Erica Smith took the helm of Brooklyn Ascend High School as school director after joining Ascend in the 2016-17 school year as a special education teacher with nearly a decade of teaching experience. Prior to joining Ascend, Smith spent three years at Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia, where she served as lead special education case manager and compliance specialist, supervising special education teachers and managing all related services for students. Earlier in her career, Smith was a special education chemistry teacher at Churchill School and Center in New York. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and legal studies from Trinity College, a master’s degree in special education and chemistry education for grades 5-12 from Manhattanville College, and a school building leader certification from the University of Pennsylvania.