Our Team of Deans
Our deans oversee the progress of our students by grade. We have one dean for Middle School, and one for each High School grade. Deans place students in their classes, lead grade-wide initiatives to build community, and are usually the first point of communication for families. It is a dean’s responsibility to ensure that every student grows within a supportive environment, with clear guidelines and paths to success.
QUINN SIMPSON
Middle School Dean
As Middle School Dean, Mr. Simpson will work closely with students, teachers, and families to create a positive and supportive environment for our students to thrive in.
Mr. Simpson joined the York Prep community a year ago as a Middle School history teacher, and immediately became a beloved member of the community. He even won our first ever Teacher of the Year Award this Spring, an honor voted on by our students. Prior to joining York Prep, Mr. Simpson taught Middle School History and English at Success Academy Charter Schools where he also served as Grade Team Lead. Before moving into education full-time, he worked in consulting and served in the Peace Corps as an English education volunteer in Ecuador. We are thrilled that Mr. Simpson will bring his diverse experience in education and leadership to our Middle School community.
MICHAEL WARD
9th Grade Dean
My name is Michael ‘Mick’ Ward and I come from Co. Armagh, Ireland. I joined the York Prep Community from Ireland in September of 2019 as a Science Teacher and will be the 9th Grade Dean for the 2023/24 School Year.
I also run the Chess Club. Outside of York I play an Irish sport called Hurling and volunteer with the FIVER Children’s Foundation.
ROLANDA BRINSON
10th Grade Dean
Trinity College- B.A
Hunter College- M.S.Ed
Rolanda Brinson is a Bronx native and career educator. She received her Bachelor of the Arts in English from Trinity College (Hartford) and her Master of Science in Education from Hunter College.
Before her time at York, Ms. Brinson worked in several diverse educational environments, serving students of varying academic abilities, as a Math Teacher. At York Prep, Ms. Brinson used her unique skill set to support students, as a Jump Start Teacher, for several years.
In this role, she effectively fostered students' self-advocacy, executive functioning, and organizational skills, leading them to academic success. Now, as the 10th Grade Dean of Students, Ms. Brinson remains dedicated to supporting the students of York Prep, nurturing their academic growth, and cultivating their character.
DAVID LEVENTHAL
11th Grade Dean
Wesleyan University – B.A.; Hunter College – M.A.
Mr. Leventhal came to York in 2015 and is the 11th grade Dean and a teacher in the English Department. Prior to York, he served as the Director of Academic Services for The DOME Project, an organization assisting adolescents navigating the juvenile justice system.
He graduated with a BA in English from Wesleyan University and received his MA in Adolescent Education from Hunter College.In addition to his passion for literature, Mr. Leventhal loves biking and the Boston Red Sox.