Hyrjana Dibra

Head of Operations and Finance

Hyrjana Dibra serves as the Director of Operations at Emblaze Academy Charter School, where she brings a systems-driven mindset and a deep commitment to creating structured, supportive environments for students and staff alike. Originally from Albania, Hyrjana moved to the Bronx at 17 and launched her educational career a decade ago at Lehman College, where she earned a degree in Biology. During her time there, she co-founded and led the BxCHL pre-health program, a pre-med initiative dedicated to providing underrepresented college students with exposure to healthcare careers along with essential academic and social-emotional support.

Her path has taken her from education to policy; while working with the New York State Assembly, she gained valuable insights into the mission of charter schools and the unique challenges and opportunities within New York’s educational landscape. Guided by her passion for creating strong, impactful systems, Hyrjana transitioned into teaching science at various charter schools, where she worked to inspire and prepare students for science-related careers, often within schools facing significant resource constraints.

In 2018, Hyrjana joined Emblaze Academy as a 5th-grade science teacher. Here, she focused on establishing a science department that not only equipped students for rigorous high school science courses but also engaged them in meaningful, hands-on projects. Over the years, she expanded the curriculum and built a science program that was both challenging and deeply engaging.

Now as Director of Operations, Hyrjana applies her enthusiasm for systems-building and structured processes across all facets of the school’s operations. Her goal is to establish a well-organized, effective foundation for the organization, ensuring a healthy school environment that supports not only academic rigor but also the well-being of both students and staff. By building efficient systems and structured processes, she aims to create a school culture that promotes equitable opportunities, fosters a positive and safe atmosphere, and prioritizes both the academic and social-emotional development of the entire Emblaze community.

Ms. Dibra can be reached at hdibra@emblazeacademy.org

Dasmin Croft

Director of ELA dcroft@emblazeacademy.org

Introducing Dasmin Croft, the dedicated Director of the English Language Arts (ELA) Department at Emblaze. Ms.Croft embarked on her educational journey as a Teaching Assistant in a charter school, where the pressing need for change and the necessity for compassionate educators became evident. This realization propelled her into higher education, culminating in three degrees – one in Child Psychology and two in Education. With a career spanning 14 years, Ms.Croft has worked in many capacities as an educator from Early Childhood to Middle School education, ultimately assuming the leadership role as the ELA Department Director. Firm in the belief that every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves a qualitative educational experience, Ms.Croft is dedicated to fostering a love for learning and ensuring that educators understand the profound importance of caring for their students. Beyond her educational pursuits, Ms.Croft is a connoisseur of interior design and organization, finding joy in creating harmonious spaces. When not immersed in educational leadership, she can be found in the bleachers, enthusiastically attending her son's basketball games. It's in these moments that Ms.Croft cherishes watching her son chase his dreams on the court.One interesting fact about Ms.Croft is her great depth of knowledge across all subject areas. In a noteworthy twist, she even majored in mathematics for a short time as part of a dual program in education. This diverse background not only enriches her leadership but also showcases her dedication to a well-rounded education for every student at Emblaze! Should you ever need to contact Ms.Croft, she can be reached at dcroft@emblazeacademy.org.

Shauniece Turner

Social Worker

sturner@emblazeacademy.org

Shauniece Turner, a passionate and dedicated professional with a heart for making a positive impact. Born and raised in Harlem and the Bronx, Shauniece brings a unique perspective to her work. Shauniece holds a bachelor's degree in human development & Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, and she furthered her education by earning a master's degree in social work from Hunter College. With a solid foundation in social services and child welfare, Shauniece has spent 4 ½ years making a difference in the lives of others. Driven by her aspiration to work in a school setting, Shauniece now serves as the Director of School Culture at Emblaze Academy. Her primary goal is to be a support system for students, providing the guidance and care that she wished she had growing up. Shauniece lives by the mantra, "Life is tough, but so are you." This quote serves as a constant reminder to persevere and find the light at the end of every challenge. She strongly believes in the importance of self-care, recognizing that one must fill their own cup before pouring into others. Outside of her professional endeavors, Shauniece is a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the lookout for new restaurant experiences. She enjoys exploring restaurants and trying different cuisines. When it comes to entertainment, Shauniece has a penchant for suspense and horror movies, even if she watches them alone. In the spirit of lightheartedness, here's a fun fact: Shauniece cannot swim! So, while she may not be the one to save you from drowning, she's always ready to lend a helping hand in other ways. Shauniece Turner is a remarkable individual, dedicated to making a difference and bringing positivity to the lives of those around her.