Jeff joined Capital City in August 2012. He is certified in HVAC and CPR.
Prior to Capital City, Jeff worked for three years as a Maintenance Technician at the Department of Justice, Thurgood Marshall Building and as a delivery personnel for Staples for four years.
His hobbies include playing basketball, watching movies, figuring out how to fix things, and spending time with his kids.
Mary joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in History and Sexuality Studies from George Washington University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Before joining Capital City, Mary was a 7th and 8th grade ELA teacher at Friendship Chamberlain Middle School.
In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, playing board games, and watching reality TV.
Favorite Motto/Quote: "I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else's whim or someone else's ignorance." - Bell Hooks
Chris joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Health from Emory University.
Previously, Chris was an Ethics and Leadership Teacher and Residential Advisor for the School for Ethics and Global Leadership. He was also a Research Assistant for Emory's Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning Office. Chris is trained in CBCT.
Chris is fluent in Spanish (Native) and proficient in French and American Sign Language. He enjoys riding a bike or e-scooter and watching movies.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "Our radical imagination is a tool for decolonization, for reclaiming our right to shape our lived reality." - adrienne maree brown
Charles joined Capital City in 2015. He has worked in the security field for more than six years.
Marisa joined Capital City in August 2019. She holds a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Richard Stockton University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Marisa worked as a speech therapist for a public school and private practice in New Jersey and worked at a week-long summer camp serving children and teens with various levels of augmentative and alternative communication needs organized by Children's Specialized Hospital in New Jersey. Currently, Marisa also works for Strong Start providing early intervention speech and language services to children in DC.
Marisa is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing (ASHA) Association and attends community entry level American Sign Language (ASL) classes at Gallaudet University.
In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, running and doing yoga. She has ran two marathons and numerous half marathons.
Alba joined Capital City in June 2021. Before joining Capital City, she was a Senior Relationship Banker at SunTrust Bank.
Alba is fluent in Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading literature and fiction, and seeing live music.
Favorite Motto/Quote: “I want freedom, the right to self-expression, everybody’s right to beautiful, radiant things.” - Emma Goldman
Chip joined Capital City in April 2011 as the Upper School's Technology Integration Specialist. He has a Master of Science in Library Science, a Certificate in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland College Park.
Before coming to Capital City, Chip was the Instructional Multimedia Coordinator and Web Editor at the National Cathedral School in Washington, DC for six years. Prior to that, he worked as a library assistant in Montgomery County Public Schools for three years.
Chip is a 2016 Citybridge Education Innovation Fellow, a yearlong program that introduces teacher leaders to the most promising practices in personalized learning,
As part of the library team, Chip, including High School Librarian & Technology Teacher, Kishanna Harley, and former Library Assistant, Brandy Goffigan, designed and prepared Capital City’s winning CTE Makeover Challenge application for a makerspace that will be a hub of experiential learning in the school’s third-floor computer lab starting October 2016.
Chip enjoys reading, watching movies, playing video games, and spending much of his time in front of a glowing screen.
Dominique joined Capital City in September 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical & Computational Sciences from Stanford University.
She brings with her over a decade of work experience that ranges from Direct Marketing at a non-profit, teaching high school math, and working in Development and Communications at a D.C. think tank.
In her free time, Dominique loves to watch and to perform dances (tap in particular) and she enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
Victoria joined Capital City in April 2021. She holds a Master in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelors in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Special Education and Spanish from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Before joining Capital City, Victoria worked in Philadelphia charter schools with pregnant and parenting students.
Victoria is fluent in Spanish.
In her free time, she enjoys going to restaurants and trying new food. She describes herself as adventurous and loves exploring new places.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Justin joined Capital City in May 2014. He holds a B.A. in Graphic Design from Marymount University.
Prior to Capital City, Justin worked at Apple for seven years providing technical support for customers as a Genius. He is Apple hardware and software certified.
His hobbies include painting, playing with his dog, Frisco, and playing video games, but only after he finishes reading.
Michelle joined Capital City in November 2015. She is a certified Medical Assistant and has previous experience as a Security Officer from having worked for Professional 50 States Protection and B&B Security.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys listening to music, reading, and watching movies.
Karen has been an educator since 1992, working for eight years as a teacher in D.C. Public Schools before becoming the founding principal of Capital City in 2000. She was involved in all aspects of the start-up of Capital City including developing the curriculum, hiring and training staff, and developing the school’s plan for accountability and assessment. Karen received the Major Achievement in Charters Principal of the Year Award in 2001.
Under Karen’s leadership, the school has received Middle States Accreditation and several awards, including the Public Charter School Board Chair’s Award for Outstanding Performance and the Mayor’s High Performing School Incentive Award in 2005; New Leaders for New Schools‘ EPIC Silver-Gain award in 2008; and Fight for Children’s Quality Schools Initiative award in 2009, which designated us as the top charter school in Washington.
Karen has presented at many national conferences including the Coalition of Essential School’s Fall Forum, Expeditionary Learning’s National Conference, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting and Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Research Conference. In 2014-2015, she participated in the Leadership Greater Washington Signature Program.
Karen has an M.S. Ed. from Harvard University with a Concentration in Educational Leadership. She also has her M.S. Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. in Public Policy Studies from Duke University.
Outside of school, Karen enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, vegetarian cooking, traveling and spending time with her son, Darian.
An alum of Capital City, Yanci joined our team in September 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of the District of Columbia. She has more than six years of experience in graphic design.
She believes strongly in using design thinking as a framework to drive awareness, communicate ideas and engage audiences and is driven to empower and engage under-represented communities. She has previously worked or interned for community-based organizations, nonprofits, and local government
Yanci is a native Spanish speaker and enjoys being out in nature and going for hikes. She also enjoys biking, longboarding, and skating.
Personal motto: “Always tap into your inner flow and things simply unfold.”
Samantha joined Capital City in October 2016 with eight years of experience working in education. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Lafayette College.
Prior to Capital City, she served as the Education Director of a nonprofit that ran experiential education programs, primarily for underserved students, on a 137' sailboat. Prior to that, she worked as the Education Director and Center Director of a Sylvan Learning Center in Massachusetts. Samantha has also held various teaching positions in elementary classrooms in Boston.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and cheering on Boston sports teams.
Hayleigh joined the Capital City team in November 2021. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Ithaca College.
Prior to joining Capital City, Hayleigh worked as a Planning Editor for Spectrum News 1 in Albany, NY, and as a reporter for Eagle Newspapers in Syracuse, NY. She was the 2016 recipient of the A. Brohmann Roth Newcomer award from the Syracuse Press Club.
In her spare time, Hayleigh enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and spending time with her cat, Cleopatra.
Favorite Quote/Motto: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton
Aisha joined Capital City in 2001 as a Teaching Assistant in Pre-K/Kindergarten and 3rd/4th grades. In 2005, she started working as a 1st/2nd Grade Inclusion Teacher. Later, she coordinated before and after-care as the Director of Out of School Time and moved on to her current position as Director of Operations in March 2017.
Aisha is working on her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of the District of Columbia. She has received training in Phonographix and supporting English Language Learners.
She has been a member of Capital City’s math leadership cadre and has served on curriculum and hiring teams. Aisha has worked with the P.L.E.A.S.E. after school program and has also coordinated reading intensives and worked with Capital City's summer school program.
Aisha is a baseball mom and has two children.
Jeff joined Capital City in 2014. He has worked in security for more than 10 years.
Caroline joined Capital City in July 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Virginia.
Prior to joining Capital City, Caroline worked as a Public Sector Advisory Consultant at Grant Thornton.
Her hobbies include teaching swim instruction, traveling, playing the piano, and yoga.
Isabel joined Capital City in March 2020. She holds a M.A in Translation and Localization Management from Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a B.A in Multilingual Business and International Relations from Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador.
Isabel's experience includes working as a Localization Project Manager and Spanish Translator and Reviewer. She is originally from Quito, Ecuador and is fluent in Spanish, German and French.
In her free time, Isabel enjoys playing and teaching her child new things, playing with her cats, reading, watching TV series and movies, singing, and dancing.
Favorite Quote: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear" - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Christol joined Capital City in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Bowie State University.
She has more than eight years experience working in security.
Brandon officially joined Capital City as the Bilingual Front Desk Office Manager in December 2017. Brandon has been with Capital City since 2010 previously working as a Pre-K Teaching Assistant, After Care Teacher & Substitute Teacher. He holds a certificate in Polysomnographic Technology (Sleep Medicine) and is currently studying to take the National Board Exam to be awarded the title of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT).
Brandon has interned at Children's National Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital executing sleep studies on pediatric patients. He is fluent in Spanish and in his free time he enjoys dancing, DJ-ing, basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
Ayana joined Capital City in 2012. She holds a Culinary Arts degree from Stratford University and is a Certified Raw Food Chef and Instructor.
Ayana is the founder and owner of Plant-based Everything, a vegan catering company, and Sassy Chef catering. Prior to Capital City, she served as a food service manager for Kima Public Charter School.
Mer joined Capital City in June 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from Oberlin College. Mer is a Certified National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician.
Before joining Capital City, Mer was a health coordinator at Joffe Emergency Services where she provided onsite expertise in COVID Management, ensured compliance with the different guidelines, and promoted COVID vaccination for families, teachers, and students.
Todd joined Capital City in August 2012. He holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies focused on intercultural communication from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Ithaca College.
Prior to Capital City, Todd worked as the Director of Development at Ivymount School in Potomac, MD and as the faculty member in charge of outdoor and experiential education at School for Tomorrow in Rockville, MD. He has also co-directed the Counselor in Training program at Valley Mill Camp in Darnestown, MD for three years.
Todd is a Certified Wilderness First Responder and a Wilderness First Aid Instructor. He is trained in CPR and First Aid. In 2016 he was selected as a Fund for Teachers Awardee to complete a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician Training in New Hampshire.
Todd's hobbies include cycling, running, camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, tinkering and building things.
Shannon joined Capital City in January 2021. She holds a Masters in Communications and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelors in Media Arts and Accounting from James Madison University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Shannon worked on a 2-year research project to understand how school networks use data to drive continuous improvement at the Center for Public Research and Leadership.
Shannon is fluent in Chinese.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing Sudoku.
Joanna joined Capital City as a founding teacher in 2000. Prior to Capital City, Joanna taught for ten years in the DC Public School system at Hearst Elementary and at the Fillmore Arts Center.
Joanna has a Master of Arts in Drama/Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts/Theatre from St. Michael’s College in Vermont. She is certified to teach drama for K-12th grades.
Joanna has presented master classes on arts integration at seven Expeditionary Learning national conferences around the country and at several Theatre In Our Schools mini-conferences. She has served on the Instructional Leadership Team at Capital City and has been instrumental in building many school-culture traditions and the development of our arts program.
Joanna has written three musicals for young audiences and is working on several new scripts and a children's book.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going to Maine every summer.
Kristi joined Capital City in July 2015 as the Registrar. She attended Midlands Technical College and Benedict College in Columbia, SC with a focus in Psychology. She brings to Capital City more than seven years experience working for DC Public Charter Schools and has also worked in the tourism industry.
Kristi loves to travel, especially to places where the water is blue. She also enjoys completing jigsaw puzzles, singing, and cooking.
Pam first joined Capital City in October 2012 as the Development Associate. She holds a Master in International Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Wright State University, where she graduated summa cum laude.
Prior to Capital City, Pam worked for Liberty's Promise, a nonprofit that serves immigrant youth, and oversaw two after-school programs while working on the organization's development and outreach initiatives. She has also served on their Board of Directors. She is currently the President of SW Community Gardens in DC.
Her hobbies include running, cycling, and promoting the great state of Ohio. She is fluent in Spanish.
ZsaZsa joined Capital City in October 2016. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix.
Prior to Capital City, ZsaZsa worked as a Discipline Behavior Specialist at Kramer Middle School. She also worked for the Extended School Year program at Watkins Elementary School.
Mateo joined Capital City in 2019. He holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to Capital City, Mateo worked in the development field for various nonprofits in the Washington, DC area. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Darnetta joined Capital City in December 2021. She brings 30 years of experience working for DC Public Schools in the roles of data entry clerk, staff assistant, and registrar.
In her spare time, Darnetta enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and mentoring teenagers.
Favorite motto/quote: “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
Celia joined Capital City in September 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a graduate of the College Park Scholars in the Arts program and taught photography for two years.
Prior to joining Capital City, Celia led the communications efforts for six years at Urban Teachers. She was also an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Montgomery County Executive Office of Community Partnerships and Maryland Department of Planning.
When Celia is not thinking about creative ways to communicate, she enjoys playing the drums, listening to music, running, traveling, watching baseball and obsessing over the Chicago Cubs.
Jonathan joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Davidson College.
Previously, Jonathan was a Scholar Coach for the Schuler Scholar Program in Waukegan, IL. He was also a Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern in 2018.
Jonathan is proficient in Spanish. In his free time he enjoys Ultimate Frisbee and looks forward to playing in the DC area.
Wanda joined Capital City in 2004. Prior to becoming Director of Special Populations, she was the Director of Student Services at the Upper School and taught 1st, 2nd and 5th grades at the Lower School campus.
Wanda holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of the District of Columbia. She also studied nursing at Howard University.
Wanda has over 18 years of experience working in the education field. Prior to Capital City, Wanda taught for four years at Watkins Elementary in Washington, DC. Wanda has been a member of Capital City’s Instructional Leadership Team and has participated on Diversity and Equity Core Committees for the last three years. She was trained at Capital City as a Critical Friends Group Facilitator.
Wanda is currently an Adjunct Special Education Professor at University of Maryland College Park.
Wanda is originally from Charleston, South Carolina and in her free time she loves traveling with her family.
Linda joined Capital City in February 2016. She graduated from the University of Maryland in College Park with a Major in Communications and a minor in U.S. Latino/a Studies plus a Latin American Studies Certificate.
In the past, she volunteered to help wrestling practices at her former high school and she enjoys playing soccer, wrestling and tennis. She also likes the outdoors, traveling and turtles.
Emily joined Capital City as a Business Associate in March 2013 and began to manage the Human Resources department in July 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the George Washington University.
Prior to Capital City, Emily worked as the Business Operations Manager for DC Sail, a non-profit community development and outreach organization that provides maritime education to youth and adults through sailing.
Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and taking local art classes.
Glenda joined Capital City in January 2015 first as our Bilingual Office Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Towson University in Electronic Media and Film and is currently pursuing her Masters in TESOL at McDaniel College.
She has more than six years experience supporting our family engagement efforts through her roles as an office manager, development and communications manager, and interim Family Engagement lead in 2020. She is also an ESOL teacher for adult learners with Casa de Maryland.
Glenda is fluent in Spanish.
In her free time, Glenda enjoys crafting, sewing, cooking, and spending time with her daughter.
María José joined Capital City in November 2020. An alum of Capital City, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs.
María José is fluent in Spanish and conversational Portuguese.
In her free time, María José enjoys going out with friends, staying up to date with current events, practicing Portuguese, and, despite not being the best at it, working out whenever she can.
Favorite Quote: "Society decides when we get old. But the spirit never ages." - Isabel Allende
Miguel joined Capital City in March 2021. He earned a certificate in June 2020 from the George Washington University College of Professional Studies for completing the GW Cybersecurity Boot Camp.
Prior to joining Capital City, Miguel completed an IT internship at Ali Net in Beltsville, MD.
Lea joined the Capital City team in August 2021 and has a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Rural Development from Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry Engineering from Universidad Nacional Agraria
Lea is originally from Nicaragua, where she worked as an agricultural extension agent organizing community projects in rural areas.
Prior to joining Capital City, she worked for the Arlington County Public School system in many different programs – including the Bilingual Family Liaison Program, Extended Day programs, and the Aspire After School Learning Program as an AmeriCorps volunteer.
Jemila joined Capital City in August 2016. She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University. During her studies, she carried out her clinical practicum experience in four schools in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County, MD.
Jemila speaks basic Spanish. She enjoys reading, playing music, stepping, and painting.
Aura joined Capital City in 2019. She holds a Bachelor in Communications and Journalism from Universidad de la Sabana in Colombia.
Aura has decades of experience with translation and interpretation, having worked for the BBC World Service, Dow Jones & Co, and as an independent translator for 14 years. She most recently worked at the International Baccalaureate in Maryland. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.
William joined Capital City in July 2019. He is an Apple Certified Mac Technician, Apple Certified iOS Technician, Jamf Training.
Favorite quote/motto: At our core, shine a spotlight, only to stand outside of it.
Joana joined Capital City in July 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from CUNY (City University of New York) Queens College.
Previously, Joana worked in charter schools in Harlem, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
Joana is fluent in Spanish. In her spare time she enjoys trying new restaurants and cuisines, reading, and spending time in nature.
John joined Capital City in 2010. He has previously worked in culinary services.
Jonathan joined Capital City in June 2014. He received his Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley with a focus on urban economic development and his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.
Jonathan has more than 20 years of management experience. Prior to Capital City, he was the Deputy COO at Friendship Public Charter School. He also previously worked as the VP for Facilities and Capital Development at Unity Health Care and as the COO and CFO at Jair Lynch Development Partners.
Jonathan is very involved in the community and has served on the boards of GreenSpace and the Mid-City Business Association, as well as the Leadership Committee of affordable housing developer Manna, Inc. He is working hard to regain his fluency in Spanish.
Destiny joined Capital City in September 2021. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of William and Mary.
Previously, Destiny was the Research and Evaluation Analyst at the Children's Trust in Miami, FL and a Fellow teaching 6th grade math instruction in HISD Houston, TX.
In her spare time, she loves to dance salsa.
Ryoko joined Capital City in September 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese from Reitaku University in Chiba, Japan and was trained as an environmental educator and nature program coordinator for PK-12th grade at the NPO Tsukuba Environment Forum in Japan.
Currently, Ryoko is the director of her own garden care company in addition to her work with Capital City. She has years of experience in consulting and maintaining residential and communal gardens with an ecological approach.
Ryoko holds certificates in permaculture design from the School of Living and in horticulture and landscape design from the Graduate School USA. She received the Canopy Award for Education from Casey Trees in 2016.
Ryoko’s hobbies include learning herbal medicine, urban homesteading, seasonal cooking and riding bikes with her son, Akesh, a student at Capital City. Ryoko is a native Japanese speaker and is conversational in Mandarin.