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.
Steven Oliver
Vice Principal, Grades: PK-2
Steven Oliver is a proud Newark native and alumnus of the Newark Public Schools system. After attending the nation’s first public high school for the arts, Arts High, he graduated with honors from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University where he earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Dance Performance. Mr. Oliver went on to complete a Master of Education at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, where he was the recipient of the 2017 Rutgers University Dance Education Award and was nominated for the NJDOE Distinguished Clinical Intern Award.
Upon completion of his student teaching internship, Mr. Oliver was hired as a second dance educator at First Avenue School for the 2017-2018 academic year. During his time at First Avenue, Mr. Oliver served the school community in multiple capacities. He served as humanities team lead, director of the Knights After School Academy, member of the School Improvement Panel (ScIP), artistic director of the visual and performing arts department, 8th grade class advisor, yearbook advisor, grant writer, and coordinator of other school-wide events.
In 2021 Mr. Oliver earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, was awarded the NJDOE Exemplary Educator Award for First Avenue School, and was nominated to join the first cohort of Superintendent Leon’s Latino Men Rising Coalition, an extension of the Leadership Pipeline. In the summer of 2022, he served as Teacher to Assist for the Rafael Hernandez School SummerPlus program.
Mr. Oliver is excited to continue working with our students and staff right here in Newark, NJ as he steps into his new role as Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton. Go Wild Cats!
Sandy Ferreira
Vice Principal, Grades: 3-5
Mrs. Ferreira earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences from Kean University in 2010 where she joined Merck Pharmaceuticals as the youngest Branch Management Associate in their Financial Credit Union. Following, Mrs. Ferreira decided to pursue her life-long dream of becoming an educator. She studied at Seton Hall University obtaining her K-12 Mathematics Certification. In 2020, Mrs. Ferreira earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University and is committed to ensuring the success of all students.
In 2015, Ms. Ferreira began her teaching career in Newark Public Schools where she taught 7th Grade Mathematics and Pre-Algebra. Ms. Ferreira served as a Grade Level Chairperson, Home and School Association Treasure, Cheerleading Coach at Ann Street School School and Student Council Advisor. During her six year tenure as a H&S Treasurer, Mrs. Ferreira worked closely with community members in fundraisers, assemblies, alumni scholarships, parent workshops and more. Most recently, Ms. Ferreira served as a Math Instructional Coach at Dr. William H. Horton School where she worked closely with administrators and teachers to implement data proven strategies to ensure student success. She worked diligently with students during After School Tutorials and was a member of the School’s Testing Team.
Ms. Ferreira enjoys reading, traveling, and is a hobbyist photographer. As a former student of Newark Public Schools, Mrs. Ferreira is excited to start her first year as a Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton School and committed to continuing collaborating with administration, students and our community members. WILDCATS, ROAR!
Kanifa Dobson
Vice Principal, Grades: 6-8
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, Ms. 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..
Ms. 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.”