Our Next Events
Latest News
Our Staff
Kaye Savage – Founder & CEO
Kaye Savage began her career as a certified special education teacher working with low-income students in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her passion to make a difference led to policy research work at the Urban Institute and later into the public service arena concentrating on local and federal government programs targeting urban economically distressed communities. Kaye worked in the White House on the Historical Black College and Universities (HBCUs) Initiative. Most recently, she served the Program Manager for the District of Columbia Family Education Network, a special parent training initiative of Fight for Children. She has also worked as the National Director for the 21st Century School Fund and as special Project Manager on a staff augmentation contract in the Office of Facilities Management of the District of Columbia Public Schools. Kaye began her college education at Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia and completed her undergraduate work with high honors at Howard University where she also earned a Master’s of Science degree with distinction with a concentration in developmental psychology. Kaye was an Intergovernmental Fellow during her tenure at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and earned her MPA from the University of Southern California. Kaye is a Building Excellent Schools Fellow and member of the Board of Trustees for the National Coalition of Girls Schools.
ACADEMIC TEAM
Lela Johnson – Principal
Lela Johnson is originally from Rockville, Maryland and received her B.A. in Psychology from University of Maryland Baltimore County. She also holds a Master’s in Special Education and Human Development from George Washington University. Mrs. Johnson has devoted the past ten years to supporting children with special academic, emotional, and social needs. These experiences have included working for Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) in Rockville, MD, where she provided intensive early intervention services for preschool children with autism. She spent 6 years teaching students with emotional and learning disabilities within Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia. Prior to Excel Academy, Mrs. Johnson served as a Special Education Specialist, monitoring special education programs throughout the District of Columbia Public School System.
Mrs. Johnson joined the Excel Academy founding team as the Special Education Coordinator in 2008. Throughout the founding year, she served as an integral member of the Academic Leadership Team by providing academic and behavioral support for some of the neediest scholars. In year two, Mrs. Johnson accepted the role of Dean of Students, where she continued to provide support for students receiving special education services, coordinated the Student Support Team, developed and monitored the school-wide behavior management system, developed the character education program, and oversaw parent accountability issues. Mrs. Johnson has dedicated her time unselfishly to the students and families of Excel Academy and firmly believes that by pairing high expectations with an unrelenting work ethic, students from the most underserved communities can achieve very high academic outcomes.
Nikki Ayanna Stewart – Academic Dean
Nikki Ayanna Stewart is no stranger to academic achievement. She was born into a family of educators and is a fifth generation teacher. She completed her undergraduate education at Spelman College where she served as the only student on a Ford Foundation committee that designed a new major for the college in Comparative Women's Studies. While at Spelman she interned for SAGE: A Scholarly Journal on Black Women and received the DeWitt-Wallace Academic Excellence Scholarship, providing full tuition to the student with the highest grade point average in the senior class.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Spelman, Ms. Stewart received numerous graduate fellowships and awards for her research and writing on African American girls and education. Among those honors are the University Fellowships to Northwestern University and University of Maryland; the Rockefeller Fellowship to work on the journal, Womanist Theory and Research, at the University of Georgia; and highly competitive national fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the American Association of University Women.
Ms. Stewart joined Excel as a founding teacher in 2008, after teaching at the Washington Middle School for Girls, School Without Walls High School and the University of Maryland. She is widely recognized for her work in the field of Women's Studies and inaugurated a new Women's Studies column in the legendary Ms. Magazine with her articles, "Transform the World: What You Can Do With a Degree in Women's Studies" and "Black Girls' Dreams". She is also a long-time girls' rights activist, having served as DC Community Coordinator for Girls Incorporated, a consultant for DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and Community Education Director at DC Rape Crisis Center.
Julianna Tabor – Instructional Coach, Second and Third Grade
Julianna Tabor received her Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from Stanford University, and her Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, cum laude. She studied at the London School of Economics while in college.
She has servedfinalists for DC Teacher of the Year.
Lauren McGlory - Instructional Coach, Kindergarten and First Grade
Lauren McGlory is originally from Detroit, Michigan and received her Bachelor's of Art in Psychology and History from the University of Virginia. While at the University, she was a Black Student Alliance President, University Judiciary Committee Counselor, member of the I.M.P. Society, and lived on the prestigious Lawn. Moreover, in her 4th year, she was presented by NAACP at the University of Virginia the College Career Award, a top honor given to one 4th year student who have excelled in all aspects of the University.
After graduation, Ms. McGlory joined Teach for America - Los Angeles Corps. Afterward, she transferred to the DC region where she taught Kindergarten at Excel Academy where her students tested at 1.2 grade equivalency in both math and language arts on the TerraNova. She began the 2011-2012 school year as the Kindergarten Grade Level Chair, but was promoted to be the instructional coach for Kindergarten and First Grade. She is currently the co-Kindergarten Grade Level Chair and K-1 Instructional Coach for 2011-2012.
Courtney Tuz – Instructional Coach, Preschool
Courtney Tuz received her Masters of Arts in Education from George Mason University with a degree in Curriculum and Instruction; and her Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College, cum laude. While at Wofford, Ms. Tuz taught English as a Second Language in Spartanburg, South Carolin and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Ms. Tuz joined the Excel team in 2008 as a founding faculty member. She has taught both Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool, where she also served as the Preschool Grade Level Chair. Ms. Tuz enjoys working with and supporting Excel's dynamic teachers to provide Excel's youngest learners with the strongest academic start possible.
Crystal Gould - Data Analyst
Crystal Gould grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and she received her B.A. in Psychology from Florida State University and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from American University. While at FSU, Crystal lead a team of researchers, collecting data and conducting research on various social psychology issues, earning Crystal an honors distinction upon graduation. In 2009, Crystal joined Teach for America as a DC corps member where she taught secondary science education in a DC middle school and DC's youth prison, New Beginnings. Crystal is excited to join the Excel PCS team and utilize data to show the gains and improvements of our students, teachers, and organization as we accomplish great things!
Third Grade
Laura Good – Grade Level Chair/Lead Teacher, Third Grade
Laura Good was born and raised in Lancaster, PA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia, where she served as an editor for The Cavalier Daily and as a mentor to several area elementary students. After graduating in 2005, Ms. Good joined Teach For America, during which time she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. Ms. Good taught fourth and fifth grade at her Teach For America placement school in Southeast DC for six years. She returned to UVA with her students on overnight fieldtrips to inspire and expose students to college life. She also had the privilege of traveling to Japan with other American teachers through the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund to study Japanese culture and education, which gave her a more global perspective on effective teaching and policy. She is eager to begin working with the phenomenal staff and scholars at Excel this year!
Emily Stevens - Lead Teacher, Third Grade
Emily Stevens is from Freeport, New York. In May of 2009, she graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a Bachelor’s of Science in Childhood and Special Education. During her undergraduate time at Geneseo, Ms. Stevens was an executive board member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. After graduating, Ms. Stevens was accepted as a Teach for America corps member in the DC Region. For the past two years, Ms. Stevens has taught 3rd grade at a Washington, DC charter school. She received the First Year Teacher of the Year award in June of 2010 for making significant gains with her students. Ms. Stevens finished graduate school at George Mason University in May of 2011 with a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She is honored and excited to become part of the Excel Academy community.
Second Grade
Sonal Sheth - Grade Level Chair/Lead Teacher, Second Grade
Sonal Sheth earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and her Master of Arts degree in teaching at American University. Before joining Excel, Ms. Sheth taught elementary school in Washington, DC for three years and middle school for one year in rural India. She has also been an arts educator, youth worker, child sexual abuse educator, and peace and justice organizer in Asian American communities. During the summer of 2011, Ms. Sheth participated in an Earthwatch research fellowship for educators to help determine the survivorship of songbird nestlings in developed and undeveloped areas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She is thrilled to contribute her experience to support the academic, leadership, and social development of girls at Excel Academy.
Kanita Danielle Mason - Lead Teacher, Second Grade
Kanita Danielle Mason is a Washingtonian who received her Bachelor's of Art in Print Journalism with a minor in business from the Howard University John H. Johnson School of Communications. Upon graduation, Kanita went straight to work in an urban school district as a second grade teacher. After being there for two years, Kanita decided to truly turn a passion to educate young boys and girls into a lifelong career by completing all of her certification requirements while working with kindergartners. In the fall of 2010 she began graduate school earning a Master’s in Education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction. Once completing her certification in general education and special education, Kanita joined the Excel team in the fall of 2011. She is beyond excited to utilize what she has learned about student data and differentiated instruction to bring her new class of second grade scholars to new heights!
Kelly Riling – Lead Teacher, Second Grade
Kelly Riling is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelors of Science in Art Education with minors in Graphic Design and Art History at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. While at Flagler, she was Art Club President, Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and Secretary of Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society. After graduating, she moved to the D.C. area to earn her Masters in Elementary Education from George Washington University. She's taught 3rd and 4th grade in the DC Public School System. Ms. Riling believes that creating a strong classroom community is the foundation of learning. She has high expectations for herself and her students. Ms. Riling is excited to be a part of the Excel Family, empowering girls in order to build strong women.
Myia McDaniel - Instructional Assistant, Second Grade
Myia McDaniel was born and raised in the Washington DC area, She received her Degree in Business Management from the University of the District of Columbia in 2004 . Myia has been with Excel Academy Public Charter school since our 1st year in 2008, Myia started with the Excel team the second half of the school year, April 2009.She has been standing strong with the Excel team ever since, She started out working the front desk as our Receptionist! She is currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix pursuing her Minor in Elementary Education. McDaniel has a passion for teaching and plans to continue her passion with the Excel team throughout the years to come.
First Grade
Frances Eling – Grade Level Chair/Co-Teacher , First Grade
Frances Eling is very excited to be joining the Excel Academy team. She graduated from Ohio State University in 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Education. She then went on to receive a Bachelor's plus degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashland University, located in Columbus, OH. Prior to joining the Excel Academy team, Frances taught kindergarten at Westside Academy, a charter school dedicated to serving students from diverse backgrounds in Columbus. She is committed to helping the girls at Excel Academy grow as scholars.
Jamelia Pugh- Co-teacher, First Grade
Jamelia Pugh is extremely excited to be joining Excel Academy Team. She is originally from Oakland, Ca and she graduated from Florida A&M University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Of Science in Elementary Education. She loves to think of herself as an extremely cultured person and wants to share that same knowledge and experience with the students of Excel. Prior to joining the Excel Academy team, Jamelia taught First Grade at Pasadena Elementary School in Anne Arundel County. Jamelia plans to utilize all of her skills and strategies she has garnered over the years and help to cultivate empower and enrich the lives of the girls at Excel Academy.
Julienne Doyle – Co-Teacher, First Grade
Julienne Doyle is a graduate of Spelman College, where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology and minor of education. While at Spelman College, Julienne became involved in numerous organizations, such as the psychology club, Jump Start and worked on Barack Obama campaign of Atlanta. In spring 2006, Julienne became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Pi Chapter. From this initiation into this organization, Julienne held numerous leadership roles such as the Regional Co-Chair of the Undergraduate Luncheon and President of Mu Pi Chapter. In the spring of 2008, Julienne was named the Woman of the Year by the Student Government Association. Julienne graduated from Spelman College a semester early in December 2007, but walked in May 2008.
After graduating from Spelman College, Julienne furthered her educational matriculation at Columbia University, Teachers College. She entered a Psychological Counseling program with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling. Julienne held a Graduate Hall Advisor at Barnard College and interned at the Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. where she served as the Counselor for youth between the grades of 6th through 12th grade. Julienne graduated from Columbia University, Teachers College in May 2010 with a Masters of Education (Ed.M.) and a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree.
Julienne is excited and thrilled about the opportunity to join the Excel Academy staff being a 1st grade teacher. This year, she plans to take her scholars to new heights through cultural exposure and promoting academic integrity.
Harper Denhard – Co-Teacher, First Grade
Harper Denhard is from Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland with a degree in human studies and a minor in music. At St. Mary's, Ms. Denhard studied education, psychology, sociology and performed in many musical groups and as a soloist on campus - she even starred in an opera! After graduating, she joined Teach for America in Phoenix and taught first grade for two years in an urban charter school. While in Phoenix, Ms. Denhard received her Master of Education from Arizona State University. She is so excited to join the Excel Academy team and see her first grade scholars grow and reach for ambitious goals!
Marissa Siefkes – Co-Teacher, First Grade
Marissa received her BA in Government from Georgetown University in 2009, having studied public policy and elementary literacy instruction. While at Georgetown, she co-founded Compass Partners, a nonprofit that educates college freshmen to be social entrepreneurs. Compass is currently inspiring students to use business for good at 10 universities nationwide. Marissa also served as a teacher's aide in a DC public charter elementary school, where she developed a passion for the entrepreneurial nature of charter school education. After graduation, Marissa joined Teach for America and taught 6th and 8th grade social studies in Charlotte, NC. She is excited to be back in DC using her passion for data-driven instruction to help her first grade scholars achieve success at Excel.
LaShanda Jones – Instructional Assistant, First Grade
LaShanda Jones was born and raised in the Washington DC area, she graduated from Roosevelt High School with honors. Ms. Jones is now currently enrolled at The University Of The District Of Columbia pursing her degree in Early Elem. Education. Jones started out working as the Instructional Assistant, but is currently now working as the In House Substitute Teacher for the Excel team. She has been working for Excel since the beginning of 2008, when Excel first came to life. Her goal is to continue to empower and educate young black girls into becoming strong independent women. ‘’A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste”.
Kindergarten
Andrew Ferrera - Co-Teacher, Kindergarten
Andrew (or to most, Andy) was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, living in both Portland and Seattle during his childhood. In June 2010, he graduated from Dartmouth College cum laude with honors, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies with a minor in government. During his time at Dartmouth, Andrew studied abroad in both Rome, Italy for Italian language study and Southern Africa for environmental studies. He also founded the Dartmouth College Sing Dynasty -- a co-ed a cappella group -- and was active in the Dartmouth College Ski Patrol, gaining certification as an outdoor emergency care first responder. Andrew enjoys running, skiing, listening to music of all genres, and is a self-described political junkie. Andrew is passionate about elementary education, and is committed to the success of each of his students.
Nikki Jondahl - Co-Teacher, Kindergarten
Nikki Jondahl graduated from Boston University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education with dual licensure in Special Education. While a student at Boston University, she provided academic support to elementary students as a literacy tutor, explored Australia while student teaching and competed on the Alpine Ski Team. Before joining the teaching team at Excel Academy, Nikki gained experience in the classroom as a special education assistant and as a director of a day camp in her hometown of Minneapolis. Nikki looks forward to sharing her dedication to lifelong learning with the scholars at Excel Academy.
Tatiana Roll – Co-Teacher, Kindergarten
Tatiana Roll is a 2006 graduate from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she went on to receive her Masters of Education from Boston College specializing in Early Childhood Education. In 2008 BC's Lynch School of Education inducted Ms. Roll into Phi Delta Kappa (Zeta Zeta Chapter), the Education Honor Society. Ms. Roll has been working in her home state of New Jersey as a Kindergarten teacher for the past year. She is thrilled to be a new member of the staff.
Omid Shahi – Co-Teacher, Kindergarten
Omid Shahi is a 2009 graduate from Harvard University where he concentrated in Psychology and received a Secondary Field in Economics. While at university, Omid mentored gifted Boston and Cambridge public school students through Harvard’s Crimson Summer Academy. After graduation, he taught kindergarten at Teach For America’s Houston Summer Institute. He spent the last year teaching high school Civics and World History and looks forward to returning to Early Childhood Education and feels privileged to be a part of Excel Academy.
Jacqueline Singer - Co-teacher, Kindergarten
Jacqueline Singer was born and raised in Huntington, New York. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education and History, with a Minor in Dance Performance from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. At Roger Williams she was a member of the Dance Company, Dance Club, and Varsity Sailing Team. In the summer of 2006 Jacqueline went abroad to do a teaching exchange in Sicily, Italy and then in 2007 studied for a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. There she discovered her passion for the arts and history. For the past two years Jacqueline has been substitute teaching full time for six districts in New York, while studying for a dual Masters of Science in Literacy and Special Education. Jacqueline has now relocated to Washington, DC to join the Excel team. She strongly believes that every child can learn and hopes to help students to love school and to believe in themselves. She is very excited to bring her wide range of experiences into the classroom this school year!
Julia Thompson – Co-Teacher, Kindergarten
Julia comes to Excel from Uncommon School's North Star Academy and is thrilled to join the Excel Academy team! She received her degree from The New School in Manhattan, where she focused on Education Studies. Julia has worked extensively with school-aged children in after school programs and music classes, as well as coached two Destination Imagination teams. She is honored to learn and grow with this incredible community of girls.
Pre-Kindergarten
Stephanie Jackson – Grade Level Chair/Lead Teacher, Pre-kindergarten
Stephanie Jackson is thrilled to be a member of the Excel Academy family. While completing her undergraduate studies in History and Sociology at the University of Virginia, Stephanie joined Jumpstart as an Early Childhood Corps Member. After spending hundreds of volunteer hours working with at-risk pre-kindergarten students, she knew she was destined to be a teacher. She began her formal teaching career as a public charter school Teaching Fellow and was quickly promoted to Lead Teacher. She also spent a year working in the non-profit world as the Early Childhood Coordinator for the District of Columbia Parent Information Resource Center. She is looking forward to combining her love of teaching and learning, her experience in family engagement and passion for excellence in education at Excel Academy.
Zaria DeCoteau - Co-teacher, Pre-Kindergarten
Zaria DeCoteau is from Bowie, Maryland, and received her Bachelor's of Science in Allied Health Sciences from Howard University. While attending Howard, she served as the Sustainability Initiative Coordinator and president of the Howard University Environmental Society. After graduating, Ms. DeCoteau became a Capital Teaching Resident at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, where she worked as a member of the Year Round Programs Staff during her college tenure. At E.L. Haynes, she taught First Grade science and social studies. She is overjoyed to join the Excel Academy family, and looks forward to teaching and learning from her new Pre-K 4 scholars.
Tiara M. Etheridge - Co-Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten
Tiara M. Etheridge is elated to be an Excel Academy teacher. Tiara is originally from Fort Washington, MD. She attended Morgan State University, where she studied Elementary Education. She also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and later transferred to Howard University and received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. Post-graduation, Tiara continued with her passion in education outside of the classroom at American Institute for Research as a research assistant in their education department. Longing to be in the classroom, Tiara left AIR to pursue her teaching career at AppleTree Early Learning PCS. While teaching at AppleTree, Tiara continued her education at Johns Hopkins University Graduate School, where she received her Masters of Science in Elementary Special Education. As an African American female, Tiara believes it is her responsibility to educate, mentor, and prepare the urban youth for a successful future. Tiara is now a proud Pre-K teacher, and loves being apart of such a strong positive experience for young intercity girls.
David Finkelstein- Teaching Fellow, Pre-kindergarten
David Finkelstein is a native of Baltimore, MD. He received his Bachelors of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from Shepherd University. While at Shepherd University he worked on political campaigns in the Appalachian Region. He advocated for more economic opportunities and greater health care access for the poor. After graduating college he served as an intern in the legislative affairs department at the Small Business Administration. David is excited to join the Excel team and is looking forward towards making a difference in the Berry Farm’s community.
Jhermel Goss - Co-Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten
Jhermel Goss is incredibly humbled with the opportunity to begin his first year at Excel. Jhermel is a 2004 graduate of Clarion University. He is passionate about African-American literature and history, which was fueled during his time at Clark Atlanta University where he earned a Masters in African-American Studies.
Jhermel looks forward to continuing the fostering of knowledge acquisition, self-worth, and identity in the scholars at Excel.
Epernay Kyles - Teaching Fellow, Pre-Kindergarten
Epernay Kyles is a native of Memphis, TN. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Public Policy with concentrations in Education and International Policies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2008, Epernay had the opportunity to put her degree into practice during her study abroad trip to Southern Africa, where she interned at a Namibian primary school teaching English and Math. Prior to joining Excel Academy, Epernay was an Assistant Director for Save the Children Charity's Fundraising and Outreach Campaign in Austin, TX and interned for Texas State Senator John Whitmire. Epernay is honored and excited to serve as a teaching fellow at Excel and to be a part of this positive change in the education system.
Lisa Sambat - Co-Teacher, Pre-kindergarten
Lisa is from North Valley Stream, NY, and graduated in 2010 from Swarthmore College with a BA in religion and educational studies. While at Swarthmore, she played a fundamental role in community building, social justice work, and educational programming through the Intercultural Center, especially around Asian American Studies and issues focusing on women of color. Her independent research and thesis focused on the role of religious experiences in learning and identity formation among second generation adolescents. Lisa's approach to education is grounded upon her liberal arts background, particularly through the critical lens of how literacy shapes one's self-identity. She looks forward to exploring the ways that she can harness her students' funds of knowledge inside and outside the classroom and is excited to join the Excel Academy community.
Preschool
Kiarna Davis – Grade Level Chair/Lead Teacher, Preschool
Kiarna was born in Washington, D.C. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Howard University. While a student at Howard, Kiarna was extremely active in various mentoring and tutoring programs throughout the District. She has worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher for homeless children in the Nation’s Capitol. Kiarna is committed to providing quality early childhood education to all students.
Karen Cook - Co-Teacher, Preschool
Karen Cook is thrilled to be joining Excel Academy this year. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Karen graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University in May 2010 before traveling to Oman for the month of June to study Arabic. She spent her junior year abroad in Egypt and Spain, and wrote her honors thesis on Islamic Feminism in Spain. She has always been surrounded by family and friends who consider their time on this earth to be a lifelong adventure in learning. Her time at St. Agnes Academy, an all girls school in Houston, taught her the value of an academic institution designed specifically for girls, and she is honored and excited for the opportunity to be a teaching fellow at Excel Academy Public Charter School.
David Jackson – Co-Teacher, Preschool
David Jackson is from Philadelphia, PA and graduated in 2010 from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. While in college, David spent three years working as a kindergarten classroom assistant at Dartmouth College Child Care Center. David also studied abroad in France and spent a term volunteering as the site administrator’s intern at Our Brother’s Place, an all-men’s homeless shelter in Philadelphia. He later went on to serve as the co-student director for national internships at the William Jewett Tucker Foundation at Dartmouth, the college’s comprehensive community service and spiritual organization. David is excited to join Excel’s team and hopes to make a positive impact in the scholar’s lives.
Nicole Philips - Co-teacher, Preschool
Nicole L. Phillips is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and received her Bachelor’s of Art in Journalism from Howard University. While a student at Howard University Nicole was active with the Howard University Hilltop, Cover to Cover Magazine Group, and worked as an intern at Dress for Success Washington, DC. Following study at Howard University Nicole joined the Capitol Gains Teacher Preparation Program and enrolled in the Master’s of Art in Teaching program at American University. While a student at American University Nicole taught both Preschool and Pre-K in Washington, DC. Over 3 years Nicole saw double digit gains on the PALS letter assessment, served as Chair of Academic Programs, and received a peer voted award for her commitment to excellence in education. Nicole currently lives in Anacostia, Washington DC and is passionate about working with youth in her community. Nicole looks forward to an exciting first year at Excel Academy.
Ashlyn Ramos - Teaching Fellow, Preschool
Ashlyn Ramos is thrilled to be joining the Excel Academy team this academic year. Born and raised in Southern California, Ashlyn graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She continued her education at Columbia University where she received her Master of Arts degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Educational Stratification. While at Columbia University, Ms. Ramos utilized her connection with Teachers College and became even further invested in education. In May of 2011, Ms. Ramos joined Teach For America. The organization helped her find her place at Excel Academy. Recently, Ms. Ramos has begun working on her 2nd Master’s Degree at George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction. She feels humbled to be a part of such a dedicated teaching team and is excited to do great things in the classroom this year with her young scholars.
Lauren Sinacore – Co-teacher, Preschool
Lauren Sinacore is originally from Long Island, New York and received her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Sociology from Hofstra University. Upon graduating she worked at a school for students with special needs. In 2010 Lauren moved to the DC area and worked as a Director of Curriculum at an early learning center. She joined the Excel team in early 2011 as an instructional Assistant and is thrilled to be returning to Excel Academy as a Teaching Fellow. Lauren is excited to continue sharing her passion while working with the scholars at Excel Academy.
Greta Wicklund – Co-Teacher, Preschool
Greta joined the Excel team this year after earning a teaching license in Special Education. Last year she had the opportunity to teach in a Prekindergarten classroom in DC as a participant in the Capital Teaching Residency, a program that allowed her to become special education certified while teaching. She grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, but she came to DC in 2006 to study International Relations and Education at American University. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in 2010 and is currently a graduate student in the university’s School of Education. She plans to earn a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education next December. She is honored and grateful that she has the opportunity to work with the youngest scholars at Excel Academy and to be a part of the work carried out by Excel Academy’s staff each day.
Special Education
Allison Meese
Allison Meese is from West Point, New York. Allison graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Special Education from George Mason University. Prior to joining the Excel Academy Team this fall, Allison taught first grade at Teach For America’s Philadelphia Summer Institute. Allison is honored to be a member of Excel’s staff and is excited to share her passion for learning with Excel’s scholars.
Specials
Cassie Lynott – Art Teacher/Specials Chair
Cassie Lynott holds a Bachelor's degree in Art and Art History from Dickinson College and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Art Education through The Ohio State University. Her passion for art education began at the Trout Gallery of Dickinson College, where she piloted a summer youth program and curated and exhibition of Cameroonian art upon her return from her semester abroad in the West African country. Before joining the Excel team, she served as a member of the Education Department at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and held an artist residency at Glen Echo Park, where she taught printmaking classes to children and adults.
Ms. Lynott joined Excel Academy in 2009 as a Preschool teacher and served as a Preschool Grade Level Chair the following year. She is proud to be Excel's first Art Teacher and looks forward to sharing art viewing and art making experiences with scholars throughout the year.
Jennifer Haywood - Music Teacher
Jennifer Haywood holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Performance and a Master's degree in Conducting with a special emphasis in Music Education from Ithaca College. She also earned a PhD from the University of Toronto in Music Education with research focused on creating multiple means of success for students with exceptionalities. Throughout her teaching and learning journey Dr. Haywood has worked to empower her student-scholars of all ages (pre-k, elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate, graduate, community, and older adults) with the global perspective of the musics of many times and many places. She is honored beyond words to build bridges of musical understanding with each and every phenomenal scholar at Excel Academy and she looks forward to continuing to learn from each of her new students and colleagues in the years ahead!
OPERATIONS TEAM
Valencia Warnock – Chief Operating Officer
Valencia Warnock, an accomplished executive who received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Savannah State University, and is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of accomplishments during thirteen years of progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Ms. Warnock, originally from Savannah Georgia, began her career as a Program Manager at a homeless shelter for youth; this experience stirred her passion to help young people succeed by providing resources that would allow youth to live up to their fullest potential.
Valencia served as executive director for the, Boys and Girls Club and the National Centers for Addictions and Substance Abuse. Prior to arriving to Excel, Valencia was Director of the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center and CARE After-school Programs at the Living Classrooms Foundation in Baltimore Maryland.
Valencia is devoted to empowering young people with the tools necessary to become successful, healthy and productive citizens. She strongly believes that education is essential for a solid foundation. Joining team Excel in November 2011, she brings visionary leadership, pragmatic management and key partnership development.
Clarence Pineda – Business Manager
Clarence Pineda was born in the Philippines. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Old Dominion University. Upon graduating from college, Mr. Pineda got a job as an Executive Team Leader for a major retailer. After several years he switched to banking and became a branch manager. He went on to pass his Series 6 and series 63 exams and was licensed to sell mutual funds, variable annuities and insurance premiums in addition to running his branch. In keeping with his adventurous demeanor, Mr. Pineda decided to move to San Diego, CA during the summer of 2008. During his sabbatical he developed a passion for helping others and volunteered his time at a local food bank. It was only natural that his next position should combine his management and financial background along with his fervor for helping social causes. Mr. Pineda is very excited that he found this balance with his position as Business Manager at Excel Academy.
Larry C. Jiggetts – Chief Information Officer
Larry Jiggetts is a native Washingtonian with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the political, social, and educational landscape of our city. Mr. Jiggetts attended Howard University where he majored in Education. He received a Master’s of Information Technology from American InterContinental University. Mr. Jiggetts has extensive experience working with youth in Washington D.C. as a substitute teacher and youth shelter program administrator. Mr. Jiggetts worked at the White House as a Computer Technician and at the Pentagon as a Network Engineer and Information Security Supervisor. He is a Certified Information System Security Professional, a Certified Information Security Specialist, a Certified Network Engineer, a Microsoft Certified Professional, and a Comp-TA Certified A+ Network Technician. Excel Academy benefits from his expertise as an engineer, information security specialist and facility manager.
Julia Mayrant - School Nurse
Born and raised in South Carolina, Julia Mayrant earned her nursing degree from the University of the District of Columbia, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2003. Before making the life changing decision to get a degree in nursing, she worked as a Journeyman for 20 years with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 491 of Greater Washington, D.C.
She is an enthusiastic Registered Nurse with expertise in the areas of medical-surgical nursing, community health and pediatrica acute care. Ms. Mayrant enjoys pediatric nursing and has a genuinely friendly attitude that radiates a sincere passion for delivering high quality health care to our students. She is employed with Children's Hospital School Services and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in nursing.
Brent Pencak – Front Desk Receptionist
Brent graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a BA in Political Science. While in college, he interned at the Roosevelt Institution in Washington, DC and worked to develop student-written public policies, including innovative ideas to improve and expand educational opportunities. After graduating, he worked for a law firm under one of the most brilliant legal minds in Michigan. As a researcher and assistant, Brent worked with a diverse group of health professionals to develop their health practices. As a new resident in Washington DC, Brent enjoys exploring the city and in his spare time, Brent enjoys running, playing and watching hockey, SCUBA diving and reading a wide-range of topics.
William Akridge – Operations and Advancement Officer
William Akridge is a DC native and lifelong educator with a passion for helping others and improving the failing public education system. After earning his BS in management from Georgia Tech, William began his education career as an ESL classroom teacher in South Korea, working with urban youth to increase their proficiency in English. After returning to the U.S., William spent two years in outdoor education in Colorado and California before starting his Credential/Masters program at UC Davis. During his time in California, he completed his Masters in Education, gained his teaching credential, and was the teacher of record in mathematics at a largely Hispanic public high school.
Before joining Excel, William moved to Viet Nam to work on an education project for the East Meets West Foundation funded by the World Bank to leverage his skills and education expertise for a broader impact. As a program officer, he facilitated access to upper secondary education for more than 7,000 rural disadvantaged Vietnamese 10th-12th graders. Through dedication and hard work, William was instrumental to the success of the program in its creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases.
ADVANCEMENT TEAM
Kate Essex - Chief Advancement Officer
Kate joined the team at Excel Academy in May 2011. Prior to arriving at Excel, Kate served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Sidwell Friends School, where she oversaw the admissions process for Middle and Upper School. Kate also previously worked as a High School Placement Counselor at KIPP DC: KEY Academy, helping students and their families make the transition from KIPP to high-performing public, charter, Catholic, and independent high schools. Kate's experience with the educational landscape of D.C. began during her role as the Education Director for Horton's Kids, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive services for children and families in a Ward 8 neighborhood just up the street from Excel Academy. Kate earned her Master's in Education and Human Development at The George Washington University, where she participated in an Individualized Master's program with a course of study specifically designed to focus on supporting at-risk children and families. She earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University. Kate is deeply committed to the community that surrounds Excel Academy and is very happy to return to this neighborhood.
Lauryn Kalbermatten-Goldberg – Special Events and Grants Coordinator
Lauryn graduated cum laude with her BA in Music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2010. While pursuing her degree at St. Mary’s College in Southern Maryland and in Italy, Lauryn interned for the St. Mary’s College River Concert Series, as well as the college’s Music and Arts Outreach Departments. Upon graduating, she was hired by the college to work one-on-one with the college’s Executive Director of Arts Outreach and River Concert Series, Dr. Barbara Bershon. In her three years working for St. Mary’s, Lauryn acquired valuable skills associated with the management of a performing arts administration. She gained a broad understanding of the processes involved in community outreach and development, sponsorship acquisition and fundraising, artistic coordination, and the complex planning associated with the creation and execution of a major concert series. Lauryn is also a Classical Voice and Opera singer, and continues to study and perform in the Washington area. She attended Wilson High School, volunteers in her mother’s DCPS classroom, and is passionate about bringing high-level education to low-income girls.
Chynita Pernell – Federal and District Grants Manager
Chynita joined Excel Academy in August of 2011. Before her transition to Excel, she was a Grants Manager for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). While at DCPS, she managed school wide and targeted assistance schools that received NCLB Title I-IV federal funds. Her experience with NCLB’s regulations and compliance, monitoring of federal grants, and conducting federal audits is an asset to the Excel team. Chynita is a native Marylander and received her early education in the Prince George’s County Public School system. She received her undergraduate degree at Towson University in Business Administration and after many years, she decided to return back to school to pursue her Master’s degree at Walden University in Public Administration, Law and Public Policy. She will complete her Master’s studies at the end of 2011. Chynita was honored and inducted to the Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration for her outstanding achievement in public administration and public service.
