
I always say, “Collegiate raised me, but Southeast made me.” I’m so glad to be working at Friendship Southeast. I’m from here—Southeast DC, Ward 8. When I work with my students, I feel like I’m working with my younger self. I want to make an impact and be someone they can talk to.
Can you talk a little bit about what you do as a lower school dean at Friendship Southeast?
As the Lower School Dean, I work with grades preschool through third supporting our scholars and specifically dealing with behavior issues. It is rewarding to positively influence many different students every single day and watch their behavior improve over time.
I have found that building meaningful relationships with my scholars is essential to encourage them to want to improve their behavior and model the Southeast way daily.
Did you start out as a teacher at Southeast or another campus?
I started out as a summer intern at Friendship. I was an admin assistant for Principal Booth and then I went into aftercare at Woodridge, where I was a group leader. During another summer, I was an intern in accounting and finance with Ben Forjoe, Shamika Bailiff and Thinh Nguyen. After that, I joined Southeast as a group leader in aftercare. I was then approached by Assistant Principal Dow who asked me if I wanted a position as a paraprofessional. I spent three years as an early childhood paraprofessional, learning everything about how to manage an Early Childhood classroom—from morning meetings to achieving high scores in the CLASS Assessment. When the position for Pathways Coordinator opened, I applied and was offered the position. Now I am the lower school dean.
It’s a pleasure to be able to be in multiple classrooms and see our scholars arrive as babies and develop and grow through kindergarten, first, second, third grade and beyond.
What has it been like to transition into remote and learning hub instruction?
Instruction is still exceptional. Even though we are not in the building, or teaching in person, learning is happening virtually.
We don’t know what they are going through at home, but when they log into virtual learning at 8:30 a.m., we know we can make a great impact virtually, make their day a little bit better, and put smiles on their faces when they learn something new.
It’s great to see our scholars turn a challenging situation into opportunities for growth.
Can you talk a little bit about your experience going to Friendship as a student?
I’ve been around Friendship since I was a little girl. My mom worked at Woodridge in 1999, so she’s been with Friendship for a while, too. I’m grateful that she was there so that I could get my start at Friendship. I attended Woodridge from kindergarten through sixth grade. For middle school, I transferred to Alice Deal, but I’m glad I returned to Friendship in eleventh grade. I enjoyed all the Friendship campuses I attended.
I love Collegiate. Before I transferred to Collegiate, I attended Duke Ellington. During my ninth grade year, I realized I wasn’t happy and asked my mother if I could transfer. She said, “Let’s give it one more year.” When I transferred to Collegiate in eleventh grade, I was able to blossom.
At first, I was quite shy and stayed to myself, but with the help of my teachers, I was able to thrive. Ms. Harris at the time (now Ms. Duran) had a significant impact on my high school experience. Ms. Hazel who just returned to Collegiate was also influential. Mr. Blood was a fantastic DC history teacher. Before taking his DC history class, I had always disliked history. My teachers made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. I was also awarded the Achievers scholarship.
There were many great moments at Collegiate. One experience that stands out is when I was studying vocal music with Ms. Duran. She not only helped me to train my voice, but she also taught me showmanship. She talked me into performing during our homecoming competition, which was my most memorable experience at Collegiate. I didn’t win, but I was the first runner up. I wasn’t even going to do it!
I always say, “Collegiate raised me, but Southeast made me.” I’m so glad to be working at Friendship Southeast. I’m from here—Southeast DC, Ward 8. When I work with my students, I feel like I’m working with my younger self. I want to make an impact and be someone they can talk to.
If a parent were considering enrolling their child at Southeast, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that it doesn’t get better than Friendship Southeast. Our culture, our relationships with parents, academic programs and after school clubs are second to none. Southeast scholars are well-rounded individuals that make an impact on their community.
Like they say, the Southeast corridor is the best corridor to be in.
Are there any fun facts you’d like to share?
I am a mother of a two-year-old who reminds me daily of my “why.” During my Woodridge days, I was a cheerleader and now, I am the dance coach for the Friendship Southeast Band. I am currently pursuing a degree in educational studies, learning about the business and leadership aspect of education.
Can you talk a little bit about what you do as a lower school dean at Friendship Southeast?
As the Lower School Dean, I work with grades preschool through third supporting our scholars and specifically dealing with behavior issues. It is rewarding to positively influence many different students every single day and watch their behavior improve over time.
I have found that building meaningful relationships with my scholars is essential to encourage them to want to improve their behavior and model the Southeast way daily.
Did you start out as a teacher at Southeast or another campus?
I started out as a summer intern at Friendship. I was an admin assistant for Principal Booth and then I went into aftercare at Woodridge, where I was a group leader. During another summer, I was an intern in accounting and finance with Ben Forjoe, Shamika Bailiff and Thinh Nguyen. After that, I joined Southeast as a group leader in aftercare. I was then approached by Assistant Principal Dow who asked me if I wanted a position as a paraprofessional. I spent three years as an early childhood paraprofessional, learning everything about how to manage an Early Childhood classroom—from morning meetings to achieving high scores in the CLASS Assessment. When the position for Pathways Coordinator opened, I applied and was offered the position. Now I am the lower school dean.
It’s a pleasure to be able to be in multiple classrooms and see our scholars arrive as babies and develop and grow through kindergarten, first, second, third grade and beyond.
What has it been like to transition into remote and learning hub instruction?
Instruction is still exceptional. Even though we are not in the building, or teaching in person, learning is happening virtually.
We don’t know what they are going through at home, but when they log into virtual learning at 8:30 a.m., we know we can make a great impact virtually, make their day a little bit better, and put smiles on their faces when they learn something new.
It’s great to see our scholars turn a challenging situation into opportunities for growth.
Can you talk a little bit about your experience going to Friendship as a student?
I’ve been around Friendship since I was a little girl. My mom worked at Woodridge in 1999, so she’s been with Friendship for a while, too. I’m grateful that she was there so that I could get my start at Friendship. I attended Woodridge from kindergarten through sixth grade. For middle school, I transferred to Alice Deal, but I’m glad I returned to Friendship in eleventh grade. I enjoyed all the Friendship campuses I attended.
I love Collegiate. Before I transferred to Collegiate, I attended Duke Ellington. During my ninth grade year, I realized I wasn’t happy and asked my mother if I could transfer. She said, “Let’s give it one more year.” When I transferred to Collegiate in eleventh grade, I was able to blossom.
At first, I was quite shy and stayed to myself, but with the help of my teachers, I was able to thrive. Ms. Harris at the time (now Ms. Duran) had a significant impact on my high school experience. Ms. Hazel who just returned to Collegiate was also influential. Mr. Blood was a fantastic DC history teacher. Before taking his DC history class, I had always disliked history. My teachers made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. I was also awarded the Achievers scholarship.
There were many great moments at Collegiate. One experience that stands out is when I was studying vocal music with Ms. Duran. She not only helped me to train my voice, but she also taught me showmanship. She talked me into performing during our homecoming competition, which was my most memorable experience at Collegiate. I didn’t win, but I was the first runner up. I wasn’t even going to do it!
I always say, “Collegiate raised me, but Southeast made me.” I’m so glad to be working at Friendship Southeast. I’m from here—Southeast DC, Ward 8. When I work with my students, I feel like I’m working with my younger self. I want to make an impact and be someone they can talk to.
If a parent were considering enrolling their child at Southeast, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that it doesn’t get better than Friendship Southeast. Our culture, our relationships with parents, academic programs and after school clubs are second to none. Southeast scholars are well-rounded individuals that make an impact on their community.
Like they say, the Southeast corridor is the best corridor to be in.
Are there any fun facts you’d like to share?
I am a mother of a two-year-old who reminds me daily of my “why.” During my Woodridge days, I was a cheerleader and now, I am the dance coach for the Friendship Southeast Band. I am currently pursuing a degree in educational studies, learning about the business and leadership aspect of education.