Meet Our Team | Faculty and Staff

At Kuumba Academy, we believe in the importance of recruiting, retaining, developing, and supporting great teachers and leaders who can help our students meet high standards.  Read on to meet them!

noun_quotes_953503.png

"Kuumba is a great place to be. It allows kids to learn through the arts, dancing, singing, and jumping up and down. It exists to ignite passion in students."

- John Vitsorek | First Grade Teacher

  • Show All
  • Arts Team
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade
  • 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade
  • Instructional Support Team
Darnell Miller

K-8 Music Instructor

dmiller @kacsde.org

Read Bio
Darnell Miller

K-8 Music Instructor

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: dmiller @kacsde.org
Michnari Robinson

K-8 Band Instructor

mrobinson@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Michnari Robinson

K-8 Band Instructor

Education: BM Samford University, MM University of Wisconsin-Madison
Experience: Michnari Robinson Brass | Michnari is an active brass instrumentalist based in Philadelphia. A versatile performer, he is a member of akadotdotdot, You Do You, and the West Philadelphia Orchestra. He also teaches at the school Kuumba Academy. Michnari’s pedagogy centers the transformational power of music to uplift students as individuals and members of their communities. Driven by his conviction that music is for everyone, he served in the ArtistYear Americorps teaching artist program to nurture young musicians in Title I schools. During that time he was also the audio engineer for the Rising Stars Podcast, hosted by Carol Jantsch and co-hosted by Bernard Flythe. The mission of the podcast was to conduct interviews with young brass musicians from underrepresented demographics. Throughout his time in Philadelphia, Michnari has been fortunate to perform with local acts such as Johnny Showcase, Simcha Band, and the Weez The Peeples Collective. He has a Bachelor’s degree in euphonium performance from Samford University, where he was awarded the Northrup Scholarship for outstanding performance. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his Master’s degree and was honored to attend on a fellowship (AOF) and teaching assistantship. His primary teachers were Charles Morgan, Demondrae Thurman, and Tom Curry.
Fun Fact: Michnari creates in music programming and music production.
Email: mrobinson@kacsde.org
Salimata Linguer

K-8 Drama and Passages Instructor

slinguer@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Salimata Linguer

K-8 Drama and Passages Instructor

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: slinguer@kacsde.org
Alexis Rogers

K-8 Dance Instructor

arogers@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Alexis Rogers

K-8 Dance Instructor

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: arogers@kacsde.org
Preanna Jules-Hall

Theater Arts Teacher

pjhall@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Preanna Jules-Hall

Theater Arts Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: pjhall@kacsde.org
Christopher Caldwell

K-8 Health & Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director

ccaldwell@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Christopher Caldwell

K-8 Health & Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: ccaldwell@kacsde.org
Connor Gilden

Health/PE Teacher

cgilden@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Connor Gilden

Health/PE Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: cgilden@kacsde.org
Tasia Muldrow

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

tmuldrow@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Tasia Muldrow

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: tmuldrow@kacsde.org
Glendoria Duncan

Kindergarten Teacher

gduncan@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Glendoria Duncan

Kindergarten Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: gduncan@kacsde.org
Taniyah Price

Kindergarten Paraprofessional

tprice@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Taniyah Price

Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: tprice@kacsde.org
Wanda Ford

1st Grade Teacher

wford@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Wanda Ford

1st Grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: wford@kacsde.org
Nykisha Hall-Murphy

2nd Grade Teacher

nhall-murphy@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Nykisha Hall-Murphy

2nd Grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: nhall-murphy@kacsde.org
Tawana Smothers

2nd grade Teacher

tsmothers@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Tawana Smothers

2nd grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: tsmothers@kacsde.org
Shysheen Nelson

2nd Grade Teacher

EMAILsnelson@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Shysheen Nelson

2nd Grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: EMAILsnelson@kacsde.org
Courtney Burruss

2nd Grade Paraprofessional

cburress@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Courtney Burruss

2nd Grade Paraprofessional

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: cburress@kacsde.org
Alessandra Ehle

2nd Grade paraprofessional

aehle@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Alessandra Ehle

2nd Grade paraprofessional

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: aehle@kacsde.org
Lisa Smith

3rd grade Teacher

lsmith@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Lisa Smith

3rd grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: lsmith@kacsde.org
Nicole Branche

3rd Grade Teacher

nbranche@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Nicole Branche

3rd Grade Teacher

Education:  Temple University
Experience: I am an educator specializing in behavior health, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and arts integration for grades K-8. With a background in behavior and education, I excel in creating engaging learning environments that foster positive student interactions and improve behavior. My approach combines communication skills with a deep understanding of student needs, allowing me to support diverse learners effectively.
Fun Fact: My teaching doesn’t stop in schools. I teach acting and also am an acting coach. I have over 20 years of acting experience, with more than a decade of consistent work in the industry working with a theater company. My first love was dance with a focus in hip hop and modern. I’ve directed mini productions for schools and camps, I also have played in a few independent films. I love delicious food, the beach, and traveling. 
Email: nbranche@kacsde.org
Natasha Lamb

4th grade Teacher

nlamb@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Natasha Lamb

4th grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: nlamb@kacsde.org
Nicole Gicker

5th Grade Science Teacher

ngicker@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Nicole Gicker

5th Grade Science Teacher

Education: Graduated from Wilmington University
Experience: Ms. Gicker gained classroom experience at Providence Creek Academy, Prestige Academy, and Lombardy Elementary (in grades 5, 6, and 3 respectively) through student teaching and practicum placements.
Fun Fact: She loves spending time with her family, going to events and concerts with friends, gardening, and keeping her fingers crossed for the Phillies.
Email: ngicker@kacsde.org
Lauren Robinson

6th grade ELA Teacher

lrobinson@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Lauren Robinson

6th grade ELA Teacher

Education: Bachelors of Arts in English from Delaware State University
Experience: Taught both 10th and 11th grade ELA at Caesar Rodney High School.
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: lrobinson@kacsde.org
Joel Coppdage

6th grade Math Teacher

jcoppdage@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Joel Coppdage

6th grade Math Teacher

Education: BA in math from Morehouse College, MS in applied math from North Carolina A&T State University, MA in math from Indiana University Bloomington
Experience: Mr. Coppadge as worked as a paraprofessional and math teacher at Gateway Charter School (8th grade science/social studies, 6th grade math). He has also worked as a long term substitute teacher at Middletown (high school math) and part time tutor at the Sylvan Learning Center.
Fun Fact: He loves spending time with his family and friends.
Joel also loves to watch movies and read comic books.
Lastly, Joel is a second degree black belt in karate and a part-time instructor at Gentle Palm Karate Academy.
Email: jcoppdage@kacsde.org
Linda Hall

6/7 Grade Science

lhall@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Linda Hall

6/7 Grade Science

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: lhall@kacsde.org
Blair Borish

7th Grade ELA

bborish@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Blair Borish

7th Grade ELA

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: bborish@kacsde.org
David Dragone

8TH GRADE Social Studies and Science

EMAIL

Read Bio
David Dragone

8TH GRADE Social Studies and Science

Education: EDUCATION: Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Business from Neumann University; Masters of Science Degree in Education from Temple University 
Experience: EXPERIENCE: I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 15 years of clinical, operational, training, and leadership experience in the human services field serving people with mental health diagnoses, autism, and intellectual disabilities. I started my career as a Direct Service Professional working my way up to various senior leadership positions. Recently I parlayed my love for science and history into a new career path as a teacher. I have a passion for identifying and developing talent in others. 
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT: I’m a proud “girl dad” of 3 children. When not working or spending time with my family, I enjoy playing and coaching baseball (my first passion), lifting, the fall season, and learning as much as I can. 
Email: EMAIL
Angelina Peterson

Reading Specialist/ MTSS Coordinator

apeterson@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Angelina Peterson

Reading Specialist/ MTSS Coordinator

Education: Early Childhood and Elementary Education Degree- BS-  from Lincoln University Reading Literacy Education- M.Ed - Cambridge College
Experience: 18 years in Education; worked as a Kindergarten teacher, 1st grade, 3rd, 4th grade, Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach and an Adjunct Professor at Harcum College.
Fun Fact: Likes to travel
Email: apeterson@kacsde.org
Dr. Diamond Lee

Special Education Coordinator

dlee@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Dr. Diamond Lee

Special Education Coordinator

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: dlee@kacsde.org
Eula Hooten

Special Education Director

ehooten@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Eula Hooten

Special Education Director

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: ehooten@kacsde.org
Jara Zwolak

3rd-5th Reading Interventionist

jzwolak@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Jara Zwolak

3rd-5th Reading Interventionist

Education: M.S., Special Education & Literacy | B.S., Elementary Education
Experience: Mrs. Zwolak has a background as a teacher and an instructional coach across grades K-6. d in K-6
Fun Fact: Mrs. Zwolak, also known as Mrs. Z, has an art background and loves to be creative across medium. At home, I enjoy baking, cooking, gardening, planting, jewelry making, and photography. I enjoy learning about mindfulness, conscious parenting skills, and researching the latest trends in reading science. It brings me great joy getting to know our Kuumba scholars and creatively influencing their literacy competencies. It is my hope and dream that scholars leave our space feeling more able to identify their strengths and contributions while using cooperation and problem solving skills to thrive in their environments.
Email: jzwolak@kacsde.org
Melissa Dulin

Occupational Therapist

mdulin@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Melissa Dulin

Occupational Therapist

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: mdulin@kacsde.org
Tykisha Goldsberry

K-2nd grade Instructional Coach, Gifted and Talented Teacher

tbratcher@kacsde.org

Read Bio
Tykisha Goldsberry

K-2nd grade Instructional Coach, Gifted and Talented Teacher

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from University of Delaware, Masters degree in Teaching Practices from The Relay Graduate School of Education
Experience: My teaching career started in the Baltimore Public City School System where I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5 grades. I began teaching at Kuumba in 2008 where I have served as a kindergarten and first grade teacher.
Fun Fact: I enjoy roller skating and bike riding.
Email: tbratcher@kacsde.org

Kuumba Academy Charter School (KACS) is a dynamic learning environment where teachers, families, students, and community partners work together.

Contact Us

1200 North French St.
Wilmington, DE
19801

302.660.4750
Closing in 6 Seconds