Teaching Fellows

Melissa Braxton is an experienced teacher based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in working with special populations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Education from Hunter College. With six years of experience supporting English Language Learners and students with special needs, Melissa is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and fostering student success through personalized instruction. Melissa’s dedication to education has been recognized through her involvement in various professional development opportunities and engagements. She has actively participated in workshops and conferences to enhance her teaching skills and pedagogical approaches. Melissa’s commitment to continuous growth and learning has allowed her to refine her instructional practices and stay updated with the latest educational research and best practices. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Melissa has contributed to the education community through her participation in professional organizations and conferences. 

Steven Carlo is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Florida in the Educational Leadership program with a concentration in Education Policy. Steven earned a B.A. in History from Florida International University and an M.S. in Education Law from Nova Southern University. During his 15 years teaching southeastern Florida, he has taught various 6th-12th grade social studies courses including American History, Civics, and Debate. While working for the nation’s 6th largest school district, Steven achieved the 2018 Gifted Educator of the Year award and has been a two-time finalist for Social Studies Teacher of the Year. He was also recognized by Neighbors4Neighbors and the Seminole Hard Rock as one of the 40 Local Heroes in Broward County for his service in the community. His academic passions include civics education reform, student equity and empowerment, and school safety. He is also an avid soccer fan (Argentina, Barca, Inter Miami) and exploring the historic open world of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Drew Purcell has spent the last 9 years teaching U.S. History at the Burlington County Institute of Technology in Westampton, New Jersey.  Additionally, Drew has served as an assistant coach to both the wrestling and baseball programs at the school while also advising many clubs and activities.  Drew has a B.A. in History from West Chester University and a M.A. in Education Technology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is a certified Google Trainer.  When not working at school or coaching, Drew chases around opportunities to play sports, catch live music, and cheer for his Philly sports teams.

Bob Sellers is a multi-disciplinary teacher at Don Bosco Prep, an all-boys Catholic school in Ramsey, NJ, where he has taught Senior Honors English and Business Law for four years. A third year teacher for NHA, Bob brought the HBS case-based curriculum on Democracy to Don Bosco, which he teaches as a semester-long course. Bob has a BA in Political Science from Yale, an MBA from Cornell and is currently completing an MA in Liberal Studies from Rutgers. A JV tennis coach, Bob is knee-deep in kids’ sports with his 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter in Hoboken, NJ.