Katie grew up in a small beach town in South Florida. She moved to NYC where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education at New York University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Katie’s varied experience in education spans more than two decades. She began her career as an early childhood creative movement teacher. Over the years, she has worked with every age from two years old to adult learners. She has held leadership positions at several schools, most recently as High School Principal at Georgetown Day School in Washington DC. Since leaving there in 2022, Katie has been working as a consultant and leadership coach, supporting schools in becoming more equitable and inclusive communities. Katie has been involved in many strategic areas within various school communities including; leadership and mentorship, equity and inclusion, change management, curriculum development, teacher evaluation and professional development, accreditation, recruiting and retention, admissions, strategic planning, facilities and campus expansion, finance, and fundraising. Katie believes that community is at the heart of a great school and she is excited to call School for Friends her home and to serve this beautiful learning community.
Sabina is from the coastal town of Bremen, Germany, where she lived most of her life. She was born in Calcutta, India, where she spent her early childhood. She studied in Germany and received a degree in occupational therapy. She has worked with children with special needs, ages three to ten years old in private practice and in preschools. Sabina joined the School for Friends staff in Spring of 2003. She has earned her CDA credential. In her spare time, she loves to spend lots of time with her son Laurence and enjoys literature and yoga as well as art and painting.
Tori is a passionate educator who integrated her teaching skills into her current Office Coordinator position at School for Friends. With a strong background in Early Childhood care and Elementary Education, Tori creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that encourages every child to thrive. She earned her degree in Elementary Education at Morgan State University and loves using innovative teaching strategies to meet diverse needs. Tori is committed to professional growth and collaborates with parents and the community to support her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, adventure-seeking, and spending quality time with her family.
Carla is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Human Development. Prior to that, she completed an associate’s degree in general studies. Carla is Salvadorian and Mexican and has enjoyed two different traditions and cultures her whole life. She used to babysit when she was younger, was a camp counselor during most summers and interned at a private school in early childhood classrooms. In her free time, she loves to bake, cook and draw.
LaJuan was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended DC public schools. After High School, she completed nearly two years of education at the University of the District of Columbia with a concentration in the nursing department. She worked at First Baptist Child Care Center for two years. LaJuan accepted the position at School for Friends in 1986. She would like to pursue further education in the teaching field. She has also participated in multiple workshops over the years and she received her CDA credential. LaJuan is married and is the proud mother of three children, Jamar, Daevon and Jacqueline.
Jackie was an assistant teacher in the Blue Room from 1984 to 1991. Between 1991 and 1993 she worked at Just Us Kids as a floater and as a teacher coordinator. She also was a certified childcare provider in her home for 11 months. She completed her Child Development Associate credential in 1991. She worked at First Baptist Church Child Care Center during the 1983-1984 school year. She holds a certification in childcare from the Logan Community School. She earned her AA Degree in early childhood education on May 13, 2006.
My name is Becca and I’m so excited to join School for Friends! Originally from Michigan, I moved to D.C only a short few months ago, for my boyfriend David’s work. Back in Michigan, I went to college at Wayne State in Detroit, and have worked in child care since I was 16! I love all things creative, like painting and playing guitar/piano, as well as baking and cooking! I’m beyond excited to meet your little ones, and become a teacher that makes them love to come to school each day.
Eunice comes from La Paz-Bolivia, one of the highest cities in the world. She holds a CDA Certificate in addition to a Degree in General Accounting. She has worked for over 13 years in the Emergency Child Care Center at Fannie Mae, which served roughly about 735 children ranging from 6 months to 13 years old. Most of her experience has been with special needs children. Eunice is interested in Agriculture specifically in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Taryana is a passionate and dedicated educator with an Infant and Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Associate’s Degree in Business Management specializing in Cyber Security. With a strong commitment to fostering a safe, loving, and nurturing environment, Taryana is dedicated to helping young children grow and thrive. Her deep interest in mental health drives her to create a space where children feel secure and valued, allowing them to express themselves freely and develop confidence. Taryana is thrilled to be part of the School For Friends community. In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys music, spending time with family and friends, and reading in her free time. Taryana is committed to being a supportive and inspiring figure for her all.
Justice has a passion for working with young children and loves to spend time with them as she guides and nurtures their growth and development. She began her childcare journey in 2016 as a teacher aide and currently holds an AA in Elementary Education/Special Education. Justice is working towards earning her BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and is excited to continue expanding her knowledge and skills in the field. She thrives on the creative process of supporting children’s learning and is always inspired by their curiosity and imagination. When she’s not at work, Justice enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new audiobooks, and finding new ways to unwind and recharge.
Makai attended D.C. Public Schools until she began high school at Sidwell Friends School. Makai graduated from Trinity Washington University with a Masters of Art in Early Childhood Education in December 2010 after completing Trinity University’s undergraduate program with a B.A. in History. Makai has a strong interest in international affairs, social justice, and anti-racism work. She created and facilitates the Parents of Multiracial Children group and the Equity and Diversity Parent Book Club at SFF. Makai co-leads the Anti-Bias Early Childhood Educator Working Group through the DC Area Educators for Social Justice. She is a published author and focuses on equity in early childhood education, anti-bias children’s literature and Black Lives Matter at School.
Elsy was born in El Salvador. She came to the US at age fifteen and finished high school here. After that, she took English and Computer courses to polish her skills. In 2002, she took the 90-hour course in early childhood education. Two years later, she received her child development associate (CDA) bilingual credential. She started working with RCIS (Rock Creek International School) in 2001 as a bus driver, assistant teacher, and summer school Spanish teacher until 2007. Elsy has worked with young children at all ages. She is married and has two beautiful daughters, Emily and Valeria. She loves to spend time with her family. Her hobbies include fishing and reading a good book.
Katie is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Catholic University of America in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She loves children and spending time with them. Katie worked with young children for the the last five summers as a camp counselor and Assistant Camp Director in Pennsylvania. As an educator, she believes in contributing to the development of a high-quality early learning program that provides unique educational opportunities for children. In her spare time, Katie loves to read and spend time with her family and friends.
Mykia has a passion for working with young children and loves to spend time with them as she guides and nurtures their growth and development. She attended the Cardozo Education Campus and is currently working towards earning her CDA credential, developing a plan to further her education in early childhood. Throughout high school, Mykia volunteered to care for and tutor younger children at a local recreation center. Exploring children’s curiosities and learning from them each and every day is one of Mykia’s favorite aspects of working at School for Friends. During her free time she enjoys being with her family and eating and binge watching her favorite tv shows.
Shelbie brings a diverse experience, shares our values and philosophy of educating young children and approaches their work with professionalism. They are from Marshfield, Massachusetts. In 2016, they graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a BS in Health and Counseling Psychology. After graduating, Shelbie pursued a career in teaching English as a Second Language abroad. They have worked with students of all ages and recently spent three years as a Lead Teacher at Laurus International School in Tokyo. Shelbie loves cooking and trying new foods and finds nothing more relaxing than sitting down to read.
Greetings. My name is Nicole Virginia Motley, and I am a passionate and dedicated educator. I have my degree in Early Childhood Education, and my future goal is to obtain my Masters degree in Education and to become a Reading Specialist. I am the wife of an adoring and supportive husband and a mother of two teenagers, ages nineteen and sixteen. I come from a family of fourteen children and am lucky number seven. I love writing in my journals, coloring, watching history movies, thrifting, animal wildlife, documentaries and planning family events. I enjoy spending most of my time reading books and cheering our son on at basketball games and having self-care time with our daughter . I am a firm believer in diversity and multiculturalism and advocating for children from all backgrounds and walks of life. I love Christmas and birthdays; they bring much joy to my heart. My favorite movies are The Color Purple and The Christmas Story.
My name is Aujeanette Jones. You can call me Aujie. I have been working with children for about 14 years. I’m a mom of 3 amazing little people. I am a native Washingtonian. I love traveling; a good road trip is the best. Sushi and pizza are my go-to meals. I may not follow sports, but I’m pretty good at playing them. “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking”- Henry Ford. That’s the quote I live by. I am so glad to be a part of the team.