Our Team

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Katy is a community leader, market research professional, and advocate with a diverse background spanning business administration, sales, marketing, training, and community outreach. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana University of PA and has extensive experience engaging with families, schools, and community organizations. As a former Project Coordinator with the Jewish Council for the Aging, she supported a federally funded community outreach initiative serving seniors and individuals with disabilities. She has held leadership roles in local schools, including Past President of the Burning Tree Elementary School PTSA and Thomas W. Pyle Middle School PTSA. Currently a Qualitative Market Research Director, she leads in-depth interviews and focus groups, bringing strong listening, communication, and relationship-building skills to her work. She also serves as President of the Walt Whitman All Sports Booster Club, continuing her commitment to supporting students, families, and the broader community.

Travis is an experienced educational leader and administrator with over 20 years of experience in K–12 and higher education settings. He holds a Bachelor's and Master’s in Physical Education, as well as a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. Throughout his career, Travis has served as a Curriculum Coordinator leading instructional staff and developing health and wellness curricula. In addition to his K–12 work, Travis is an online graduate instructor and course developer, creating professional development courses for educators nationwide on athletic leadership, health, wellness, and instructional technology. An active youth sports director, board member, and coach, he brings a collaborative, student-centered approach to helping young learners build confidence, practical life skills, and a commitment to personal wellness.

We are hiring for Northern Virginia.  Please apply below. 

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. 

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. In addition to her work at Mindful Beginnings, Kelsey supervises student teachers and teaches middle school English in MCPS. She brings an authentic, student-centered approach to every class, helping learners of all abilities. 

Jessica is a second-year medical student at Georgetown University School of Medicine with a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her clinical background spans dermatology and surgical care, community health outreach, and service as lead coordinator for an outpatient hospital and clinic caring for an underserved island population. A Georgetown Clinical Research Scholar and published co-author on multiple peer-reviewed papers, Jessica also has volunteered as a crisis counselor. Drawing on both personal experience and her medical education, she has developed a strong interest in health education and in making medical information clear and accessible.  

Brandi is a dedicated elementary school teacher with over two decades of experience in early literacy and classroom instruction within Washington, DC public and charter schools. She holds a Master’s in Early Literacy Instruction and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. A trained Reading Recovery specialist, Brandi excels in small-group reading interventions, phonics, and social-emotional learning. Her expertise in behavior management and differentiated instruction ensures every child receives tailored support to thrive academically and socially.   

Marcie is a seasoned early childhood specialist and former preschool director with over 20 years of experience in early education and social-emotional development. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and certifications as a Lead Teacher and Director II. A featured speaker at national education conferences, Marcie specializes in pre-literacy enrichment and social-emotional curricula like Kimochis and Zones of Regulation. She brings a thoughtful, inquiry-based approach to helping children navigate relationships and safety. 

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.

Michelle holds a Master of Science in Quality Improvement and Healthcare Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College. Since 2019, she has served as a Nurse Coordinator at Georgetown University's Centers for Blood Disorders, where she provides outpatient care to diverse patient populations, coordinates surgical and home infusion care for patients with rare diseases, and educates patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and safe follow-up care. Michelle regularly presents at patient education seminars and community health events, translating complex medical information into clear, compassionate guidance. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and licensed as a Registered Nurse in both DC and Maryland, she brings warmth, expertise, and a passion for patient engagement to her teaching. 

Lilly is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than six years of nursing experience spanning critical care, outpatient primary care, and aesthetic dermatology. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from George Washington University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan. Her clinical background includes four years caring for critically ill patients in the Surgical ICU at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where she served as Charge RN and educated patients and families on treatment and recovery. Her advanced practice training includes family medicine, pediatrics, and women's health, with extensive experience providing well-child care, anticipatory guidance, and family education on nutrition, safety, and illness prevention. Certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Lilly brings calm clinical expertise and a reassuring, patient-centered approach to every course she teaches. 

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.

Ashira is a trauma-informed educator and founder of Mind Body Fusion, LLC, with over a decade of experience teaching mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and life skills to children and adults in the DC area. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science from Towson University. Her background bridges public service and holistic wellness, including work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, federal law enforcement, and youth behavioral intervention. Ashira is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), Certified Professional Breathworker, and licensed massage therapist. She brings a grounded, reassuring approach to her teaching, helping young learners build confidence and practical life skills. 

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. 

Kelley is a dynamic community educator, mentor, and student advocate with extensive experience guiding youth through academic, physical, and personal growth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and brings a rich background spanning fitness instruction, studio management, and K-12 academic tutoring. Certified in Red Cross CPR/First Aid, Kelley excels at creating joyful, inclusive environments where young learners build self-advocacy, confidence, and emotional regulation.  

Jennifer is an academic coach, student advocate, and early childhood educator who specializes in helping young learners build confidence and self-regulation skills. Grounded in deep child development insights, she supports neurodivergent learners through scenario-based learning, sensory regulation, and compassionate communication. Certified in youth yoga and meditation, Jennifer combines over 15 years of early childhood care experience with a calm, nurturing approach that makes safety, problem-solving, and practical life skills accessible for every student.  

Ingrid is an experienced speech-language pathologist and multilingual communicator with a strong background supporting children’s developmental needs. She earned her Master’s in Speech Pathology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Maryland. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ingrid has extensive experience providing speech therapy, home-based pediatric evaluations, and school-based interpretation across diverse communities. She brings immense patience, empathy, and deep communication expertise to her teaching.  

Bronwen is an award-winning creative director, fine artist, and educator with over 20 years of experience in youth leadership and mentoring. She has run her own marketing agency, guest-lectured at the University of Maryland, and taught youth programs ranging from Girl Scouts and Sea Scouts to the Parent Encouragement Program. Red Cross CPR/First Aid certified and an Australian-American dual citizen, Bronwen brings a creative, practical, and international approach to helping children build confidence, independence, and essential safety skills. 

Valerie is an experienced educator, international program leader, and multilingual specialist with extensive background in K–12 instruction, curriculum management, and educational leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Culture from the University of Maryland. Currently completing alternative teacher certification, Valerie brings classroom teaching experience across Montgomery County Public Schools and Sunday school settings, alongside years of private and group language instruction. Her career includes serving as Study Abroad Administrative Director in Paris, Director of Education for national healthcare associations, and French interpreter supporting refugee youth. Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Polish, Valerie brings deep cross-cultural understanding, educational expertise, and a compassionate, student-centered approach to every course she teaches. 

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.  

Kim is a highly accomplished registered nurse and clinical leader with three decades of healthcare experience at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University and holds active RN licenses in DC and Maryland alongside BLS certification. Having served as Nursing Director, Clinical Resource Manager, and Senior Nurse Talent Acquisition Partner, Kimberly combines deep clinical expertise in acute care and patient safety with a passionate, family-centered approach to healthcare education.  

Bela is a seasoned education leader, policy expert, and language educator with over 20 years of experience driving youth development and expanded learning initiatives. She holds a Master’s in Sociology and Education Policy from Columbia University's Teachers College and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania. The founder of Bela’s Velas, she provides customized Spanish instruction to students of all ages. Bela brings deep expertise in youth advocacy and a warm, equity-centered approach to helping young learners build confidence and essential life skills. 

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 aUniversity. 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.