About Us
BrightPath Academy, LLC is an afterschool arts and life-skills organization serving children and teens in NYC family shelters and public schools. We specialize in combining academics, creative expression, and social-emotional learning so young people can heal, grow, and thrive.
Our Mission
Our mission is to give children a fair start in life by combining academics with creative expression. Through academics, arts, and performance, we help all children — including neurodivergent youth — thrive, self-advocate, build confidence, heal from trauma, and find a true sense of belonging.
What Makes Us Different
- Trauma-informed design from the ground up
- Social-emotional learning addressed through art and performance
- Access to top-tier teaching artists (Broadway-level instructors, museum-based educators, and highly trained practitioners)
- Programs built for shelter environments and school partnerships
- Commitment to inclusion, including special education and neurodivergent youth
Founders : BrightPath Academy was co-founded by
Marina Grafman, MA CCC-SLP / TSHH
Co-Founder & Director of Programs
Marina Grafman is a dedicated speech therapist specializing in autism, with a distinguished career in the Department of Education. Founder of the True Freedom Life Foundation to advocate for the human and family rights. With a deep commitment to fostering communication, understanding, and emotional growth, she has developed personalized strategies that support the unique needs of every child she works with—helping them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Key Highlights
- Specialized Expertise: Experienced in evidence-based practices that enhance communication skills for children on the autism spectrum.
- Individualized Support: Designs customized therapeutic approaches to meet each student’s developmental and emotional needs.
- Educational Leadership: Active contributor within the Department of Education, promoting inclusive, supportive learning environments.
- Advocacy & Empowerment: Passionate about human rights and dedicated to giving a voice to vulnerable populations.
- Holistic Approach: Combines professional knowledge with her experience as a mother to create nurturing spaces where children feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Professional Identity
Marina is recognized for her compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping children communicate freely and confidently. Her vision extends beyond the classroom—she is now a co-creater an after-school program focused on helping children process trauma through performing arts. By integrating her therapeutic training with her passion for expressive arts, Marina aims to build a safe, healing, and inspiring environment for every child who walks through the door.
Masha Tsinberg
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
Masha Tsinerg is an accomplished operations leader with over a decade of experience managing and scaling after-school private education programs. For the past 10 years, she has overseen daily operations, staff coordination, and program development, ensuring that students receive high-quality academic enrichment in a safe and supportive environment.
Key Highlights
- Operational Leadership: Directed all aspects of school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, compliance, and parent communications.
- Team Management: Recruited, trained, and supervised educators and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Program Development: Expanded after-school offerings to meet diverse student needs, from academic tutoring to arts and extracurricular activities.
- Community Engagement: Built strong relationships with families and local organizations, enhancing the school’s reputation and impact.
- Sustained Growth: Maintained smooth operations during periods of expansion, adapting to evolving educational standards and student expectations.
Professional Identity
Masha is recognized for her ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on management. Her leadership style emphasizes efficiency, empathy, and innovation, making her a trusted figure in private school administration.