Meet Our Leadership Team
Marvelis Perreira
Principal
Marvelis Perreira is an experienced and dedicated school administration professional with over 13 years of expertise in instructional leadership. Her passion for creating positive learning environments and commitment to education stems from her personal journey as a first-generation American, witnessing her family’s sacrifices and determination to provide her with opportunities. Marvelis ensures inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.
Throughout her career as Vice Principal, Principal, and Math Director, Marvelis has demonstrated visionary leadership, driving academic excellence, and fostering a positive school culture. She has successfully opened three schools, including a multi-million dollar high school, prioritizing modern learning spaces and student engagement.
Beyond her work in education, Marvelis actively contributes to community initiatives. As a board member for Girls on the Run, she empowered young girls through physical activity and mentorship. She, along with her husband, co-founded Help Me Up, a nonprofit organization in Elizabeth, NJ, supporting underprivileged families by providing resources and opportunities for growth. Marvelis’s sons, Paul and Gabriel, actively contribute to the organization, reflecting the family’s shared commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive society.
Help Me Up’s mission is to empower children through sports programs, mentorship, and essential resources, fostering life skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Marvelis envisions a future where every child, irrespective of their background, has equal opportunities for growth, success, and becoming responsible global citizens. Her unwavering dedication to education and community involvement exemplifies her commitment to creating a positive impact and building an equitable and inclusive society.
Nicole Harris
Vice Principal, Grades: PK-2
Mrs. Harris had more than 30 years in education, including over 26 years with Newark Public Schools. She began her career as a classroom teacher before joining Hawkins Street School in 2000, where she taught until 2017 and was recognized as one of Newark Public Schools' Teachers of the Year.
In 2017, Ms. Harris became a Mathematics Coach at Dr. William H. Horton School and was again recognized as one of Newark Public Schools' Teachers of the Year during her first year in that role. In 2021, she was appointed Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School, serving as the administrator for Grades 3–5. After serving one year as Vice Principal at Newark Vocational High School, she returned to Dr. William H. Horton School in August 2026, where she continues to serve elementary students and families.
Mrs. Harris holds a bachelor's degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and master's degree in elementary math from Walden University and education administration from Grand Canyon University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and is passionate about supporting students, empowering teachers, and fostering a positive school community.
Angel Collado
Vice Principal, Grades: 3-5
Angel Collado’s path to school leadership began in middle school math classrooms in Newark and Washington Height, where he discovered that teaching was about far more than equations, it was about helping young people believe they were capable of more than they imagined.
That mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Jersey City, Angel credits the teachers, principals, and coaches who recognized potential in him long before he recognized it himself. Their encouragement led him to St. Peter’s Prep, a life-changing opportunity that shaped both his future and his commitment to serving communities that reflect his own.
Angel earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a principal certification from Montclair State University. Before becoming a school leader, he taught middle school mathematics, and throughout his career he has worked to build schools where every student feels seen, challenged, and valued.
Away from school, Angel is a former collegiate basketball player who now channels his competitive spirit into strength training, though he admits he’s still trying to out-educate his wife, an accomplished assistant principal and lifelong educator. Above all, he treasures time with their three children, who keep him humble, joyful, and constantly remind him why education matters.
Dr. Kanifa Dobson
Vice Principal, Grades: 6-8
Dr. Kanifa Dobson is a proud Paterson native with a deep commitment to supporting students in reaching their fullest potential. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wagner College, where she majored in History, minored in Education, and competed as a Division I student-athlete. She later completed a Master’s degree in Educational Administration at Caldwell University and holds a K–12 Teacher of Social Studies Certification.
Her career began in the classroom, where she taught middle and high school students in a variety of social studies courses, including Advanced Placement World History. She has led professional development workshops on instructional practices and classroom management and contributed to curriculum development. Building on that foundation, Dr. Dobson has held several leadership positions that center on student success and instructional growth. She has served as Dean of Culture and Climate, Athletic Coordinator, and Supervisor of History, where she coached teachers, guided curriculum development, and supported data-driven instruction.
Dr. Dobson is honored to serve as Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton School. Her passion lies in helping students learn, lead, and blossom into the best versions of themselves. She believes strongly in showing young people from communities like her own that “there are no gates” limiting their future—that with hard work, perseverance, and resilience, they can go anywhere and become anything they aspire to be. As she often reminds her students, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”