Dabralis Garmon is a mother of two bilingual children and a dedicated teacher of bilingual students. With 19 years of experience working closely with multilingual learners and their families, she is committed to ensuring students feel confident learning in their home language while receiving the same academic support as their peers. Her instructional approach integrates English and Spanish, hands-on learning, and culturally responsive materials that strengthen student engagement and understanding. Dabralis maintains strong partnerships with parents, providing regular updates and collaborating with families to support their children’s progress. She believes parents play a vital role in a child’s educational success and prioritizes open communication to build trust and shared responsibility. Beyond her classroom work, Dabralis served as a liaison for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, helping students develop advocacy skills and speak up on issues affecting the Latino community. As a Parent-at-Large Delegate, she is committed to using her classroom experience, community advocacy, and collaborative mindset to support bilingual families across the region. She brings dedication, innovation, and a genuine desire to uplift multilingual learners and their families.

Diveth García is a devoted mother, advocate, and community leader committed to creating better futures for multilingual families and children with disabilities. A proud parent of two children in bilingual programs and one in college, she brings firsthand experience and deep understanding of the challenges families face. Hurricane María forced her family to leave Puerto Rico and rebuild their lives in Rochester—an experience that strengthened her determination to ensure families have strong, informed voices speaking on their behalf. As the mother of a child with autism, Diveth has navigated the special education system extensively and understands the complexities of evaluations, services, documentation, and language access. Her lived experiences fuel her passion for ensuring that every family knows their rights and feels empowered to use their voice. Diveth serves on the Board of the Starbridge Parent Training and Information Center, where she advocates for families seeking support, services, and clear information. She also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and is actively engaged in community service beyond the school setting. A graduate of COFI (Community Organizing and Family Issues) and trained Youth Mental Health First Aider, she has equipped herself with tools to guide and support families navigating educational and mental health systems. She is seeking the NYSABE Regional Parent Delegate position because she believes bilingual families deserve representation from someone who has lived their struggles and successes. She has sat in IEP meetings, completed the forms, asked the difficult questions, and learned to speak up when systems fall short. Diveth believes every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the services they need—not just in theory, but in practice. She is ready to bring the voices, needs, and hopes of her community to the state level and to advocate tirelessly for the rights and success of all multilingual learners and their families.

Chinese - Nancy King Wang

Dr. Nancy King Wang has dedicated more than 40 years to serving multilingual learners and advancing bilingual education. She spent a decade as a Resource Specialist for the NYS Language RBERN at New York University and over 30 years with the New York City Department of Education, where she worked as an ESL teacher, Chinese language teacher, bilingual guidance counselor, and Assistant Principal of Administration. For 16 of those years, she oversaw the Guidance Department and Pupil Personnel Services in a New York City high school. She also taught Developmental Psychology for the College Now Program at LaGuardia Community College. Dr. King Wang holds master’s degrees in Bilingual Education/ESL Instruction from City College and in Applied Psychology and School Counseling from New York University. She earned her Doctorate from Walden University and completed a Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision at St. John’s University, along with Principal and District Administrator licenses. A lifelong champion of ESL and bilingual education, Dr. King Wang proudly notes that her three children—educated in New York City public schools with the support of bilingual and ESL programs—have all become highly successful professionals and leaders in their fields.

Russian - Marina Vinitskaya

Marina Vinitskaya has served as a Resource Specialist for the NYS RBERN at New York University since 2020. In this role, she provides training for ENL, Bilingual, World Language, and content-area teachers, leads the Russian World Language Professional Learning Series, and supports Russian Dual Language programs. She also assists teachers and families in navigating NYC DOE and NYSED programs for multilingual learners. Marina is a frequent guest on the Russian Television Network and Davidson Radio, where she discusses public education and DOE initiatives for immigrant students. With more than 25 years of experience in the NYC Department of Education, Marina has worked as an ESL teacher, Regional Instructional Support Specialist (RIS), and high school principal. As an RIS, she oversaw compliance and instructional programs for English Language Learners while supporting superintendents and schools with professional development and instructional quality. As the founding principal of a high school, her leadership produced significant gains for ELLs—achievements highlighted in Stanford University research (2015, 2016) and Columbia University Press (2018). Her school’s comprehensive language development model integrated content, analytical practices, assessment strategies, and social-emotional support for students and families. Marina has also coached new assistant principals and principals through the NYC DOE Leadership Program and the Wallace Foundation. She was recognized as a noteworthy educator by State Senator Kevin S. Parker in 2007, 2008, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Marina is a regular presenter at NYSABE and NABE conferences, where she shares her expertise with educators statewide and nationally.

Polish - Dominika McPartland

Dominika McPartland serves as the Multilingual Learners (MLL) Services Administrator for the Citywide Transfer School District in New York City. In this role, she provides instructional and compliance support districtwide, while strongly advocating for—and significantly expanding—the Seal of Biliteracy program. She is also actively involved in TESOL teacher preparation at Hunter College and New York University (NYU), where she works as an adjunct lecturer and field mentor. As a researcher, Dominika focuses on integrating computational thinking and digital literacy into teacher education programs. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dominika volunteers as a citywide Polish Language Advisor, helping students earn the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish. She is a strong advocate for increasing access to this recognition for Polish heritage language learners and promoting its acceptance across higher education institutions in New York State. Dominika holds a Master’s degree in English Philology from Poland, a Master’s degree in French from Hunter College, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Hunter College. A lifelong multilingual learner, she is deeply committed to educational equity and to championing policies that support both multilingual students and culturally diverse teacher candidates.

Spanish - Sandra Mckenney

Sandra McKenney was born and raised in Mexico City, where she lived until age 27. In 1998, she relocated to Schenectady, NY, after being recruited by GE Power Systems to work as a computer engineer and project leader on a major Y2K initiative. After eight years in engineering, Sandra transitioned to education, earning her M.S. in Education from the College of Saint Rose. Sandra and her family later moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where she spent four years teaching in multilingual schools and traveling extensively throughout Europe, Africa, and Asiaâ€”experiences that enriched her global perspective and instructional approach. Upon returning to the United States, she taught in the bilingual program at Post Road Elementary School in White Plains, NY, and later gained experience across urban, suburban, and rural schools, teaching students from kindergarten through sixth grade. She completed her Bilingual Education Extension at CUNY Queens in 2023 and currently serves as a Bilingual Instructional Coach in the Syracuse City School District, supporting Seymour Dual Language Academy and STEM @ Blodgett Middle School.

Hebrew - Dr. Miriam Eisenstein Ebsworth

Dr. Miriam Eisenstein Ebsworth, Ph.D., serves as the Hebrew Language Delegate for NYSABE. A native Yiddish speaker dominant in English, she is also bilingual in Spanish and Hebrew—both heritage languages—and is currently studying Mandarin Chinese. Born in Brooklyn, she comes from a richly multicultural family with roots in Argentina, Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada, and Wales. Dr. Ebsworth began her career in Brooklyn as a licensed TESOL and Bilingual (Spanish/English) Early Childhood Teacher working with Emergent Multilingual Learners. She later taught English learners and students at risk at Rutgers University–Newark before joining New York University, where she has educated language teachers since 1979. A highly decorated educator, Dr. Ebsworth is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NYSABE Gladys Correa Memorial Award, NYSABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year, the AERA Bilingual Education Research Lifetime Achievement Award, the NABE Lifelong Bilingual Educator Award, the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award, and the NYSTESOL Outstanding Teacher Award. She co-developed the online course Action Through Words: Learning English While Learning About the United Nations and is co-editor (with Dr. Theresa Austin) of the forthcoming volume Towards Building Antiracist Communities: A Focus on Intersectionalities (Multilingual Matters). Dr. Ebsworth is the Academic Director and co founder of NYU’s English program for families of international students, co-chair of the MLL Think Tank, and organizer of the annual Research and Evaluation Institutes at NABE. She also serves on editorial boards for several journals, including The Bilingual Research Journal, The Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, HOW Journal (Colombia), and the NYS TESOL Journal advisory board. Her research interests include technology in second language pedagogy, academic writing, heritage language preservation, language variation, and intercultural pragmatics. She has consulted for the United Nations on English-learning initiatives aligned with global peace and health efforts and is currently exploring the impact of AI on bilingual education. Dr. Ebsworth’s media appearances include the film The Three R’s, the television show Public Voice Salon, and NABE TV.

Dr. Shirley M. Pincay

Dr. Shirley M. Pincay, Ed.D., is an educational leader, researcher, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with more than 21 years of experience in education. She serves in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, where she has strengthened world language programs, coordinated the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, Italian, and French, and led district initiatives that promote cultural awareness and multilingualism. A certified School District Leader, School Building Leader, and Spanish Teacher, Dr. Pincay has also served as an adjunct professor for The University at Albany’s High School Program. She has been recognized as a Teacher of Excellence for her commitment to high-quality instruction and student achievement. Dr. Pincay’s professional and scholarly work focuses on transformational leadership, educational equity, and culturally responsive practices. She earned her Doctor of Education in Transformational Leadership from Long Island University, where her research examined the implementation of the NYSED Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy.

Justine Lucas is the proud principal of the largest bilingual and bilingual special education school in New York State. With more than 20 years of experience in New York City Public Schools—including roles as teacher, coach, assistant principal, and now principal—she is a steadfast advocate for educational equity, linguistic diversity, and the brilliance of multilingual learners. A result-driven leader and dynamic speaker, Justine is committed to confronting and dismantling the biases that shape school systems. She firmly believes that true equity requires policies that recognize and measure the growth and impact of students and the educators who serve them. Grounded in her own experiences with childhood housing instability, Justine is deeply dedicated to supporting unhoused students and families with empathy and action, ensuring every child feels seen, safe, and supported. Honored to serve as a Delegate-at-Large for the New York State Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE), Justine remains unwavering in her commitment to advancing bilingual education and ensuring every child’s voice is valued and heard.

Dr. Elizabeth Falzone

Dr. Elizabeth Falzone is a dedicated educator with deep expertise in language acquisition and literacy development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education and TESOL, a Master of Science in Literacy, and a PhD in Leadership and Policy. She began her career teaching middle school Spanish before joining Niagara University as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Falzone’s teaching, scholarship, and service center on advancing language and literacy for diverse learners. She is committed to experiential learning, ensuring her teacher candidates connect educational theory to real-world practice. She provides professional development in English as a New Language (ENL) to K–12 schools and presents her work at local, national, and international conferences. In addition, she serves the Niagara Falls community by teaching Adult ENL classes. A strong advocate for students and families, Dr. Falzone believes that language and literacy are fundamental rights. Her expertise, leadership, and passion continue to positively impact learners, educators, and the broader community, making her a valued contributor to the field of education.

FAQs Archive - NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION FOR BILINGUAL EDUCATION

Dabralis Garmon
Dabralis Garmon is a mother of two bilingual children and [...]

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Diveth García
Diveth García is a devoted mother, advocate, and community leader [...]

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Chinese – Nancy King Wang
Dr. Nancy King Wang has dedicated more than 40 years [...]

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Russian – Marina Vinitskaya
Marina Vinitskaya has served as a Resource Specialist for the [...]

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Polish – Dominika McPartland
Dominika McPartland serves as the Multilingual Learners (MLL) Services Administrator [...]

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Spanish – Sandra Mckenney
Sandra McKenney was born and raised in Mexico City, where [...]

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Hebrew – Dr. Miriam Eisenstein Ebsworth
Dr. Miriam Eisenstein Ebsworth, Ph.D., serves as the Hebrew Language [...]

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Dr. Shirley M. Pincay
Dr. Shirley M. Pincay, Ed.D., is an educational leader, researcher, [...]

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Justine Lucas
Justine Lucas is the proud principal of the largest bilingual [...]

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Dr. Elizabeth Falzone
Dr. Elizabeth Falzone is a dedicated educator with deep expertise [...]

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