Social Studies Department
Social Studies Department Head
Ms. Rubbins is a Vermont native but since leaving home has lived in Argentina, Canada and most recently New Orleans, Louisiana. She received her bachelor's degree in urban geography and communication studies from McGill University and a masters in education from the University of Vermont. Ms. Rubbins recently moved to New York City from New Orleans where she taught US History and IB History of the Americas. In her free time, she loves spending time with her three sisters, two of whom are also teachers! She is excited to explore her new home and is trying to visit every museum in the city!
Mr. Averbuch comes to MESA after working in Boston Public Schools. He grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts and attended Northeastern University in Boston. Although switching to teaching was not in his career plans, the decision has been extremely impactful and energizing. When not in school, you'll find Mr. Averbuch biking to the park to read, or if he has the right shoes, playing basketball.
Ms. Campbell was born in Jamaica and holds a BS in Criminology and Psychology, and a masters in education. She is dedicated to bringing equal education to all students regardless of any factors. Since the start of my education career I worked in Middle school focusing on history, very excited in starting this new journey as a high school history teacher.
Mr. Estevez is a Brooklyn, New York native. He attended CUNY Hunter College, where he double majored in Africana Studies and Political Science, and minored in Philosophy. He is currently completing his Master’s in Adolescent Education 7-12 Social Studies at the Relay School of Education. Mr. Estevez has had the privilege of teaching in his native Brooklyn, New York, since the inception of his teaching career, where he finds huge gratitude in being able to educate the communities that have made him the person he is today. Outside of MESA, you can find Mr. Estevez indulging in literature, music, concerts, taking long walks, or traveling the world!
Mr. Christopher is a Southern California native who has recently moved with his brother from their small rural town of Chino to explore the wonders of New York City. He attended Cal Poly Pomona, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, and is currently working toward his master's degree in Bioethics at New York University. During his free time, he loves to read classic fiction, watch and quote movies, play guitar and sing, write screenplays for feature films, and nurture the intellectual growth of his students and friends.
Ms. McNeil was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia. She attended college at West Virginia University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education, as well as a Masters Degree in Education. Before joining the MESA team, Ms. McNeil taught in Tanzania, Peru, and Thailand. Outside of school you can find Ms. McNeil hanging out with friends, searching for new music, reading outside somewhere, or at a dog park. Ms. McNeil is new to Brooklyn and excited to learn more about it. Let her know if you have any recommendations for places to check out!
Ms. Newsome was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, and spent the past seven years living and studying in New Orleans, LA. In New Orleans, she earned her Masters in Teaching through the Norman C. Francis teacher residency program at Xavier University of Louisiana while teaching ELA at Frederick Douglass High School in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. In her free time, Ms. Newsome can be found eating tacos, researching new places to travel, and spending time outside with friends and her 14 year old Westie, Max.