FACULTY & STAFF
New York, NY
Administrators
Molly Mosher
Program Coordinator
Molly’s passion for reading and writing led her to earn two English degrees—a bachelor’s from the University of Florida and a master’s from City College of New York. Since completing her master’s, she has taught writing and literature at CUNY, where she finds the greatest joy in supporting students as they learn and grow. She brings this same dedication to Links Academy, helping families access the specialized educational support they need. In her free time, Molly enjoys exploring NYC’s vibrant arts scene—from culinary delights to painting and performance—and spending time with her yellow lab mix, Rico.
Teachers
James Nadel
James earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Museum Studies from the University of Michigan. Since then, he has taught all over the world: from Shanghai to Baku to New York City. For the past seven years, he has been studying Jewish, Russian and European history at Columbia University, on his way towards earning a PhD. He loves to see the ways in which historical decisions have directly shaped the world we live in. When he's not reading or teaching, he enjoys visiting museums and roaming around public parks with no particular intention whatsoever.
Aliza Pelto
Aliza (she/her) is a rurally raised, New York City-based writer and educator. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing and Literature from Pratt Institute and a Master of Philosophy in Gender and Women's Studies from Trinity College Dublin. An unquenchable passion for learning is what inspired Aliza to pursue a career in academia. Now teaching English courses at Links Academy, her experience in the field began with leading creative writing intensives at the middle-grade level and has since blossomed into crafting online courses in reading, research, and writing at the high school and college levels. A proponent of educational equity and hand-tailored, alternative learning methods, Aliza strives to cultivate an informative, inspiring, and most importantly, fun teaching environment for every student she encounters. When she's not reading the latest horror novel or researching obscure feminist literature, you can find her trying out new recipes in the kitchen or hunting down retro fashion finds at her local thrift store.
Hana Dakaj
Hana earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History from Western Connecticut State University. She previously taught at the Spire School in Stamford, CT—a therapeutic school that integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction. Her teaching approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow both personally and academically. Outside the classroom, Hana is passionate about traveling in order to learn about new cultures. She believes the best way to learn is to explore.
Nishat Mirza
Nishat’s passion for science, storytelling, and the environment has shaped a career that bridges academia, media, and global policy. She holds a Master’s in Medical Sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine and recently completed a second Master’s at the Columbia Climate School, where she deepened her work in climate science and sustainability. She teaches Environmental Sciences as an Adjunct Professor at Saint Peter's University and recently joined Links Academy to teach Life Sciences. Before entering the classroom, Nishat worked in Clinical Epidemiology at Harvard Medical School, contributing to a two-year research project investigating the risk factors behind a skin infection outbreak. Outside the classroom, Nishat works as a news anchor and correspondent for Turkish Journal, producing programs broadcast from United Nations Headquarters in New York. Her recent program, Oceans R U, explores global initiatives connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the importance of protecting our oceans and planet. When she’s not teaching or reporting, Nishat enjoys exploring New York City, discovering new coffee spots, and staying engaged in conversations around climate action and global sustainability.
Max Ventura
Max earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in mathematics from Case Western Reserve University. After graduation, he began teaching as a private tutor in math, English, and the sciences, and as a competitive debate coach for middle school students. As a music teacher, he has worked with students on piano, guitar, and saxophone. He loves to find intuitive ways of teaching concepts and skills, and his weakness for absurd humor inevitably slips in. In addition to teaching, Max is a songwriter and composer in multiple genres, from classical and jazz to pop and rock. He is also passionate about Japanese culture, with particular interests in anime, Nintendo, matcha and tea, aesthetics, and the Japanese language. He is insatiably curious about the universe, and hopes to spark the same curiosity in others.
Sam Culbert
Sam began teaching after graduating from Kenyon College with a degree in psychology and English. She joins Links as an English and writing teacher. Previously, Sam taught 3rd grade at the Windward School in White Plains, NY, a school for students with language-based learning disabilities. She went on to join the 5th grade team at the Chestnut Hill School outside of Boston, MA. At both schools, Sam gained experience teaching students in-person, remotely, and in hybrid set-ups due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Sam has experience working with different learning needs including students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and autism. In addition to classroom teaching, Sam worked as a consultant at Kenyon College’s Writing Center providing support for writing across all disciplines at the college level. She also worked at the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University teaching summer writing classes to gifted and talented high school students. Currently, Sam is earning her M.A. in mental health counseling at The City College of New York. She continues to tutor and works with students on preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and academic subjects. Outside of teaching and counseling, Sam enjoys practicing yoga, reading for fun, and enjoying warm mugs of tea.
Links Academy does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by CT & NY state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Links Academy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons & equal access to Boy Scouts of America & other designated youth groups. Inquiries should be directed to: Laurie DiPreta, Human Resources and Benefits Manager, ldipreta@greenwichedgroup.com.