HTASC Staff are here because of their commitment to the HTASC mission to provide a program that facilitates academic success, develops strong character and creates independent thinkers with a love of learning.
Oh,...and they love children!
"Ms S" started with HTASC as the teacher of the 3-5 class. In 2018, Vivien Simpson took the reins as Program Director. Since then, she has transformed HTASC into an exemplary program where children learn, build strong character and feel respected and loved.
Vivien has a Masters of Arts in French from St Andrews University, Scotland and a Masters in Teaching from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.
In her spare time Vivien loves reading, cooking and any outdoors activity. She is thrilled to join HTASC as Program Director and her passion is to inspire and help all children to be their very best selves both academically, socially and emotionally.
Kacy Ann Sharpe was born in Jamaica and has a B.A in Education. She has been an integral staff member at HTASC since 2016. After several years with 3-5 grade students, she recently moved to K-2 classroom. Her compassionate teaching style makes her a beloved favorite amongst our youngest students.
Teaching has been a passion for Kacy for over seventeen years. Her mission at HTASC is to create a stimulating classroom environment that will instill and enhance a lifelong love of learning among her students. When not teaching, Kacy enjoys traveling, reading and cooking.
She is thrilled to be a part of the supportive and creative team at HTASC and is looking forward to introducing enriching activities that focus on creativity, exploration and fun!
Mr. Jahmir Abbott: Teacher in 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Classroom
It was Jahmir’s mother, who owns a Day Care Center, who inspired him to pursue a career in teaching. Jahmir wants to help every child become their very best self, and he plans to equip them with strategies to problem solve and navigate emotional, social, and academic hurdles along the way.
Jahmir loves to bake, and to play indoor and outdoor games. He is also interested in the Japanese art form, anime. He hopes to share these interests with our students.
Feel free to drop in and meet Jahmir with or without children.
Ms. Mariah Harrell: SEL Coordinator (Social-Emotional Learning)
A warm welcome to Mariah Harrell who joins H.T.A.S.C. as Social Emotional Learning Coordinator for all our students in Kindergarten – Fifth Grade. Mariah is a graduate of Poughkeepsie City Schools where she was on the Honor Roll for consecutive years and won athletic awards. Growing up, Mariah was always eager to help with children as a babysitter or caregiver. She believes that a positive, optimistic attitude can enable everyone to be their very best self and she is eager to communicate this to our students.
Mariah loves to sing, draw, dance, bake and write poetry. She is hopeful that working at H.T.A.S.C will be the beginning of a long career of working and guiding elementary aged students.
Feel free to drop in and meet Mariah during program hours, with or without your children.
Harriet Tubman Academic Skills Center
21 Williams Street
Poughkeepsie, New York
Tel: (845)473-0141