NYC PTA Expo Speaker Bios

 

Speakers 

 

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams was born in Brownsville and is a proud product of the New York City public school system, graduating from Bayside High School in 1978. He received his Associate in Arts Degree in Data Processing from New York City Technical College and his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice; later, he received his Masters' Degree in Public Administration from Marist College. After a distinguished 22-year career in the New York City Police Department, Eric served for four terms in the New York State Senate, representing the 20th State Senatorial District, covering Borough Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace. Eric worked on issues that mattered to his constituents, including affordable housing, educational funding and preventative health. He became a champion on statewide matters such as good government, workers' rights, quality of life concerns and public safety. In particular, Eric effectively organized support against the NYPD's controversial stop, question and frisk policy and on behalf of gun control. Eric has also served on the board of the Eastern District Counseling Service, an organization assisting former substance abusers to live productive lives without dependency on drugs or alcohol. In 2013, Eric was elected by Brooklynites to be the first African-American to serve as Brooklyn Borough President. http://brooklyn-usa.org/

 

Mr. Maurice Frumkinl is the President of NYC Admissions Solutions and former Deputy Executive Director of High School Admissions with the NYC Department of Education, where he was involved with all aspects of running the SHSAT and citywide high school admissions process.  He is also a former independent school admissions officer.  Maurice now supports schools and families across the city, helping them navigate NYC public and private high school admissions.  He is a frequent speaker at PTA meetings and has supported dozens of public (including charter), private and parochial schools and PTAs with their high school placement efforts, ranging from large group information sessions and workshops to one-on-one consultations.

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Ms. Clara Hemphill is the founding editor of InsideSchools, is a nationally recognized expert on New York City public schools. The New York Times called her school guides a “bible for urban parents.” New York magazine named her one of the city’s “influentials” for her work “empowering parents.” She was a reporter and editorial writer for New York Newsday, where she shared the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting. The fourth edition of her book, New York City's Best Public Pre-Ks and Elementary Schools, will be published by Teachers College Press in January.   

Ms. Andrea Hopmann is a prior PTA President of PS 84 and prior President of District 14's Presidents' Council in Brooklyn.  She had served on the executive board for three years, chairs the fundraising and community development committee and represented District 14 on the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council. Andrea lives in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Nick and 6th grade son, Henry.

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Mr. Matt Schneider served as PTA President at PS/IS 276 - Battery Park City School from 2012 to June. Matt is also the co-founder of City Dads Group, a dynamic and diverse community of more than 6,000 fathers in 25 cities across the United States.

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Mr. Neil Stevenson is a Senior Staff Attorney, Economic Development Initiative for Lawyers Alliance for New York.  Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.  Our network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys collaborate to deliver expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, intellectual property and other legal services to community organizations.  By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, we help nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, promote community arts and operate and advocate for vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers.  NYS Attorney Registration #:  1887587

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