Lion Leadership: Meet the Team

The belief in the potential of every student is at the core of my philosophy. Having grown up in Corona, Queens, and attended the outstanding D24 schools, I have a profound love and appreciation for this vibrant community. My family’s journey from the Dominican Republic to the United States has given me firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of language learning and cultural assimilation. Therefore, I am honored to be an Assistant Principal at P.S. 143, where I can have a direct impact on the lives of our Cubs, Lions, and the community each and every day. We will work together to reach our full potential. 

I am dedicated to advocating tirelessly for our students and families, ensuring that restorative practices prevail in our school community and equity and justice permeate every aspect of our school. Academically and socially, our students are receiving the support they need to thrive. I am excited to continue working alongside our Proud Principal, Ms. Lucas, and our administrative team to nurture our school, maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment, and passionately encourage and challenge every member of our school community to grow and continually seek to improve while fostering empathy and celebrating the vibrant cultures that flood our hallways. 

Warm regards,

Mr. Silverio

I am incredibly proud to work alongside our dedicated and inspiring Principal, Ms. Lucas, and to be an extension of her passion and vision for P.S. 143. Together, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment where every student feels empowered to succeed.

My journey in education has always been rooted in working with English Language Learners and Dual Language programs. As a former bilingual student from Queens, now working in Corona, this role is deeply personal to me. I also had the privilege of being a Dual Language teacher right here at P.S. 143. This school has been my home, and it’s incredibly meaningful to continue serving this community in a new capacity. My greatest hope is to serve as a role model for our students showing them that their bilingualism is a superpower and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

As Assistant Principal, my goal is to build strong, meaningful relationships with our students, families, and staff. I want every child at PS143 to feel seen, heard, and supported in reaching their fullest potential. Together, we will continue to celebrate our diverse cultures, nurture a love for learning, and create a school environment where every student can thrive.

I can’t wait to work alongside all of you, build lasting connections, and make this school year an unforgettable one. Let’s continue to grow, learn, and succeed together!

Warmly,

Maciel Merino
Proud Assistant Principal
Mmerino4@schools.nyc.gov

At our core, P.S. 143Q is dedicated to delivering a high-quality education for all students, championing equity, and ensuring that every child feels welcomed, valued, and empowered. My commitment to fostering a nurturing and academically enriching environment remains unwavering, as we continue to build a school where students not only excel in their learning but also develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

I am honored to work alongside Principal Lucas and the most dedicated staff in all of New York City—educators who tirelessly bring light, love, and learning into our students’ lives every single day. Their passion and dedication make P.S. 143Q a truly special place, and I am humbled to be part of a team that is so deeply committed to student success.

My own journey continues to shape my passion for education. As a mother, I understand the importance of creating opportunities that allow our children to flourish. As the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents, I have firsthand knowledge of the aspirations and challenges many of our students and families face. These experiences fuel my commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to an inclusive, supportive, and empowering education.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of education in opening doors and changing lives. My goal is to ensure that P.S. 143Q is a place where students are not only academically successful but also feel confident, valued, and supported in every aspect of their growth.

As we embark on this new school year, I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional educators, our wonderful families, and our supportive community. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where students are excited to learn, where their unique strengths are recognized and celebrated, and where they receive the tools and encouragement necessary to thrive both academically and personally.

I am truly excited for the journey ahead and deeply grateful to be part of the P.S. 143Q community. Thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to support and uplift our students.

Warmly,

Penelopi Kikis

In District 24, we educate students from some of the most diverse communities in the nation. I am fortunate that in this role, I have the opportunity to continue to serve the community I am most passionate about.

I look forward to continuing to uphold the goals of Ms. Lucas to promote a positive school culture while sustaining and initiating educational programs conducive to student learning. Together, we will coordinate efforts that will keep staff and students feeling supported, encouraged and motivated to meet our shared goals and vision.  

It remains my goal to continue to build relationships with each of you and to meet the needs of our learning community throughout the year.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions or feedback.

Proud Assistant Principal,

Alexis Estrada
aestrada4@schools.nyc.gov 

I began my career teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Astoria, Queens as a first-grade teacher. During my eight years there, I modeled lessons for the Office of English Language Learners and the Office of Gifted and Talented. My primary focus in instruction was in designing units where students learned through inquiry-based research projects in early childhood.

I am a strong advocate for our community, especially for our English Language Learners (ELLs). Growing up as an ELL was not easy. There were very few bilingual or ESL programs in the suburbs of Boston.

As a newcomer to the country, I did not speak any English and was placed in a bilingual Chinese program where I had to take a van to a school that made several stops. The ride was dreadful and long; thus, my parents decided to place me in a mainstream English-speaking class with ESL once a week.

While my family did not speak English well, they did teach me how to persevere through language barriers when I was young.  My experience as a first-generation American is what drives me to be a diligent Assistant Principal for our ELLs.

Students learn best when they feel comfortable in their school and classroom. At P.S. 143, we strive to ensure that all our students feel safe and are at their best all day, especially after a long bus ride to school.

We also want students’ families to feel comfortable in reaching out about their questions and concerns. Information is such a powerful tool, and there is no better way to share information than through a website!

With a touch of your phone, you can connect instantly with any staff member in our school. I am very excited to be working as the Assistant Principal for English as a New Language (ENL).

This year will be full of explorations and new discoveries for our ELLs. We have a lot of new and wonderful things to share with you this year!

With love,

Karen Pang
Proud Assistant Principal
kpang@schools.nyc.gov

Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach kindergarten here at PS143. The experience was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to witness firsthand the brilliance and potential in our young learners. It reinforced my belief in the importance of providing a strong foundation during these formative years.

I am delighted and honored to serve as your assistant principal. Being part of this incredible school community fills me with immense pride and joy. My journey in education has always been driven by a deep passion for nurturing young minds, and my focus on early childhood education is a testament to that commitment. 

Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach kindergarten here at PS143. The experience was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to witness firsthand the brilliance and potential in our young learners. It reinforced my belief in the importance of providing a strong foundation during these formative years.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Rodriguez-Campon

Proud Assistant Principal

Arodriguezcampon@schools.nyc.gov