Christina Tettonis is the superintendent of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS). She led HCCS-Park Slope as principal from 2007-2019 and founded its Staten Island campus in 2019. She was instrumental in achieving three successful five-year charter renewals, the replication of the Staten Island campus, and the prestigious 2019 National Blue Ribbon award. Previously, she was principal of P.S. 170 and Director of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program in District 20. Christina has served on the Deputy Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Group, as a Cahn Fellows advisor, and as a trustee for the Brooklyn Public Library and The Literacy Trust. She began her public school career teaching students at Public School 186 and Public School 105 in Brooklyn, New York. Her first teaching position was at Holy Cross Parochial School. She holds a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading Instruction and a sixth year certificate in Administration & Supervision and a school district administrator certification. Christina was born and raised in Brooklyn. She is the eldest daughter of Greek immigrant parents. She is married and has twin sons.
Joy Petrakos
Chief of Operations of Schools
Joy Petrakos is the Chief Operating Officer of Hellenic Classical Charter Schools, overseeing both the Brooklyn (HCCS-PS) and Staten Island (HCCS-SI) campuses. As the founding Director of Operations from 2005-2019, she played a pivotal role in building the organization from the ground up – establishing core school systems, recruiting staff and students, and overseeing operations, finance, grants, compliance, admissions, and accountability, while working collaboratively across academic, operational, and community-facing functions. As an executive leader, Joy helped secure six- five year renewals across both schools, the successful Staten Island replication, and the 2019 National Blue Ribbon recognition. She also cultivated strong partnerships with the Greek government. With more than 20 years of leadership at Hellenic Classical Charter Schools, Joy currently manages over $20 million in annual budgets, has overseen multi million dollar capital expansions, and has secured over $1 million in grant funding. Under her leadership, both schools consistently maintain strong audits and financial stability. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens to Greek immigrant parents, Joy lives in New York with her family and her dog, Bella.
Natasha Caban
Principal, HCCS-Park Slope
Natasha Caban is the Principal of the Hellenic Classical Charter School- Park Slope. She previously served as Assistant Principal for 11 years and as Special Education Coordinator and teacher from 2005-2007. As Coordinator of Special Education, Natasha established and developed the school’s special education program during its first year of operation in 2005, ensuring all IEPs and related services met state compliance standards. She also served as testing coordinator and liaison while supporting HCCS-PS through multiple five-year charter renewals. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Natasha is the eldest daughter of a former DOE Assistant Principal and a current DOE employee. She is married and has a daughter.
Cathy Kakleas
Principal, HCCS-Staten Island
Cathy Kakleas has been with the Hellenic Classical Charter School since its founding in 2005. As a first-grade teacher, she fostered a love of reading and served as a mentor to new teachers, using her classroom as a model for effective instruction. In 2011, she became the Literacy Coach for grades K-8 after completing advanced training at Columbia University’s Teachers College. She led study tours on Socratic Seminars, organized a Foundational Skills Institute with Columbia, and participated in Danielson’s Framework for Teaching Clusters Pilot, inspiring schoolwide peer collaboration and reflection. Appointed Dean of Academics in 2016, Cathy guided instructional staff, led a team of teacher leaders, and oversaw the Pre-K program, which exceeded NYC DOE averages on the 2017 CLASS assessment. She currently serves as Principal of the Hellenic Classical Charter School- Staten Island. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Cathy lives in Staten Island with her family.