About Us

Teachers Who Thrive is an organization that partners with schools and colleges to support the overall emotional well-being and empower teachers to thrive in the areas of burnout-prevention, job satisfaction, professional responsibilities, and the academic success of students. Our dedicated and varied team of expert educators motivate and equip teachers through speaking and facilitating research-based and professionally proven in-person and virtual workshops

Dr. Jacynth Joyce

Chief Executive Officer & School Representative

a New York native born to Caribbean parents. Dr. Jacynth is a current educator and has served as a supervisor, state-wide consultant with the instructional issues division of NJEA, instructional coach, and a middle and high school English teacher. She holds three graduate degrees in education and is the author of "7 Steps to Creating A Thriving Learning Community."

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Jheanelle Duval

Communications & Early Childhood Representative

a Jamaican, W.I native who resides in New York. Jheanelle is a current educator who teaches pre-kindergarten. She has been an educator for over a decade and is passionate about empowering parents and families of preschoolers. She currently serves as an educational director and holds a masters in early childhood education. She is a passionate writer and change agent.

Melissa Reyes

Bilingual Community Representative

a New Jersey native, from Hispanic decent. Melissa is a bilingual kindergarten teacher and an active member of her local union. She has been an educator for nine years and is degreed in English Literature, certified in Early Childhood P-3 and Bilingual Certification. She has a heart for the bilingual community, serves as a teacher at the Multilingual Testing Center and is a Social Emotional Learning Committee member.

Sam Belony

Member Experience, Events & Higher Education Representative

a New Jersey native, from Haitian decent. Sam is currently a Biology and Chemistry professor at NJIT and has worked in education for over 15 years. Sam is degreed in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Cognitive Science. He holds two graduate degrees in Biomedicine and Organizational Leadership. He is also a Hackensack Meridian Hospital Neuro-clinal researcher. When he isn't teaching, he works with the NY Giants as a Productions and Events Coordinator and Team Liason.

Brianna Montanez

Grants, Finances and New Teacher

Representative

a New Jersey native, from Hispanic decent. Brianna is a middle school English teacher who is passionate about helping teachers move to financial freedom through budgeting. She is entering her second year in teaching and is making huge impact already. Brianna is degreed in Labor Studies and Economics and is currently pursuing a Masters in Education. Brianna is experienced in grant writing and is a member if the American Grant Writers Association.

Donna Papocchia

Special Education Representative

a New Jersey native, Donna is a middle school Special Education teacher and has over 20 years teaching experience. Donna is degreed in Early Childhood Education, Special Education and holds a Masters in Special Education. She is certified in as a building leader in supervision. She hopes to empower teachers to see students from an asset perspective and push back against labels limiting how teachers see their students and how students see themselves.

Quawntashea Bailey

Podcast & Special Projects Representative

a New Jersey native, from African American decent. Quawntashea is currently a Student Counselor and has served as a Research Associate for

Rutger's Institute for Health Care Policy and Aging. Quawntashea holds a Masters in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is an activist and an advocate for empowering student agency and loves to bridge the gap between current students and alumni for current and future success.

Alexis Amorkah

Media & New Teacher Representative

a New Jersey native, born to Ghanaian and African-American decent. Alexis is a middle school English teacher and is entering her second year of teaching. She is degreed in Psychology with a minor in Education as a Social Science. Alexis, from her experiences as a first year teacher, is passionate about helping new teachers navigate and thrive their first years of teaching. She is hopes to transition into more leadership roles in the coming future and have greater impact in education in and outside of the classroom.

Rebecca Obeng

Media & Public Relations Representative

a New Jersey native, born to Ghanaian parents. Rebecca is a Digital Marketing and Community Liaison intern. Rebecca holds a degree in Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy. Rebecca, from her experiences, is a passionate about helping entrepreneurs and companies succeed in brand building and digital marketing. She hopes to work digital marketing full-time and expand her vision to companies worldwide.