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.
Catherine joined Capital City in August 2018. She holds a Master of Art in Art Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Science in Art from Radford University.
Catherine has received significant training in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.
Before joining Capital City, Catherine taught at Crossland High School and was the Specialist and Studio Technician at Arlington County Parks and Recreation Arts program. Catherine interned at Hillyer Art Space in Dupont in the summer of 2016 with International Arts and Artists.
Originally from Arlington, VA, Catherine enjoys mixed media design, oil painting, ceramics and working in the darkroom. During the summer, she loves laying on the beach and hiking in the fall. Catherine does kickboxing 3-5 times a week!
Favorite quotes: “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ― Pablo Picasso
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.
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.”
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.
Samantha was a 5th and 6th Grade Teaching Fellow at Capital City in 2013- 2014 and joined Capital City again in August 2015 after having worked in DC Public Schools for a year.
She graduated with a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Delaware and completed the Teaching Certification Program with the Center for Inspired Teaching. Currently, she is working on an MAT at Trinity University.
Samantha grew up in West Chester, PA and loves traveling, going to the beach, spending time with her family, and reading.
Sarah joined Capital City in August 2017. She holds a Master of Education in Learning and Teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a special concentration in Education and American Society from Harvard College.
Sarah received significant training as a member of the Harvard Teacher Fellows Program and received the Jonathan M. Levin Prize for Teaching & Social Justice in May 2016. Prior to working at Capital City, she worked as an 8th grade ELA Instructor at STRIVE Prep-Lake in Denver, Colorado.
Sarah speaks limited Spanish. She enjoys cooking, reading YA novels, and generally fighting the power.
Laina joined Capital City in March 2012 as Middle School Principal. She graduated with a Master in Education in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and completed a principal licensure program at Northeastern University.
Prior to joining Capital City, she worked for two years as a school designer for EL Education in the Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal for three years at a middle school in Boston and a humanities teacher for five years at an EL Education school also in Boston.
Laina is a member of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, where she founded the Blueprint Conference for Middle and High School Girls, a conference now in four cities, including Washington, DC. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she enjoys participating in community service activities.
Laina was the recipient of the 2018 EL Education Silverberg Leadership Award, awarded to exemplary school leaders who raise student achievement through deep implementation of EL Education practices.
In her spare time she enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with her husband Winston and their two children, Jaida and Solomon.
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.
Nakia joined Capital City in July 2016. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech.
Prior to Capital City, Nakia worked for 15 years as an educator for the District of Columbia and Sussex County Public Schools.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, participating in Tough Mudder races, and baking cupcakes.
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
Alexander joined the Capital City team in August 2021. He has an Associates of Arts degree in Secondary Education from College of Southern Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Government from Bowie University.
Before coming to CCPCS, he worked as High School Teacher at Prince George’s County Public Schools and as a Lead Pest Control Technician for Frontline Pest Professionals.
Alexander served in the U.S. Navy for four years, where he led the quality assurance work center focusing on jet fuel purity.
Danielle joined Capital City as a Dedicated Aide in August 2014 and is currently working towards a M.A. in Special Education with a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at George Mason University. She has seven years of experience in schools and previously worked as a Behavior Specialist for children with Autism at the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Every summer, Danielle teaches at a non-profit organization that hosts one-week camps in communities with little access to the performing arts. She supports this program because it offers children an opportunity to find and express themselves through the arts.
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.
John joined Capital City in August 2012. He holds a Master in Education and Bachelor of Science in Math and Psychology from Virginia Tech University.
Prior to Capital City, John taught middle school math for two years in DCPS. He is a member of the Middle School’s Instructional Leadership Team.
John’s hobbies include hiking, traveling, reading, and watching sports.
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.
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."
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.
Wail joined the Capital City team in August 2021. He has a Master of Arts degree in Education from The New School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from American University in Cairo. He also has a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Academic in Basel, Switzerland.
Before joining Capital City, Wail most recently worked as a Digital Media Instructor for CreativeWorks in Mount Rainier, MD. He also was a freelance STEM Instructor for Lee Montessori Public Charter School and Christian Family Montessori School.
Wail’s hobbies include science, tinkering, motorcycles, scuba diving, and video art.
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.
Leah joined Capital City in August 2017. Previously, she served as an 8th Grade Math/Algebra Teacher in our Middle School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Dickinson College.
Leah brings over 6 years of teaching and working in schools to her position. Prior to Capital City, she was a 7th Grade Math Teacher at Todd County Middle School.
Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts.
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.
Elias joined Capital City in August 2021. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History from Temple University and is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society.
Elias was a facilitator in Anti-Bias for the Anti-Defamation League and has received significant mentoring training and experience with CYMentor, DonCares of Philadelphia, SHOUT, and Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention.
Before joining Capital City, Elias worked for different public schools in Philadelphia.
In his free time, Elias enjoys cooking, hiking, watching, playing, and coaching sports, and spending quality time with his family and dog.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
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!
Abby joined Capital City in January 2016. She holds a degree in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College in Illinois and is currently completing an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-Reading Education at the University of Virginia.
Abby has been working as a teacher since 2013.
In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, writing and doing anything that involves heights - like zip-lines, parasailing or high rope courses.
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.
Chattel joined Capital City in August 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trinity Washington University.
Before joining Capital City, Chattel taught for 6 years in Ward 4, 5 and 8 as a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and After school Teacher. Chattel is the instructor for the Girls\People Who Code after school program.
In her free time she enjoys drawing, painting and watching movies.
Favorite Quote/Motto: Positive vibes only.
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!"
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.
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.
Makyah joined Capital City in September 2019. She holds a Bachelor in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University.
Prior to joining Capital City, Makyah worked at the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking as a youth facilitator educating youth about the basics of financial education and engaging them in financial literacy initiatives.
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.
Peter joined Capital City in August 2021. Peter holds a Master of Science in Education from John Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Fordham University.
Before joining Capital City, Peter worked for Creative Minds International Public Charter School as an Urban Teacher Resident and for Los Angeles Unified School District. Peter has received significant training in LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Schools.
In his free time, Peter enjoys running, boxing, and spending time with his friends at the park.
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.”
Brie joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Language, Literacy, and Culture and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Drama from the University of Washington. Brie also received a Special Education Endorsement from Seattle University.
She brings 7 years of experience teaching to Capital City. Previously, Brie was a Founding Teacher at Rainier Prep in Seattle, WA where she served as a Learning Specialist and 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher among other roles.
Brie’s hobbies include Disney and musical theatre, being outside (hiking, camping, and boating) and sitting in her hammock reading a good book.
Favorite Quote/Motto: "I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives." - Auggie Pullman
Celeste joined Capital City in August 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University at Albany.
Previously, Celeste was a Peer Educator for the UAlbany Gender & Sexuality Resource Center and a Writing Center Tutor for the Roy C Ketcham High School in New York. She is a UAlbany Honors College Graduate, member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society.
In her spare time, Celeste loves to bake, write poetry, and craft!
Favorite Quote/Motto: What isn't ok, is going to be.
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."
