Get to Know Our Team
Capital Village Schools is the product of the collaboration of a talented, experienced and passionate group of educators and professionals.
Our Team
The Capital Village PCS team is a dynamic group of talented, experienced and passionate educators and professionals. Our staffing model pairs newer educators with veteran educators with many years of experience in high-quality instructional practices. If you are interested in joining our team, please visit our career page.
Senior Leadership
Monica Green
Executive Director
Monica Green knew from an early age that she was an educator. Growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, she began working with young people in middle and high school. After graduating from Towson University, Monica began her career as an educator teaching middle school English in Suitland, Maryland. For 15 years, she taught English and theater in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, developing a passion for integrating field experiences, community experts, and teaching artists into the everyday curriculum.
Monica has served as a team leader, department head, and coordinator for the AVID program, a college preparatory program aimed at making college accessible to all students. As an AVID coordinator, Monica led two new AVID sites to certification in four years by leading teams of teachers and tutors in improving the school’s instructional program and implementing additional supports for students not performing to their potential. Monica founded Capital Village PCS as a way of reaching students who get lost in the system of schools not built for them. She believes that with learning environments that are flexible, adaptable, and customizable to student needs, all students can thrive.
Tameika Freeman
Principal
Tameika Ashford Freeman joined the Capital Village team in 2020 as our Founding Director of Curriculum & Instruction. She knew from a very young age that she was destined to be an educator. After graduating high school, she earned a degree in Secondary English Education from Dillard University and a Masters of Education with a focus on Curriculum & Instruction from Sam Houston State University. For 19 years, Tameika has never wavered from her commitment to creating diverse and rigorous pathways for all learners. Throughout her career, she has found success by maintaining a laser-focus on three categories: personalized learning, student-centered culture, and stakeholder development. Under Tameika’s leadership, educators exhibit authentic growth which transforms into positive student outcomes. Her job as an instructional coach called upon her to develop cross-curricular professionals, create individualized professional development programs, and facilitate critical conversations in a professional and respectful manner. As a building principal, she spearheaded the transformation of entire academic programs. Tameika Ashford Freeman lives by one simple truth: No task is ever too great or too small when it comes to educating and motivating students and inspiring and challenging colleagues. It is this truth that she proudly brings to the Capital Village Team.
Keina Hodge
Director of Operations
Keina Hodge joined the Capital Village team as our Founding Director of Operations in 2019. Hailing from a family of educators, she’s always had a passion for education and a desire to work in underserved communities to help close the achievement gap. While the first eight years of her career were spent working in marketing and media , the last 10 years have been spent in education opening several new charter schools between Delaware, California, and D.C. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations from Temple University, an M.A. in Mass Communications and Media Studies from Howard University and an MBA from the Earl G. Graves School of Business at Morgan State University. She is a Baltimore native and a dedicated dog mom and auntie.
Faculty and Staff
Anthony Ball
Science Teacher
Anthony W. Ball was born, raised and still resides in Washington, D.C. He has a bachelor's degree from Towson University (Mass Communication major, English minor) and a master's degree from American University (Public Communication). Mr Ball began a career in journalism, writing and copyediting at The Washington Post and other local publications. He then transitioned to teaching various communication and business courses at Trinity Washington University, Montgomery College and The Catholic University of America. Next was a transition to the District of Columbia Public School System, where he taught several African American History and communication courses at the middle school level. In between, Mr. Ball taught at an alternative high school in Northern Virginia. He now enjoys teaching Science at Capital Village Public Charter School, where he continues to learn.
Candice Banks
Dedicated Aide
Candice Banks aka Ms. Candice was born in Washington, DC, She grew up in Temple Hills, MD. She attended PG. county schools were she graduated from Fredrick Douglass high school with a 3.0 GPA. Candice has also graduated from Sandford Brown College where she studied and attained a dergee in Medical Billing and coding. Ms. Banks is s mother of three chi
Aja Bogan
Office Manager
Ms. Aja, as she would like to be called, is the founding Office Manager at Capital Village PCS starting in 2020. Ms. Aja has been working in the charter school field since 2005. With being a founding member of Imagine School in Washington, DC. She has found a love for operations and helping families with the enrollment process, even though her ideal job would rather be the celebrity personal assistant to Sean "Brother Love" Combs :-). She is the "auntie" for all staff and students. Whether it's giving you a courageous conversations or just giving you a loving hug or something that she cooked to eat. Ms. Aja has a passion for cooking and shopping.
Robert Byrd
Dean Of Student Culture
Brianna Cooley
Dance Teacher
A native to the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area, Brianna (affectionately known as Bri) began her dance career at the early age of 2. Brianna was provided with a strong foundation with ballet, tap, and jazz techniques. Brianna has trained at various elite seasonal intensive and residency programs including Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Rock School of Ballet, The Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Dance Theater of Harlem Youth Residency. She also has performed at renowned venues such as Walt Disney World, FedEx Field home to the Washington Football Team, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Brianna is a former Washington Football Team All-Star Dancer, a four-time Washington Football Team Jr. Cheerleader, a four-time member of the National Cherry Blossom Parade All-Star Tap Team, and a former cast member of The Nutcracker, with the distinguished Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Brianna attended and graduated from the Center for the Visual & Performing Arts Program at Suitland High School as a Dance Major in 2016. Not long after graduating, she continued her love for dance and began her career as a dance instructor and choreographer. As an instructor, Brianna has been able to find her style of artistry and began telling her own stories through choreography. She enjoys creating a story through dance and being able to mentor and guide her younger dancers. Even as an instructor, Brianna actively trains to keep her skills sharp. She believes, “If I’m sharp on my technique and skills, my students will be too.” She feels teaching is one of the best ways for her to give back to the community and supply the next generation of young dancers with lifelong skills and techniques. To know more about Brianna visit the attached link! https://www.briannacooley.com/bio
Osaze Crittendon
Classroom Assistant
Osaze Crittendon A.K.A Mr.O is a Washington, D.C native born at washington hospital center right down the street from capital village. In his Early years He started his learning journey at 2 years old at an African centered school named Nationhouse located in uptown Washington, D.C. he attended Nationhouse for 12 years (pre-k through 9th grade), then after he attendon Phelps Architecture Construction and Engineering High School in Northeast Washington, D.C. He studied at Virginia state University, Montgomery college and Prince George's Community College. he recieved Certifications from the University of the District of Columbia Workforce program. he has worked with the department of Recreation for 7 consecutive summers mentoring and working with kids. he is a active mentor and orchestrator in a rites of passage manhood training for youth. in 2021 he taught at Nationhouse to begin his teaching career. Now, he is at Capital Village Public Charter School as he continues his learning/teaching Journey and strengthen his abilities to help educate the youth.
Rhonda Crittendon
Mentor Teacher / Success Coach
Rhonda Crittendon is a graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1995. She received a master’s degree from American University in Elementary Education in 2006. Rhonda is a dedicated educator and mentor with more than 20 years of teaching experience from first grade – high school coordinating cross-district special education services. She is insightful and an empathetic communicator, she is known for fostering positive rapport with all she encounters. She believes the key components to effective teaching are being engaging, thinking “out of the box”, and having high expectations for all students regardless of academic level. Ms. Crittendon enjoys creating an instructional environment within the classroom that is inclusive of all students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. She is an avid team player who believes in continued education, being accountable, and being humble. Ms. Crittendon joined the awesome Capital Village family/community in February 2022 and is committed to building a school-culture of academic and social excellence.
Daralyne Davis
Science Teacher / Data Coordinator
Daralyne Davis hails from Harlem, N.Y. and graduated from St. John’s University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Upon graduating, Ms. Davis joined the 2012 Teach for America Corps and began her career as a Science teacher. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Ms. Davis is a proud mother to two sons, Ethan and Eli, and follows a no- nonsense, tough-lover approach both at home and in the classroom. Ms. Davis is a firm believer that knowledge is power and is passionate about empowering students. It has been her mission to lead scholars toward self-actualization through culturally inclusive curriculum and instruction. Ms. Davis loves Broadway shows, summer nights in NYC, the versatility of her hair, acts of self-care, and jazz music. She is excited to be a part of the collaborative and innovative Capital Village community.
Pamela Fisher
Classroom Assistant / Athletic Director
Pamela Fisher was born and raised in Washington, DC. She graduated from Eastern Senior High School and participated in extracurricular activities such as the volleyball team, basketball team and band. She graduated from Sanford Brown College and received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Ms.Pam attended Wallace Community College Sparks Campus in Eufaula, Alabama and majored in Early Childhood Development. Pamela worked countless jobs in the DMV area and Alabama. Her very first job was in Washington, DC at a non-profit organization as a K-6 grade Tutor providing academic support through homework assistance. She also worked as a Behavioral Therapist for kids with Autism/Disabilities for many years. Pamela is very passionate when it comes to things she loves and being an educator is one! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, video games, hanging with friends/family, coaching and playing her favorite sport of basketball.
Evan Fitchett
Humanities Teacher
Evan Fitchett grew up in Richmond, VA, and has lived in DC for the past 5 years. He graduated from Georgetown University in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in International History, and joined the Urban Teachers 2021 DC cohort as an English Language Arts resident at Capital Village. Evan will graduate from Johns Hopkins University School of Education with a Master's Degree in Education in May 2022. He comes from a line of educators and was inspired to teach by family and several of his own teachers who made him appreciate the art of teaching. Evan lives for the "ah-ha" moments in the classroom and believes deeply in facilitating student belief of their own excellence and creativity. Outside the classroom, he enjoys collecting trivial knowledge, playing strategy games, reading history nonfiction, and trying new things in the kitchen.
Shawniece Gaines
Humanities Teacher
Rodney Howard
Math Teacher
Jacqueline Johnson
Specialized Service Coordinator
Jacqueline Johnson joined the Captial Village Public Charter School community in 2020 as a founding Humanities Special Education Teacher. She was born and raised in Washington, DC and graduated with honors from Friendship Collegiate Academy Senior High School. Jacqueline completed her post-secondary education at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, #GoMountaineers, earning a degree in Political Science with an emphasis on American Politics and Policy. She moved to Boston after graduating and began volunteering under the Americorps Program at Match Charter Public School in Jamaica Plain, MA. Through that program, she fell in love with teaching and explored the world of special education. After 6 years of working closely with students with disabilities in the classroom, Jacqueline now serves as the Specialized Services Coordinator at Capital Village. She believes that in order for us to truly know and understand where we're headed, we need to know where we have been and be the change we want to see in the world. Jacqueline is excited to be part of the Capital Village community, ensuring ALL students receive a fair and appropriate education!
Jared Kyaw
Civics Teacher
Jared Kyaw is founding member of Capital Village Public School, and serves as the Civics and Social Studies teacher. He was born and raised in Southern California, obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University, and his Master's Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Jared has always held a passion and desire to help students reach their full academic potential while also understanidng that a world for each student exists beyond the classroom. Jared is eager to share his passion for learning with every student that enters through his door and is proud to play a role in the life-long adventure that is education. When not leading students in explorations of the past, Jared is pasionate about storytelling and cooking. He is also an avid dog lover and it is not an uncommon sight to see him and his Golden Retriever Thea, hiking the many trails of Rock Creek or Donaldson Run.
Carleton Levert
Speech Pathologist
Carleton Levert joined Capital Village PCS in 2020 as a founding member of the Specialized Education Team as a Speech-Language Pathologist. He holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of the District of Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University. His experience is with special needs populations, primary to post-secondary school aged students, and those challenged by literacy skills. Carleton is an entreperneur, a linguist, and member of the Phi Beta Sigma International Fraternity, Inc. Carleton is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Ohio.
Sierra Lopez
Student/Family Counselor
Sierra Lopez was born in Prince George's Hospital and raised in Upper Marlboro, MD. She graduated from Morgan State University receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. She started off as a Computer Science major and then, she found her true passion for Social Work. Changing her major was one of the best decisions she’s ever made. After receiving her degree from Morgan State University, she took a semester off from college and returned the following semester for her Masters. Sierra attended University of Maryland, Baltimore and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree concentrating in Behavioral Health. Sierra loves working with kids and believes that all kids deserve the best education. She’s worked in residential settings with adults as well as children and strives to make an impact on every individual she supports. When she is not supporting kids, Sierra can be found baking, spending time with her two cats, at the nail salon or hanging out with friends and family. She is thrilled to be a part of the Capital Village team and excited to grow with you all!
Markee Mazyck
Classroom Coach
India McKinney
Classroom Aide
Claire Monyak
Special Educator
Claire Monyak was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Washington, D.C. to join Capital Village Public Charter School's founding team in 2020. After graduating from Bucknell University with a major in Spanish, she then continued her education and received a masters in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. Claire's passion for education began at a very young age, as she vowed to become a teacher as early as the third grade. When she is not in the classroom, Claire enjoys playing with her dogs, cooking mac and cheese, and visiting local cow farms.
Bridget O'Carroll
Community Engagement & Operations Associate
Bridget O’Carroll was born and raised in Tampa, Florida before moving to Baltimore for college. She attended the honors program at Loyola University Maryland and graduated in 2021 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Before joining Capital Village as the Community Engagement & Operations Associate in Fall 2022, Bridget did a year of service with FoodCorps AmeriCorps in Camden, NJ where she taught lessons focusing on nutrition, health, and wellness. In her free time, Bridget enjoys exploring local businesses, walking in Rock Creek Park, baking, and working towards a sustainable lifestyle. Bridget is excited to be a part of the Capital Village community and help create an engaging, thoughtful and inclusive environment for all staff and students!
Antonia Ramos-Lynch
Humanities Teacher
Antonia Ramos-Lynch, a native New Yorker and global citizen, is a proud graduate and alumna of Georgia State University; with a Bachelors in Spanish and Early Childhood Education, North Central University; with a Master of Education and Specialty in English for Second Language, North Central University; Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction and Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Antonia has worked in the field of education cultivating young minds across the great states of New York, Georgia, and the District of Columbia catering to K-8 students. Mrs. Ramos-Lynch believes that every child can thrive as long as they have made the decision to work hard towards their success. It is her belief that success requires life-long dedication, because learning happens daily and practice for proficiency aids in the process. Mrs. Antonia is a world traveler and believes that stepping outside of your comfort zone helps build students' character and appreciation for diversity.
Abigail Reyes
Spanish Teacher
Abigail Reyes is a Maryland native, born in Silver Spring and raised in Mount Rainier. She is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. Her mother is from El Slavador, and her father is from Honduras. In addition to being family-oriented, she developed a passion for education at a young age. She has worked in the educational field for nine years, including helping her family raise three children, as well as assisting in classrooms and daycares. When Abigail is not in the classroom, you can find her traveling, cooking, or spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Jaqueline Stevens
Instructional Specialist
Jacqueline Stevens graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor's degree in English and Loyola University Maryland with a master’s degree in Education Leadership. For the past 20 years, she has worked in education as a high school English teacher, Academic Counselor, and Academic Dean. Currently, Ms. Stevens serves Capital Village as an Instructional Specialist. She believes that all students deserve to learn and grow in safe physical and academic environments that emotionally nurture a student’s growth.
Emily Sturtevant
Math Special Educator
Emily Sturtevant was born and raised in Maine and has lived in Washington, DC for the past 5 years. Emily graduated from St. Lawrence University in upstate New York with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in African Studies. Upon moving to DC, Emily worked at Year Up, a nonprofit that works to support young adults in gaining the skills that will empower them to reach their fullest potential within their profession. At Year Up, she found her passion for teaching and mentorship. After this spark was ignited, Emily joined the Urban Teachers Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Education where she graduated with her Masters in the Science of Education in 2022. Emily started her teaching career as a founding Math teacher for Capital Village in 2020 and is now a Special Education Math Teacher. She believes that we are all mathematicians and thinks the key to learning math is engaging in productive struggle. In her free time, Emily enjoys playing with her dog, trying new recipes, and learning to knit.
Yao Teng
Math Teacher
Yao Teng grew up in Connecticut and came to Washington, D.C. two years ago. Before Yao moved, he attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a degree in Mathematics/Actuarial Science in 2019. After graduation, he joined AmeriCorps and served a year with another school in Connecticut where his passion for teaching and education truly came to his realization. From this, Yao decided to move to Washington D.C. to join the Urban Teacher Program as well as start his Master's degree with Johns Hopkins University in 2021. Since joining the program, Yao started his career in Capital Village first as a resident teacher and is now the math teacher for 7th and 8th grade. In his beliefs, math is best done in a small group model as this is the best way to provide the most individualized learning where the teacher is able to get to everyone. He was very excited that this is the model that is being used and believed in by Capital Village as well. In terms of Yao's free time, he enjoys traveling, skiing, and video games as well as building computers from time to time.
Deloris Vann
Special Educator
Deloris Vann was born in Washington, DC. Ms. D graduated from the University of the District of Columbia and Howard University with an Associate degree in criminology, a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and a Master of Mathematics. She went back to school at Grand Canyon University for Eds. While going to school, Ms. D has work as a teacher with students with special needs for 15 years. Ms. D enjoys designing and creating activities for students to learn.
Ebony Wheeler
Yoga Teacher
Ebony Wheeler is a Washington DC native and a certified yoga instructor specializing in Vinyasa yoga, YIN yoga, restorative yoga, sound healing and kids yoga. Ebony also specializes in various forms of body work, including Thai Yoga massage, Fascia blasting and is currently studying Ayurvedic massage. In 2015 Ebony was introduced to a meditation center as a resource to manage her mental health and self care, soon after she walked into a yoga studio and never looked back. Realizing the positive effects the practice had on her life she wanted to share it with her community and the students she worked with in DCPS. In 2016 Ebony was accepted into a teachers training program and received her 200 hour Vinyasa/Hatha certification from Capitol Hill Yoga. Since then Ebony has received a 75 hour certification in trauma informed and inclusivity yoga as well as apprenticing under various seasoned teachers. In 2019 she created a youth program Project ME Youth. Her program is designed to teach the fundamentals of a physical yoga practice, mindfulness techniques as well as how to incorporate the principles of yoga into their everyday lives. Her class style is challenging yet doable and fun, focusing on safety and accessibility. Students will experience a safe, well planned class filled with supportive and effective cues You’ll be encouraged to find your flow outside of her voice and to modify if needed. Most importantly students will experience connecting with themselves through the practice of yoga.
Mikal Williams
Humanities Teacher
A native Washingtonian, Mikal Williams joind the Capital Village PCS family in the fall of 2022. The father of a current high school senior (Fairmont Heights High School), he is currently enrolled in a doctoral studies program with North Central Univerity (San Diego, CA) online. This is Mikal's 15th year as an educator, working primarily with students with special needs, grades K-12. Mikal comes from a musical family, inclusive of his father, Gregory Cook, who sang tenor for the DC-based soul group, "The Unifics", Mikal loves basketball, with a passion, a sport he played at the highest level as a child (DC Warriors AAU). Mikal has travelled the country playing youth sports and has also performed on numerous stages as member of the Greater Grace Christian Church, Youth and Young Adult choir; Mikal also produces hip-hop/R&B tracks for local artists while managing entrepreneurial duties as the owner and operator of MikalHalim Wellness. Mikal's hobbies include, but are not limited to, reading, critical research, music production, exercise, investing, traveling, basketball, boxing, and tennis. It is Mikal's goal to become a fully accredited personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His ultimate goal is to travel the world lecturing and writing; it is a dream of his to conduct a TED Talk regarding the developmental psychology of African/Black American students K-12. It is his plan to utilize his talents and resources to help Capital Village PCS continue to build a highly effective program, here in the Edgewood, NE community.
Eileen A. Williams
Board Advisor
Eileen A. Williams is a retired administrative officer from Howard University, Washington, DC. She has more than 45 years’ experience as an administrative assistant, executive-level secretary, and administrative officer working with executive-level professionals. The majority of her experience (more than 20 years) has been in college-level education (Howard University) working in the administrative, personnel, budgetary, and supervisory capacities. Mrs. Williams has also been involved in the community for many years, initiating and overseeing projects and community-wide events and teaching classes involving youth and teens.
Illeana Ziessner
Special Educator - Case Manager
Ileana Zeissner was born in Germany and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Emory University with a joint degree in Psychology and Linguistics. Ileana's first teaching experience was through Breakthrough Atlanta, where she worked with a phenomenal group of rising 8th-graders to help them set goals and prepare them for high school. Seeing these scholars expand their horizons and tap into their potential through newfound knowledge encouraged Ileana to pursue a career in education. After her amazing experiences at Breakthrough Atlanta, Ileana joined Urban Teachers, which led her to Capital Village in Washington, D.C. She started as a founding Science teacher in 2020, transitioned to teaching special education math, and now has the privilege of serving as one of the Case Managers for students who fall under the special education umbrella at Capital Village. Outside of work, Ileana enjoys hiking, cooking and baking, painting, reading thrillers, and spending time with loved ones and her dog, Honey.