Young Education Professionals-DC
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Leadership Team
The Executive Board
Chair Positions
Multimedia Specialists
Bios of our team follow. If you would like to contact any of us, please email dc [at] youngedprofessionals [dot] org |
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Kate Blosveren Kreamer, President
An Orange, Connecticut native, Kate received her bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University, where she became increasingly interested in public policy and educational issues and became increasingly disinterested in cold weather and constant snow. She went on to receive her master's of public policy from the Georgetown Public Policy Institute in 2006, with a concentration in Education, Family, and Social Policy. Kate serves as the Associate Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc), leading policy and communications efforts to ensure all students have access to high-quality career technical education. From 2006 and 2013, Kate worked at Achieve, beginning as a policy analyst and leaving the associate director of strategic initiatives, leading a range of projects in support of the college- and career-ready agenda. Prior to her position at Achieve, Kate was a policy advisor at Third Way, where she acted as a policy liaison between the organization and its Corporate Leadership Committee, engaging on a very broad legislative agenda. Kate also spent a year as a research assistant at the Progressive Policy Institute, focusing exclusively on education policy issues.
An Orange, Connecticut native, Kate received her bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University, where she became increasingly interested in public policy and educational issues and became increasingly disinterested in cold weather and constant snow. She went on to receive her master's of public policy from the Georgetown Public Policy Institute in 2006, with a concentration in Education, Family, and Social Policy. Kate serves as the Associate Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc), leading policy and communications efforts to ensure all students have access to high-quality career technical education. From 2006 and 2013, Kate worked at Achieve, beginning as a policy analyst and leaving the associate director of strategic initiatives, leading a range of projects in support of the college- and career-ready agenda. Prior to her position at Achieve, Kate was a policy advisor at Third Way, where she acted as a policy liaison between the organization and its Corporate Leadership Committee, engaging on a very broad legislative agenda. Kate also spent a year as a research assistant at the Progressive Policy Institute, focusing exclusively on education policy issues.
Kaitlin Pennington, Vice President of Communications & Outreach
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. She first became involved in education as a Teach For America corps member in Washington, DC where she taught middle school English and Language Arts. Kate then moved to Colorado to take part in the Urban Leaders Policy Fellowship in the Office of Senator Mike Johnston. While working in state-level education policy in Colorado, Kate was a founding member of the YEP-Colorado chapter. Now back in DC working as a Policy Analyst on the Education Policy team at the Center for American Progress, Kate is happy to continue working with YEP as the YEP-DC Vice President of Communications & Outreach.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. She first became involved in education as a Teach For America corps member in Washington, DC where she taught middle school English and Language Arts. Kate then moved to Colorado to take part in the Urban Leaders Policy Fellowship in the Office of Senator Mike Johnston. While working in state-level education policy in Colorado, Kate was a founding member of the YEP-Colorado chapter. Now back in DC working as a Policy Analyst on the Education Policy team at the Center for American Progress, Kate is happy to continue working with YEP as the YEP-DC Vice President of Communications & Outreach.
Tori Hornstein, Vice President of Development & Partnerships
Tori is an Army brat and grew up all over the country, but she calls the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts home. She is a proud graduate of Syracuse University. As an undergrad, she focused her time on community service, participating and leading organizations like Alpha Phi Omega, Habitat for Humanity, and The Relay For Life, among others. She continued service work as a member of Teach For America, where she taught high school Spanish in the Metro-DC region and also earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from American University. At the conclusion of Teach For America, she began working in grant writing for The Center for Education Reform, a small policy-oriented nonprofit dedicated to the growth of school choice for American families. She is currently a member of the advancement team at Trinity Washington University, a private women’s college in Northeast DC that primarily serves low-income, first generation college women.
Tori is an Army brat and grew up all over the country, but she calls the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts home. She is a proud graduate of Syracuse University. As an undergrad, she focused her time on community service, participating and leading organizations like Alpha Phi Omega, Habitat for Humanity, and The Relay For Life, among others. She continued service work as a member of Teach For America, where she taught high school Spanish in the Metro-DC region and also earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from American University. At the conclusion of Teach For America, she began working in grant writing for The Center for Education Reform, a small policy-oriented nonprofit dedicated to the growth of school choice for American families. She is currently a member of the advancement team at Trinity Washington University, a private women’s college in Northeast DC that primarily serves low-income, first generation college women.
Jaclyn Smith, Vice President of Information Management
Originally from Salt Lake City, Jaclyn received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Utah. She holds a Master’s of Public Policy and a Master’s of Education from the University of Missouri. While pursuing her policy degree, she worked to prevent Medicaid cuts, researched sex education policy, and developed policy recommendations to regulate predatory lenders. Jaclyn discovered a passion for public service and dedicated her career to educational reform. This led to her placement as a Teach For America (TFA) corps member. As a kindergarten teacher, her scholars were recognized as the highest performing students in the district. Following her TFA experience, Jaclyn relocated to DC where she taught 2nd grade at a local charter school. Jaclyn received an award for her scholars achieving the highest academic growth in the nationwide network of 22 schools. She then joined the Leadership Team as Director of School Culture and Community Engagement. Currently, Jaclyn works in the Office of Human Capital on the Strategic School Staffing team at DC Public Schools Central Office.
Originally from Salt Lake City, Jaclyn received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Utah. She holds a Master’s of Public Policy and a Master’s of Education from the University of Missouri. While pursuing her policy degree, she worked to prevent Medicaid cuts, researched sex education policy, and developed policy recommendations to regulate predatory lenders. Jaclyn discovered a passion for public service and dedicated her career to educational reform. This led to her placement as a Teach For America (TFA) corps member. As a kindergarten teacher, her scholars were recognized as the highest performing students in the district. Following her TFA experience, Jaclyn relocated to DC where she taught 2nd grade at a local charter school. Jaclyn received an award for her scholars achieving the highest academic growth in the nationwide network of 22 schools. She then joined the Leadership Team as Director of School Culture and Community Engagement. Currently, Jaclyn works in the Office of Human Capital on the Strategic School Staffing team at DC Public Schools Central Office.
Emmanuel Caudillo, Vice President of Finance & Operations
Emmanuel is a budget analyst at the U.S. Department of Education. He also serves as policy advisor for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Prior to his current position, he worked at Abt Associates, National Council on Teacher Quality, Nevada Policy Research Institute, and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. In his spare time, he volunteers with various civic education groups around Washington, DC. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Southern California and his M.P.P. from The George Washington University.
Emmanuel is a budget analyst at the U.S. Department of Education. He also serves as policy advisor for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Prior to his current position, he worked at Abt Associates, National Council on Teacher Quality, Nevada Policy Research Institute, and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. In his spare time, he volunteers with various civic education groups around Washington, DC. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Southern California and his M.P.P. from The George Washington University.
Elizabeth Toth, Vice President of Membership
Originally from Chicago, Liz recently completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. After receiving an internship with District of Columbia Public Schools as a UELIP, Liz made the move from the Midwest. At DCPS, she worked in the Office of Special Education on the Non-Public Team. While interning, she also worked at a local literacy non-profit called the Literacy Lab. Here, Liz worked with local schools across DC and Virginia tutoring students in reading after school. This school year Liz is a Capital Teaching Resident through E.L. Haynes in a first grade classroom and beginning a Master's of Special Education through American University. With the small bit of spare time available, she is coaching Girls on the Run at her school!
Originally from Chicago, Liz recently completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. After receiving an internship with District of Columbia Public Schools as a UELIP, Liz made the move from the Midwest. At DCPS, she worked in the Office of Special Education on the Non-Public Team. While interning, she also worked at a local literacy non-profit called the Literacy Lab. Here, Liz worked with local schools across DC and Virginia tutoring students in reading after school. This school year Liz is a Capital Teaching Resident through E.L. Haynes in a first grade classroom and beginning a Master's of Special Education through American University. With the small bit of spare time available, she is coaching Girls on the Run at her school!
Tammy Whyte, Vice President of Programming, Career & Professional Development
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tammy was interested in teaching and education from an early age. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Tammy joined Teach For America and moved to rural North Carolina to teach middle school science. During her four years of teaching, she also coached cross country and track, served as the National Junior Honor Society Advisor, and founded a Dance Marathon program to engage her students in community service work. Following her time in the classroom, Tammy joined the staff of City Year Washington, DC. She served as a Program Manager for a year, managing 20 AmeriCorps members and two DC school partnerships, and as the Training Specialist for a year, coordinating all professional development and training for over 140 corps members. Tammy currently works as the Network Coordinator at Teach Plus, where she works on creating opportunities for teachers to lead from within the classroom and to have a voice in education policy issues.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tammy was interested in teaching and education from an early age. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Tammy joined Teach For America and moved to rural North Carolina to teach middle school science. During her four years of teaching, she also coached cross country and track, served as the National Junior Honor Society Advisor, and founded a Dance Marathon program to engage her students in community service work. Following her time in the classroom, Tammy joined the staff of City Year Washington, DC. She served as a Program Manager for a year, managing 20 AmeriCorps members and two DC school partnerships, and as the Training Specialist for a year, coordinating all professional development and training for over 140 corps members. Tammy currently works as the Network Coordinator at Teach Plus, where she works on creating opportunities for teachers to lead from within the classroom and to have a voice in education policy issues.
Shannon Tucker, Vice President of Programming, Knowledge Development & Community Engagement
Shannon is a communications associate at Reingold, a strategic communications firm in Alexandria, Va. She supports national outreach and media relations for the National Assessment Governing Board’s releases of The Nation’s Report Card. She also provides communications and media support for Generation Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports teen parents as they pursue a college education. For five years, Shannon taught high school English and Journalism in Tampa, Fla., where she was nominated as Teacher of the Year in 2011 and participated in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Measures of Effective Teaching Project. Shannon has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University. She is originally from Midland, Mich.
Shannon is a communications associate at Reingold, a strategic communications firm in Alexandria, Va. She supports national outreach and media relations for the National Assessment Governing Board’s releases of The Nation’s Report Card. She also provides communications and media support for Generation Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports teen parents as they pursue a college education. For five years, Shannon taught high school English and Journalism in Tampa, Fla., where she was nominated as Teacher of the Year in 2011 and participated in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Measures of Effective Teaching Project. Shannon has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University. She is originally from Midland, Mich.
CHAIR POSITIONS
Andre' Wesson, Communications & Marketing Chair
Andre' is the senior program associate for strategic communications, outreach, and development at Achieve, Inc. He assists in planning strategic initiatives and conducts broad and extensive research on a myriad of diverse issues related to student performance; parental/community support; corporate business engagement; data-driven classrooms; and science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives (S.T.E.M.). Before joining Achieve, he worked in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, he served as an academic advisor for the General College & College of Arts and Sciences. Primarily assisting students through the matriculation process, Andre' gained university-wide and national recognition for his efforts to assist, engage, and challenge students, both academically and personally. As a teacher for the Governor’s “More at Four” Pre-K program in Durham, North Carolina he supported and led several programs that helped ensure socially and economically disadvantaged students were proficient in basic skills necessary to successfully transition into kindergarten. During his time there, he noticed a lack of children’s books and literature resources highlighting characters that mirrored his students’ personal backgrounds/or cultural experiences. This epiphany prompted him to write a series of children’s books and ultimately create a publishing company focused on enhancing literacy rates and promoting positive identity development for minority youth, ages 3-10. Andre' received a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Andre' is the senior program associate for strategic communications, outreach, and development at Achieve, Inc. He assists in planning strategic initiatives and conducts broad and extensive research on a myriad of diverse issues related to student performance; parental/community support; corporate business engagement; data-driven classrooms; and science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives (S.T.E.M.). Before joining Achieve, he worked in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, he served as an academic advisor for the General College & College of Arts and Sciences. Primarily assisting students through the matriculation process, Andre' gained university-wide and national recognition for his efforts to assist, engage, and challenge students, both academically and personally. As a teacher for the Governor’s “More at Four” Pre-K program in Durham, North Carolina he supported and led several programs that helped ensure socially and economically disadvantaged students were proficient in basic skills necessary to successfully transition into kindergarten. During his time there, he noticed a lack of children’s books and literature resources highlighting characters that mirrored his students’ personal backgrounds/or cultural experiences. This epiphany prompted him to write a series of children’s books and ultimately create a publishing company focused on enhancing literacy rates and promoting positive identity development for minority youth, ages 3-10. Andre' received a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Yair Inspektor, Community Engagement Chair
While Yair is a native of Israel, he grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Upon completing his undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University in Political Science, Yair joined Teach For America to pursue his interest in public interest work and urban education. While a TFA corps member, Yair taught 11th grade global history in the South Bronx, NY and earned a M.S. in Teaching Secondary Social Studies from Pace University. After teaching, Yair attended Seattle University School of Law. While there he engaged in varied public interest legal work, from criminal defense of the indigent in Alaska to work at the Department of Justice in Seattle. Currently, Yair works as a Resolution Specialist within the Legal Compliance and Resolution team at the District of Columbia Public School’s Office of Special Education. In this capacity, Yair represents the interests of DCPS throughout the litigation process and seeks resolution of filed complaints prior to hearing. Yair is a barred attorney in Maryland and DC bar pending.
While Yair is a native of Israel, he grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Upon completing his undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University in Political Science, Yair joined Teach For America to pursue his interest in public interest work and urban education. While a TFA corps member, Yair taught 11th grade global history in the South Bronx, NY and earned a M.S. in Teaching Secondary Social Studies from Pace University. After teaching, Yair attended Seattle University School of Law. While there he engaged in varied public interest legal work, from criminal defense of the indigent in Alaska to work at the Department of Justice in Seattle. Currently, Yair works as a Resolution Specialist within the Legal Compliance and Resolution team at the District of Columbia Public School’s Office of Special Education. In this capacity, Yair represents the interests of DCPS throughout the litigation process and seeks resolution of filed complaints prior to hearing. Yair is a barred attorney in Maryland and DC bar pending.
Emily Haddad, Development Chair
Emily’s professional focus has been on education and poverty alleviation issues, both domestically and abroad. Her passion for education and public policy stems from having taught middle school mathematics in the Bronx, New York through the Teach For America program. Internationally, Emily worked with Acción Emprendadora, a micro-business development non-profit in Santiago, Chile, to create business training modules for micro-entrepreneurs. Also in Santiago, she worked for Dalberg Global Development Advisors to create strategic plans fostering regional economic development. Emily has also conducted field research in Mozambique for a study assessing the effect of agriculture subsidies on farmer quality of life outcomes. In her current position as a strategy & operations consultant for Deloitte, she has worked on projects for the United States Department for International Development and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Emily earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University.
Emily’s professional focus has been on education and poverty alleviation issues, both domestically and abroad. Her passion for education and public policy stems from having taught middle school mathematics in the Bronx, New York through the Teach For America program. Internationally, Emily worked with Acción Emprendadora, a micro-business development non-profit in Santiago, Chile, to create business training modules for micro-entrepreneurs. Also in Santiago, she worked for Dalberg Global Development Advisors to create strategic plans fostering regional economic development. Emily has also conducted field research in Mozambique for a study assessing the effect of agriculture subsidies on farmer quality of life outcomes. In her current position as a strategy & operations consultant for Deloitte, she has worked on projects for the United States Department for International Development and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Emily earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University.
Nora Cobo, Grant-Writing Chair
Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Nora lived, studied, and worked in central Texas and north Louisiana before moving to DC in 2008. She is the Manager of Development and Outreach at Center for Inspired Teaching, a nonprofit organization that provides transformative teacher training to make lasting improvements in schools. In this role, Nora manages the grant writing and reporting process, and coordinates outreach and development projects for the organization. Outside of the office, Nora works with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) as a citizenship teacher and enjoys reading, live music, and trying new restaurants. Nora received her undergraduate degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and holds a Master of Arts from the School of International Service at American University.
Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Nora lived, studied, and worked in central Texas and north Louisiana before moving to DC in 2008. She is the Manager of Development and Outreach at Center for Inspired Teaching, a nonprofit organization that provides transformative teacher training to make lasting improvements in schools. In this role, Nora manages the grant writing and reporting process, and coordinates outreach and development projects for the organization. Outside of the office, Nora works with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) as a citizenship teacher and enjoys reading, live music, and trying new restaurants. Nora received her undergraduate degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and holds a Master of Arts from the School of International Service at American University.
Sonia Dowla, Finance Chair
Sonia is from Atlanta, Georgia and received her bachelor's degree in Accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia. After completing her degrees, she moved to the Washington metro area and worked as a tax accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) while serving real estate and nonprofit clients. In January 2011, with the desire to perform public service, Sonia began working for the federal government as a program analyst. She also currently serves as a math mentor with Higher Achievement working with middle school students.
Sonia is from Atlanta, Georgia and received her bachelor's degree in Accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia. After completing her degrees, she moved to the Washington metro area and worked as a tax accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) while serving real estate and nonprofit clients. In January 2011, with the desire to perform public service, Sonia began working for the federal government as a program analyst. She also currently serves as a math mentor with Higher Achievement working with middle school students.
Danny Rosenthal, James & Hoffman, Legal Counsel
Danny is an associate at James & Hoffman, a law firm in DC focusing on labor and employment litigation as well as advising non-profits. Danny taught high school mathematics in Houston from 2006 to 2008. After teaching, he went to Harvard Law School, where he spent summers doing legal work in the central office of the DC Public Schools (DCPS). Danny is the author of an upcoming article on collective bargaining for teachers in the Oregon Law Review. His writing on education and other topics has also been published by Education Sector, the Harvard Law & Policy Review, the American Constitution Society, the National Employment Law Association, and the New Criminal Law Review.
Danny is an associate at James & Hoffman, a law firm in DC focusing on labor and employment litigation as well as advising non-profits. Danny taught high school mathematics in Houston from 2006 to 2008. After teaching, he went to Harvard Law School, where he spent summers doing legal work in the central office of the DC Public Schools (DCPS). Danny is the author of an upcoming article on collective bargaining for teachers in the Oregon Law Review. His writing on education and other topics has also been published by Education Sector, the Harvard Law & Policy Review, the American Constitution Society, the National Employment Law Association, and the New Criminal Law Review.
Aaron Goldstein, Membership Chair
Aaron graduated from American University in 2012 where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is originally from Northbrook, Illinois. He serves as Legislative Assistant at Brustein & Manasevit, PLLC where he monitors and writes about the federal budget process, education legislation, and important administrative actions to keep clients informed of activities in Washington that can affect their federal programs. Aaron also has worked for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Education Week, Teach For America, National Education Association, and his State Representative from Illinois. He has also been featured in publications including EduWonk on the “Value of Higher Education: A Millennial Perspective,” Americans for Democratic Action Today on “Stuck at the Gate: Young Workers Struggle Just to Get Started,” and the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network's 2010 edition of the 10 Ideas for Education.
Aaron graduated from American University in 2012 where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is originally from Northbrook, Illinois. He serves as Legislative Assistant at Brustein & Manasevit, PLLC where he monitors and writes about the federal budget process, education legislation, and important administrative actions to keep clients informed of activities in Washington that can affect their federal programs. Aaron also has worked for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Education Week, Teach For America, National Education Association, and his State Representative from Illinois. He has also been featured in publications including EduWonk on the “Value of Higher Education: A Millennial Perspective,” Americans for Democratic Action Today on “Stuck at the Gate: Young Workers Struggle Just to Get Started,” and the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network's 2010 edition of the 10 Ideas for Education.
Joel Goering, Panels Chair
Having grown up in Silver Spring, Maryland, Joel returned to the DC metro area in July 2011 to begin work for EdOps, a small firm providing finance and accounting services to public charter schools. Prior to graduate school, Joel worked for five years as a community organizer and youth development program director in Kansas City, Kansas. In this capacity, he spearheaded the effort to start a Children's Defense Fund Freedom School and served as the school's first Project Director. Joel was a 2010 Education Pioneers Fellow in Washington, DC, placed with Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Education Strengthens Families Public Charter School. Joel has a B.A. from Bethel College (Kansas) and an M.B.A. from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Having grown up in Silver Spring, Maryland, Joel returned to the DC metro area in July 2011 to begin work for EdOps, a small firm providing finance and accounting services to public charter schools. Prior to graduate school, Joel worked for five years as a community organizer and youth development program director in Kansas City, Kansas. In this capacity, he spearheaded the effort to start a Children's Defense Fund Freedom School and served as the school's first Project Director. Joel was a 2010 Education Pioneers Fellow in Washington, DC, placed with Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Education Strengthens Families Public Charter School. Joel has a B.A. from Bethel College (Kansas) and an M.B.A. from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Kristen Moore, Social Chair
As a native of Los Angeles, California, Kristen has lived in Washington, DC now for ten years. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Afro-American Studies/Education and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Howard University. Currently, Kristen teachers World History and AP World History at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in NW Washington, DC. She greatly enjoys working with and being around young people on a daily basis. Before teaching, she worked in development at Capital City Public Charter School and Goodwill of Greater Washington. She is also a member of the National Association for Black School Educators.
As a native of Los Angeles, California, Kristen has lived in Washington, DC now for ten years. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Afro-American Studies/Education and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Howard University. Currently, Kristen teachers World History and AP World History at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in NW Washington, DC. She greatly enjoys working with and being around young people on a daily basis. Before teaching, she worked in development at Capital City Public Charter School and Goodwill of Greater Washington. She is also a member of the National Association for Black School Educators.
Laura Branch, YEP Connect Chair
Laura is a program analyst for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) where she manages school improvement programs and grants in DC schools. Before moving to DC, Laura spent the summer in Saida, Lebanon leading Teach For Lebanon’s new teacher training. Her interest in education began in college, where she led a mentoring program for middle school students. After graduating, she taught middle school English as a Second Language in Los Angeles as a Teach For America corps member. She then worked as a program director with Teach For America – Chicago supporting first and second year teachers. She holds an M.A. in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University and a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from UCLA.
Laura is a program analyst for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) where she manages school improvement programs and grants in DC schools. Before moving to DC, Laura spent the summer in Saida, Lebanon leading Teach For Lebanon’s new teacher training. Her interest in education began in college, where she led a mentoring program for middle school students. After graduating, she taught middle school English as a Second Language in Los Angeles as a Teach For America corps member. She then worked as a program director with Teach For America – Chicago supporting first and second year teachers. She holds an M.A. in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University and a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from UCLA.
Multimedia Specialists
Hannah Buie, Social Media Coordinator
Hannah is a native of Asheville, NC. As an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill she studied education on a local level and abroad, conducting research on the charter school movement in DC and subsequently on the education movement in Chile. Upon graduating, she moved to DC to work with CentroNía, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a pioneering approach to bilingual education. In her current position as Executive Assistant, she works with CentroNía’s executive team in everything from managing DC Bilingual Public Charter School to coordinating two Boards of Directors.
Hannah is a native of Asheville, NC. As an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill she studied education on a local level and abroad, conducting research on the charter school movement in DC and subsequently on the education movement in Chile. Upon graduating, she moved to DC to work with CentroNía, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a pioneering approach to bilingual education. In her current position as Executive Assistant, she works with CentroNía’s executive team in everything from managing DC Bilingual Public Charter School to coordinating two Boards of Directors.
Juliana Schwartz, Social Media Coordinator
Juliana moved to Washington, D.C. from New York City where she obtained a Masters in Education as well as taught and developed programs for adults in nonprofit and college settings. In Washington, DC, Juliana taught at DCPS for three years and is currently working in Human Capital at Friendship Public Charter School, connecting passionate and committed educators with students in high-need communities. Juliana is a world traveler, and fluent in Spanish having lived in Spain and Mexico. As a certified yoga instructor, she teaches yoga to children and adults.
Juliana moved to Washington, D.C. from New York City where she obtained a Masters in Education as well as taught and developed programs for adults in nonprofit and college settings. In Washington, DC, Juliana taught at DCPS for three years and is currently working in Human Capital at Friendship Public Charter School, connecting passionate and committed educators with students in high-need communities. Juliana is a world traveler, and fluent in Spanish having lived in Spain and Mexico. As a certified yoga instructor, she teaches yoga to children and adults.
Lindsay Torrico, Social Media Coordinator
A native of Philadelphia, Lindsay is Director of Public Policy at United Way Worldwide, leading advocacy engagement across the organization’s issue areas of education, income and health. Prior to her current position, she worked on Capitol Hill for Senator John Kerry and Congressman Chaka Fattah. While pursuing her graduate degree, she was an Education Pioneers Fellow at City Year-Los Angeles, where she developed their three to five year government relations strategy and coordinated a county-wide literacy campaign, spearheaded by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. When she’s not working, Lindsay volunteers as a tutor and art teacher at her local elementary school and serves as Alumni Chair for the New Leaders Council-DC. Lindsay holds B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia and an M.P.P., with a concentration in Urban and Social Policy, from UCLA.
A native of Philadelphia, Lindsay is Director of Public Policy at United Way Worldwide, leading advocacy engagement across the organization’s issue areas of education, income and health. Prior to her current position, she worked on Capitol Hill for Senator John Kerry and Congressman Chaka Fattah. While pursuing her graduate degree, she was an Education Pioneers Fellow at City Year-Los Angeles, where she developed their three to five year government relations strategy and coordinated a county-wide literacy campaign, spearheaded by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. When she’s not working, Lindsay volunteers as a tutor and art teacher at her local elementary school and serves as Alumni Chair for the New Leaders Council-DC. Lindsay holds B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia and an M.P.P., with a concentration in Urban and Social Policy, from UCLA.
Mandy Zatynski, Recess (YEP-DC's Blog) Manager
Mandy manages YEP-DC's blog, Recess, an online platform for members and the community to talk about education in policy, practice, and research. She works as a writer at Education Sector, a nonpartisan education policy think tank, where she focuses on postsecondary education outside of a traditional, four-year degree (think community colleges, workforce development, and competency-based education) and policies that make those opportunities more meaningful. Previously, she worked as an education reporter at small, daily newspapers across the country and an ESL teacher in Spain for almost three years. She is from Erie, Pa., and a graduate of Ohio State University.
Mandy manages YEP-DC's blog, Recess, an online platform for members and the community to talk about education in policy, practice, and research. She works as a writer at Education Sector, a nonpartisan education policy think tank, where she focuses on postsecondary education outside of a traditional, four-year degree (think community colleges, workforce development, and competency-based education) and policies that make those opportunities more meaningful. Previously, she worked as an education reporter at small, daily newspapers across the country and an ESL teacher in Spain for almost three years. She is from Erie, Pa., and a graduate of Ohio State University.
