Faculty & Staff
2009-2010 Cesar Chavez – Parkside Middle School Faculty & Staff
Julia Andrews is a math teacher at Chavez Parkside. She earned her master’s degree in public policy at Georgetown University, and bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and economics at Howard University. Prior to joining Cesar Chavez in the 2008-2009 school year, Ms. Andrews spent four years working on Capitol Hill as a congressional aide focusing on education, financial services, and housing policy. She has also spent many years tutoring students for college preparatory entrance exams, an interest that awakened her passion for teaching.
Marco L. Brooks is among the team of effervescent 8th Grade English teachers at Parkside Middle School. He is a native of Beech Island, South Carolina. Marco attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications, with a concentration in Television Broadcast, and a minor in English. He also earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education & Ancient History from Howard University, in Washington, DC in 2006. Marco is a proud and honorable member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Marco’s hobbies are singing, cooking, reading, writing, traveling, and event planning. Overall Marco’s goal is to help each student reach their true potential, through discipline and intelligence. Marco’s philosophy in life is “Get up, and get out of your own way.”
Victor Bryant is part of the dynamic team of Middle School English teachers at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy-Parkside. A graduate of the University of Louisville, he earned his BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Mr. Bryant is the sponsor of the Drama Club and the Middle School Spelling Bee. He also works with the Men In Training (M.I.T) program at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy-Parkside. With his experience in international service learning and working as a Mental Health Counselor for five years prior to beginning his teaching career, Mr. Bryant will without a doubt continue to implement culturally responsive teaching strategies in the classroom that mold socially conscious scholars as he grows as an educator.
Jessica Byrd is an 8th grade physical science teacher at Cesar Chavez- Parkside. She graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She has also earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Howard University. This is Ms. Byrd’s second year with Chavez.
Roxanne Caple-Kelly serves as part of the middle school special education team. Ms. Kelly is a graduate of Morris Brown College located in Atlanta, Georgia. She is responsible for working closely with teachers in an inclusion setting. Ms. Caple-Kelly is passionate that all students are capable of learning grade level materials when modifications and accommodations are in place to assist scholars. In her spare time she enjoys reading, listening to old school music, and traveling with friends and family.
Tia Clemmons is a PE teacher with Cesar Chavez Parkside Middle School.
Nancy Cooper serves the scholars of Chavez Parkside as a Social Studies teacher. Prior to coming to Parkside in the fall of 2007, she worked for the public school system of Charlottesville, Virginia. She has a BA in History from Lee University where minored in Political Science/Religion and taught courses in cross-cultural study. Most recently she has completed a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education. She strives to inspire scholars every day through engaging instruction and challenging activities.
Cecilia D’Antonio is inspired by the phrase, “Enthusiasm ignites greatness,” to push her scholars to question and explore phenomena in science. She taught Life Science at Parkside for three years, after a background in Elementary Education. She earned a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Biology from American University and studied Marine Biology in Brisbane, Australia in 2005.
Nicole Hesson teaches science at Chavez Parkside Middle. She graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Spanish. In 2007, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Johns Hopkins University and was awarded the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award from the National Science Teachers Association. Prior to teaching at Parkside, Ms. Hesson taught high school in the Baltimore City Public School System.
Jessica John teaches history at Cesar Chavez Parkside. She graduated from Morgan State University in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (Go Bears!!). She is currently pursuing a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix and is set to graduate in November 2010. She began at Chavez in 2008 as a substitute teacher, and has since advanced to the 7th grade history position. Jessica’s positive attitude is reflected in her interaction with students, faculty and parents!
Javonne Jones, a native of Bowie, Maryland, and a product of Prince George’s County Public school system is among the many gifted and talented educators at Parkside Middle. Jones has been in the educational system for approximately eleven years. She teaches Physical Education for grades 6-8 here at Parkside. Jones attended Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a minor in Recreation. Throughout the years she has excelled both academically and athletically, having earned numerous awards in gymnastics, basketball, cheerleading, softball, and dance. Jones was voted Ms. Parkdale and Most Athletic Female during her senior year in high school. Among Jones’ many accomplishments, she embraces her ultimate accomplishment, “making a difference in the lives of children.”
Jones is currently enjoying her third year at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Middle School for Public Policy located here in the Nations capitol.
Dominique Kelly is one of the extraordinary members of the middle school English team. She graduated from The University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in communications. Before arriving at Chavez Parkside, Ms. Kelly taught 8th grade English/Language Arts in Prince George’s County, Maryland. “Raise the bar” is what Ms. Kelly instills in all of the scholars she interacts with to push them with urgency towards excellence. Not only is Ms. Kelly active in the schoolhouse, she spends her free time writing for various online and print publications. In Ms. Kelly’s class FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!
Jennifer Leeann King is The Coordinator of English Language Learners at Parkside Campus. She has taught English as a Second Language in Seoul, South Korea, Tampico, Mexico, Toronto, Canada, and California. Ms. King holds a Bachelor’s in Education from Niagara University and a Master’s in International Education from Framingham State College. In addition to her international work, she holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UCSC. More recently, she became a member of The Cambridge Who’s Who. In her free time she enjoys: aerobics, animal rescue, scrapbooking, and swimming.
Monica Lester is a Social Worker working with middle school population at Cesar Chavez Parkside campus. Ms. Lester is employed through the Department of Mental Health – School Based Mental Health Program. Ms. Lester’s role at Chavez serves as a unique collaboration in which she will provide our middle school students evidenced based prevention and intervention programs to help create a safe and more supportive school climate. Ms. Lester completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Bowie State University and obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Due to her commitment in academia, she currently is a doctoral candidate pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology (Ed.D.) degree at Argosy University.
Stephanie Miller is a part of the English Language Arts team at Chavez Parkside. Ms. Miller graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in English Literature and Sociology and a minor in Studio Arts. This is her second year teaching at Parkside, and she loves watching her scholars grow into dedicated young leaders in the community. Ms. Miller is currently completing a program for her Masters in Teaching at American University.
Angela Morton, Vice Principal of the Parkside Middle School, holds a Master of Educational Administration from Trinity University, through New Leaders for New Schools and a Master of Educational Technology from George Washington University. Angela brings with her over 11 years of combined teaching and leadership experience within the District of Columbia Public School System to Chavez Middle School.
Brian Neufeld teaches sixth grade Earth Science at Parkside. He has taught physical and life science in high school and middle school in Virginia and Maine. Most recently he served as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching Biology in Kenya. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine. When he’s not teaching he can be found wandering the mountains of Virginia or reading a book.
Phil Paoletta teaches middle school technology. He graduated from New York University with a BA in philosophy and while in New York City, he practiced freelance web and graphic design. He has lived and taught in Ghana and he enjoys traveling as much as possible. While currently teaching technology as a class, he also runs a weekly web design club. This is his third year at Parkside.
Maria Peters is a first time teacher at Cesar Chavez Parkside Middle School. Ms.Peters is a 2006 graduate from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland with a Bachelor of Art in Chemistry with minors in Math, Physics, and African-America History. Ms.Peters is attending Morgan State University Masters in Science program.
Aaron Pintzuk is a founding teacher at the Parkside campus and is a six year veteran of the Chavez community. Mr. Pintzuk holds a BA in English from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has been teaching sixth grade English at Parkside for the last four years and is very excited to see his first class of sixth graders beginning high school. Mr. Pintzuk also runs the Chavez snowboarding program (a branch of Burton Inc.’s Chill non-profit).
Adam Pivetta teaches math at Cesar Chavez. He has a degree in Evolution and Ecology from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing his Masters of Arts in Teaching at American University. Prior to Chavez, Adam taught math and science while serving in the Peace Corps Panama. This is Adam second year at Chavez
Jason Saltmarsh returns to the Parkside Middle School team for his second year as a history/social studies teacher. He cultivated his passion for history and teaching while attending the University of Massachusetts as an undergraduate and graduate student. Mr. Saltmarsh is head coach of the boys and girls track team and coordinates the “We the People” simulated Congressional Hearing program at Parkside along with Bernard Toomer. He is highly interested in debate and performance-based learning and he teaches classes on law and politics during the summertime.
Amaris Sangster is the proud Academic Support teacher for the 8th grade, she is also an LGSW; this is her 3rd year working at Parkside. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (Go Salukis!!), where she earned her bachelor’s in German education and social work. She has also studied Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she earned her Masters in social work. In June of 2004, she joined Teach for America where she taught special education for two years in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia and also earned her certification in special education. Ms. Sangster firmly believes that every child has the capacity to learn, should be held to the same academic standards, but when given the proper supports.
Katherine Saul is excited to begin her third year sharing her love of reading and writing with Chavez scholars as an English instructor. She received her BA in English and Psychology from The College of William and Mary and spent several years as a social worker and Special Olympics Ski instructor in Jackson Hole, WY, before returning east to attain a Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia. In her free time, Katherine likes to read and write, cook, backpack, swim, and ski.
Sylvie Shaffer, Parkside’s librarian, is new to the Chavez community, having recently moved from Boston to DC. Before proudly joining Parkside’s committed team of educators, she worked as an academic reference librarian, youth advisor, summer camp counselor and events coordinator. Ms. Shaffer earned two masters degrees at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts: one in Library Science, with a focus on youth services, and one in Children’s Literature with a Young Adult focus. She completed her undergraduate degree in American Studies at Smith College, but got her start at a Springfield Technical Community College…a late start, actually. Frustrated by her experiences attending both inner city and suburban schools in western Massachusetts, she took her GED at 16 and swore she was done with school forever. After waiting tables, working in retail and slaving away in foodservice for close to a decade, she realized furthering her education was vital to both her personal quality of life and her ability to contribute to society. Two masters degrees later, it is still the experience of feeling like school wasn’t a safe, supportive or useful environment that drive her as an educator. When not reading, writing, writing about reading or reading about writing (!) she’s often cooking, taking in some live music, doing yoga or playing with her new puppy."
Donna Steele is a 6th grade English teacher at Cesar Chavez Parkside Campus Middle School. Vision: to growing an orchard of young minds ready to become tomorrow’s leaders. She received a diploma from West Clay County High School, a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts from Mississippi Valley State University, a Masters Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University, and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, AZ (working). Additional authorizations are in process with PG Community College, Catholic University, Florida Southern University, and the University of Central Florida. Ms. Steele also has experience as a Materials Management Officer/AFROTC Instructor for 9.5 years, in addition to 15 years experience in Elementary Education/Special Education. This is her third year as a member of the Chavez family.
Ginette Suarez currently teaches a seventh grade English class and serves as a teacher mentor. She graduated from D. C. Teachers’ College and received a BS in French with a minor in English; she received her Master of Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico and she has also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. In June, Ginette retired from the DC Public School system after 39 years, 38 of which were spent at Alice Deal Junior High. She looks forward to raising the achievement levels of her students and to watch them grow socially and emotionally.
Sharif Talib was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and raised up and down the East Coast. After graduating from Francis L. Cardozo Senior High in NW, DC, Mr. Talib then attended Bowie State University to earn a BS degree in Applied Math with a minor in Physics. Mr. Talib began teaching math right out of college in 1993 until 1999. Mr. Talib changed careers to work as a government mathematician from 1999 until 2005. In 2006 Mr. Talib decided to return to teaching. Mr. Talib has taught in DC, PG County, and North Carolina’s Cumberland County.
Randi Thomas-Glover is the current Director of Student Support Services for the Parkside Middle School. Prior to this position, Mrs. Glover held the positions of SST Coordinator, Dean of Special Education and Assistant Dean of Middle School. Mrs. Glover has been with Parkside since its opening in 2005. Prior to her tenure at Chavez Parkside, Mrs. Glover’s work experience includes behavior management in a level 5 school setting, life skills coordinator for mentally challenged adults and adolescent supervision in a co-ed group home. A Virginia native, and a graduate of Virginia State University where she received a BS in Psychology, Mrs. Glover is the mother of two. Her goal during this school year is to help facilitate the transition from Good to High Performing.
Donielle Tinney has been with the Chavez schools for 4 years. She works with our math department. She received her education at Trinity University in Washington, D.C.
Bernard Toomer is a sixth and seventh grade math teacher at the Chavez Parkside Campus. Mr.Toomer holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University and a minor degree in Anthropology and Sociology. Mr.Toomer is also the State coordinator for Washington D.C., Representative in Democracy for America as well as District Coordinator for We The People the Citizen and the Constitution and Project Citizen. In addition to his love for educating others Mr. Toomer also enjoys coaching.
Raymond Weeden, Principal of the Parkside Middle School, holds a Master of Teaching Degree from UVA and a Master of Educational Administration from Trinity University of DC. He has been a middle school math teacher and department head in Columbus, Ohio and at SEED Public Charter School here in DC, and for the 2007-2008 school year, he was a New Leaders for New Schools Resident Principal at SEED. He is also a resident of NE Washington, DC.