Meet The Team
Executive Team
Jacqueline Kapaj-Vieira
Co-President and Educational Director
Jacqueline Kapaj-Vieira is the Co-President and Educational Director. She founded and launched the Albanian-American Educators Association in February 2015. She has over 30 years of experience as an educator and has served NYC’s educational system in many different capacities: as a teacher, administrator, professional developer and program coordinator. She is currently the Vice Principal within NYC's Board of Education.
Genta Gusho
Co-President and Program Director
Genta Gusho is the Co-President and the Program Director. She graduated from University of Tirana with a degree in physics and continued her education in the USA and graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Masters in Engineering. She's a Math and AP Physics teacher in the Greenwich School District and an adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University.
Ardiana Adili
Treasurer
Ardiana Adili, CPA serves as Treasurer and part of the Board of Directors. She founded A.Adili Tax & accounting business and has been serving the community and local businesses for 6 years. She started her career as an accountant over 13 years.
Education team
Shpend Xani, History & Culture
Mr. Xani is a Shakespeare theatre grad with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Classical Acting from The George Washington University/Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC in 2017. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Acting from Millikin University, Illinois in 2002 & an Acting Degree from University of Prishtina, Kosovo in 1999. As a teaching artist his focus and passion has been teaching theatre, art, public speaking and communication skills to different age groups. He has performed in numerous theatres and films in US and abroad.
Romelda Barhani, Language
Mrs. Barhani holds a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences/Public Relations from Beder University, Tirana in 2015 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communications from University of Tirana in 2013. Mrs. Barhani has over 4 years’ experience specializing in curriculum design and coordination in permanent commission for guaranteeing institutional quality standards and study programs in the Law Department of Beder University. She also has extensive training on understanding student’s learning difficulties for better teaching practices.
Focus: Language Teacher
Violeta Lamnica, Asst Teacher
Violeta Lamnica holds a Bachelor Degree in Education from Hunter College and is Licensed from New York State as Assistant Teacher. She currently enjoys working with students at a Public School in Bronx NY. She focuses on small group activities and hands-on learning experiences. Violeta has interests in multiple curricular areas and inspires and encourages students through experience and commitment to reach their full potential and be the best they can.
Lumturie Memia, Asst Teacher
Lumturie Memia holds a Bachelor and Master Degrees in Albanian Literature respectively from University “Luigj Gurakuqi” in Shkoder and University of Tirana. Lumturie has 22-years teaching experience from Albania. She recently moved to USA and received Assistant Teacher License from NYC Department of Education in 2018.
Her lifetime experience as an educator has shaped many young minds and aspires to continue to do so. Lumturie is highly respected by her peers and the community and has become a role model to many.
Dance Team
Angjelina Nika, Choreographer
Mrs. Nika brings a lifetime experience to Albanian folk dance and choreography. She has dedicated her life to teaching and not as just dance but as a spiritual and cultural experience while preserving the history, virtue, and sentiment, step-by-step, for future generations. Mrs. Nika was born in Tropojë, Albania, and moved to NY in 1997 where her success only flourished further.
Zana Lukaj, Dance Assistant
Marketing
Arbana Grembi
Kevin Hoxha