Adult Education

Administrative Assistant with Microsoft Office Course

This course is for learners who may or may not have used the Microsoft Office but who want to achieve general Microsoft Office proficiency. The program objectives are to know how to use the most common Microsoft Office programs applications.
As they all relate to various office environment positions.

Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Eligibility
i. Must be NY State Resident
ii. Must be 21 years old or older

Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.

Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Course

Our Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping with QuickBooks course will introduce participants to some basic accounting principles, accounting concepts, and accounting terminology. Once participants become familiar with some of these terms and concepts, they will feel comfortable navigating through the explanations, quizzes, quick tests, video training, and other features provided.
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping with QuickBooks teaches participants the occupational skills important for any job, which can help assist participants in the workplace as well as more specialized, technical skills required to carry out specific job duties. The soft skills are basic, professional skill sets worth developing as they work through more specific accounting-based curriculum, and they may be helpful in improving workplace communication and helping to effectively lead a team of other employees.

Certifications
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers will issue the certification for QuickBooks.

Eligibility
i. Must be NY State Resident
ii. Must be 21 years old or older

Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.

Hospitality & Tourism

Our Front Desk Attendant program offers general hospitality knowledge and soft skills training needed in the hospitality industry. Also provided are concise instructions for training new or prospective employees on how to perform 16 key tasks correctly. These include:

• Identifying equipment and systems used by front desk staff
• Understanding the importance of key control
• Identifying the steps and tasks involved in pre-arrival, check-in, and departure
• Demonstrating effective sales and upselling techniques used by the front desk

The Guest Room Attendant program offers general hospitality knowledge and soft skills training needed in the hospitality industry. Also provided are concise instructions for training new or prospective employees on how to perform 19 key tasks correctly. These include:

• Defining common room status codes
• Demonstrating how to use cleaning supplies and chemicals correctly and safely
• Understanding safety and security issues for housekeepers
• Discussing ways to organize carts and work areas for maximum efficiency

Our Restaurant Server program offers general hospitality knowledge and soft skills training needed in the hospitality industry. Also provided are concise instructions for training new or prospective employees on how to perform 22 key tasks correctly. These include:

• Demonstrating how to greet and seat guests and anticipate guest needs
• Explaining how to serve beverages and meals and check back to the table
• Listing basic kitchen safety and sanitation guidelines servers should follow
• Explaining how to present guest checks and settle bills

Certifications

• START Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR)
• START Certified Guestroom Attendant (CGA)
• START Certified Restaurant Server (CRS)

Eligibility

1. Must be NY State Resident
2. Must be 21 years old or older

Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.

To register please click here
After we receive your application, we will email you with the next steps to finalize your registration.

Computer/ Digital Literacy Courses

In today’s digital world a working knowledge of certain computer skills are essential. Whether you want to learn for self-improvement or for employment.

Our course is designed to provide the fundamental computer competencies you need to survive and prosper in today’s fast-changing world. You will learn how to implement the powers of modern office software to work faster and more efficiently. This course will also focus on practical applications for software most common to the self-usage and the workplace.

This computer skills curriculum is designed for teaching computer skills, MS programs, and Social Media awareness to adult learners. The curriculum uses visual aids, practical application and performance-based assessments making it appropriate for ESOL learners as well as native English speakers. Each module aligns with the corresponding NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment. Teacher notes, vocabulary lists, and additional resources are included in each module.

Eligibility
i. Must be NY State Resident
ii. Must be 18 years old or older

Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.

To register please click here
After we receive your application, we will email you with the next steps to finalize your registration.

GED courses (High School Equivalency Diploma Prep)

We know how important it is to have a High School diploma. It’s the start of a long journey to employment and educational opportunities.
Our program is happy to announce the return of a much-needed program for the East Harlem Community.

Our GED Preparation/HSE classes prepare students to pass the GED (General Educational Development) Exam leading to a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma as well as building students’ skills for success in college and the workplace, and provides ongoing advisory services to students.

The classes prepare you to pass five areas of the GED Exam:
1. Language Arts/Writing
2. Language Arts/Reading
3. Social Studies
4. Science
5. Mathematics

We also encourage advanced English level immigrants to take our GED Prep classes to get a HSE diploma if you don’t have a high school diploma from your country of origin when you immigrated to New York.

Eligibility
i. Must be NY State Resident
ii. Must be 18 years old or older

Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.

To register please click here
After we receive your application, we will email you with the next steps to finalize your registration.

Immersive English Language Program

If you are an English as a Second Language (ESL) student who wants to learn or improve their English Skills. Our Immersive English Language Program will help you develop your English language skills and prepare you start following your educational and career dreams.

Classes meet for six hours a day, four days a week. Morning and evening sessions are available. You are encouraged to spend one year in the program.
Our courses help students whose first language is not English improve their grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

The intensive program can help you achieve your language goals:
o prepare to get a degree from a U.S. college or university
o achieve professional success in the U.S. or abroad
o fulfill a personal dream of studying in New York City

Eligibility
i. Must be NY State Resident
ii. Must be 18 years old or older
iii. Must not be not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school (high school) under NYS law.
Benefits of our program:
i. You will spend 24 hours a week for one year in the Immersive English Language Program.
ii. Daytime and evening sessions are available.
iii. You will learn the reading, writing and oral communication skills that will help you be a successful.

To register please click here
After we receive your application, we will email you with the next steps to finalize your registration.

Allison Thomas

Deputy Program Director

Hi, I’m Allison! I’m originally from Connecticut, but I have lived in NY for 15 years. I currently live in Brooklyn with roommates and a big dog. I have a BA in English Education and a MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). I’ve been working in education for 11 years and have taught English Language Arts, ESOL, how to get into college, career skill building, and computers. I really like being a Computer Digital Literacy Specialist because computer skills are important for so many things. The more comfortable and confident you are with a computer, the more things you can learn and do! Some fun facts about myself: in my free time I like to play ultimate frisbee; I love to ride bikes; and I have been a bar trivia night host in person and over Zoom!

Flavien I. Amangoua

Education Specialist

Mr. Flavien I. Amangoua is from Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. He has been teaching ESL since 2011. He is a 1987 M.A. English graduate of the University of Abidjan and also graduate in Public Relation. He earned a Teacher English as Second Language (TESLA) Certificate at Literacy Assistance Center Academy in 2012. He taught English as Foreign Language (EFL) to International students at LAL Fordham University for seven years. He continued to teach in diverse Language schools and colleges and different Adults programs. He is known for his love of coffee and Tamale (Mexican food).

Maria Castilla

Education Specialist

Maria Castilla holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Teacher Education and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics. With over 18 years of experience in English as a Second Language (ESL), English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and educational counseling, she has built a distinguished career in language instruction and learner support.
Currently serving as an ESL and GED instructor, Ms. Castilla is dedicated to fostering academic achievement and language proficiency among diverse student populations. Her professional interests lie in applied linguistics, language acquisition, and pedagogical problem-solving. She is deeply committed to advancing language education through research-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered methodologies.

Bing Chen

Education Specialist

My name is Bing Xing Chen. I have lived in New York City since I came to the United States in 1986. Currently I am teaching computer courses at New York City College of Technology and MOS classes in Union Settlement. I have been teaching in the field of adult education for over 20 years. Because I live in a diverse community, I enjoy different cultures. I like to grow some vegetables and flowers in my free time.

Cherline Destine

Community Resource and Benefits Coordinator

Cherline Destine is the team’s newest member at Union Settlement Adult Education. She works as the Community Resource and Benefits Coordinator, and she is very passionate about her job. She is currently studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). Cherline is committed to helping adult education students with their challenges and helping them find the support they need to reach their goals. She enjoys talking with students to understand what they need and to help guide them to the right resources.
When she is not helping people in the community, Cherline loves to listen to audiobooks on Pocket FM. She especially likes historical Chinese dramas (with subtitles, of course). She also enjoys relaxing with music while spending time with her two pets, Silverter and Peggy. Cherline speaks French and Haitian Creole, which helps her connect with many different people and create a friendly environment for everyone. Her dedication and cheerful personality shine in everything she does!

Kateryna Huretska

Education Specialist

Hi, I’m Kateryna! My students call me Ms. Kate. I am originally from Ukraine, but have been living in NYC for 8 years. I’ve been teaching since 2014. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Data Science, which means I love both teaching and technology. I also earned a TESOL certificate from Columbia University and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard, so I’m always learning how to be a better teacher. I speak five languages and enjoy helping students from all over the world to feel confident and supported as they learn.

Mae Lee

Education Specialist

Mae has been teaching ESOL at Union Settlement for the last 5 and a half years.  She enjoys teaching students who are from all over the world.  Besides English, she also knows Chinese.  Mae is a native New Yorker.  In her spare time, she likes to cook, swim, read, volunteer, and talk about politics and current events.

Danjela Lleshi

Education Specialist

Danjela Lleshi is a dedicated adult education instructor with 5 years of experience in ESL and Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping with Quickbooks. Committed to fostering a positive and effective learning environment, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a student-centered approach to the classroom. Danjela is passionate about helping adult learners achieve their educational goals and unlock their full potential.
She believes that it is never late to explore new interests and develop new skills.
Favorite things: music, fashion, and spending time with family and friends.

Alkay Massaly

Education Specialist

Alkaya Massaly is a Microsoft Office Specialist/ESOL teacher at Union Settlement and has been with the organization since October 2024. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from CUNY – Hunter College and a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. Born and raised in Staten Island, Alkaya has a penchant for traveling and experiencing different cultures. Fluent in Vietnamese, he spent five years (2019-2024) as an educator in Vietnam teaching various subjects such as science, math, and English. Some of his favorite hobbies include fencing, indie video game development, listening to Japanese rock, and exploring every inch of New York City. He loves eating kimchi-jjigae, bún riêu, jollof rice, and tacos.

Yvette Padilla

Data Manager / Workforce Development Coordinator

My name is Yvette Padilla. I am native New Yorker, born and raised in East Harlem, where I still reside.  I have three daughters, and I’m also a proud grandmother.  I provide care for my elderly mother as well. I am currently working on obtaining my degree in Human Services, because helping people is what I love to do. I also enjoy reading, cooking, cleaning, and spending time with my family.

Liria VanZandt

Education Specialist

Liria VanZandt was born and raised in Brazil, the youngest of seven children of Japanese immigrants. I’ve always wanted to be adventurous and see the world. Ever since I moved to New York City, I’ve remained close to my family, and I enjoy the company of friends, but I also embrace quiet time on my own and often find inspiration and motivation in solitude. I’m a film buff, I love reading and I’m politically engaged. (Back in 2007, I organized a fundraiser for Barack Obama called ‘Samba for Obama’.)

Growing up, I was mostly interested in science, which led me to pursue a Physics degree in college, but I felt my passion might lie elsewhere. After a few years in New York, I thought I could advance my English by enrolling in a college humanities program. I got a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies and went on to earn an MA in Cinema Studies.  Professionally, after a few years of waiting tables in NYC, I started teaching Portuguese – first in private language schools and then in colleges. In 2010, I expanded my repertoire and started working with the adult immigrant population to teach them English and then pursued an MA in TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

One of the things I like most about the city I now call home is its diverse population, and I find my interaction with students from different cultures a tremendously stimulating, enriching, and humbling experience.  Moreover, since I’m an immigrant to this country myself, and the daughter of immigrants who didn’t speak a word of Portuguese when they arrived in Brazil, I can identify to a significant extent with the challenges and aspirations of my students in wanting to learn and improve their English. And last, but certainly not least, I think this work is so fulfilling to me because it offers me an opportunity to honor my long-deceased parents.

As for a few random ‘fun’ facts about myself, one of my favorite things to do is sleep; I don’t drink (alcohol), but I make terrific caipirinhas; and I consider myself something of an ‘honorary’ Philippina, because students consistently make the mistaken assumption that I’m from the Philippines when they first meet me.

Azza Zaki

Education Specialist

My name is Azza Zaki. I was born in Cairo Egypt where I earned my bachelor degree in psychology with a concentration in early childhood development. I married and I have two children who are young adults. I teach ESL because I love helping immigrants improve their language which help them improve their lives and overcome any problems. I love teaching, and I love my students. I love cooking.