From the Principal

Barbara Abbey

Barbara Abbey is proud to serve as Principal of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, bringing more than 30 years of educational experience — including more than two decades in the Mount Vernon City School District — to the role.

A Bronx native and the daughter of immigrant parents from Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Abbey attended the University of Texas at Austin on a full track and field scholarship and proudly represented Antigua in the women's 400-meter event at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas before completing a Master of Science in Science Education at Lehman College and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Supervision at Baruch College.

Ms. Abbey began her career as a biology teacher in the New York City Public Schools before joining Mount Vernon High School, where she taught Biology and AP Biology and served as Science Department chair. In 2018, she became Assistant Principal of the newly established Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, helping build the school's culture and academic foundation from its inception.

She first served as Principal of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School from 2023 to 2025 before becoming Principal of Summit Park Elementary School in the East Ramapo Central School District. There, she led the school community while continuing her commitment to academic excellence, student achievement and inclusive school leadership.

Now returning to Nelson Mandela, Ms. Abbey is excited to build on the strong relationships she has established with students, families and staff. She believes every child can succeed when supported by caring educators, engaged families and a school community that fosters high expectations, belonging and opportunity.