Ari is a tenure-track professor at Hunter College CUNY. He holds a PhD, graduating with distinction, from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University. He earned his undergraduate degree at Bryn Mawr College, double-majoring in English and history of art, and received his teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University. A TeachforAmerica alumni and former public school educator in the Bay Area and abroad, Ari has over fifteen years of experience in teaching and advising.

Ari has mentored hundreds of students, ranging from middle to graduate school, and is adept at meeting the needs of diverse learners; in particular, he brings his therapeutic acumen to his work with students. He specializes in supporting youth as they discover their aspirations, achieve their goals, and cultivate their burgeoning identities as scholars and change-makers.