2017-2018 Table of Organization
School Leadership
Room 401 - ext. 40111; kiris@uainstitute.org
Kiri Soares co-founded the Urban Assembly of Math and Science for Young Women in 2006. Targeting the gender disparity of women in STEM fields, through nurturing their interest and developing their capabilities in math and science. UAI pairs rigorous academic instruction with strong social emotional education to achieve this goal. Kiri earned her BA in Philosophy & Education from UC Berkeley and completed two masters degrees (one in teaching from San Francisco State University and one in administration from Mercy College). She has worked as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in the NYCDOE since 1997.
Room 301 - ext. 30111: jenc@uainstitute.org
Jen Cusa is a licensed Master Social Worker and joined UAI in 2007. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a BA in Social Thought and Political Economy. She went on to receive her masters Social Work from Hunter College. Jen's work emphasizes the implementation of social emotional learning practices and creating school-wide policies that promote positive learning environments. Jen supervises our team of counselors, social workers, and deans to provide structured SEL support and disciplinary structures to ensure student success. Building on this SEL work, Jen also supervises our parent coordinator to facilitate strong family-school relationships.
Room 201- ext. 20111; anniea@uainstitute.org
Annie joined UAI in 2016 as a school dean. A long-time Urban Assembly teacher, Annie is deeply familiar with our family of schools and the unique mission we all share in preparing students to graduate from both high school and college. This year Annie takes on the role of Assistant Principal, leading the Artisan Teaching work with the history department. Annie majored in history and graduated from the University of Minnesota. With Kiri, Annie works to provide teachers and staff the pedagogical support and feedback needed to grow pedagogical practice and increase the quality of instruction across UAI.
Room 508 - ext. 50811; valb@uainstitute.org
Val Binyard joined UAI in 2008 as a Special Education service provider. From the start, Val dedicated her work to supporting our neediest students and working closely with her peers to develop strategies and interventions that could be used for all. This year Val will re-enter the classroom working closely with our 10th social studies and 11th grade science teachers. In addition, her work will be focused on student recruitment and enrollment, STARS systems and support, and on supervising our Arts and ELL departments.
School Support
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Brodie Crawford, Director of Operations
Rom 145 - ext. 14542; brodiec@uainstitute.org
Brodie began teaching at UAI in 2007. After 4 years as 7th grade Humanities teacher, Brodie moved to the high school, where he has been teaching 11th Grade US History & Government and 12th Grade Economics/Participation in Government. After completing a BA in History at Loyola University in Maryland, Brodie attended grad school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where he earned a MPhil. in Modern History. This year Brodie enters a new role in administrative support. As the Director of School Operations, Brodie will use his experience as a classroom teacher to best support instruction at UAI.
Room 145 - ext. 14521; delc@uainstitute.org
Del Carey is a founding member of UAI. She has been supporting our school since the doors opened in 2006. Del is primarily responsible for all staff payroll, human resource support, and purchasing for teachers and staff at UAI. As main office support, Del is one of the first faces you'll see when you enter our office and one of the first voices you'll hear when you call. She is the proud mother of two amazing young men in college and is ready to happily help you whenever and for whatever you need!
Room B42 - ext B4211: georgen@uainstitute.org
George joined UAI in the spring of 2016. As the father of a former alum, George has known UAI for quite some time. George provides tech support for both UAI and our sister school in the building, the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice. With over 15 computing devices in each classroom plus all of the administrative equipment, George has his hands full at UAI trying to keep our young students plugged into 21st century learning!
Room 149 - ext. 14911; joannat@uainstitute.org
Joanna joined UAI over 5 years ago as a middle school special ed teacher. For the last year two years, Joanna ran school testing in addition to supporting the school in special ed and ELL compliance. This year, working with Brodie's support, Joanna takes the lead in supporting testing and special ed compliance for the school.
Room 145 - ext. 14522; nancyj@uainstitute.org
Nancy joined UAI in 2010. She shares the main office support work with Del and she is primarily responsible for providing our teachers and students with student accounting support (metrocards, updates to family contact information, medical record, lunch forms, and attendance). Nancy is one of the first faces that welcome students and families to UAI (either via phone or in the main office). She is the proud mother of two amazing children, and as a hobby, makes her own beautiful smelling air freshening sprays.
School Culture
Supervisor: Jen Cusa, Director of School Culture
School Counselors
Danielle Insel, College Counselor
Room B31 - ext. 83121; daniellei@uainstitute.org
Danielle Insel joins us to grow our College Counseling office this year. After several years of providing college counseling to students in the Bronx, Danielle looks forward to expanding our college office support. With Martine, Danielle will spearhead our work with College Access for All, a DOE initiative that is aimed at enhancing and expanding college readiness throughout the school.
Jennifer Jackson Robbins, School Counselor
Room 304 - ext. 30431; jenniferjr@uainstitute.org
Jennifer Jackson Robbins has been supporting our young women as their guidance counselor since 2009. In addition to providing our students with IEPs with mandated counseling support, Jennifer also works with our incoming students to provide direct SEL instruction to help our students adjust and transition with strong, positive, pro-social skills. Jennifer also coordinates Skedula and STARs support for the school.
Lauren McGuinness, School Counselor
Room 304 - ext. 30431; laurenm@uainstitute.org
Lauren originally began counseling at UAI in 2012. She largely worked with our middle school students providing mental health support. This year Lauren returns to support our young students in developing SEL skills and strategies, and in providing next level guidance to recruit incoming students and help them acclimate to UAI and to help our matriculating students apply to high school.
Marni Brand, School Social Worker
Room 304 - ext. 30421; marnib@uainstitute.org
Marni first joined UAI as a part-time social worker in 2011. Marni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from the UMass - Amherst with a BA in Psychology and received her MA in Social Work from NYU. Marni began her career at Acorn Community High School in Brooklyn. Marni has a passion for helping her students navigate through adolescence. This year, we welcome Marni as a full-time member of our staff!
Martine Mercier, College Counselor
Room B31 - ext. 83121; martinem@uainstitute.org
Martine joined UAI in 2010 in her 3rd year of teaching. As a special education provider, Martine excelled at helping her co-teachers modify high school curriculum to accommodate a wide variety of learning needs. After several years of classroom teaching and one year as a dean), Martine returns to work with the seniors, preparing our students for college and beyond.
Courtney Lemm, School Dean
Room 302 - ext. 30211; courtneyl@uainstitute.org
Courtney joins us from our sister school, Unison. As the director of their partner organization, Citizen Schools, Courtney worked to support student learning both in-day and after school. This year, Courtney will lead our new work around proactively addressing student behavior by supporting teachers in class to establish clear expectations and to provide consistent and compassionate follow through when expectations are not met.
Doris Twine, School Dean
Room 302 - ext. 30211; dorist@uainstitute.org
Doris joined UAI as a dean in 2011. This year, Doris joins Courtney to provide staff with proactive support to increase student readiness to learn and classroom effectiveness. Ms. Doris is the proud mother of her own teenage daughter, giving her perspective on her daily work. Combining empathy with high expectations, Ms. Doris supports our young women to consistently make positive, pro-social decisions that lead to academic success.
Isaiah Blackburn, Assistant School Dean
Room 302 - ext. 30211; isaiahb@uainstitute.org
Isaiah joins UAI this year to provide dean support for Doris and Courtney. Isaiah will provide on-going support for our school culture team to increase parent-teacher communication, support parent-teacher-student interactions so that our students can achieve their best in class.
Room 302 - ext. 30211; dorist@uainstitute.org
Doris joined UAI as a dean in 2011. This year, Doris joins Courtney to provide staff with proactive support to increase student readiness to learn and classroom effectiveness. Ms. Doris is the proud mother of her own teenage daughter, giving her perspective on her daily work. Combining empathy with high expectations, Ms. Doris supports our young women to consistently make positive, pro-social decisions that lead to academic success.
Room 302 - ext. 30211; isaiahb@uainstitute.org
Isaiah joins UAI this year to provide dean support for Doris and Courtney. Isaiah will provide on-going support for our school culture team to increase parent-teacher communication, support parent-teacher-student interactions so that our students can achieve their best in class.
Parent Engagement
Room 145 - ext. 14553; carolj@uainstitute.org
Carol became UAI's first parent coordinator in 2008. In addition to working as a key liaison between UAI and the homes of our students, Carol also works to support teachers and staff in effectively communicating with parents and families. Carol also works closely with our PTA president, Mr. McLean to develop and execute a variety of activities that bring parents into our building and engage parents in our students' education and growth.
Room 145 - ext. 14552; nequanm@uainstitute.org.
Mr. McLean has been an actively involved parent at UAI for years. In the last few years, as PTA president, Mr. McLean has worked tirelessly to transform the level of parent engagement at UAI. Mr. McLean spearheads our fundraising activities and to develop events like "Bring Your Father to School Day" and "Health & Beauty Day with Mom" to foster strong relationships between families and school. Mr. McLean volunteers at UAI two days a week and is always available via email.
Girls Inc.
Vanessa Santiago, Director of Girls Inc. Programs at UAI
Room 205 - ext. 20514; vanessa@girlsincnyc.org.
Vanessa joined UAI Girls Inc. in 2016 to provide in-day and after school instruction for our in-day and after school students. This year Vanessa steps up to lead the Girls Inc. team to provide high-quality programming aimed at creating experiences to lead our young women to become strong, smart, and bold.
Brittney, Program Coordinator of Girls Inc. Programs at UAI
Room 205 - ext. 20514; brittney@girlsincnyc.org.
Brittany will be supporting Vanessa as the Program Coordinator for UAI. She will be handling much of the organizational and administrative support to ensure that our in-day and after school programming proceeds smoothly.
Classroom Instruction
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Val Binyard, Assistant Principal
Sursattie Hariprashad Dance and FLSE
Room 503 - ext. 50311; sursattieh@uainstitute.org
Sursattie joined our school staff in 2015 to teach middle school physical education and health. After years of teaching at SLJ, Sursattie decided to join UAI to expand her skills in working with a single-gender population of students. Sursattie will continue to focus her instruction on Dance for grades 6-12.
Tracy Kornrich, Art and FLSE
Room 205L - Ext. 20511; tracyk@uainstitute.org
Tracy hails from Rochester, New York and moved to Brooklyn 34 years ago. When she's not in the classrom, Tracy is sailing her boat in Jamaica Bay during summers and racing it in winters out on Long Island. Tracy also enjoys gardening and making things. Tracy majored in dance and art and went to Geneseo State University and The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. This will be Tracy's 10th year teaching Art at UAI. Tracy also loves ice cream!
Cassandra Guerrier, 9th Grade English
Room 409 - ext. 40911; cassandrag@uainstitute.org
Cassandra began teaching at UAI in 2016. She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Secondary Education from St. Joseph's College and her M.A. in English from Brooklyn College. Cassandra is dedicated to supporting her students' social-emotional growth while helping them develop the literacy skills necessary to thrive in high school and beyond. In her spare time, Cassandra dances, reads mystery novels and writes for women's magazines.
Christina Choi, 7th & 9th Grade ICT English and ICT Social Studies
Room 201 - ext. 20121; christinac@uainstiute.org
Christina joined UAI over 4 years ago. This year, Christina works with our 7th & 8th graders supporting their learning in our middle school ICT English and Social Studies classes. Christina is dedicated to helping our young women develop a love a reading and history, and become lifelong learners. Christina is also the proud mommy of a beautiful daughter.
Diana Vlavianos, 11th and 12th Grade English
Room B53 - ext. 85311; dianav@uainstitute.org
Diana is from Oyster Bay, Long Island, and has lived in Astoria, Manhattan, and Long Island for a little over 2 years now. Diana completed her undergraduate degree studying English and Creative Writing at Providence College, and earned he English Education at NYU for her graduate degree. Diana is excited to explore literary theory with her 11th and 12th graders this year (her first) at UAI, and learn from her students.
Katherine Reid, 10th and 11th Grade English
Room 403 - ext. 40311; katheriner@uainstitute.org
Katherine recently moved to Brooklyn from Little Rock, Arkansas with her two kids. She has both her BA (English) and her MA (Secondary Education) from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. This is her 5th year of teaching and her first year at UAI. She is excited about helping our students become smart, independent, hard-working women who will continue this ever rising spiral towards equality.
Kristina Coriarty, 7th grade English
Room 407 - ext. 40711; kristinac@uainstitute.org
Kristina is from Brockton, Massachusetts. Kristina has lived in New York City for five years now, and this is Kristina's second year at UAI. She has her BA in English from Stonehill College and is in graduate school at Pace University working on her MA in Adolescent Education. Kristina is excited to continue to plan and teach units created with her planning partners, Christina and Marsha.
Marsha Derice, 8th Grade English & LDC Lead Coach
Room 305 - ext. 30511; marshad@uainstitute.org
Marsha was born and raised in Brooklyn. This is Marsha's 8th year of teaching. Marsha has both her BA (English) and MA (Secondary Education) from Adelphi University. Last year Marsha chaired our curriculum redesign work with the Literacy Design Collaborative, leading to a double digit improvement in middle school test scores. Marsha is very excited to see her first cohort of UAI students graduate from high school this June!
Phillan Greaves, 6th Grade ICT Humanities & LDC Coach
Room 311 - ext. 31111; phillang@uainstiute.org
Phillan joined UAI in 2011. Prior to UAI she had been teaching in NYC public schools for 2 years. This is Phillan's 8th year of teaching. Phillan is passionate about helping our younger and most struggling students succeed and grow. She is also passionate about social justice and helping our young women develop their voice. This year, Phillan will provide instructional support to our ELA teachers alongside Marsha & Rebecca.
Rebecca Candela, 9th Gr. ELA & 12th Gr. AP ELA & LDC Lead Coach
Room 409 - ext. 40911; rebeccac@uainstiute.org
Rebecca is originally from Michigan and has lived in NYC for almost 13 years. This year is her 13th year teaching in NYC and this is my 6th year working at UAI. This year she will be teaching 9th Grade English and 12th grade AP English. With so much that is happening in our country and the world right now, Rebecca believes it's important to make all students aware of their power so they understand they're capable of real change.
Sarah Moser, 6th Grade Humanities
Room 311 - ext. 31111; sarahm@uainstitute.org
Sarah joins UAI this year. She will be teaching humanities alongside her mentor and coach, Ms. Phillan. Sarah has her BA in English from the University of Delaware and her MA in Secondary Education for SUNY Stonybrook.
Tiffany Richards, 9th Grade ICT USH and ELA, and HS ICT ELA
Room 507 - ext. 50711; tiffanyr@uainstitute.org
Born and raised in Brooklyn. Tiffany received her BA in psychology from SUNY Old Westbury. She has attended grad school at Brooklyn College and PACE University. This school year, she will be working as a special education teacher in the English and US History. Tiffany is excited about reconnecting with, and building lasting relationships with her students and their families to ensure they have a successful school year.
Christina Choi, 7th & 9th Grade ICT English and ICT Social Studies
Room 201 - ext. 20121; jelissaa@uainstitute.org
Jelissa returns to her second year with UAI. She is returning to provide our neediest students with one-on-one classroom support. Jelissa is dedicated to making sure our students with disabilities have equal access to learning and have the necessary supports to be able to achieve in classes.
Room 201 - ext. 20121; juellew@uainstitute.org
Juelle joined UAI nearly 5 years ago as a classroom paraprofessional. Very soon, Juelle will complete her own degree and she is excited about the prospect. Juelle calm and persistent support provide our most struggling students with the individualized support they require to access learning in the classroom. With her help, our students have pathways to academic success.
Michelle Babick, ELL Support
Room 147 - ext. 14711: michelleb@uainstitute.org
Michelle began teaching in 2011 and joined UAI in 2014. Michelle provides language support services for all of our students who are learning English. Michelle graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, and has a strong love for cats.
Language Department
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Annie Annunziato, Assistant Principal
Elena Brollo, 10th & 12th Grade Spanish
Room 407 - ext. 40711; elenab@uaintitute.org
Elena is a native Italian with a dual certification in teaching Italian and Spanish. She earned an interpreting and translating degree in Italy (Spanish and English) as well an MA in Italian and Spanish from Hunter College. She joined the UAI team in 2007. Elena brings creativity, cultural elements, and technology into the classroom to address the many learning styles as well as different needs and interests of her students.
Giselle Vitaliti, 11th Grade Spanish and ICT English
Room B57 - ext. 85711; gisellev@uainstitute.org
Giselle is Argentian. She has dual licenses in Special Education and Spanish. Her main goal this year is to not only give her students the necessary skills to communicate in Spanish, but also to deepen their understandings of various Spanish speaking cultures.
Room 309 - ext 30911; alisong@uainstitute.org
Alison was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She studied Sociology and Women's Studies at Alfred University before joining the NYC Teaching Fellows in 2003. She's very excited to meet the incoming 6th grade class and begin her 5th year at UAI. This year she continues her role as an artisan coach and co-teacher in math and science classrooms.
Room 303 - ext. 30311; cherryr@uainstitute.org
Cherry is originally from Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Cherry has her BA from SUNY Albany, in Accounting with a minor in Business. Cherry has two masters degrees from Brooklyn College. Her first is in Early Childhood Education and her second in Middle School Mathematics. 2017-2018 will be my second year at UAI as the 7th and 8th grade Math teacher. This is Cherry's 7th year as a teacher. When she's not teaching, Cherry enjoys jigsaw puzzles and riding rollercoasters.
Room 51111 - ext. 51111; chrisg@uainstitute.org
Chris comes to UAI this year from Boston, MA. After several years of teaching math in Chestnut MA, Chris has decided to relocate to NYC and we are proud to welcome him to our UAI family. Chris earned his BA in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from Boston College.
Danielle Romano, High School Math ICT and Senior AdvisorRoom 511 - ext. 51111; daniellero@uainstitute.org
Danielle began as a student teacher at UAI in 2011. Danielle quickly adapted UAI's learning formats to maximize student engagement and access into complex math concepts. As a peer instructional coach, Danielle works with her colleagues to develop practice and pedagogy so all students at UAI have stronger and more engaging classroom learning experiences.
Room 405 - ext. 40511; jamier@uainstitute.org
Jamie began at UAI as a student teacher in 2012. Currently, she will be working in partnership with Ms. Kiri to refine the CC Algebra curriculum and to inspire students in math as our 9th grade CC Algebra teacher. Jamie is originally from Buffalo and is currently finishing her Masters thesis in researching the use of technology to enrich classroom learning in math.
Room B45 - ext. 84511; judyc@uainstitute.org
Judy joins us from the Teaching Fellows Program. Judy completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at NYU Poly, and as such, has a personal connection to our partner, and our mission to empower young women through STEM. Judy is excited to join UAI and to become part of our team as we continue to prepare our young women for college success and future careers in STEM fields.
Room 309 - ext. 30911; matthewt@uainstitute.org
Matthew grew up in a military family and moved a lot throughout childhood. Some of his favorite places growing up were Hawaii and Italy. Matthew enjoys reading science fiction as well as playing board and computer games. Matthew obtained his BA in Mathematics and a BA in Religious Studies from the University of South Florida. In December 2010, he moved to NYC and in the fall of 2015, he joined the staff at UAI.
Physical Education Department
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Annie Annunziato, Assistant Principal
Elana Green, Physical Education and PSAL Volleyball & Basketball
Room 503- ext. 50311; elanag@uainstitute.org
Elana is originally from Brooklyn, NY. After spending her summers of college coaching different basketball clinics, Elana decided to become a teacher. This is her 8th year of teaching. Elana earned both her BA (business) and MA (education) from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. This year she will be teaching Health and Physical Education> This year Elana is excited about teaching health and, of course coaching our PSAL Volleyball and Basketball teams (our Lady Eagles) to championships.
Science DepartmentSupervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Annie Annunziato, Assistant Principal
Room 415 - ext. 41511; amandan@uainstiute.or
Amanda is originally from Cochranville, PA. Amanda earned her BA from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Geology. She attended the American Museum of Natural History’s challenging 15-month program to earn her MA in teaching. What excites Amanda most is all the fun projects she has planned for the classroom. Her goal is to create a classroom that is a place of discovery and encouragement towards piecing together the "Big Picture".
Room 515 - ext. 51511; damonn@uainstitute.org
Raised in the military, Damon moved to Brooklyn in 1988. He has BAs in Acting and in TV/Radio Communications and an MA (Education) from Brooklyn College. Damon started teaching in 2011 and this is his 6th year teaching Living Environment. Damon is excited to teach AP Biology this year. Damon is also the UFT Chapter Chair. When not teaching, he loves playing basketball. He also serves part-time with the NJ National Guard.
Room 309 - ext. 30911; meaghanh@uainstitute.org
Meaghan is originally from upstate New York. She has her BA from SUNY Oneonta in Criminal Justice and Philosophy with a minor in Gender Studies. Just last May, she earned her MA in Education from Long Island University. This is Meaghan's second year at UAI and her first year with the 6th-grade team. When not teaching, Meaghan enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her niece.
Room 315 - ext. 31511; megang@uainstitute.org
Megan was born and raised in Fresno, CA and graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child & Adolescent Development. In the summer of 2014, she relocated to Brooklyn. Before UAI, Megan worked in technology and corporate training and development for 6 years. This is her first year at UAI teaching 7th & 8th grade Living Environment. In her spare time, she loves exploring new neighborhoods, trying out new recipes.
Room 201 - ext. 20121; paulac@uainstitute.org
A native of Louisiana, Paula joined the New York City Teaching Fellows in 2009, after spending more than two decades in Houston teaching and performing as a classical pianist. In NYC schools, Paula has experienced District 75 schools, self-contained classrooms, and is now happy to start her second year in Learning Cultures at UAI as a Special Education Teacher for the 11th Grade.
Room B43 - ext. 84311; thomasw@uainstitute.org
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Val Binyard, AP(Val ICT Co-Teacher with 12th Sci.)
Originally from Long Island, Tom graduated from Dowling College with a degree in earth science and secondary education. He is entering his 5th year as a teacher. His first two years teaching were spent as a Peace Corps volunteer in the rural, Sub Saharan Country of Malawi. Thomas will be teaching 11th and 12th grade environmental science classes this year. Outside of the classroom, Thomas enjoys endurance cycling/running and photography.
Social Studies DepartmentSupervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Annie Annunziato, Assistant Principal
Room B49 - ext. 84911; jakec@uainstitute.org
Jake is new to UAI this year. Having taught for social studies for four years in Houston Texas, Jake decided to move to New York. Jake has his BA from Grand Valley State University in Allendale Michigan with a major in History and a minor in English. Jake joins Kelly, Annie, and Kiri in their Artisan Teaching work in US History and is excited to begin working with our staff and preparing our young women for future success in college and beyond!
Kelly is from Round Lake, NY and just moved to NYC this year. Kelly has her BA (History and Adolescent Education) from SUNY Geneseo. Kelly received her Masters from Clarkson University while teaching social studies in a residential therapeutic treatment center for young women. Kelly will be teaching UAI's 9th graders about U.S. History and she is excited to help develop our students into informed, engaged citizens who advocate for themselves and their communities
Room 205C - ext. 20511; natalier@uainstitute.org
Natalie was born and raised NYC. This is Natalie's 9th year in educating children. Natalie has her BA in Education and Psychology and her MA in History, particularly World War II and New York Social History. This is Natalie's 4th year at UAI, and she returns to teaching 7th and 8th grade history again this year. She is looking forward to creating a more familial atmosphere at UAI and helping students embrace their passion for learning.
Room 509 - ext. 50911; suzannaht@uainstitute.org
Supervisors: Kiri Soares, Principal and Val Binyard, AP (Val is teaching ICT Global)
Suzannah is from Youngstown Ohio. Suzannah has 25 years of teaching experience. She has taught ESL, history, composition and public speaking. Suzannah has a BA in Anthropology from Oberlin College; an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Illinois, Chicago; and an MS in Adolescent Education/Social Studies from Long Island University. Next year she will be teaching 10th Grade Global 2 and 12th Econ/Government.
all these teachers are trashy except ms phillian
ReplyDeletemr matthew looks like he came straight off of roblox
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