After School Staff Bios

Beatriz is the Director of the Dalton Chess Program and the After School Chess Academy as well as a World Chess Federation Chess Trainer, Woman International Master and International Chess Organizer. Beatriz was a captain & player of the US Women Olympic Chess team (1994). She is a recipient of the prestigious Chess Educator of the Year Award by the University of Texas, Dallas, an award that recognizes her outstanding contributions to chess in education over the years. Beatriz has made teaching chess to children a main focus in her life and continues to promote chess and education all over the world. She has been involved in organizing National and International Chess Championships, Charity Events, and provides services for Non-Profit Organizations that help promote chess around the world.

Marvin continues in his role as the head instructor of 2nd/3rd Grade Fun House and Kids Club. He’s been working with children for 12 years and enjoys seeing children have fun and get excited about the activities that they’re involved in. He is looking forward to an exciting year with the Dalton community.

Elisabeth joins the Dalton Community in the Dalton Dance and Theater department at First Program. Elisabeth is a professional actor, singer, musician, and educator in New York City. She holds B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and recently completed an M.A. in Educational Theatre from New York University. Some of her most prestigious performance credits include, Once the Musical on Broadway, The Sound of Music National Tour directed by Jack O’Brien, the feature film Love the Coopers, and touring with the folk band The Lonesome Travelers featuring Peter Yarrow. She is a proud member of Actor’s Equity. Elisabeth is passionate about theatre and the power it has to uplift, educate, inspire, and transform participants. She loves working with young people and encouraging their individual creative journeys.

Ariel is a Second Grade teacher at Dalton First Program and a long-time zinester. She has published three zines and leads a summer zine club for adults in Prospect Park.

Christine has been one of Dalton First Program’s beloved librarians for six years. She is passionate about bookmaking, writing, and binding.