Meet Our Team | Teachers

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!

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""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

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  • Arts Team
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade
  • 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade
Noelle Picara

K-8 Voice Instructor, Arts Integration Specialist

npicara@kacsde.org

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Noelle Picara

K-8 Voice Instructor, Arts Integration Specialist

Education: M.Ed, MFA Naropa University
Experience: 10 years as a choir, ELA, and musical theater teacher in public and private schools in Delaware and Ramstein, Germany. 16 years teaching dance, music, and theater in after school programs.
Fun Fact: Ms. Picara is working on becoming fluent in Spanish and loves learning salsa, African, and hip hop dances. She has played the piano since 1984 and performs as a singer-songwriter. Ms. Picara often travels solo and in the last year has visited Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
Email: npicara@kacsde.org
Stephanie Morton

K-8 Visual Arts Instructor

stephanie.morton@kacsde.org

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Stephanie Morton

K-8 Visual Arts Instructor

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: stephanie.morton@kacsde.org
Darnell Miller

K-8 Music Instructor

dmiller @kacsde.org

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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

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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

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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

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Alexis Rogers

K-8 Dance Instructor

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

K-3 Drama

pjhall@kacsde.org

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Preanna Jules-Hall

K-3 Drama

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

K-8 Spanish Teacher

deboarahf@kacsde.org

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Deborah Figueroa

K-8 Spanish Teacher

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

K-8 Health & Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director

ccaldwell@kacsde.org

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Christopher Caldwell

K-8 Health & Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director

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

K-8 Health & Physical Education Resident Teacher

irufus@kacsde.org

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Immanuel Rufus

K-8 Health & Physical Education Resident Teacher

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

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

tmuldrow@kacsde.org

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Tasia Muldrow

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

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

Kindergarten Teacher

gduncan@kacsde.org

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Glendoria Duncan

Kindergarten Teacher

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

Kindergarten Teacher

bhurling@kacsde.org

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Brielle Hurling

Kindergarten Teacher

Education:
Experience:
Fun Fact:
Email: bhurling@kacsde.org
Khajay Gibbs

Kindergarten teacher

kgibbs@kacsde.ord

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Khajay Gibbs

Kindergarten teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: kgibbs@kacsde.ord
Taniya Price

Kindergarten Paraprofessional

tprice@kacsde.org

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Taniya Price

Kindergarten Paraprofessional

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

1st Grade Teacher

tstone@kacsde.org

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Teresa Stone

1st Grade Teacher

Education: West Chester University
Experience: Ms Stone has been a teacher at Kuumba for 16+ years.
Fun Fact: I have 3 dogs! I have lived in 9 places. I love the beach!
Email: tstone@kacsde.org
Latisha Sapara

1st Grade Special Education Teacher

lsapara@kacsde.org

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Latisha Sapara

1st Grade Special Education Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: lsapara@kacsde.org
John Vitsorek

1st grade Teacher

jvitsorek@kacsde.org

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John Vitsorek

1st grade Teacher

Education: Mr. V. graduated from West Chester University.
Experience: Mr. V has been teaching kindergarten for over 22 years at only 2 different schools.
Fun Fact: Mr. V. loves to spend time with his family and going to concerts.
Email: jvitsorek@kacsde.org
Wanda Ford

1st Grade Teacher

wford@kacsde.org

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Wanda Ford

1st Grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: wford@kacsde.org
Iesha Huff

1st Grade Paraprofessional

ihull@kacsde.org

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Iesha Huff

1st Grade Paraprofessional

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

2nd Grade Teacher

nhall-murphy@kacsde.org

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Alessandra Ehle

2nd Grade paraprofessional

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

K-2 Special Education Teacher

dvancliff@kacsde.org

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Dominique VanCliff

K-2 Special Education Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: dvancliff@kacsde.org
Tawanna Marks

3rd grade Teacher

tmarks@kacsde.org

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Tawanna Marks

3rd grade Teacher

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

1st Grade Teacher

lsmith@kacsde.org

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Lisa Smith

1st Grade Teacher

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

3rd grade Teacher

esalsbury@kacsde.org

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Emma Salsbury

3rd grade Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: esalsbury@kacsde.org
Kendra Mckey

GRADE 3 Special Education

kmckey@kacsde.org

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Kendra Mckey

GRADE 3 Special Education

Education: EDUCATION: Masters in General & Special Education
Experience: EXPERIENCE: 20 years
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT: I love Sports and the Arts.
I love Music & Dance.
Email: kmckey@kacsde.org
Judith Pratts

4th grade Teacher

jpratts@kacsde.org

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Judith Pratts

4th grade Teacher

Education: Graduated with a Masters degree from Rutgers University
Experience: Started teaching 4th grade at Kuumba in 2018. Previously gained experience at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in NJ, also teaching 4th grade math.
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my family, playing with my dog, Jeter and rooting for my favorite sports teams (NY Giants and NY Yankees).
Email: jpratts@kacsde.org
Carolyn Scott

4th grade Teacher

cscott@kacsde.org

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Carolyn Scott

4th grade Teacher

Education: She obtained her education degree at St Joseph’s University.
Experience: She has numerous years of experience in education and believes that children learn in different ways.
Fun Fact: Loves to travel.
Email: cscott@kacsde.org
Natasha Lamb

4th grade Teacher

nlamb@kacsde.org

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Natasha Lamb

4th grade Teacher

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

4th grade Special Education Teacher

hkleiner@kacsde.org

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Hunter Kleiner

4th grade Special Education Teacher

Education: Hood College B.A. 2017 - Elementary 1- 6 /Special Ed K - 8 / Mathematic Minor/Endorsement (up to 9th); McDaniel College - Special Ed MS 2020
Experience: Special Education Resource Teacher : K - 5 and social/emotional/behavior support centered, Maryland - 3 years
Fun Fact: I have a different holiday outfit for each day, the whole month of December! This includes sweaters, vests, t-shirts, skirts, and socks, and leggings and I’m sure going to be masks, this year!  :) I have jumped off a 50ft cliff into the ocean on the southernmost tip in Hawaii ( on Oahu) and I went indoor skydiving!
Email: hkleiner@kacsde.org
Ralandre Lacy

5th grade Math Teacher

rlacy@kacsde.org

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Ralandre Lacy

5th grade Math Teacher

Education:
Experience:
Fun Fact:
Email: rlacy@kacsde.org
Kaylina Williams

5th grade ELA Teacher

kwilliams@kacsde.org

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Kaylina Williams

5th grade ELA Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: kwilliams@kacsde.org
Cevia Blevins

5th grade Social Studies Teacher

cblevins@kacsde.org

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Cevia Blevins

5th grade Social Studies Teacher

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

5th Grade Science Teacher

ngicker@kacsde.org

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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

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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

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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
Heather Davis

GRADE 6 & GRADE 7 Science

hdavis@kacsde.org

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Heather Davis

GRADE 6 & GRADE 7 Science

Education: EDUCATION: Rowan University
Experience: EXPERIENCE: With over a decade of experience in education, I spent 11 years teaching in Camden, NJ, and a year in North Jersey, before transitioning to serve as the Director of an Early Childhood Education center for 2 years, where I led a dedicated team and implemented innovative curriculum strategies to foster early development.
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT:
1. I’m a proud Philly Phanatic who loves cheering on our teams. Whether it’s catching a game or just soaking in the city’s sports culture, I’m all in!
2. As a mom of a middle schooler myself, I understand the excitement and challenges of this age. I’m passionate about making science engaging and can’t wait to explore topics like ecosystems and biodiversity with my students.
3. I love being creative and published my first book this summer. My second book- a children's book- is being published in September!
Email: hdavis@kacsde.org
Meghan Serres

5th/6th grade Math Special Education Teacher

mserres@kacsde.org

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Meghan Serres

5th/6th grade Math Special Education Teacher

Education: Masters from Wilmington University
Experience: I have taught at Kuumba Academy for 9 years! I taught 1st and 2nd grade for rive years and now have shifted to a math focus, providing small group math intervention and teaching 5th and 6th grade math.
Fun Fact: I love hanging out with my husband and dog Esme. I enjoy reading and trying new things like sketching.
Email: mserres@kacsde.org
Sahar Ibrahim

5th/6th grade ELA Special Education Teacher

sibrahim@kacsde.org

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Sahar Ibrahim

5th/6th grade ELA Special Education Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: sibrahim@kacsde.org
Eric King

7th grade Math Teacher

eking@kacsde.org

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Eric King

7th grade Math Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: eking@kacsde.org
Jaqueline Torkelson

6th/7th grade Social Studies Teacher

jtorkelson@kacsde.org

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Jaqueline Torkelson

6th/7th grade Social Studies Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: jtorkelson@kacsde.org
Ayooluwayimika Ajao

6th/7th grade Social Studies Resident

aajao@kacsde.org

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Ayooluwayimika Ajao

6th/7th grade Social Studies Resident

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: Background in Finance/Banking/Global Wealth Management, and Politics/Community Organizing/Government
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I own my own Bespoke Garment and Styling company, as well as being an avid runner (2017 DIAA Track and Field State Champion), and a huge life-long Arsenal Football Club supporter.
Email: aajao@kacsde.org
Dr. Thomas

7th Grade ELA

kthomas@kacsde.org

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Dr. Thomas

7th Grade ELA

Education: EDUCATION: Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Literacy, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.
Experience: EXPERIENCE: My extensive experience includes roles as Assistant Faculty in Early Childhood Education, Assistant Professor at institutions such as CUNY-Bronx Community College, CUNY-Brooklyn College, Touro University, and Coppin State University, and as Director of Professional Development at Delta School. I have taught a variety of courses, ranging from literacy in early childhood to teaching reading and language arts for grades 1-6, and has been instrumental in developing and implementing professional development programs aligned with district goals and initiatives. He holds a New York State Teaching Certificate for grades B-2 and has a proven track record of enhancing instructional quality and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among educators.
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT: I am a prolific scholar with research interests that include the academic preparation of low-income, first-generation populations, pre-service teacher development, dropout prevention, 21st-century workforce preparation, and language and literacy assessments. My scholarly contributions include articles and conference presentations on critical reading skills and instructional mediums for linguistically diverse learners. Additionally, I actively engages in community service, volunteer at local charities, and support students facing reading difficulties. I am the author of "Reflections on Higher Love" and the recently published "My Father, My Hero," and enjoy playing chess and tennis in my spare time.
Email: kthomas@kacsde.org
Myles Williams

8th grade ELA Teacher

mwilliams@kacsde.org

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Myles Williams

8th grade ELA Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: mwilliams@kacsde.org
Starr Levy

8th grade Math Teacher

slevy@kacsde.org

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Starr Levy

8th grade Math Teacher

Education: EDUCATION: Benedict College
Experience: EXPERIENCE: 10 years in Education 
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT: 
1. I enjoy hiking so much that I went on a hike up Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
2. I failed math when I was in 7th grade, so for Christmas that year, my parent bought me a calculator.
3. When my sister had twins, I told her I was I was so happy that it was her, and 2 years later, I found out I was also having twins. ( Also Faternal)
Email: slevy@kacsde.org
David Dragone

GRADE 8 Social Studies and Science

EMAIL

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David Dragone

GRADE 8 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
Baheerah Hameed

7th/8th Math Special Education Teacher

bhameed@kacsde.org

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Baheerah Hameed

7th/8th Math Special Education Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: bhameed@kacsde.org
Philmekia Donato

7th/8th ELA Special Education Teacher

pdonato@kacsde.org

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Philmekia Donato

7th/8th ELA Special Education Teacher

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: pdonato@kacsde.org

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

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1200 North French St.
Wilmington, DE
19801

302.660.4750
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