Our Team

---

Yesmina is a District of Columbia Public Schools elementary teacher with a Master of Arts in Teaching and over nine years of classroom experience working with children in pre-K through fourth grade. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy. Yesmina has extensive experience leading youth programs, family engagement initiatives, and summer enrichment programming, and she brings a warm, student-centered approach to every course she teaches. In addition to teaching, Yesmina serves as a curriculum specialist for Mindful Beginnings, helping develop and refine our course materials.

Kelsey is an educator with over 16 years of experience teaching middle and high school English Language Arts and Special Education. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education and has extensive experience in differentiated instruction, behavioral support, and curriculum design. A three-time Campus Teacher of the Year nominee and a published young adult author, Kelsey has also trained new educator candidates in classroom management and instructional strategies. She brings an authentic, student-centered approach to every class, helping learners of all abilities. Kelsey also serves as a curriculum specialist for Mindful Beginnings.

Chyna teaches for Swing Education, where she provides classroom instruction across multiple K-12 schools throughout the DC area. Chyna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies from American University. Her experience with young people includes her work as a summer camp counselor, where she mentored groups of children and led daily activities. A proven leader who served two terms as Student Body President at American University, Chyna brings an energetic approach to every course she teaches. 

Miryam is an early childhood specialist with nearly two decades of experience in special education, behavior therapy, and program leadership. She holds a Master of Science in General and Special Education from Touro University and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women. Currently a special educator at SELA Hebrew Public Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon School in Washington, DC, she previously led early childhood programs at Washington Hebrew Congregation and the Mandel JCC. Trained in Orton Gillingham and applied behavior analysis, Miryam brings deep developmental expertise and a nurturing approach to every course she teaches. 

Helena holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America's Conway School of Nursing. Her extensive clinical background includes pediatric care at Inova Fairfax, community health at Unity Health Care Clinic, and specialized training in psychiatric mental health and general surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. In addition to her hospital rotations, Helena has served as a medical assistant for New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, caring for up to 50 patients per shift. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), she brings a positive, highly compassionate, and professional demeanor to her teaching.

Monique is an elementary school teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools with a Master of Education in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland. She has nearly a decade of classroom experience teaching elementary students, plus years of work as a paraeducator, tutor, and longtime Girl Scout troop leader. Monique brings deep experience supporting children at every learning level, including English language learners and students with IEPs. 

Gaby is pursuing a dual degree in Human Development and Animal Sciences at the University of Maryland. She has more than six years of experience teaching children, including her longstanding role as a horseback riding and horsemanship instructor for students ages 7 to 12, and as an after-school STEM program instructor in Montgomery County. Gaby is a recipient of the Andrea Goff Endowed Scholarship from UMD's College of Education, and she brings a patient, hands-on approach to helping young learners build confidence.

Abigail is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America. Her clinical background spans pediatrics, women's health, medical-surgical care, and post-anesthesia recovery at hospitals including INOVA Fairfax, Holy Cross, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She brings a compassionate, family-centered approach to teaching the skills caregivers need to keep children safe. 

Jasmine is a pediatric registered nurse with more than six years of experience in neonatal and pediatric critical care at some of the region's top hospitals, including Children's National Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and Howard University Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Trinity Washington University and is certified in Basic Life Support and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. A recipient of the Distinguished Nurse award and an experienced preceptor and charge nurse, Jasmine has spent her career teaching families how to care for children safely, from newborn care and safe sleep practices to symptom management and emergency response. 

Kiera is a neonatal intensive care nurse at Children's National Hospital with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America. Her clinical experience includes pediatrics at INOVA Fairfax, community health, women's health, and adult medical-surgical care. Kiera is certified in CPR, BLS, AED, and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and she brings years of childcare experience to her teaching alongside her clinical expertise. 

Jennie brings a strong background in community engagement, event management, and childcare experience to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Business Administration from Colorado State University. Currently, Jennie leads volunteer recruitment for Voices for Children Montgomery (CASA) and serves as the PTA President for Belmont Elementary. Her diverse experience includes directing family events at Kentlands Mansion, coaching youth soccer, and working internationally as a live-in au pair in Madrid, Spain. Jennie utilizes her exceptional organizational skills to build highly structured, supportive learning environments. 

Kim is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she graduated magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Michigan. Her career bridges healthcare and education, including serving as Head Nurse at the German International School Washington D.C., providing school nursing at Sheppard Pratt, caring for newborns and mothers at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, and delivering health and nutrition education for MCPS Head Start and PreK programs. A former preschool lead teacher, Kim is especially skilled at making health and safety concepts accessible to young learners.