Jordan Frasier-Lakes joined E.L. Haynes in July 2024 as the new Director of College Counseling. Prior to joining E.L. Haynes, Mr. Frasier-Lakes, began his career at the SEED School of Washington, DC as their College Counselor. Most recently, he worked as a Highly Effective College Transfer Officer/ Professional School Counselor for Bard High School Early College DC. With 15 years of experience counseling students and families in the DC/Baltimore area on post-secondary options, Mr. Frasier-Lakes has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, including the prestigious SEED Network School support team member of the year award. He is dedicated to fostering relationships and dismantling barriers to provide equitable opportunities for all young people. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Frasier-Lakes generously volunteers his time to assist first-generation college students with college applications and scholarships. A proud resident of Southeast DC, he enjoys music, spending time with family, exploring new restaurants in the DC area, and is an active life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Howard University and a masters degree in School Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Staff Category: Campus Leadership
Pankaj Rayamajhi has more than 14 years of operational leadership expertise and experience serving diverse communities with a focus on improving the public-school education system in Washington DC. Pankaj joined E.L. Haynes as Chief of Finance and Operations in July 2023.
Member of the inaugural cohort of operational leaders in DC Public Schools, Pankaj served as Director, Strategy & Logistics at Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC/Bell HS & Lincoln MS) from 2014 to 2023. At CHEC, he led the Enrollment, Recruitment & Staffing, IT, Budget & Procurement, Attendance, Safety & Security, and Facilities teams. Pankaj received the 2021 DCPS Standing Ovation Award and was profiled by National Public Radio in 2017. He was also a member of the 2016 CHEC Restorative Justice launch team.
Prior to joining CHEC, Pankaj served on DCPS Human Capital Team as Manager, Strategic Staffing with a portfolio of 60 schools from 2008 to 2014. Before immigrating to the United States in 2007, Pankaj worked in Timor-Leste and Nepal in both non-profit and corporate sectors including in finance, conflict resolution and media. He received a BA from University of Delhi, India and a Masters in Leadership from McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University. Pankaj lives in uptown DC with his wife and son. His family are strong advocates for social justice, racial equity, and quality education for all.
Sarai Reed joined E.L. Haynes in July 2023 as our new Elementary School Assistant Principal. Prior to joining our community, Sarai worked as a school leader and English teacher at Washington Latin PCS.
A native of Washington, DC, and graduate of Duke Ellington School for the Arts, Sarai attended George Washington University, where she studied English. While Sarai isn’t working, she loves spending time in the backyard with her family.
Jossman Garcia, also known as “Mr. J,” is the Operations Manager at E.L. Haynes Middle School. Since joining the E.L. Haynes community in 2022 as an Operations Coordinator, he has successfully led enrollment at the Middle School Campus, managed smooth daily operations, and enriched student experiences through active participation in after-school programs and youth mentoring. His dedication extends beyond logistics — he ensures students receive comprehensive support by addressing their academic, emotional, and social needs. As the leader of the MS Operations Team, his mission is clear: to help students achieve academic success.
Mr. J is a proud Venezuelan immigrant with more than nine years of experience in education operations and law. He earned his Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Carabobo in 2015. Since then, he has developed skills in managing school operations, logistics, and community support. His journey highlights his adaptability, commitment to growth, and passion for helping others.
Rick Kenner, Elementary School Assistant Principal, began his teaching career in education working as a kindergarten teacher resident in 2015. He continued to serve E.L. Haynes in August 2016 as a Pre-K4 teacher. Rick currently holds a masters degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Lastly, Rick is currently pursuing more education with the School Leader Lab’s leadership cohort in order to grow in his practice as an effective leader.
He is excited to continue supporting teacher’s, families, and students in order to ensure all at E.L. Haynes receive an excellent experience and education.
Joy Clarke-Wells, High School Principal, began her career education in 2011 as a Teach for America-Memphis corps member teaching 9th grade English. She moved to DC in 2016 joining the E.L. Haynes High School Leadership Team. After seven years as Assistant Principal, Joy became Principal in spring 2025. Joy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Africana Studies from Wellesley College and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University. She was a 2017 Fellow with the Relay Graduate School of Education’s National Principals Academy. She is excited to continue supporting teachers to ensure all students at E.L. Haynes receive an excellent education.
Erica Hamilton, Assistant Director of Student Support Services, is entering her 8th year at E.L. Haynes. She began as a special education teacher, leading the B.A.S.E. program, transitioned to the role of the Behavior Interventionist, and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Support Services. In addition to her role as an administrator, Erica has been the head coach of the E.L. Haynes Girls Varsity Basketball team for the past seven years. Since 2005, Erica has been working with youth in various settings, such as mentoring programs, detention centers, alternative schools, and charter schools throughout Richmond, VA, and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of Virginia Union University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice, with a concentration on juvenile justice. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Restorative Practices at IIRP, with Spring 2021 being her expected date of graduation.
Rohey Mbenga, Assistant Principal, Middle School, began her teaching career in Atlanta Public Schools with the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps Program, teaching Math Intervention.
Ms. Mbenga first came to E.L. Haynes as a Capital Teaching Resident as a member of the 2012-2013 cohort. She has served our students as an 8th grade ELA teacher and worked as an 8th Grade Literacy and Humanities Inclusion Teacher, and later as the middle school Assistant Director of Student Support Services. Since becoming an educator, Ms. Mbenga has taken on a variety of leadership positions: Curriculum Developer for the Master Teacher Cadre, Teacher Leader Team/Curriculum Development for One World Education, and participated in Unlocking Pathways (UP) Fellowship, and 8th grade Team Leader.
Most recently, Ms. Mbenga completed the Special Education Leadership Academy through the Relay Graduate School of Education. She is a graduate of Spelman College.