EPA Takes the Stage – A Memorable Night at Carnegie Hall

Skilled High School and College Teacher with proven ability to improve student learning, Eddie is a highly experienced High School Teaching Professional with a strong dedication to the total development of his students. In his combined 34 years of instructing expertise, both at the College and High School level, he has always considered teaching more as a mission to educate and motivate the students, rather than a profession. Eddie has worked as Adjunct Lecturer in Mathematics, Math teacher at Susan Wagner High School as well as Coordinator for the Alliance for Minority Participation at Discovery Institute, College of Staten Island. Eddie adds tutor to his list of skill sets at the College of Staten Island, and currently serves as our Math Teacher for EPA High School.

Dr. Laieli Munaretto is originally from Brazil and has a strong academic background in the sciences, with extensive training in Chemistry and Science education. She has valuable experience teaching High School Chemistry in Brazilian schools, where she developed a student-centered and concept-driven approach to instruction.

Her passion for teaching began during her own high school years, when she completed a technical degree in Teaching. Since then, she has remained deeply committed to guiding and mentoring students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Dr. Munaretto has also contributed to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed journals. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research in Chemical Education, further strengthening her interest in improving science learning and pedagogy. Her career reflects a strong integration of research excellence and dedication to education.

Dr. Michael Liu holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from New York University and has over 20 years of experience in high-level research and teaching. He specializes in preparing students for competitive success in the BBO, CBO, and USABO. Under his mentorship, his students have earned prestigious spots on the U.S. and Canadian National Biology Teams and consistently reached the national stages of the USABO.

Dr. Joseph LoSardo brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, real-world research experience, and a lifelong commitment to education and service. A native New Yorker, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester before going on to earn a Ph.D. at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, where his research focused on the mechanisms of gene expression in viral oncogenesis. Dr. LoSardo began his professional career in cancer research at the renowned pharmaceutical company Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley, New Jersey. He has authored and contributed to several peer-reviewed publications that advanced the field of oncology.

Life took an unexpected and deeply meaningful turn when he felt called to pastoral ministry—a path he followed for nearly three decades. During that time, he continued to stay connected to the world of science and education by teaching a wide range of math and science courses. It was during this season of life that he found a new passion for mentoring students and helping them discover their own potential. Now returning full-time to the field of education, Dr. LoSardo is eager to bring his wealth of experience, curiosity, and care for people into every lesson. Whether unpacking the intricacies of the human cell or exploring the wonders of the environment, he strives to awaken a lasting love of science in his students and equip them with the tools they need to thrive.

Jamison Brooks brings a unique perspective to the admissions field, combining a deep passion for education with a global background in teaching and performance. With extensive experience working with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, Jamison understands the importance of personalized learning and student support—key qualities in guiding prospective students through the admissions process.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Nazareth University, Jamison traveled the world as a performer with Celebrity Cruise Lines, connecting with international audiences. His experience teaching music in China further enriched his understanding of global education systems and student needs, strengthening his ability to support international students transitioning to U.S. academics.

Jamison later earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Florida, where he developed expertise in curriculum design and student engagement. His background in education, combined with years of mentoring and guiding students, equips him to help prospective students and families navigate the admissions journey with insight and care. Jamison is committed to making the admissions process accessible and welcoming, ensuring that every student finds the right fit for their educational goals.

Dr. Richardson has a Harvard University Ph.D. and over 10 years of experience teaching at various institutions including Harvard University, Boston College, and high schools. He focuses his curriculum on helping students develop a deep understanding of fundamental economics and has a proven track record for improving students’ confidence and helping them achieve high and perfect scores on AP exams. His focus is not on memorization, but rather on helping students answer the question of “why” behind economic, mathematical, and statistical techniques and results.

As the Student Services & Operations Manager at Elite Preparatory Academy, Aysel Anginer Kruse takes great pride in not only overseeing school operations but also serving as a supportive mentor, often referred to as the “school mom.”

With a strong educational and professional background in Turkey, followed by further studies at Montclair State University in the United States, she brings 33 years of experience dedicated to guiding and empowering students. Her ultimate goal is to illuminate their paths, helping them grow academically and personally.

Dr. Liu graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Art and Industry named after S. G. Stroganov with a Ph.D. He is also a member of the Creative Union of Russian Artists and a member of the Chinese Arts and Crafts Institute.

Dr. Ziyu Liu is an influential artist who has in-depth research in both Chinese painting and European landscape oil painting. He has held 9 individual exhibitions internationally and participated in more than 20 international exhibitions. Many of his works are collected by museums, companies and individuals in China and Russia.He has published many academic articles in Chinese, Russian, and English journals. In 2020, Tsinghua University Press in Beijing published his book “Manuscripts of Russian 19th Century Painting Masters-Sketching Figures”.

Dr. Liu is also an excellent art educator. He has more than ten years of teaching experience in undergraduate colleges in Beijing and Nanjing, China. He wrote many training programs on art education.

Jodie works to grow the school’s programs, build lasting partnerships, and connect meaningfully with students, families, and the community.

She earned her MBA from Northeastern University and has spent many years in the education field, working with students from diverse backgrounds and creating programs that open new doors for learning. Her experience also includes leading cross-cultural initiatives that help students thrive with both academic and personal growth.

Jodie is dedicated to helping students discover what they do best, develop their talents, and build the confidence to pursue their goals. She approaches every project with the same purpose: to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the students and families she serves.

Notably known for her diverse musical style, Dr. Yena Lee received numerous prizes universally in competitions ranging from classical to modern competitions: Wolfgang Marschner International Competition, Shean Competition, Young Texas Artist Competition, Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, Oneppo chamber music competition, Boston University Bach Competition, Canadian Music Competition, and Young Korean Music Competition of Canada. She was awarded the “Most Promising Musician Award” from district of British Columbia and was youngest recipient in the history of the prestigious JGU-Preis from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.Dr.

Lee frequently features with Adrian Ensemble Italy, Casalmaggiore International Music Festival Orchestra, Mainzer Virtuosi Kammerorchester, Neumeyer Consort Frankfurt, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Vancouver Pilgrim Orchestra, and West Coast Symphony. She concertizes worldwide in venues such as Cadogan Hall, Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, Museo del violino, Orpheum Theatre, and Symphony Hall. She has played under John Adams, Valery Gergiev, Ken-David Masur, Peter Oundjian, Kryzstof Penderecki, Larry Rachleff, and Bramwell Tovey. She was resident artist for the Casalmaggiore International Music Festival, Eckelhauser Musikfestival, and Norfolk Festival in UK.

As a strong advocate in music education, Dr. Lee served as an assistant at the Hochschule fur Musik Mainz, Yale School of Music, Boston University, and Rice University. She was a teaching artist at Yale University as part of Music Initiative Program which was designed to teach music education to underserved communities in New Haven, CT. She has taught string method class at Boston University, and music fundamentals and chamber music at Rice University. Since 2018, she has been appointed as assistant artistic director and faculty at the Musitakge am Rhein Festival in Germany and Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy. As an assistant artistic director, she led the administrative team of the festival. She is currently assistant professor of violin at University of Oklahoma. In addition, she is co-concertmaster of Mainzer Virtuosi, associate concertmaster of New Mexico Philharmonic and assistant concertmaster of Annapolis Symphony.

Her mentors include Taras Gabora, Lawrie Hill, Hyo Kang, Cho-liang Lin, Anne Shih, and Peter Zazofsky. She completed her studies at Hochschule fuer Musik Mainz, Yale School of Music, and Rice University.

Originally from New York City, Robert was raised in South Florida, where he began his musical studies on both violin and piano. Robert went on to study violin performance at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD with Violaine Melancon of the Peabody Trio. After receiving his Bachelor’s, he attained his Master of Arts and Graduate Artist Diploma in Performance at Montclair State University where he studied with Weigang Li of the Shanghai Quartet. While at Montclair, Robert was the Graduate Assistant of the Orchestra.

Robert has been featured as guest soloist with numerous orchestras in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and along the East Coast, and has collaborated with some of the world’s most iconic musical figures such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Jamie Laredo, and many others. Internationally, Robert has performed in several chamber music settings including East China Normal University, Western District Chamber Music of Hong Kong, and the ‘Konzert im Kirchgarten’ series in Hanover, Germany. Robert is also a member of the Violin Faculty at the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp in Cazadero, CA, and currently runs the violin program at the Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark, while also accompanying the RTA chorus on piano.

Mark has 30 years’ experience teaching college level Computing, Business, and Chemistry in Australia, Dubai, and Qatar. Before that he taught high school Chemistry and Biology and worked as a Computer Systems officer in Telecom Australia. He holds degrees and diplomas in Chemistry, I.T., Accounting and Education. Mark’s interests in technology include motorsports and he has participated in desert motorcycle rallies in the Middle East. He has travelled through Europe, North America, Australasia, the Middle East, and Asia including motorcycle tourism. Mark enjoys learning from other cultures both through direct contact and travel and from reading history and philosophy.

Siya Chen received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mathematics from Wichita State University. She is in her fourth year of teaching undergraduate math courses since 2020. She always keeps in her mind that teaching knows no bounds. Her teaching philosophy is to teach without discrimination and her mission is to help all her students reach their full potential both mathematically and as individuals. She is passionate about teaching and has effective communication skills and the motivation to take on challenging work.

Dr. Wang attended Tsinghua University for his undergraduate studies, before going to graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering in the United States. Dr. Wang has 15+ years of experience in academia conducting both research and teaching. Dr. Wang has been teaching and coaching Physics and Math classes and competitions. His students have been U.S. Physics Team members and USAMO attendants.

Pianist Noreen Cassidy-Polera ranks among the most highly regarded and diverse chamber artists performing today. She maintains a career that has taken her to every major American music center and abroad to Europe, Russia, and Asia. Recent performances include those at Alice Tully Hall, Zankel Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 92nd Street Y, Jordan Hall, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Kennedy Center, and Salle Cortot. She has appeared at the Caramoor, Bard, Grand Teton, and Cape Cod music festivals, and has performed with the chamber music societies of Philadelphia and La Jolla. She has recorded for Sony, EMI, Audiophon, and Centaur Records.

Ms. Cassidy-Polera has collaborated with leading soloists, including David Shifrin, Matt Haimovitz, Carter Brey, Antonio Meneses, Aurora-Natalie Ginastera, Yo-Yo Ma, and Leonard Rose. Winner of the accompanying prize at the VIII International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, she regularly collaborates with laureates of the Queen Elisabeth, Tchaikovsky, and Naumburg international competitions.

Michael Juskus is a 1976 graduate of Hopatcong High School and a 1981 graduate of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). In high school, he earned 12 varsity letters in football, wrestling, bowling, and baseball, receiving multiple MVP and all-league honors.

At Rowan, he became the top collegiate javelin thrower in the United States, earning five NCAA Division III national titles (three individual, two team) and three NCAA Division I All-American honors. In 1981, he won the NCAA Division I National Championship with a throw of 273’ 3”, the sixth-longest in NCAA history, and still holds the NCAA Division III national record.

Coach Juskus has been inducted into the Hopatcong Hall of Fame, Rowan College Hall of Fame, and the NCAA Division III Track and Field Hall of Fame. His accolades include the Alfred E. White Award for top senior athlete at Rowan, New Jersey Herald Athlete of the Year (1981), and Outstanding Athlete Award at the NJ State College Championships. He also represented the United States in international competitions, including the World University Games in Romania.

Now in his 42nd year of coaching (38 as head coach) at Hopatcong High School, Coach Juskus has developed some of the top throwers in New Jersey history, including U.S. Olympic Trials champion Bobby Smith and multiple state champions in javelin, discus, and track events. Under his leadership, Hopatcong’s boys’track and field program holds the highest winning percentage of any sports team in the school’s history.

Joseph Richard Preville is an American educator and writer-journalist from Detroit, Michigan. He was educated at Jesuit universities in the United States: University of Detroit Mercy (B.A., Summa Cum Laude, and M.A.) and Boston College (Ph.D.), and he has held post-doctoral appointments at both Yale University and Harvard University. He was a professor of English and Humanities at colleges and universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, and Afghanistan from 2005-2017. His work has appeared in Newsweek, The Christian Science Monitor, San Francisco Chronicle, Harvard Divinity Bulletin, The Jerusalem Post, Muscat Daily, Saudi Gazette, The Christian Century, Catholic Historical Review, Journal of Law and Religion, Journal of Church and State, History of Education Quarterly, Arab American News, and Informed Comment. He has interviewed many distinguished writers and influential thinkers around the globe, such as His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia), Sir Martin Gilbert (United Kingdom), Elaine Pagels (Princeton University), Noah Feldman (Harvard University Law School), Nicolas Pelham (The Economist), Juan Cole (University of Michigan), Stanley Fish (New York Times), Carla Power (TIME), Karen Elliot House (Wall Street Journal), and Mark R. Cohen (Princeton University).

Born and raised in Monroe, Ohio where she started her musical journey. From church to school plays to community theatre, she made her way through choirs, plays and musicals. She went on to study Vocal Performance and Psychology at Western Carolina University. While in North Carolina, She was a part of the Asheville Lyric Opera staging of La Traviata, received a student vocal scholarship from Asheville Arts Society and was a worship leader and music intern for Cullowhee United Methodist Church and WCU Wesley Foundation. After graduating from WCU, Corinne went on to graduate school at NYU studying Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. NYU gave Corinne the insight into vocal techniques, the science of the working voice, and how to apply this to students.

Corinne has been teaching privately off and on since 2011, ranging in ages and styles of music. She wants to show her students the power of performance and song. She is always her students’ biggest cheerleader!

Mr. Simpson has a Master’s degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and over 19 years of experience teaching students of all levels and SAT/ACT classes. At Harvard, he designed his own curriculum, conducting unique research focused on standardized test instruction and achievement. He has helped thousands of students achieve their testing goals using his test methods and strategies, and hundreds of his students have achieved perfect scores. Mr. Simpson has also written ten test-prep books on the SAT and PSAT. Mr. Simpson is very much liked by all students he taught. He has a unique way of motivating students to learn and making learning more fun.

Dr. Yunus N. ANGINER is a passionate political scientist and historian. He completed his school years both in Turkey and the USA. After graduating from International Relations in the USA, he specialized in the Middle East politics and history. The historical, cultural, social and economic texture of this geography, which shape the lives of most of the peoples of the world today, has always attracted him. He has conducted research in various universities abroad in this field He continued his studies on Palestine-Israel uninterruptedly. His first research and articles were published at different Universities. He taught History, Political Science, English in different countries.

He wrote numerous articles on the Middle East and took part in many researches. Studied at South Korea DukSung Women’s University and Seoul K. University as well. He never lost his love of education. He worked as a volunteer educator for many times in different organizations and individually. He continues to work on old manuscripts and translates books into English. He continues his studies on philosophy of religion, political philosophy and history.

The main researches are;
Similarities in Creation Stories of Different Beliefs
United Nations Perspective on the Cyprus Issue
The Role of Women in World War II
The Peloponnesian War and the Fall of the City-States
Foreign Policy of the United States
South Korean Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations after 1972
Do Separatist Minorities Provide the Emergence of New Countries?
World Federation: One Global State
Middle East and Reconstruction
The Middle East Before and After 1945
The Rise of Regional Groups in International Relations
Common Symbols Used in Religions
Palestinian and Israeli Peace Process
Foreign Policy of Israel
Efforts to isolate Israel in the Middle East
Political Analysis of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Palestine and Human Rights
The Vatican’s View of the Middle East
Surveillance and Control in Israel and Palestine: Population, Terror and Power.
Immigration of Palestinian Arabs
Political Culture of Palestine
The Palestinian Question and the Islamic World

Publications
Knight Templars: The Crusades and the Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar. The Symbols of the
Templars and All their Secrets
Hezeyan (Novel)
Success in School 40 Steps for Success in Academic Life
Guitar Chords

Ms. Vivian Zheng began playing the piano at the very early age of 4. She received many awards during her childhood and adult life. In 2005, she was the top prize winner of the Mozart for Young Pianist Competition in China. The very next year, she won 1st prize in the Eleventh American Open Competition for Young Pianists. In addition, she was invited by Shan Dong University and Weihai television station to hold a solo piano concert named “The Dance of Fingers” and further, that same year, she was selected to perform in one of the biggest Chopin music festivals and the PULSAR festival in North Europe. Vivian also won the Excellent Piano Teacher award from the Forte Music Competition, served as a judge for the Golden Key Piano Competition and performed at Carnegie Hall.

In her college years, she was awarded a full scholarship and traveled to Denmark to study with the Director of the Music Department, one of the most famous Scandinavian Pianists and Composers, Niklas Sivelov. Referring to Vivian, Niklas said, “As a natural performer, her music just flowed through her blood,” In addition to Niklas Sivelov, Vivian has also studied with several world-renowned teachers, including, Dmitri Bashkirov, Jens Elvekjaer, and Philip Kawin.

Along with teaching piano, Vivian serves as a music ambassador, where she organizes concerts and music festivals in order to contribute to a cultural exchange between Europe, North America, and Asia.

As an orchestral musician, Jiawei holds a position as a violist at Hartford Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut. She performed as principal viola at both the Verbier Festival and Lake George Music Festival. She served as principal violist of Bard Conservatory Orchestra, Mannes Orchestra, Bravura Philharmonic in New Jersey and Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy Orchestra in Canada. She is invited to play with Orchestra of St. Luke Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, Montclair Orchestra and Symphony in C in New Jersey, New World Symphony in Miami; She is invited to participate in music festivals such as Verbier Festival in Switzerland, National Repertory Orchestra in Colorado and PRISMA in Canada and Pacific Music Festival in Japan. Venues of her performances include Alice Tully Hall and David Geen Hall in Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Richard B. Fisher Center Sosno Theatre in New York, Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, China National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing and Grand Opera House in Shanghai. Jiawei is also an active soloist, chamber music artist and outreach initiator, having participated in various festivals and concerts in venues like The Juliard School and Fordham University. As a committed teacher, Jiawei Yan holds an adjunct faculty position at New York University, a teaching studio at Nord Anglia International School in New York City.

Joshua Walker is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator originally hailing from Northern New Jersey. After learning the saxophone at 8, Joshua embarked on a lifelong journey in the pursuit of knowledge. This journey led him to study Jazz Saxophone at Western Connecticut State University under the tutelage of Jimmy Greene, Andrew Beals, and Dave Noland. While finishing his undergraduate degree Joshua was able to perform in a variety of large and small ensembles throughout the Tri-State Area. After graduating in 2017 he relocated to New York City to pursue a Masters Degree at Purchase College. While at Purchase College, Joshua studied privately with Ralph Lalama (Saxophone) and Ingrid Jensen (Composi-tion/Music Theory). In addition to his studies, Joshua was also performing in venues in New York City and beyond, including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Blue Note, Silvana, The Shrine and many more.

Psychology will be a new discipline for Juniors at Elite Prep. Mr. Anderson’s approach includes foundational principles with practical application to everyday situations such as leading oneself through challenging situations or influencing peers to achieve success together. His approach is based on the principles of experiential education: Learning through experiences that build self-awareness, knowledge, compassion and the ability to apply concrete skills/tools in specific situations. Mr. Anderson has worked side by side with leaders, observing them in activities such as team building, assessing skills, and delivering feedback. He has also performed role plays with leaders to help them learn how to bridge the gap between their own viewpoint and the perspective of millennials.

Eric is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck NJ where he majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. After finishing undergrad, Eric obtained a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Santa Monica in California. After completing his education, Eric worked with consulting firms centered around team building along with instituting sports psychology practices with college athletes.

Eric is looking forward to getting to know each student in his role as school counselor.

As a core member of the leadership team at Elite Preparatory Academy, Natalie Li assumed responsibility for the school’s operations in May 2020, at a time of unprecedented global uncertainty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership by rapidly establishing a comprehensive and effective online learning system, ensuring uninterrupted academic delivery.

Amid significant faculty shortages, including the loss of a teacher, Natalie personally taught four courses while simultaneously guiding faculty and supporting students, maintaining both academic continuity and institutional stability during a critical period.

Under her leadership, the school successfully secured approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, further strengthening its operational compliance and credibility.

Following the completion of her MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, Natalie is well-positioned to drive the school’s next phase of growth, with a strong focus on international expansion, strategic partnerships, and long-term institutional development.

Mr. Yi Qian is a highly dedicated and passionate educator and musician. Throughout his educational career, Mr. Qian has placed particular emphasis on enhancing the school’s overall strength and social impact through curriculum building, school spirit, values development, leadership team building, talent development, and college advancement planning. Elite Preparatory Academy has vastly grown under Mr. Qian’s leadership into an outstanding private school in New Jersey and an exceptional music specialty school within the United States. Mr. Qian holds a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Northwestern University. Prior to serving as EPA’s Head of School, Mr. Qian was the founder and director of iSchool of Music and Art located in Long Island, New York. He also serves as the director of the Pre-College division of the Musiktage am Rhein Music Festival in Germany. He has accompanied his students to world-famous venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the National Center for the Performing Arts in North America, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Qian was awarded “Distinguished Contribution as an Asian American” in Nassau County, New York State, in 2009.