Neah joined Capital City in August 2021. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater from Howard University.
She previously worked at Capital City as a Learning Hub Supervisor, where she worked with students to ensure their academic success. Neah also has worked as a dance instructor, and as a Group Leader/Teaching Artist for Goddard Riverside Community Center Performing Arts Camp.
Jeremy joined the Capital City team in August 2021. He obtained a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and has a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, both from the University of Vermont.
Jeremy also has a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies from University of Vermont.
Before coming to Capital City, Jeremy worked as an Instructor of English at Wildwood Middle School #88 in Baltimore.
Everett joined Capital City in August 2019. He holds a Master in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies from The University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Political Science with a minor in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Everett brings to Capital City over 12 years of teaching experience, having previously worked in Prince George's County Public Schools and the School District of Philadelphia. He was a Leonore Annenberg Teaching Fellow in 2011.
In his free time, Everett enjoys capturing photos, writing poetry, and creating songs.
Joel joined Capital City in August 2011. He has a Bachelor of Science from Howard University and more than twelve years experience as an educator and fitness instructor.
Before coming to Capital City, Joel taught health and fitness at Friendship Tech Prep Academy, DC Preparatory Academy and Friendship Public Charter School. He also worked as a personal trainer for six years.
Joel was captain of the cross country and track & field teams in college and has since been a coach for both sports.
Alyssa joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
Prior to Capital City, she taught elementary math in Florida and DC, has been a TEFL instructor, and served in the Peace Corps in Macedonia.
She enjoys playing basketball and pickleball, hiking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Haley joined Capital City in August 2017. She holds a Master in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and TESOL from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Loyola University, Chicago.
Prior to Capital City, Haley worked as a Middle School Spanish Teacher at KIPP DC. She was also the site coordinator at Briya Public Charter School and the computer literacy/ESL instructor at Literacy AmeriCorps.
Haley graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University. She is fluent in Spanish (written and conversational). She loves to cook, eat, travel, read, dance, and hike. She considers herself a linguistics nerd so feel free to ask questions, discuss dialects, practice your high-school Spanish or just chat en español.
A’Leighsha joined Capital City in August 2019. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Drama from University of London Goldsmiths College and a Bachelor in Communications from the University of Maryland College Park.
Prior to joining Capital City, A’Leighsha taught at different schools in Washington, DC and Prince George's County.
In her free time, A’leighsha enjoys traveling and writing.
Favorite quote/phrase: “Dare to live the life you’ve always wanted.”
Pamela joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Laguna College of Arts and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College of Fine Art. She currently is an online research student at the National College of Art and Design located in Dublin, Ireland.
She brings 16 years of experience in education, and has worked in schools and art centers in the San Diego, California area. Pamela is a documentary artist focusing on historical and social issues. She uses a variety of mediums in her work, with photography and painting being the main components.
With support from grants by the National Endowments of the Arts and Qualcomm, she has conducted art education workshops in schools, shelters, and orphanages in the San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico areas.
Her art has been exhibited in universities, cultural centers, and museums, including the New Bedford Art Museum in Massachusetts and The American Labor Museum in New Jersey. Her photos have appeared in newspapers such as Amnesty International and in documentaries such as Sin Fronteras/Without Borders, directed by Giorgoo Serafini.
Pamela has had a number of artist residencies, including ones in Mexico City, Ireland, Budapest, and Cuba.
In her spare time, Pamela likes to spend time with her daughter Isabel, traveling, walking and biking.
Favorite Quote: “Getting lost was not a matter of geography so much as identity, a passionate desire, even an urgent need, to become no one and anyone, to shake off the shackles that remind you who you are, who others think you are." Rebecca Solnit, A Field Guide to Getting Lost.
Ashia joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Master of Arts in History from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Grambling State University.
Ashia was a Teach For America corps member from 2018-2020 and prior to joining Capital City, she worked as a 7th grade Math and Social Studies Teacher at Northeast Middle School in Kansas City Public Schools.
Ashia was the Shark Tank: Teachers Edition award winner in 2019 and received the Teach For America Black Educators Promise Grant in 2020.
Ashia is currently an 8th grade humanities teacher at Capital City Public Charter School where she also sponsors an after school program for Black and Latinx girls called Melanin Magic. She also sits on OSSE's Social Studies Standards Technical Writing Committee with a goal to review and revise the current K-12 standards so that they are anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
In her free time, Ashia enjoys journaling, meditating, and listening to music. She also loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Taiese joined Capital City in August 2014. She holds an Master of Science in Teacher Leadership from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Prior to Capital City, Taiese worked as an elementary school teacher, grade-level chair, and STEM coordinator in Prince George's County Public Schools. In 2012, she received the Phi Delta Kappa Exemplary New Teacher Award and was nominated for Maryland Teacher of the Year Award the following year. She also received funding from Fund for Teachers to participate in the International Congress of Mathematics in Hamburg, Germany in 2016.
Taiese has also served as a presenter for both the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) and Maryland Institute for Minority Achievement and Urban Education (MIMAUE).
Her hobbies include reading, kayaking, spending time with her family, and cheering for the Washington Nationals. She also enjoys volunteering with her local animal rescue group.
Lindsay joined Capital City in January 2013. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC.
At Capital City, Lindsay provides supports for both Inclusion and General Education students and their families. She spearheads the Child Study team to provide supports to students prior to referrals for Inclusion. She also monitors 504 Plans to ensure student needs are met.
Lindsay works with students from a Cognitive-Behavioral approach as well as a strengths-based lens. She offers training to the teaching team on trauma-informed care as well the importance mental health on academic progress. She specializes in Peer Mediation and conflict resolution, focusing on empowerment and mindfulness. Additionally, she has led groups on substance abuse prevention, body image and sexuality, bullying, family dynamics and social skills.
Her hobbies include swimming, riding her bike, and yoga. She loves to travel with her family and eat different foods during their travels.
Joseph joined Capital City in August 2021. He has a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/History from Saint Paul’s College.
He also was a Masters of Education Candidate with a concentration in Special Education from Virginia State College.
Joseph has nearly 30 years of experience working in education. Before joining Capital City, Joseph most recently worked as a SST Compliance Manager for KIPP Public Charter School in Washington D.C.
Cassandra joined Capital City in August 2019. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master of Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cassandra brings over five years of teaching experience to Capital City having previously taught at Nashville Public Schools, DCPS, and DC public charter schools.
In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite quote/phrase: “Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength.”
Ellie returned in August 2012, after having previously worked for Capital City from August 2005 to June 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Brown University and K-12 TESOL certification from American University.
Prior to returning to Capital City, Ellie worked at Paul Public Charter School in Washington, DC as an ESL Coordinator and ESL and Reading Teacher.
She speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys gardening and cooking.
Chelsea is excited to be back at Capital City, after first joining in August 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington Adventist University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Chelsea worked at Takoma Park Elementary School and Kids Adventures, an after-school program.
Chelsea is fluent in Spanish. In her free time, she likes working out, tumbling, hiking, and camping.
Favorite quote/phrase: "The best view comes after the hardest climb" - Unknown
Scott joined Capital City in November 2021. They earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University.
Previously, Scott was involved as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China, and they speak Chinese.
In their spare time, they enjoy photography, cooking, and sleeping.
Charles joined Capital City in August 2022. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Johnson C. Smith University.
He brings five years of experience working in education, and most recently worked for Baltimore City Public Schools at the elementary and middle school levels. He also has participated in the Summer for Arts Learning Academy. In 2020, Charles was a nominee for Baltimore Teacher of the Year.
In his spare time, Charles enjoys playing pool and doing yard work.
Jose joined Capital City in August 2012. He attended the University of the District of Columbia for Graphic Design.
Jose has seven years of experience working with youth and previously worked as a substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School.
He is fluent in Spanish. His hobbies include playing music and chess and working with teenagers.
Rodney joined Capital City in June 2022. He has completed the Accelerated School Administrator Program at Bridgewater State University, and has earned several degrees — including a Master of Business Administration from Framingham State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from University of Rhode Island, and an Associate of Science degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Rodney was a middle school principal at a charter school in Rhode Island, and before that he worked as an assistant principal at a high school. Before working in school leadership positions, Rodney was a classroom teacher in high schools and at a college for nearly 15 years.
He has participated in numerous professional development and training programs, including: the Rhode Island Teach Plus Policy Fellowship in 2018-19; two programs at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity Foundation — the Facilitative Leadership Training in 2016 and the Critical Friends Group in 2015-16; and two retreat programs at the School Reform Initiative (SRI) — the Winter Facilitator’s Retreat in 2017 and the Summer Educator Retreat in 2018.
Rodney can have a basic conversation in Cape Verdean Creole. He has a love for music, particularly 90s Hip Hop and R&B. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, and some of his favorites are football, basketball, boxing, and mixed martial arts. He is a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills and also enjoys rooting for the Boston Celtics.
Favorite motto/quote: “Tough times don't last, tough people do.”
Greg joined Capital City in August 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mt. St. Mary’s College.
He previously taught at the Washington International School, Washington Latin Public Charter School, and Monte del Sol Charter School.
Greg has two children and loves to spend time outdoors with his family and friends. He also plays and coaches soccer.
Chavala joined Capital City in August 2016. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Secondary Education with a Middle School Endorsement from McKendree University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Springfield, where she was selected to be a part of the Capital Scholars Honors Program.
Chavala has also participated in the Teacher Quality in Chemistry program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Response to Intervention trainings for reading and math.
Prior to Capital City, Chavala taught for over six years at schools in Illinois and Baltimore. She also coached varsity cheerleading.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Lily joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Master's degree in Peace Education from the University for Peace and a Bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Spanish from Duke University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Lily worked at Achievement Preparatory Academy Public Charter School and Fluent City in Washington, DC. She also worked at The Next Step Public Charter School and Day Star School in Honduras. She has received significant training in Restorative Justice Practices and Empowerment Self-Defense.
Lily is fluent in Spanish and in her free time she enjoys soccer, high-intensity interval training, running, dancing, Zumba, karaoke, cooking, and activism.
Favorite quote/phrase: "As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons."
Kyla joined Capital City in February 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from SUNY Buffalo.
Before coming to Capital City, she worked for City Year at a charter school assisting in 8th grade math. Here she also gained experience as a Community Engagement Project Manager painting murals in DC schools and teaching students about civic engagement. Prior to that, she worked for a civic education non-profit recruiting students from across the country for a civics youth conference in DC.
In her spare time, Kyla enjoys trying new foods, playing dinosaurs with her son, and getting a fresh mani-pedi.
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
Morgan joined Capital City in August 2018. She holds a Master of Education in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Child Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Before joining Capital City, Morgan taught at Nashville Public Schools, Cambridge Public Schools, and Lawrence Public Schools.
Morgan is originally from Highland Park, IL. She speaks intermediate Spanish and in her free time, Morgan enjoys yoga, reading, baking, and spending time with friends.
Favorite quote: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new”- Albert Einstein
Yelva joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Yelva has received significant training in Data-Driven Instructional Teacher and Leadership Teams, Unwrapping the Standards, Literacy Across the Curriculum, and Plain Talk about Literacy and Learning.
Before joining Capital City, Yelva worked at Seed Public Charter School of Washington, DC, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County Public Schools.
In her free time, Yeva writes and publishes books. She also loves to travel and practice yoga.
Favorite Quote/Motto: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.” Michelle Obama in Becoming
Mark joined Capital City in August 2020. He holds a Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Fort Valley State University. He also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, Paine College, and Harrington College of Design.
Prior to joining Capital City, Mark worked at various public charter schools. He also taught at Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Fairfax and Richmond County Public Schools. Mark has received significant training and professional development in PBIS, PBL, Trout in the Classroom, and Restorative Circles. He received the Service Award while at Center City Public Charter Schools twice and was the awardee of the Trout in the Classroom Grant.
In his free time, Mark enjoys drawing, and most things art-related, video games, and interior design.
Favorite quote/motto: “Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse, and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Justin joined Capital City in August 2016. He holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
While at Chapel Hill, he was awarded a GAT Teaching Award from the Department of Chemistry. He taught Science at Lee High School in Florida and at Yeshiva of Greater Washington prior to joining Capital City. He also worked as a Teach for America Corps Member and later as a Corps Member Advisor.
Justin is the 2020 DC Teacher of the Year. At Capital City, he is a member of the Equity Core Committee, MS Instructional Leadership Team, and MS Science Department Lead. He is also on the clinical faculty for Urban Teachers at Johns Hopkins University.
Justin speaks Spanish and enjoys running, swimming, traveling, shopping, and being adventurous in his free time.
Melody joined Capital City in August 2022. She has a Master of Social Work degree from University of Denver, where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also has a Master of Education degree from George Mason University.
She brings 10 years of experience working in schools, and before coming to Capital City, Melody worked as a special education teacher for DC Public Schools, and was a founding Director of Student Support Services and later Chief of Staff for DC International School.
In her spare time, Melody enjoys watching documentaries, going to fairs and festivals, enjoying anything spooky, and going to petting zoos.
Favorite quote/motto: “Meaning well does not equal doing well.”
Katie joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Master in Pre-K-8 Special Education for Mild/Moderate Disabilities from Bay Path University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
She brings more than eight years of teaching experience to Capital City. She has previously worked as a 2nd Grade Teacher and Special Education Coordinator at Brooke Charter School and a Special Education Teacher and Regional Special Education Program Director at Rocketship PCS.
She enjoys anything that involves time with her two-year-old pitbull/boxer mix!
Favorite Quote: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."
Paul joined Capital City in August 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Guilford College and is a candidate for a Master in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology at the University of Maryland.
Paul brings more than nine years of education experience. He has previously worked at Meridian Public Charter School. He has also served as a City Year Corps Member and as a Site Director for AlphaBEST Education Inc.
In his spare time, he enjoys making music, hiking, biking, and teaching my cats how to high-five.
His favorite motto is: “Do the next right thing”.
Jennifer joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Mercy College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Allegheny College.
Prior to Capital City, she worked as an English Language Arts Teacher at DC Preparatory Academy. She previously has worked as a teacher for schools in the New York City area, and a principal at Queen of All Saints School in Concord, CA. Jennifer also served as a program analyst at the Teacher Enrichment Program Center for Excellence in Education.
AP joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor in English Education from North Carolina State University.
Prior to Capital City, AP taught at Dunbar High School and Thurgood Marshall Academy. She has more than seven years of teaching experience.
AP speaks advanced French and moderate Spanish. She comes from a very large family and grew up on a farm! She loves spoiling her nieces and nephews. When she’s not busy being the best aunt ever, she likes to practice her hair and nail skills on friends.
Aaron joined Capital City in August 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Morehouse College and is currently completing a Masters of Educational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.
Prior to Capital City, Aaron worked at Community Academy PCS as an 8th grade special education teacher. He has also taught in Boston, Massachusetts in a school specializing in teaching students with autism. He has six years of experience working with students with special needs.
Aaron spends a good portion of his spare time enjoying the game of basketball, from coaching intramural teams, high school varsity teams, to playing the occasional pickup game. He also loves traveling and spending as much time as he can with his son.
Tess joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and minor is Leadership Studies from Loyola University Chicago.
Previously, Tess was a Camp Counselor with the YMCA and a Teacher Assistant in the Chicago Waldorf School. She has significant training in Restorative Circle and Swim Safety. Tess graduated from Loyola Chicago Cum Laude, is a member of the Maroon and Gold Honor Society, and received the Ignatian Leadership Award.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, visiting parks, and scuba diving.
Favorite Quote/Motto: People never fail to amaze.
Sarah joined the Capital City team in August 2021. She is working to complete a Master of Science degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Sarah has earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Psychology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
Sarah most recently worked as a Resident Teacher at CCPCS in the 2020 cohort at Urban Teachers.
She is fluent in Spanish.
Nu joined the Capital City team in December 2021. She has earned two Bachelor of Art degrees from Fayetteville State University – one in English Language and Literature, and another in Mass Communication.
She brings seven years of experience in education working in the Washington DC area. In college, she received many awards for her involvement with the campus newspaper.
In her spare time, Nu enjoys reading, traveling, and watching documentaries and suspense movies. Some of her favorite foods are Buffalo wings and authentic New York pizza. She enjoys styling people in her boutique.
Favorite motto/quote: “Melanated. Educated. Liberated.”
Alex joined Capital City in August 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education with a minor in English from the University of Missouri.
Alex attended the "Boosting Achievement" Conference lead by Carol Salva: where educators participated in discussions and activities that helped her better understand how to meet the academic needs of Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE).
Prior to joining Capital City, Alex was a Secondary English Teacher at Joplin High School and a Student Teacher at Muriel Williams Battle High School.
In her free time, Alex enjoys baking, reading, crocheting, going on long road trips, watching documentaries, and writing short stories.
Favorite quote/phrase: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style." - Dr. Maya Angelou
Graham joined Capital City in August 2018. He holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Art in Anthropology and a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Graham brings to Capital City over 10 years of teaching experience. Before joining Capital City, Graham was a Special Education Teacher at Edison High School in Alexandria and a Teacher’s Assistant at Cone Elementary School in Greensboro, NC.
Graham’s favorite hobby is to be outside in nature hiking and camping. He also enjoys playing basketball and soccer. At home he likes listening to music while cooking for his friends and family, as well as reading and watching movies.
Naria joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Columbia Union College.
Previously, Naria taught for two years in Prince George’s County Public Schools and one year in DC Public Schools.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world, watching and playing a variety of sports, doing volunteer work in the community, spending time with family and friends, and coaching (she coached her high school basketball team).
Favorite Quote/Motto: Believe you can and you're half way there!
Veronica joined Capital City in July 2014. She holds a Bachelor in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Prior to Capital City, she worked as a receptionist at a chiropractic office.
Veronica is a native Spanish speaker and conversational in Portuguese. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and learning new cultures, volunteering for a youth group in her church community, reading, and hiking.
Crystal Joined Capital City in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Counselor Education from Clemson University.
She has previously worked at Center City Public Charter School, Louisville Middle School and Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
She enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Favorite quote: "In order to be good at something, you have to be bad at it first."
Ashley joined Capital City in August 2016. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University.
Previously, Ashley worked for DC Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools. She also participated in the NC Outward Bound School – Blue Ridge Mountains to Ten Thousand Islands Leadership Semester.
Ashley is fluent in Spanish. In her free time she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, taking pictures, traveling to different National Parks around the country, and learning new languages. She also plays soccer for fun and practices gymnastics every week.
Favorite Quote: "Chase your stars Fool, life is short!"
Claudia joined Capital City in August 2013 first as a part-time Spanish Teacher in the High School. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education from La Universidad de Los Llanos in Colombia.
Claudia coaches the Middle School girls’ soccer team and attended the National Coaches Training in the summer of 2014. She received a Soccer Urban Diploma and a Soccer for Success certificate from the US Soccer Foundation.
Prior to Capital City, Claudia worked as a preschool teacher in Colombia and volunteered with CENAES (Centro de Alfabetización en Español) in DC where she taught adults (immigrants from Central and South America) how to write and read in Spanish.
Claudia is a native Spanish speaker. Her hobbies include playing soccer and all outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and biking.
Nikki joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Master's Degree in Adolescent Education from Pace University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology with a concentration in Genetics of Humans and Microbial Pathogens with a minor in Chemistry from Stanford University.
Nikki has received significant training in restorative justice and restorative circles.
While in college, Nikki worked as a Research and Development Intern at Quest Diagnostics, where she used analytical chemistry techniques to develop diagnostic tests. Nikki helped to develop tests to diagnose Tay-Sachs disease, to measure how well patients responded to the chemotherapy drug Tamoxifen, and to measure levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Nikki’s passion for science led her to work as a Lab Manager and Staff Research Associate in the Kao Lab at the University of California, San Francisco after graduating from college. While working in the lab, she used molecular techniques to study how stress affects neurodegeneration in animal and stem cell models, particularly in diseases like Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Alzheimers, which are associated with the proteins tau and progranulin. Nikki also published a paper in the Journal of Neuroscience about progranulin and TDP-43.
Before joining Capital City, Nikki taught 7th and 8th grade science in a public middle school for six years in New York. There she served as a member of the School Leadership Team, was an active member of the PTA, and helped transform the school from one of the lowest performing in the district to a school with some of the highest growth in New York state.
Nikki is proficient in Spanish.
In her free time, Nikki enjoys playing indie video games on the Nintendo switch, cooking, traveling, spending time in nature, and visiting art and science museums.
Olivia joined Capital City in August 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Sociology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
Olivia previously worked at Kramer Middle School in Southeast DC for three years.
She loves participating and coaching in any and all sports and enjoys spending time outside.
Lapeta joined Capital City in August 2016. She holds a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of New Rochelle.
Prior to Capital City, she worked as an English Language Arts Teacher, Dean of Students, School Counselor, and Special Education Teacher for schools in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and New York.
Outside of the classroom, Lapeta enjoys Pinterest, dancing, reading, spending time with family and friends, baking and creating new cupcake flavors.
Jay joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Master of Arts in Audio Technology from American University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from South Carolina State University.
Jay brings to Capital City over nine years of experience, having previously worked at Clarke County School District in Athens, GA.
In his free time, Jay enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with his family.
Favorite quote/motto: “If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again.”
Carolyn joined Capital City in September 2021. She holds an Associate of Art in Human Service Management and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.
Carolyn brings over 20 years of experience in public schools to Capital City including her previous work in PG County Public Schools, Shadd Transitional School, and SEED Public Charter School. She also has significant training in Boys Town, Restorative Justice, and Advance Youth Development (AYD). Carolyn has received four Making a Difference awards.
In her spare time, she enjoys journaling, coloring and listening to music for therapy.
Favorite Quote/Motto: Yesterday is gone, today is now and tomorrow will take care of itself.
Caroline joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrative Biology from Christopher Newport University.
Caroline received H4 training at Horizons Greater Washington.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Favorite Motto/Quote: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Frank joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Master's Degree from Nyenrode University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from The University of Maryland.
Frank has worked as a Financial Advisor for the past 15 years.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling as it takes him out of his comfort zone and allows him to meet new people, new traditions, and different ways of life.
Favorite Motto/Quote: “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
Britt is a founding Capital City teacher and rejoined the school in August 2022 after taking a sabbatical. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrative Arts from Penn State University and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from New York University.
Previously at Capital City, Britt worked as a 1st/2nd Grade Teacher, Humanities Teacher for 5th and 6th grades, and Professional Development Coordinator. She also previously worked at John Eaton Elementary in D.C. and Landmark Academy in Wilton, CT. She has participated in the MIST (Mathematical Immersion for Secondary Teachers) Program, the Design for the Other 90% at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Institute, and took part in the EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) Conference Master Class "Making Subjects Matter."
She was a National finalist for the Klingenstein Teacher Award - EL Education, and was a recipient of the Fund for Teachers Grant for wetlands expedition.
In her spare time, Britt enjoys art, swimming, and travel. All three of her children went to Capital City.
Jessica joined Capital City in February 2020 as the 5th grade Inclusion Teacher. She holds a Master’s in Special Education from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Jessica ran a social-emotional program for high schoolers with emotional disabilities in south Phoenix. She also has experience teaching 9th and 10th grade English for both general education and special education students. She was the 2017 Seattle's Best Coffee Teacher Appreciation Recipient.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys crafting, swimming, spending time with family
Favorite quote/phrase: "The eyes are useless when the mind is blind."
