Team Innovations

TEAM INNOVATIONS

ANDREW MAIKELS

Social Studies Teacher

Hello! My name is Andrew Maikels and I am a Humanities teacher for team Empower. I am from upstate New York and went to college at SUNY New Paltz where I received a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degrees in Secondary Education. I moved to New York City to start my teaching career in 2009. I believe my role, as a teacher, is to help students find their voice and to guide them through authentic lessons and projects that encourage them to take full ownership of their learning. I love working with our students and try my best to make their educational experience challenging, creative, interesting, collaborative and fun. As for my hobbies, I love to go on hikes and to be outdoors whenever possible. I also enjoy spending time playing my guitar, listening to all different kinds of music, learning how to cook, taking pictures, traveling and being active with my kids.

Erika Alba

Project Name

Art Teacher

I’m a young artist and teacher who enjoys exploring all forms of creativity, from drawing and painting to dance to the love of anime, cosplay, and design. I believe art is a powerful way to express ideas, connect with others, and see the world from new perspectives. In my classroom, I want students to feel encouraged to take risks, be creative, and find their own voice through art.

56Quote:

"Creativity takes courage, but it also opens doors to endless possibilities"

Janice Song

Math Teacher

Project Name

My name is Janice Song, and I teach mathematics on the 9th and 10th grade Team Innovations. I was born and raised in China and moved to New York State at the age of 19. I earned my B.S. in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo and my M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Queens College. To further my professional growth, I also completed TESOL (K–12) certification at the City College of New York.Teaching at FIHS brings me great joy, as I have the opportunity to support students from diverse countries and backgrounds. I believe that every student has the ability to grow and reach their fullest potential.Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing tennis and badminton, as well as hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Nyna Hess

ELA Teacher

Project Name

Sofia McNally

Science Teacher

Project Name

Hello! I am Ms. Sofia McNally, the Innovations Biology teacher. I grew up in Maine near the ocean and studied Marine Biology at Eckerd College in Florida. After graduating, I joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Paraguay teaching agriculture, where I also learned Spanish and Guarani. This experience inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Science Education at Teachers College in Manhattan. I am excited to be at FIHS and to get to know all our amazing students and teachers!

TIM MCCARTHY

Social Studies Teacher

Project Name

Hello FIHS, my name is Tim! I am from S. Korea. I grew up on Long Island, but have lived in Queens for over 15 years. I am married and have two beautiful boys (ages 9 and 14). I am an aspiring polyglot (somebody who can speak more than 3 languages); I speak English, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Russian, and I am almost always learning even more! When I am not lesson planning or teaching Humanities at FIHS, I enjoy watching movies, reading/listening to books on Audible, designing innovative apps, and spending time with my family. I have had the privilege and great pleasure of teaching at FIHS for 15 years now. Every day is a new adventure of learning, fun, and getting to know the students and staff at FIHS, and for 10 months of the year, there is no other place I would rather be. Once, we return to the regular classroom, you can find me in room 326 on Team Innovations, so please come by and say hello in any language you speak.