Noris Alderson, Spanish Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Ms. Alderson previously taught Spanish in a D.C Public Charter School. Prior to that she was a Diplomat and worked as a Cultural Attach for the Embassy of Panama before the White House and was a Counselor of the Embassy of Panama to the Organization of American States. As a Journalist she had written for several newspapers in Panama. Her first teaching experience was working for the Public Schools in North Carolina. She holds a Master's in Communications.

Lisa Apple, Math Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes team in 2009 as a math inclusion teacher for 6th and 7th grade.  Prior to coming to E.L. Haynes, she was an inclusion algebra teacher serving over-age, under-credit students at Anacostia Senior High School.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Drew University and is correctly pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education from George Mason University.

Theresa Biagioni , Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in October 2008. She has also worked as a Program Instructor for high school and middle school students with the CloseUp Foundation, a local civics education nonprofit. A Missouri native, Teresa earned her B.A. in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Meg Boatwright, Wilson Reading Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008. She earned a B.A. in history and a B.S. in psychology from the University of Arizona. Ms. Boatwright taught for 2 years with Teach for America at Davis Elementary School in Washington, DC, and during that time, she earned a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from American University.

Tiffany Boyd, Year Round Programs Site Manager, Ms. Boyd has four years of experience working in the Extended Day Program at E.L. Haynes.She holds a visual arts degree and came to E.L. Haynes as an Extended Day Program teacher. 

Elizabeth Boyer, Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a M.S. Ed. in elementary education with a concentration in urban education in 2009. During graduate school, Ms. Boyer taught kindergarten at the Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School and third grade at Friends Select, both located in Philadelphia. Ms. Boyer has a wide range of experience working with special education students, including being a dance instructor at a rehabilitation center in Lancaster, PA. Additionally, Ms. Boyer has worked under the Philadelphia Regional Secretary at the Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. Ms. Boyer was born and raised in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Jodi Brooks, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She has been working in early childhood special education for more than seven years. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes staff, she taught children diagnosed with autism in Oakland, CA. While teaching, she also served in multiple leadership roles including the school leadership and design teams, parent advocacy, the head of the autism department, and working on the school’s task force to ensure the safety and future of the school. Jodi was born in Columbus, Ohio and has a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Taylor University.

Norma Bryant, Kindergarten Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She has more than 20 years of classroom and leadership experience in Early Childhood. Prior to joining the Haynes Team. Ms. Bryant taught at Hope Community PCS were she served as Teacher, Academy,and Grade Leader for Early Childhood. She served as Early Childhood Coordinator,Teacher, and Summer Coordinator at Tri-Community PCS. She has served as Substitute Mentor, Coach and liaison at other area schools. Ms. Bryant is also founder of "LimitlessKids" a organization that support and advocatef for early childhood education. A native Floridian, Ms. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education from NOVA University.

Marissa Chin, Inclusion Teacher, joined the ELH staff in 2007 as a Teaching Fellow. She has worked with the 2nd and 3rd grades, and is currently attending Catholic University for her Master's degree in Special Education. Prior to Haynes, she taught high school in Boston, MA at the MATCH Public Charter High School. She graduated from Colby College in 2006 as a double English and History major.

Yolanda Coreas, Facility Aide, joined E.L. Haynes in September 2006.  She has lived in DC for 12 years, and has worked in food service for eight years.  She assists the food manger in handling food and with the school’s new facility.  Ms. Coreas has four beautiful children, two of whom currently attending ELH. 

Margaret Cox, Spanish Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes team in 2010. She received her Master's in Teaching at the University Virginia as a Leonore Annenberg Teaching Fellow and student-taught at nearby Nelson County High School. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes team, she worked for the Albemarle County Migrant Education Department in Virginia, teaching English to migrant farm workers and tutoring middle and high school students.  A native of Virginia Beach, Ms. Cox also earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.

Delores Crowder, Nurse, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.

Elsi Cruz, Translation and Communication Specialist, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Ms. Cruz has an A.A. degree in Science for Mental Health from Montgomery College. She is currently pursuing a BSW at University of the District of Columbia. Before joining our staff she worked at My Sister’s Place as a case manager for five years with victims of domestic violence.

Libby Diamond, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes Staff in July 2008. Prior to joining Haynes, Ms. Diamond worked as a teacher for children with autism in DCPS. She has also worked in government affairs for an insurance company and in marketing for a law firm. Originally from Connecticut, Ms. Diamond has her B.A. in Marketing from Bentley College and her M.A. in Special Education from George Washington University.

Diana Dulanto, Teaching Associate , joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She worked with the EIP Program to help potential
first-generation college bound students accomplish their goal of attending college, taught an after-school Spanish class for elementary students, and is working on her master's degree in Educational Psychology. She is from Alexandria, VA and graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from George Mason University.

Maggie Fatovic, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009 as an Inclusion Specialist in the middle school. She moved to the DC area 7 years ago after living in a number of places, including Colorado and London. Before working at Haynes, Maggie worked at Kingsbury Day School as a classroom teacher in the Lower School Program. She has also coached many sports including basketball and rowing. Maggie attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, recieving her undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduated from the University of Virginia with a Masters in Special Education.

Keely Flaherty, Marketing and Development Manager, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in March of 2007. She came to us from Sasha Bruce Youthwork where she held the position of Development Associate. Keely received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bucknell University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management from New School University and is an Americorps alumna.

Eliza Ford, 7th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008 as a Teaching Associate. Ms. Ford previously lived in New York, and has taught across a variety of settings and disciplines, including working with preschool students, children with autism, and as an American Sign Language instructor. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a B.A. in religious studies.

Kate Franz, Literacy Coordinator, has a B.A. in History from Davidson College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. She taught for 3 years with Teach for America at the P.R. Harris Educational Center followed by 3 years at Friendship-Edison Public Charter School. In her final year at Friendship-Edison she also served as the Reading Curriculum Coordinator and became a Nationally Certified Trainer in Success for All Reading Roots for Edison Schools. She is a founding teacher, having taught 1st grade for 3 years at E.L. Haynes.

Nate Franz, 5th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Mr. Franz began his teaching career in Northeast DC as a kindergarten teacher. He then taught fifth and sixth grade science and social studies at KIPP DC: Key Academy in Southeast DC. Nate was born, raised, and university educated in Madison, Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin).

Jane T. Gang, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.  She resides in Bethesda, MD, but is originally from Pennsylvania.  Prior to joining E.L. Haynes, she taught in D.C. Public Schools at West Elementary School, serving as Special Education Teacher and Special Education Coordinator.  She has a B.A. in mathematics from Boston University and an M.A. in Special Education, K-12, from George Washington University. 

Hannah Giles, 3rd Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. For the past three years Ms. Giles has been a first grade teacher at a public charter school in Northeast DC. She also has experience as a modern dancer and choreographer, a farmer and international development educator, and a microbiology researcher. Ms. Giles grew up in Chatham, NY, earned a BA from Middlebury College and an MA in Elementary Education from American University.

Joe Golub, Second Grade Capital Teaching Fellow, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Mr. Golub was born and raised in Washington, DC. He studied History and Education at the University of California at Berkeley and, upon graduating in May 2007, returned to DC to embark on a career in education.

David Green, Wilson Reading Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009 to teach seventh grade humanities. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes staff, David was a High School History teacher in Miami Dade County Public Schools. David Green holds a Bachelors degree in History from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a Masters Degree in History from the Catholic University of America.

Julie Anne Green, Director of Marketing and Development, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2005. She has more than 14 years of nonprofit management experience, encompassing a variety of work including development, marketing, public relations, and volunteer management. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes team, Ms. Green was Director of Development for George Mason University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. She has also worked with Virginia Opera, The Washington Opera, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ms. Green is a member of the Board of Directors for Theater of the First Amendment, the resident professional theater company of George Mason University, and AFYP: Stages, which creates and presents plays for audiences of all ages using young actors. A native of North Adams, Massachusetts, Ms. Green holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Mount Holyoke College.

Alvin Greene, Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.

Patrice Griffin, Facility Project Manager, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in March 2005. Ms. Griffin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, with a concentration in News and Public Affairs, from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia and a Masters in Business Administration from Trinity University. Prior to joining our team she was the Subrogation Supervisor for the Southern Maryland region of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Carla Grinnell, Teaching Associate, joined E.L. Haynes staff in September 2008. Before becoming a Teaching Associate she worked in the Year Round Programs office as Extended Day Staff. After two months working with Year Round Programs she became the 5th grade Math and Science Substitute before becoming a full time TA in Pre-Kindergarten in January 2009. She was born in Baltimore, MD but she likes to say that she is a "native" of the world having been raised in an Army family. She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Rabiah Harris, 7th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Howard University and a M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education from University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Harris LOVES SCIENCE and previously taught for three years in DCPS. Most recently she taught as a founding teacher at New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics Academy in New Orleans, LA.

Tarek Hbeichi, Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008. Before joining E.L. Haynes, he served as a youth counselor and facilitator at an international summer camp for youth from conflict zones (Iraq, Israel/Palestine, etc). Mr. Hbeichi also worked for Sister Cities International as a program assistant for the Youth & Education Department. He graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in Government & International Politics

Amy Helms, 4th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She was a 2007 Teach for America corps member in Washington, DC, where she taught fourth grade at Friendship Chamberlain Elementary School.  Ms. Helms has a BA in political science from Tufts University and a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from American University.  She is a native of Silver Spring, Maryland.   

Jimmy Henderson, Director of Planning, Policy, and Finance, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in April 2009.  Prior to becoming an administrator, Jimmy worked as a management consultant for The Boston Consulting Group in Atlanta, GA and Washington, D.C.  He holds a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Masters in Education from the Stanford University School of Education, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Shannon Hepler, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She is an alumni of the DC Teaching Fellows program and has taught special education at Kimball Elementary (DCPS) and the School for Arts in Learning (SAIL) PCS. Most recently, Mrs. Hepler has worked in non-profit administration and as a coach for new teachers. She holds a bachelors degree in Communication from George Mason University and a masters degree in Special Education from George Washington University.

Beth Hood, Director of Family and Community Outreach, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She has more than 15 years experience as a clinical school social worker for children and adolescents with the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health and with DCPS.   Her expertise is in working with the multi-ethnic families of the District.  Ms. Hood also has had several years experience working as a coordinator of programs for the newcomer immigrant population with DCPS’s Office of Bilingual Education, and has authored a workbook for students on acculturation.  She most recently was with Prince George’s County Public Schools, working as a social worker/student-parent advocate at a middle school.  Ms. Hood received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore. She has two middle-school age daughters, who she tries not to embarrass too often.

Molly Howard, Capital Teaching Resident, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2010.  A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ms. Howard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Yale University and a Master of Environmental Management degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes team, she was an environmental consultant most recently working on the Gulf oil spill.  Ms. Howard has been volunteering in public schools since 2003.  

Kate Hubbard, Curriculum Coordinator, has a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from the College of Arts and Science in Burlington, Vermont. She has 3 years of experience working with Special Education students; and came to E.L. Haynes from Belvedere Elementary School, in Fairfax County. She has a Louisiana teaching certificate in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and a Virginia teaching certificate in Learning Disabilities/Retardation for grades K-12.

Crystal Humphrey, Kindergarten Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Ms. Humphrey received her undergraduate degree from Norfolk State University in Early Childhood Education. She is currently working towards her masters from American University. To date, she has been teaching for 9 years, of which five have been in the District of Columbia Public School system.

Laurel Hyche, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2008.  Prior to joining the Haynes team, she substitute taught in a variety of grades in Gulfport, Mississippi and Baltimore, Maryland.  She also has 5 years experience working with the YMCA.  She has a B.A. in Psychology and an Elementary Teaching Certificate from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.

Amanda Ingram, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2007. Prior to joining the E. L. Haynes staff, Amanda was a Teach for America 05’ corps member in Oakland, CA where she taught middle school special education for two years. After moving to DC Amanda got her Masters in Special Education at Catholic University. Amanda also holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. 

Samone Jackson, Director of Year Round Programs, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of education, the last 5 serving as principal of St. Joseph of the Holy Family Elementary School in Harlem, New York. Before relocating to the Maryland/DC area, Ms. Jackson served as an adult educator at Medgar Evers College where reading was her area of concentration.  Ms. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. John’s University and a Masters degree in Remedial Reading from the City University of New York

Meg Jensen, 2nd Grade Teacher, joined the E.L Haynes staff in the fall of 2006 as an extended day teacher and teaching assistant after graduating from Gallaudet University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2007 she joined Teach for America in the DC region and taught Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten. After finishing Teach for America she was more than happy to come back to the E.L Haynes team. She received her Master's in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University. A native of the Washington DC area she currently lives in beautiful Dupont Circle.

Tanisha D. Jones, Kindergarten Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2004 as a 1st Grade Teaching Fellow. Prior to joining E.L. Haynes she spent 5 years doing administrative and Human Resources work in Corporate America. A native of Washington, DC and DC Public Schools, Mrs. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the Ohio State University and a Master’s of Arts degree in Elementary Education from American University.

Brigham Kiplinger, 5th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Mr. Kiplinger was a 2003 Teach For America Corps Member in Washington, DC, and taught fifth grade for four years at the Arts and Technology Academy in Northeast. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Africana Studies from Cornell University, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from American University.

Alexis Kossiakoff, ELL Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008. Ms. Kossiakoff completed her student teaching last year at an international school in Beijing. After working at Room to Read, a nonprofit organization fostering literacy in developing nations, and advising international students at the University of Chicago, Ms. Kossiakoff dedicated herself to teaching. She holds a Masters degree in Education from George Mason University and Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Cultural Anthropology.

Katharine Landfield, School Social Worker, Kansas Avenue Campus, has been a social worker since 1993, after graduating from Catholic University's School of Social Service. She came to work at ELH in 2005, and left in 2007 to move to Istanbul, Turkey with her family. She has worked primarily as a school social worker, but also has had experience in international projects on HIV and women's health, as well as in teaching social work concepts to Turkish and Vietnamese counselors. A native of the DC area, she is now raising her two boys in DC. She met her husband while they were both at Amherst College in Massachusetts. Katharine is very happy to be back at ELH this year!

Meredith MacAskill, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She loves working with children and has experience in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, private practice, and early intervention.

Kate Maull, ELL Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes team in 2007 and taught 4th Grade Literacy for the last two years. Prior to that, she taught elementary and middle school English as a Second Language in Brooklyn, NY, as a Teach for America corps member. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies and Communications from the University of California at San Diego, and a Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Pace University.

Waahida Mbatha, 6th Grade Humanities Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.  A native of Louisville, she began her teaching career in Kentucky where she taught English and Social Studies to 7th grade students.  Ms. Mbatha has lived in DC for the past 3 years and taught most recently at Meridian Public Charter School, where she taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts.  Ms. Mbatha holds a B.A. in Middle Grades Education from Berea College and a Masters in Urban Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Rebecca Meyer, Director of Student Support Services, is a founding member of the E. L. Haynes team. Originally from New Jersey, Mrs. Meyer has more than 10 years experience in education and non-profit management. Prior to joining E. L. Haynes, Mrs. Meyer taught students with disabilities in several different private and public school environments. She also led the New Jersey region of Teach For America as Executive Director for 3 years. Mrs. Meyer earned her B.A. in Psychology from Wake Forest University with Magna Cum Laude distinction.

Premila Mistry, Music Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008.  She has taught in Washington DC for 13 years, including teaching music for 10 of those years.  Prior to coming to E.L. Haynes, Ms. Mistry has taught at Washington International School, Murch Elementary School (DCPS), and Rock Creek International School.  Ms. Mistry's choirs have given performances all over the DC area, including the White House, GW Lisner Auditorium, Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage, and various other venues.  Born in Bombay, India, and a native of Ithaca, New York, Ms. Mistry holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Music from Wells College.

Tiffany Mitchell, Teaching Fellow, joined E.L. Haynes in July 2008. She has more than seven years experience working in after school and summer programs. Prior to joining the Haynes team, Ms. Mitchell served as the 2007-2008 Thomas M. Menino Fellow at the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education and Families. A native of Hampton, Virginia, Ms. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications from Old Dominion University and currently pursuing a Masters of Teaching at American University.

Julie Sara Mobley, 7th Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. She has six years of experience teaching mathematics in both middle and high schools in New York City and Charleston, SC. Prior to becoming a teacher, Julie Sara worked as a computer programmer for a healthcare consulting firm. A native of South Carolina, Julie Sara holds a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from Vassar College, a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, and a Masters degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from CCNY-City College (NYC).

Anna Modecki, ELL Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Prior to coming to E.L. Haynes, Ms. Modecki spent a year teaching English as a Second Language in Anne Arundel County, MD. In 2004, she taught English to children in Dalian, China for seven months. Ms. Modecki graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington, Seattle, with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She holds a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language from Georgetown University.

Bethany Molitor, Operations Manager, graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BA in Marketing in 2003. She joined the E.L. Haynes office staff in January of 2005 and is currently the Operations Manager.

Michelle Molitor, Principal (Pre-K - Second Grade), has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Central Michigan University, with a concentration in both the sciences and language arts. Prior to joining E.L. Haynes, she spent five years teaching in the Fairfax County Public School system as both an elementary school teacher and a middle school science teacher. Ms. Molitor has also served as an Education Coordinator aboard The Freedom Schooner Amistad and has done humanitarian educational travel with People to People Student Ambassadors and international groups. She is a founding staff member. She was a member of New Leaders for New Schools' 2008 principal corps.

Emily Montgomery, Director of Early Childhood Programs, graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and has a Master's degree in Special Education from American University. She taught 4 through 11 year olds at the Lab School of Washington, The Lourie Center School, and The Kingsbury Day School. Most recently, Emily spent three years as the Special Education Coordinator and Assistant Director at St. Columba's Nursery School.

Emily Morris, 1st Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009. Prior to joining the E.L. Haynes team, Emily taught first grade for two years with Teach for America in Northeast DC. She was born and raised in Michigan, and attended Michigan State University where she earned her degree in Social Relations and Policy. She also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University.

Tony Murillo, Spanish Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009.

Bradley Napier, Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in November 2008 as a member of the EDP staff. A graduate of Wilton High School, he grew up in Wilton, Connecticut before departing for Washington D.C to attend college in Fall 2004. He graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in History with a minor in German Language and Literature. Before arriving at E.L. Haynes he worked a myriad of jobs ranging from camp counselor to barista to museum representative.

Jennifer Niles, Founder and Head of School. Jennie Niles is the Founder of E.L. Haynes Public Charter School.  E.L. Haynes’ mission is for every one of its students to reach high levels of academic achievement and be prepared to succeed at the college of his or her choice.  In April 2008, E.L. Haynes was chosen from DC’s 56 charter schools as the recipient of Fight for Children’s first-ever Quality Schools Initiative award.  The school was ranked 6th among a consortium of 99 charter schools nationwide and, as such, was also the winner of a Silver-Gain Award from New Leaders for New Schools’ Effective Practice Incentive Community grant program. In June 2003, Ms. Niles finished her fellowship with New Leaders for New Schools, an intensive, year-long program to prepare urban principals. New American Schools sponsored Ms. Niles through her fellowship, supported the development of the charter application, and housed the start-up of the school. Prior to New Leaders, Ms. Niles was the Director of Education Initiatives at The Ball Foundation of Glen Ellyn, IL, an operating foundation that partners with school districts to increase student achievement through systemic reform. Before that, Ms. Niles headed the Charter School Office for the Connecticut State Department of Education where she oversaw all aspects of the charter school program and led a multi-disciplinary team to create the accountability system. Ms. Niles also taught middle school and high school science and directed service learning programs at schools in California and Massachusetts. Ms. Niles holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University, a Masters in Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Management, and a Masters of Science in Public Administration with a focus on Educational Administration from Trinity University (DC).

Becky Nolin, 1st Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Before coming the E.L. Haynes, Ms. Nolin was an intern at The Philanthropy Roundtable, a non-profit group in DC organized to help donors achieve dramatic improvements in K-12 education. She graduated from Davidson College in 2006 with a BA in Political Science, with a concentration in East Asian Studies.

Kate Noonan, 5th Grade Teacher, Kate Noonan joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2010. An alumna of the Inner-City Teaching Corps, she previously taught middle-school reading and science for six years in Chicago, IL. She also served as a school-wide science curriculum coordinator and Junior High team leader. In 2008 she was a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Ms. Noonan received a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Boston College.

Samuel Page, Planning, Policy, and Finance Fellow for Year Round Programs, joined the E. L. Haynes staff for one year beginning in July 2010. Born in New York City, he graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in History. Last summer, he taught math at a middle school in East Harlem and this past year wrote his senior thesis on the establishment of the first system of national health insurance in Britain.

Sarah Pessagno, 2nd Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.  She worked in the Baltimore Public School System teaching second grade for two years before moving to DC to join the Haynes staff.  She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish.  She also holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. 

Towana Pierre-Floyd, Principal, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2009 as a New Leaders for New Schools Principal Fellow. Ms. Pierre-Floyd began her teaching career with both Teach for America and KIPP, serving as a founding teacher at New Orleans West, a charter school in Houston, Texas.  She later relocated to New Orleans where she served as the founding 5th-8th Social Studies teacher at Mc Donogh 15.  Most recently, she served as the Dean of Culture at KIPP Mc Donogh 15.  Ms. Pierre-Floyd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Philosophy from Howard University.

Rosenda Reyes, Food Manager and Facility Assistant, joined E.L. Haynes in August 2007. She was born in Washington, DC but was raised in El Salvador.  She has been living in DC for fifteen years.  Ms. Reyes has been in the food service industry for 3-4 years.  She has two beautiful children.

Paul Robinson, Kindergarten Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2005. is in his third year at E.L. Haynes. Mr. Robinson attended the University of Maryland where he studied music, playing bass in the orchestra. In addition to being a staff member at E.L. Haynes, he is also the proud father of four of students.

Michelle Rush, ELL Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2008.  For the past two years Ms. Rush has been an ELL teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. Prior to that, she worked as an advocate for the DC Coalition against Domestic Violence. Ms. Rush is a co-founder of Girls Rock! DC, a rock music camp for girls. She enjoys playing music and has written music for theater. Ms. Rush holds a B.A. from Kent State University and a Masters in Education from Marymount University.

Lindy Russell-Heymann, Art Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in August 2007.   She has 7 years of teaching experience as both an art and fifth grade teacher in DC charter schools and PG County Public Schools.   Prior to that, she worked as a costume designer, wardrobe manager, and assistant for various theater companies in the DC area, including Signature Theatre, The Washington Revels, and the Washington Opera.   She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design from the Theatre School at DePaul University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Ohio State University.

Melissa J. Saint Amour, Dance Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008.  She is a professional choreographer and has more than 10 years of K-12 and college teaching experience.  Mrs. Saint Amour has been on the faculty at Montgomery College, East Carolina University, George Mason University, Fillmore Arts Center, ALTA, and East Forsyth High School (NC).  She is Co-Artistic Director/Founder of Arts United of Washington, a performing arts company that was featured in Dancer Magazine, and for which The Washington Post has called her work "evocative choreography." A native of Syracuse, NY, Mrs. Saint Amour holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

Robert Sapp, Behavior Coordinator, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2006. Mr. Sapp has worked at E.L. Haynes for two years. He joined the school working in the Extended Day program, then as a teaching fellow. Prior to E.L. Haynes, he worked in the non-profit assisting on grant work, and working with at risk youth. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University.

Andrea Smith, Sixth Grade Math and Science Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in November, 2008.  She has nine years of experience teaching in Washington, D.C. public and charter schools.  Prior to teaching in the classroom, she worked as a Legislative Research Assistant for the Education Trust, an advocacy organization committed to the high academic achievement of all students.  A native of Fostoria, Ohio, Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College.

Tara Smith, Wilson Reading Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2010.  Prior to joining the team, Ms. Smith taught 4th and 5th grade students with special needs at Wheatley Education Campus (DCPS). Ms. Smith is an alumni of DC Teaching Fellows.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, and a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University.  A native of Northern New York, Ms. Smith has lived in Washington, DC for the last six years. 

Teri Johnson Stokes, Social Worker, is a native New Yorker with many years experience working as a Social Worker in the Washington DC area. She has focused in the area of grief and loss and play therapy with traumatized children. Prior to joining the EL Haynes team, Mrs. Johnson Stokes was an administrator for the Department of Mental Health School Base Program. She has an undergraduate degree in English and Theatre and obtained her Masters in Social Work degree at State University of New York at Albany.

Yasmine Taylor Hart, Fourth Grade Teacher.

Olivia Toro, Capital Teaching Resident, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2010. Prior to joining the team here, she worked for two years in the Office of Special Education for District of Columbia Public Schools. Prior to her time with DCPS, she interned at health and human service nonprofits as she completed graduate study in social work. Ms. Toro holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Political Science and Psychology from Swarthmore College, and a Master of Arts degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.

Michele Trombley, First Grade Capital Teaching Fellow, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Cincinnati. A native of Cincinnati, she moved to DC and joined E.L. Haynes in January 2008 working in the Extended Day Program. This is her second year as a teaching associate.

Tammy Tuck, Process Improvement and Dissemination Coordinator, has a B.S. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern and a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. Prior to teaching at E.L. Haynes, she taught at Ruth K. Webb Elementary School for 3 years where she also served as a Teach for America corps member. She is an E.L. Haynes founding teacher. Ms. Tuck is certified in elementary education.

Jay Tucker, Teaching Associate, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2009.  Prior to E.L. Haynes, Jay worked for the District of Columbia Public Schools as the Summer School Project Coordinator.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance – Real Estate from Indiana University. 

Alyssa Van Duyn , Inclusion Teacher/Co-Teaching Coach, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in 2007. Before coming to E.L. Haynes, Ms. Van Duyn taught junior high school in DC Public Schools for three years. She is a Teach for America alumni and holds a masters degree in teaching from Trinity University. Alyssa completed her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University where she studied psychology.

Melissa Vivas, Office Manager/Registrar, is a native of Washington, DC. She joined Haynes' front office team in January of 2006 and has a son who attends E.L. Haynes.

Brittany Wagner-Friel, Inclusion Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in March 2007 has been at E.L. Haynes since March 2007. Originally from Vermont, she came to E.L.Haynes by way of Oaxaca, Mexico where she lived and worked after college. She has spent years working with children with cerebral palsy and serious hearing impairments. She received her Masters in Special Education from Catholic University and holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Vermont in Political Science.

Sophia Wells, 3rd Grade Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in October 2008 s the 6th grade math and science Teaching
Associate. She began her teaching career in her hometown of Pine Bluff, AR, where she taught Middle School Language Arts and Reading. She holds a B.A. in English from Tuskegee University.

Eric Westendorf, Chief Academic Officer, is a New Leaders for New Schools graduate. Prior to becoming an administrator, Eric taught for seven years in North Carolina, New York, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia; and founded a non-profit focused on developing teacher leadership. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Policy from Princeton University, a Masters in Teaching from Brown University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Stanford University.

Tuere Williams, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Georgetown University and Southeastern University. She has 3 years of experience working in childcare. She is a founding Teaching Fellow.

Eugene Yarbrough, Fitness and Health Teacher, joined the E.L. Haynes staff in July 2008. Born in New York City, he has more than 7 years of experience in physical fitness and health, and supporting children identified with learning disabilities in the surrounding metropolitan area of the District of Columbia. Mr. Yarbrough Co-founded the mentoring group, Boys to Men, for assisting adolescents with transitioning into young adulthood. Proir to joining the E.L. Haynes team, Mr. Yarbrough was Director of M.O.M.I.E.'s TLC (Mentors of Minorities in Education), an organization which has a focus on tapping into the genius of a child at early developmental stages. Mr. Yarbrough received his college training at Montgomery College, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psycholgy from Catholic University of Washington, D.C.

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