Jonel joined Capital City in August 2011. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education from the University of the East in the Philippines.
Jonel brings to Capital City six years of experience working in schools having previously worked at Samuel P. Massie Academy in Prince George’s County and for the Department of Education in Manila, Philippines.
Jonel is very involved in everything sports related. He is the volleyball, swimming and softball coach and during the winter, he coaches the Lower School sports program. He is fluent in Tagalog and Filipino native dialects and in his free time he enjoys fishing and collecting Starbucks coffee mugs!
Gloria joined the Capital City team in August 2021. She most recently worked as a childcare provider, working with children ages two to eight and providing daycare, aftercare, and summer care for several families.
Maria joined Capital City in 2017. An alum of Capital City, she is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Trinity Washington University.
Maria has worked as both a coach for DC Scores and a camp counselor. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Evelin first joined Capital City in 2016 as a Substitute Teacher and is a former Capital City student. She holds a Bachelor in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University. In 2018 she became a Center for Inspired Teaching Fellow and earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Trinity Washington University.
Prior to Capital City, Evelin interned at Capital Kids Inc Child Development Center.
Evelin is fluent in Spanish and in her free time, she likes to take nature walks, watch movies, and spend time with her loved ones.
Claire joined Capital City in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a STEM Concentration from the North Carolina State University. She holds a SP1 Professional Educator’s License for the District of Columbia and North Carolina.
Prior to Capital City, she taught fifth grade in a DCPS school for two years.
Julia joined Capital City in August 2019. An alum of Capital City, she holds a Master in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington Education and a Bachelor of Arts from University of Mary Washington.
In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, writing and listening to music.
Favorite quote/phrase: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
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.
Margo first joined Capital City in April 2014. She holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from George Washington University and Bachelor of Liberal Arts with emphasis on Cross Cultural Communication from the University of Connecticut.
Prior to Capital City, she taught at the Kingsbury Center for seven years and was a DC Teaching Fellow.
She speaks conversational Spanish. In her free time, she volunteers at the Capital Area Food Bank and Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Her hobbies include playing tennis, gardening, watching "old" movies, cheering for the Washington Mystics, and traveling.
Stephan joined Capital City in March 2020 as a Long-Term Spanish Substitute Teacher for the Middle School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Secondary Foreign Language Education from Temple University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Stephan taught at District of Columbia Public Schools. He also studied abroad through the IES Study Abroad Program and had an 8-week internship in Barcelona, Spain.
Stephan speaks intermediate Portuguese.
In his free time, Stephan enjoys dancing and fitness activities. He also enjoys traveling around the world, learning new languages, and trying various cuisines.
Favorite quote/phrase: "Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week"- Jay-Z
Cerissa joined Capital City in August 2012. She holds a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education with a teaching endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL) from Erikson Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Psychology from Towson University. After receiving her degree from Towson University, she moved to Chicago to complete a 2-year Teach for America commitment at a head start in the west side of Chicago.
Prior to Capital City, Cerissa completed a year-long teaching internship in Chicago's Chinatown where she taught 26 Chinese-speaking second graders. She was a Barbara T. Bowman Scholarship and TEACH Grant recipient. She has worked in an array of private, public, and charter preschool settings in Maryland, Chicago, and DC since 2005.
Cerissa mentors new teachers at Capital City and graduate students at her alma mater Erikson Institute. In her spare time, she likes to travel, relax at home, and spend time with family and friends. She also enjoys art activities such as coloring and painting.
Danny joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Master of Art in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from American University and a Bachelor of Art in Media Arts from The Art Institute of Colorado.
Previously, Danny worked for three years at DC Public Schools.
His hobbies include art, writing, movies, going out to eat with friends, and exploring the city.
Favorite Quote/Motto: Secure your mask before trying to help secure the mask of others.
Flor joined Capital City in August 2021. She previously worked as a Preschool Teacher Assistant at Kiddie University Child Care, where she worked with the teacher and students to provide a safe and educational environment.
She is fluent in Spanish.
Phylana joined the Capital City team in August 2021. She has a Masters of Science degree in Education from the Johns Hopkins School of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Gonzaga University. Phylana has also obtained a Regular I Teachers License from Urban Teachers.
Prior to joining Capital City, Phylana worked as an Urban Teachers Resident: Kindergarten Humanities Teacher at Rocketship RISE Academy, and was an AmeriCorps Education Fellow at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School in Newark, NJ.
Rachel first joined Capital City in 2013 as a Lower School aftercare art teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Guilford College in Fine Arts and Education. Her studio practice includes all types of mediums but specifically printmaking, drawing, and weaving.
Prior to Capital City, she started a community arts center in DC called New Community ArtSpace. She is also a public art consultant and continues to work locally, nationally, and internationally on integrating small and large scale art projects into both indoor and outdoor public spaces.
She is a native Washingtonian who loves long runs in Rock Creek Park and has two children who attend Capital City.
Germaine joined Capital City in December 2014. Her previous experience working with children comes from teaching Sunday School, having been a classroom volunteer, a Cub Scout Leader and an Assistant Scoutmaster. Currently, she is working towards an Associate degree at Prince George’s Community College.
As a former Capital City parent, Germaine knows the school well and coordinated the 2015 Spring Fair.
She likes spending time with her three children, camping, and hiking, and landscape brick art.
Cynthia joined Capital City in August 2012. She holds a Master of Arts in Pan African Studies with a concentration in African Theatre and Art from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Communications from Columbia College in Chicago.
Prior to joining Capital City, she was the Performing Arts Director at Family Matters of Greater Washington, managing the day-to-day operations of a staff of 30, while also organizing and teaching a residential outdoor education program for inner-city youth.
She is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the SoulFly Theatre Society. SoulFLY is a grassroots entertainment group that produces theatre, film, television, and radio projects.
Cynthia’s hobbies include acting, directing, freelance writing, traveling, and spending time with her Goddaughter, Jordyn.
Maura joined Capital City in August 2021. Maura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies from Wesley College.
Maura is trained in ELL and before joining Capital City, she worked at DC Scholars Public Charter School.
In her free time, Maura enjoys time with her family and friends, taking pictures of her cat, working out, and exploring Washington D.C.
Favorite Motto/Quote: "If you're always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be." - Maya Angelou
Alex joined Capital City in September 2021. She holds a Master in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill.
She previously taught at Friendship Public Charter Schools - Chamberlain campus.
In her free time, she enjoys video games, skateboarding, listening to Fleetwood Mac, eating mac-n-cheese, and watching Star Wars.
Favorite Quote: “Be who you needed when you were younger.” - T.S. Elliot
Deirdre joined Capital City in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Sociology from the University of Maryland - Eastern Shore and a Master in Counseling from Trinity Washington University.
Prior to Capital City, Deirdre worked in the Office of Special Education in DCPS for more than fifteen years. Her roles at DCPS included compliance specialist, progress monitor, and special education coordinator.
Justin joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor or Arts in American History, with a minor in Secondary Education, from the University of Maryland.
He brings 7 years of experience working in schools in either teacher or support roles. Previously, he worked at District of Columbia Public Schools, Bridges Public Charter School, Montgomery County Public Schools (MD), Aspire! Afterschool Learning Center, and After-School All Stars DC.
His hobbies include sports (football, baseball, and kickball), video games and podcasts and multimedia.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson
Ariel joined Capital City in 2019. He holds a Bachelor in Sociology with a focus on social work and development management from the Universidad del Norte de Nicaragua.
Prior to Capital City, Ariel taught English for two years in Nicaragua and worked with students in Massachusetts in after-school and sports programs. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Alexis first joined Capital City in August 2017 as a 2nd Grade Inclusion Teacher. She holds a Master’s in Education and Special Education from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Princeton University.
Alexis previously worked at Eagle Academy PCS and Dream Academy in NYC. She is also a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
In her free time, Alexis loves cooking (and eating) unhealthy foods, watching the Yankees, and playing board games.
Favorite quote/phrase: "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." - Maya Angelou
Ciaratli joined Capital City in August 2021. She is currently attending Trinity Washington University.
She most recently worked as a Lead Counselor at Kids Elite Sports Summer Camp in Washington D.C., where she supervised children and organized structured reading groups.
Ciaratli is fluent in Spanish.
Brenda first joined Capital City in 2017 as an aftercare teacher. She is currently working on her Associate in Early Childhood Education at Prince George’s Community College.
She is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Katie joined Capital City in December 2020 as the new Mary's Center Clinician for the Lower School.
Katie provides one-on-one therapy, group counseling, and mental health resources for students, families, teachers, and staff.
Polina joined Capital City in September 2021. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis from Pitzer College. She has dual teaching certification in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.
Polina has more than four years of direct teaching experience, having previously worked in DCPS and other DC Public Charter Schools and Ontario-Montclair Public Schools in California. She is trained in Conscious Discipline, Fountas & Pinnell, and Flamboyan parent-engagement strategies.
She is fluent in Russian and in her free time, loves to cook new recipes, read fiction books, explore nature, and spend time with her kittens, fiance, and friends.
Molly joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, Law, and Public Policy from Indiana University.
Before joining Capital City, Molly worked as a 1st grade teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In her free time, Molly enjoys gardening, baking, and hiking.
Favorite Quote/Motto: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
Morgan joined Capital City in August 2016. She holds Masters in Teaching from Trinity University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology from Wagner College.
Prior to Capital City, Morgan worked as a City Year corps member at the MLK Academy in San Antonio, TX; translated for the Children’s Impact Network; and interned at El Centro del Inmigrante in New York.
Morgan is fluent in Spanish and her hobbies include traveling, reading, and crossword puzzles.
Brittney began her teaching career at Capital City in 2013 as a Kindergarten Teaching Fellow through the Inspired Teaching Residency Program. She holds a Master in Education Policy and Leadership with a concentration in Literacy Instruction and Instructional Coaching from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African Studies, and a certificate in Children’s Literature, from The University of Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in K-12 Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education.
Prior to Capital City, Brittney taught and served as a mentor for first year teachers in DCPS and Public Charter Schools. She piloted a mindfulness/conflict resolution curriculum called Peace of Mind and is trained in Restorative Justice and Trauma-Informed Responses and Cultural Competency for LGBTQ Youth.
Outside of Capital City, Brittney is a local racial and social justice activist in DC and spends her weekends serving the DC community through teach-ins, mutual aid, and protest. She is also a fitness instructor and Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Justice at spark, an education wellness and social justice platform.
She also enjoys traveling, reading, watching reality TV and spending time with her wife and two dogs.
Natalie joined Capital City in August 2021. Natalie holds a Master of Science in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Political Science and History from George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a dual Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University.
While in college, Natalie served as a Jumpstart AmeriCorps member for four years, where she was provided with significant training, coaching, and support on how to ensure that all children are provided a high-quality education.
Natalie is also an Urban Teacher and has received a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and a President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys attending concerts. She has had the opportunity to see many artists and has a list of more that she would like to see once it is safe to do so again. She believes that “music connects people” and can’t wait to connect again with music and her friends.
Matt joined Capital City in August 2016 as an Inspired Teaching Fellow. He holds a Masters in Teaching from Trinity Washington University, a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management Policy from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies from Ohio Northern University.
Matt’s professional experience includes working on environmental and public health issues for The Cadmus Group and as an Environmental Protection Specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In his free time, he enjoys running, biking, reading, swimming and playing with his children.
Matt is originally from Ada, Ohio, and his two children are Capital City students!
Taliah joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Master of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Latin American History from Skidmore College.
Prior to joining Capital City, Taliah was an Urban Teacher Resident at Eagle Academy Public Charter School.
In her free time, Taliah enjoys trying different foods and traveling.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: Give yourself some credit.
Gloria joined Capital City first as an After-care Teacher in March 2015 and became a PreK Teacher Assistant in August 2016. She studied early Childhood Education at the University of the District of Columbia.
Gloria has over 28 years of experience working with children and received an Outstanding Teacher Assistant Award, a Team Player Award, and a Success For All Tutoring award at schools that she previously worked for.
In her free time, she likes to go shopping, visiting amusement parks, and going to restaurants.
Gabriella joined Capital City in August 2018. She holds a Masters of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins and a Bachelor of Art in History with a minor in Education and Marketing from Stetson University. She also holds certifications in elementary education and special education.
Gabriella has received significant training in Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum, leveled literacy intervention, and family engagement with the Flamboyan Foundation.
Before joining Capital City, Gabriella taught first grade as an Urban Teachers Resident at Plummer Elementary.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Gabriella enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring new food.
Justine joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University.
Prior to Capital City, Justine volunteered at the DPR Cooperative Play Program.
Her hobbies include listening to music, trying new food, and watching National Geographic.
Míchelle joined Capital City in July 2019 as our Lower School Principal. She holds a Master in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, where she graduated summa cum laude.
With 9 years of experience teaching and leading in public schools, Míchelle joins Capital City with a deep expertise in elementary education and an unwavering commitment to educational equity. Prior to Capital City, Míchelle taught in bilingual immersion programs in Illinois and Washington, DC and was both an Assistant Principal and Principal at Mundo Verde Public Charter School. She has received training in Responsive Classrooms, Leading Educators, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. She was awarded the "Those Who Excel Award for Early Career Educators" from the Illinois State Board of Education in 2013.
Míchelle is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys silly jokes and loves Beyoncé. She is honored to serve as the Lower School Principal and be able to build strong, lasting relationships with students, staff, and families.
Anna joined Capital City in August 2021. Anna holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.
Before joining Capital City, Anna worked at Creative Minds International Public Charter School as an Inclusion Teacher and Resource Room Teacher. She is Orton-Gillingham Certified and has been teaching for more than seven years.
In her free time, Anna enjoys gardening and crossword puzzles.
Molly joined Capital City in January 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
Prior to joining Capital City, Molly taught two years as a Teach for America teacher at a Head Start in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and four years at a public charter school in Southeast DC.
In her free time, Molly enjoys reading, going on walks around her neighborhood, and spending time with family and friends.
Kymbree joined Capital City in March 2018. An alum of Capital City, she is currently working on her Bachelors at Hampton University.
Amber joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY College at Old Westbury.
Prior to joining Capital City, Amber worked at Fairfax County in Virginia and at KIPP DC. She attended the Capital Teaching Residency program with KIPP DC to earn her teaching certification.
Amber’s hobbies include watching YouTube videos for tips on painting, going on camping trips, cooking, sketching and watching movies.
Favorite quote/phrase: "Be willing to relearn things you thought you mastered." - Anonymous
Gloria joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Irvine.
Before joining Capital City, Gloria was the 4th Grade Math Teacher at DC Bilingual.
In her free time, Gloria enjoys reading and coffee and taking care of her plants.
Steve joined Capital City in May 2017. He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Steve has more than twenty years of school-based teaching and administrative experience. Most recently, he was the Athletic Director and a Physical Education Teacher at Burgundy Farm Country Day School in Alexandria. He also has ample experience teaching abroad and taught at the Jakarta International School in Indonesia, Colegio Roosevelt in Lima, Peru, and the International School in Prague, Czech Republic.
In his free time, Steve likes to explore new places with his wife Liz and son Mason. He also enjoys cooking and taking pictures of birds.
Izi joined Capital City in April 2021. Prior to working as a Dedicated Aide, Izi served as a Learning Hub Supervisor. She holds an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Community College and is pursuing a Bachelors in Social Work from UDC.
Previously, Izi worked for DC Bilingual Public Charter School as an Aftercare Teacher and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School as a Learning Hub Supervisor.
Izi is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her hobbies include spending time with her kids planning an adventure, hanging out with friends and going on daily walks.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "Even though you're fed up, you got to keep ya head up."
Yolanda started at Capital City in August 2021. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity University.
She brings 17 years of experience working with children, and before joining Capital City she most recently worked as a Pre-K Homeschooling Lead Teacher.
Tatisha joined Capital City in August 2020. Tatisha holds a Master’s in Education from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College, which she attended on a full-tuition Posse Scholarship.
Prior to joining Capital City, Tatisha taught 2nd and 4th grade at Kipp Thrive Academy in Newark, NJ. She also worked at American University for a year before transitioning to Rocketship Legacy Prep where she taught 2nd grade Technology and 4th grade Science and Math.
In her free time, Tatisha enjoys watching baseball, reading, painting, and exercising.
Favorite quote/phrase: "Dance like no ones watching, love like you've never been hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like its heaven on earth." - Mark Twain
Lisa is returning to the Lower School, were she used to be a 3rd and 4th grade classroom teacher for four years before becoming an inclusion teacher for Middle School from 2008-2019. She has worked with students in 5th through 10th grades.
Prior to moving to DC, Lisa taught at public and private schools in and around Philadelphia for eight years.
Lisa's professional interests include working with students to develop math instruction that matches the way they learn best, teaching executive functioning skills and self-regulation strategies, and building communities of supportive, responsible citizens. She is also deeply invested in the Middle School's Habits of Scholars, which she views as critical life skills that all students need to be successful in future endeavors.
In 2003 and 2004, Lisa presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics National Conference. Lisa considers herself a lifelong learner. While at Capital City, she completed several professional development programs including the Expeditionary Learning Assessment Institute, Developmental Designs I and II workshops, and the Alert Program online course.
During her years at Capital City, Lisa has designed expeditions that link science and social studies content to math and language arts standards, written and revised math benchmark assessments, and engaged students in a range of stewardship projects. As an Inclusion Teacher, she modifies projects and assessments so that every student has the opportunity to "show what she knows." She also helped develop plans for the 5th Grade's Eagle Camp and "Building Balance Program," both of which support students in their transition to Capital City's Middle School.
Lisa enjoys traveling, especially visiting national parks and factory tours. She also loves NFL football, reading Torah, and Geocaching. One of her goals is to improve her Spanish fluency and accuracy, and she welcomes support from students and parents.
Stephanie joined Capital City in August 2013 as a 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher. She holds a Master in Special Education and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Boston College.
Prior to Capital City, Stephanie taught 4th grade for four years in Boston, MA. She has been a member of the Instructional Leadership Team during her time at Capital City.
She speaks moderate Spanish and her hobbies include visiting National Parks, cooking, and reading nonfiction.
Delia joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s in Theater Performance Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Prior to joining Capital City, Delia taught at Prince George’s County Public Schools and in Seoul, South Korea.
In her free time, Delia enjoys biking, watching movies/TV, and performing.
Favorite quote/phrase: "You can only become truly accomplished at something you love." - Maya Angelou
Kristin joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Master of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from George Washington University.
Kristin has received extensive training and professional development through the Urban Teachers preparation program. Prior to joining Capital City, she worked as an Urban Teachers Resident at Eagle Academy Public Charter School and Urban Teachers Fellow at Seaton Elementary School.
In her spare time, she likes to cook and try new foods and listen to music.
Jayla joined the Capital City team in August 2021. She has a Masters of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Coker College.
Prior to joining Capital City, Jayla worked as a Library Media Specialist for District of Columbia Public Schools.
Sandra joined Capital City in August 2016 as a Center for Inspired Teaching Fellow. She has taught Pre Kinder, Kindergarten and First grade. She holds a Masters in Teaching from Trinity Washington University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Northern Arizona University.
Sandra is fluent in Spanish, and speaks a little French.
In her free time, Sandra enjoys playing with her dogs, baking for her friends and trying new restaurants in DC with her wife.
Samantha joined Capital City in August 2021.
She brings ten years of experience working in public schools including her time previously at Apple Tree Institute.
In her spare time she loves to cook and do hair and she loves her family.
Favorite Quote/Motto: Always be prepared ... Always be ready you never have to get ready.
Trevor joined Capital City in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from State University College at Geneseo and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from SIT Graduate Institute.
Trevor served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia and Georgia as an English Language Trainer. He has also taught English in China and for four years as an ESL Inclusion Teacher at Center City Public Charter Schools.
Dr. Ray joined Capital City in August 2017. He holds a Ph.D in Counseling in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Morehouse College.
Dr. Ray brings to Capital City a vast experience working not only in school settings in the country but also internationally. Prior to joining Capital City, Dr.Ray was an Assistant English Teacher in Middle Schools in Sanyo-Town, Okayama, Japan as part of the Japan Exchange Teaching Program (JET Program) and a staff psychologist at Howard University Counseling Services. Dr. Ray also worked at St. Martin's Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA as a Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher and was an intern school Counselor at Dwight Rich MIddle School in Lansing, Michigan.
Dr. Ray considers himself a sports nut! He is a soccer (football) fanatic! He loves our home team DC United, FC Barcelona and West Ham United. He also cheers for the Green Bay Packers (Go! Pack! Go!), Washington Nationals, Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan State Spartans.
The Harry Potter Series are his FAVORITE books of all time and he loves to travel and get lost on the side of Mt. Fuji in Japan
Joanna joined the Capital City team in September 2021. She has a Masters of Arts in Special Education from American University, and also completed a Ph.D. program in sociolinguistics at Georgetown University.
She also has obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures and a Masters of Arts degree in Russian Language and Linguistics, both from The George Washington University.
Before joining Capital City, Joanna most recently worked as a General Studies Teacher for Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten at Charles D. Smith Jewish Day School.
Carolina joined the Capital City team in January 2022.
She brings six years of experience working in education, and previously worked for another DCPCS. She has experience and training with OSSE audits and child development.
In her spare time, Carolina enjoys reading. She speaks Spanish.
Favorite motto/quote: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Maira joined Capital City in September 2018 as an After-school Teacher. She is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education at the University of the District of Columbia.
Prior to joining Capital City, Maira worked as a lead teacher at Semillitas Early Learning Center.
In her free time, Maira enjoys reading, drawing, painting, going for walks/runs/hikes, listening to music, and being surrounded by nature.
Favorite quote/phrase: "If it's what's best for me, then it'll happen someway somehow."
Jonathan joined Capital City in 2015. An alum of Capital City, he is currently enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
Keila joined Capital City in 2018. An alum of Capital City, she previously worked as an aftercare teacher for Kids After Hours.
She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Courtney joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with concentrations in Global Health and Latin America and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Social and Economic Justice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Courtney holds a CELTA English Language Teaching Certificate from Cambridge University. Before joining Capital City, Courtney worked at a DC public charter school. She has also taught English as a foreign language in language academies in Chile and Spain, as well as at a private school outside of Madrid. While in Spain, Courtney wrote translations for the Seminci Film Festival and the city of Valladolid.
Courtney is fluent in Spanish.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys doing yoga and reading and loves to dance, especially ballet.
Leslie joined Capital City in January 2022. She holds a Master of Arts degree in ESL from the University of Arizona, a drama in education post-graduate diploma from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts from SUNY Purchase.
She brings 35 years of experience working internationally as a freelance expressive artist and teaching artist, instructing adults and children in the United States, Mexico, Turkey, Laos, and Cambodia. Leslie also has three years of experience teaching visual arts at other DC area schools.
Leslie has received several grants to support ESOL-Through-Drama programs and a refugee theater project in Takoma Park, MD.
In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, rhythm-making, yoga, bicycling, doing art projects, cooking and eating healthy food, spending time in nature, singing, laughing, meditating, and practicing gratitude.
She speaks Spanish at the intermediate level.
Favorite quote/motto: "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution." Emma Goldman (1869–1940)
Elvis joined Capital City in August 2021. Before joining the school, she most recently worked as an Extended Day Lead Teacher & Dedicated Aid at Mundo Verde Public Charter School.
She is fluent in Spanish.
Nicole joined Capital City in August 2014 initially as a First Grade Associate Teacher. She holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of the District of Columbia.
This is Nicole's first year as a Lead Teacher; however, before working as a Lead Teacher, she has worked as an Associate Teacher at Capital City for six years. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education). Nicole has over several years of experience working with children.
Nicole is from East Orange, NJ, and in her spare time, she enjoys playing basketball, drawing/painting, and traveling (especially back and forth to NJ).
Favorite quote: "It's not your responsibility to want the life that others want for you"- Colin Wright
Rudy joined the Capital City team in August 2021. He has experience promoting community events for Migo Productions, and most recently worked in security for Brixton.
He is fluent in Spanish.
Ntaka joined Capital City in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology from George Mason University and a Master of School Administration from Trinity University.
She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She has previously worked as an early childhood coordinator, assistant principal, and principal for public charter schools in DC.
Jane joined Capital City in August 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics and Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland.
Jane brings to Capital City over 17 years of teaching experience, having previously taught in Atlanta Public Schools and serving as a Corps member for Teach for America Atlanta. Jane has attended the EL National Conference and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting. She was also a Capital Hill Community Foundation Grant recipient in 2018.
In her free time, Jane enjoys cooking, baking, knitting and crochet, reading (mostly fiction), watercolor and spending time with her family.
Favorite quote/phrase: "Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action” - Benjamin Disraeli
Tiyonna joined Capital City in January 2018. She attended Ashford University and is a founding Capital City student.
Tiyonna brings to Capital City eight years of experience working with infant and toddlers, as well as working in health and safety.
In her free time she enjoys reading, writing and listening to music.
Angelina joined Capital City in August 2016 as a Inspired Teaching Fellow. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Indiana University. Angelina is a proud DC native and attended Woodrow Wilson High School.
Prior to Capital City, she worked for Kid Power DC and helped promote academic advancement, physical and emotional wellness, and positive civic engagement amongst underserved DC youth.
In her spare time, Angelina likes to spend time with her loved ones and to stay active. She enjoys biking, yoga, eating good food, and watching movies or documentaries.
