family and friends, watching reality TV, and exploring the amazing restaurants and workout classes the city has to offer!