The Quad Manhattan
Programs for Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children
Heather Goldman, Ph.D. – Supervising Child Psychologist
Dr. Heather Goldman, a Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Columbia University, has been the Supervising Clinical Psychologist for The Quad since its inception in 2010. She has over 10 years experience coordinating school-based mental health programs, running her own private practice and serving as a school psychologist at 2 schools, one that serves 2E children. She additionally teaches and is experienced in running clinical trials. Heather is the Program Director for The Quad's Psychosocial Internship Program and for the Certificate Program in Meeting the Needs of Twice Exceptional Children. She directs all afterschool programs and provides professional insight to the ALL programs at The Quad by supervising several interns and staff members in working with our kids. She is enthusiastic with knowledge and experience.
Email: heather@thequadmanhattan.com
Ashley Riviere – Director, Summer Camp
Ashley began at the Quad in 2012 as a Core teacher and as the Summer Camp Director in 2013. Ashley is a teacher, tutor, writer, and admirer of all things fun! Ashley graduated from The College at Brockport, SUNY with a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism and NYS Teaching Certification in English and Special Education. Ashley is currently a Special Education Teacher for New York City Department of Education. She specializes in reading and writing and has implemented two summer curricula for The Quad Manhattan including writing for the media and multi-cultural, hands-on reading with interactive field trips. Ashley has a true passion for teaching, children and their advancement in the world.
Email: ashley@thequadmanhattan.com
Mirlet Auguste – Capoeira and Dance Specialist
Mirlet Auguste has been teaching summer camps at the Quad since 2011. He is a Graduado from Grupo Capoeira Luanda NYC under the supervision of Mestre Jelon Vieira and has been training capoeira for over 8 years. Mirlet has also taught Capoeira at Kipp Amp Charter School in Brooklyn. A native New Yorker, Mirlet is also a free-style dancer and performer with a strong influence of Afro beats and House music and a full-time Fashion Designer.
Kimberly Busi, M.D. – Founder and Director
Kim Busi is a Psychiatrist in private practice in Lower Manhattan and a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. She left her faculty appointment in 2009 to found The Quad Manhattan. She received her Medical Degree from the Brown University School of Medicine in 1997. After completing a year’s training in Pediatrics at the New York Hospital-Weill Medical Center, Dr. Busi finished her residency training in Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine in 2001. At NYU, Dr. Busi has designed curriculum, and taught and supervised residents. She served on the Curriculum Committee for the Department of Psychiatry, and as the Director of Education for the NYU/Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture, a not-for-profit multidisciplinary treatment center within the Bellevue Hospital Center. There, she developed a multilevel curriculum to teach and supervise over 100 medical students, residents and psychologists. Best of all, she is the mother of two wonderful boys, 14 and 10.
Email: kim@thequadmanhattan.com
Nicole Cavaliere- Fine Art and Photography Specialist
Nicole started at The Quad as a fine arts teacher in 2013 and has taught in The Quad After School program and summer program as a Core Teacher. She is an artist and teaching artist with a degree in Art and Design Education from Pratt Institute, where she taught in their Saturday Art School. She has also taught at Academy of the City Charter School in Queens and has worked with sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children in South America and Africa for 3 summers with the Hope For The Children Foundation.
Jackson Kent- Improvisational Theater Specialist
Jackson started at The Quad as an intern in the summer of 2013. He returned in the summers of 2015 and 2016 as an improv teacher. He was an assistant teacher at The Quad Preparatory School from 2013 to 2014. During this time he taught two afterschool classes in improv theater and psychosocial core curriculum. He has been working with children since 2009 and has been involved with theater for his entire life. Jackson completed undergrad studies in Psychology at Oberlin College and is currently pursuing a masters of social work at Hunter College and graduates in May of 2016.
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Jennifer Yu- Core Teacher
Jennifer is a graduate of Wellesley College and Teach For America, Jennifer holds Master’s degree in Secondary Special Education and is currently pursuing a PsyD in School-Clinical Child Psychology at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. She has experience teaching co-taught and self-contained Reading to high school students and most recently worked with 2e children at the Quad Preparatory School and Quad Manhattan Afterschool Program where she has co-written curriculum for the humanities and taught after school programs.
Psychosocial Internship Class of 2024
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Madeline Toledano (Barnard `24) Chief Intern
She/Her
Madeline is currently a recent graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University with dual Degrees in Psychology and Religion. She completed The Quad Manhattan's Psychosocial Internship in the summer of 2023 and quickly rose to the top of her class. She returns in 2024 as our Chief Intern. Madeline has enjoyed working with children as a summer camp counselor and a nanny. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work after college, with the hope to continue working with children in a professional capacity. In her spare time, Madeline enjoys going to museums around the city, trying new recipes, and journaling daily.
Chloe Bobal, Swarthmore College Class of 2025
She/her
Chloe Bobal is a rising Senior at Swarthmore College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish. She has experience in psychology research-related environments, through numerous classes and extracurricular positions. Chloe has extensive practice interacting with people from all backgrounds, in positions as a tutor, youth soccer coach, and facilities manager focusing on customer service and event organization. Through educational and professional endeavors, she has developed a passion for contributing to the advancement of psychological interventions which aim to improve mental health among children and adolescents. Chloe feels strongly that implementing individualized successful programs aimed towards improving the well-being of youth is critical in order for them to overcome future obstacles with guidance from appropriate resources and ultimately accomplish their goals.
Julia Dima, Wesleyan University Class of 2025
She/Her
Julia Dima is a rising senior at Wesleyan University double majoring in Psychology and Hispanic Literatures and Cultures. She is especially interested in working with children and following the developmental psychology track. She does research in the cognitive development lab at her school, as well as mentoring children in a local government subsidized housing unit and previously working as a camp counselor. In the Spring of 2024, Julia studied abroad in Spain where she continued her work with children. In her spare time, Julia likes to perform stand-up comedy and can often be found writing new jokes.
Lee Bickford, Swarthmore College Class of 2025
They/Them
Lee Bickford is a Psychology student at Swarthmore College who recently returned from a semester at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Lee is a tour guide, van driver, and track athlete at Swarthmore. They have worked in the service sector for the past five years in jobs including a restaurant server, host, and cashier. Lee also spent last summer working with underprivileged children in rural Maine at a summer camp, directing physical education instruction. After earning their Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Lee plans to attend graduate school leading to a doctorate degree.
Kylo Fleischer, Wesleyan University Class of 2025
He/Him
Kylo Fleischer is a psychology student at Wesleyan University graduating in the Spring of 2025. He is looking to further his education in a PhD or PsyD program after graduation. For many years Kylo has worked closely with children, spending four years working at Camp Sangamon, and is currently employed as a piano instructor for children. Kylo has developed a passion for psychological research hoping to publish his first study conducted with the guidance of Nick Haslami. He is interested in the theoretical implications of psychological labels and therapeutic methods. In his free time, Kylo enjoys playing music, reading psychological literature, and playing volleyball.
Lila Spiro, Barnard College Class of 2025
She/Her
Lila Spiro is a current junior at Barnard College studying Education Studies and Psychology, draws inspiration from her experience with dyslexia to explore student mental health and academic self-concept. As a research assistant at the Davachi (CORE) Laboratory at Columbia University, Lila actively contributes to mental health research at the Center for Brain, Mind and Society. In fall of 2023, she took on the role of teaching assistant, aiding in grading and course logistics for students in the introductory psychology lab class at Barnard. As a camp counselor and babysitter, Lila has had an impact beyond the research realm. Lila brings her personal experience as a neurodivergent student and her passion for working with young learners to the Quad. When Lila is not conducting research or babysitting, she enjoys reading and watercolor painting.
Mia Composto, Fordham University Class of 2023, Pace University Class of 2025
She/Her
Mia Composto is currently in graduate school pursuing her Master’s in Psychology at Pace University. She is an aspiring School Psychologist and is passionate about giving children the proper social-emotional support needed to allow them to reach their full potential. Mia has experience working with neurodiverse children and children with related social disorders. In her free time, Mia enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and running!
Samantha Quinones, Hobart & William Smith Colleges Class of 2024
She/Her
Samantha Quinones is a prospective graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she is completing her degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Advocacy. Focused on the field of psychopathology in children, Samantha has applied her academic knowledge in practical settings, notably as a Camp Counselor and Community (Residential) Assistant. Driven by her passion for understanding and supporting children's mental health, Samantha is committed to gaining further experience in the field before pursuing graduate studies in developmental psychology. In her leisure time, she finds joy in outdoor activities such as hiking, playing games, and reading.
Elizabeth Berke, Wesleyan University Class of 2026
She/Her
Elizabeth Berke, a native of Manhattan, NY, is entering her junior year at Wesleyan University, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Education, with a minor in History. She was a Head Camp Counselor at Camp Settoga in Pomona, New York, where she ensured the safety and well-being of young campers while fostering their growth and engagement in various activities. As a Preschool Math Ambassador at the Cognitive Lab in Middletown, CT, she contributed to groundbreaking research on children's cognitive development. She is currently involved in research involving the intersection between psychology and education, with a particular regard for social media use. She also serves as a Coordinator for WesReads/WesMath. Elizabeth aspires to pursue a Psy.D. degree and a career as a Child Psychologist. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and completing crossword puzzles.
Bryan Cheng, Hunter College Class of 2025
He/Him
Bryan Cheng is a Hunter College undergraduate studying Psychology with a particular interest in learning how to support children with special social/emotional needs. He plans to pursue graduate school to garner the necessary experience to work professionally with young children and adolescents. He hopes to, one day, look back and see The Quad as an important milestone towards his goals. In his free time, Bryan enjoys taking photos of his two cats (Xinz and Xindel), going for long bike rides, and making lentil curry.