Meet the Team

Executive Director

“I am most excited about students connecting their learning to God's Story and having opportunities to practice living His Story in DC.”

As an educator, nonprofit leader, and now as a school founder, Jacquie is committed to educational equity and ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education. Jacquie began her career in education as a 2007 TFA corps member and has taught in middle and high schools for over a decade. She spent five years at the Flamboyan Foundation, a DC-based nonprofit focused on developing educators’ capacity to partner with families. At Flamboyan, Jacquie designed a school-wide approach to building partnerships between educators and families and coached leadership teams in 12 secondary schools to embed and sustain effective family engagement practices.

Jacquie earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2020 and served on the leadership team at High Tech High Mesa, a project-based learning school in San Diego. During her two years at High Tech High Mesa, Jacquie coached teachers, led the school's professional development, designed the advisory curriculum, and conducted a two-year study on how students define authenticity in learning. Jacquie is passionate about centering student voices, rigorous learning experiences that engage students and equip them for the future, and adult professional development.

Jacquie and her family are deeply rooted in the Capitol Hill community. She has been a member of Grace Downtown since 2008, serves as a deaconess at the church, and hosts a weekly community group. She loves coffee and her three energetic boys, ages 6, 4, and 1. Jacquie enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Director of Development

“I am passionate about community building and love to see people be connected. I am honored and excited to share in and serve this community, where people of all types have come together in a common pursuit.”

Keith, the eldest of two kids raised in Southern California, is a musician and pastor, who is committed to the development of community through culture change. After growing up in San Diego and living a short time in Los Angeles, he relocated to North Texas and spent several years working and serving in ministry, and ultimately starting a family.

Married in 2016, Keith and his wife lead a small online church community, connecting with people in different states and abroad. Keith also serves in the local church through music ministry–a passion he has held since being a teenager. He and his wife are raising three boys, and recently relocated their family to the DMV from North Texas in 2023. 

Keith is an avid learner and enjoys reading, biblical and historical studies, and exploring the world through social media.

PreK Teacher

“I believe in guiding each child not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually, helping them grow into the unique individuals God created them to be.”

Racquel is a proud Washington, D.C. native and a 2017 graduate of Delaware State University, where she earned a degree in Education and Psychology.

She began her journey in education as a preschool assistant teacher in 2015 at a private school and went on to teach kindergarten with DC Public Schools starting in 2017.

For Racquel, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. She is deeply passionate about creating nurturing, purposeful learning environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes in guiding each child not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually, helping them grow into the unique individuals God created them to be. One of the greatest joys of her work is watching young children discover their strengths and build confidence.

Outside the classroom, Racquel cherishes time with her son, enjoys Bible study, and loves traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Kindergarten Teacher

“At The District School, I am excited to ignite kindergarteners’ love of learning and their love of Jesus.”

Carla began her career in education teaching first and second grades in California and Maryland. After taking a break to care for her own young children, she returned to teaching preschool at a community nursery school ten years ago. She has always been involved in Christian education at her church as well. The opportunity to be a part of a school community that shares a love of learning and a love of Jesus is what excites her most about working at The District School.

Carla has a B.S. in Child and Family Development and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.

She and her husband, Joe have lived in the DMV, raising their five children over the last 26 years. Carla loves traveling, gardening and walks and hikes with her favorite chocolate Labrador, Grizzly.

First Grade Teacher

“I am excited to walk alongside learners as they grow both academically and spiritually.”

Originally from Glenside, Pennsylvania, Yolanda moved to Washington, DC to serve at a local church and eventually marry her then-fiancé, Marlon. Her passion for working with children began while volunteering with an educational program, which inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.

Yolanda holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities from Lesley University in Boston, as well as a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary.

Yolanda has taught in DC charter schools and, for the past four years, has served as a teacher at Capitol Hill Learning Group, a Christ-centered homeschool hybrid program. As an educator, Yolanda loves building meaningful connections with students, teaching them about the love of God, and walking alongside them as they grow both academically and spiritually.

She is the proud mother of four children who attend both public and private schools in DC. In her free time, Yolanda enjoys reading, hiking, exploring art museums with her husband. She and her family are members at Kingdom Fellowship AME.

Second Grade Teacher

“I am overjoyed to work at the District School where we can develop curiosity and a love for Jesus in students who tangibly live out Gospel truths that usher in God's Kingdom now.”

Kayla was born and raised in Delaware, then moved to the D.C. Metro area for her undergraduate studies. Kayla has a B.A. in Sociology and Communication from George Mason University and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Marymount University. She and her husband, Eyasu, have called Iowa home for the past three years but are thrilled to be back in the nation's capital.

Kayla spent two years teaching second grade at Faith Academy in Iowa City. Her favorite part of teaching was watching her scholars develop more deeply into the people God has made them. She loves watching children grow in their love for Jesus and subsequently, their love for those around them. You can often find Kayla and her class laughing, singing during math, and dancing during Bible.

Kayla loves singing, dancing, playing board games, reading, drinking copious amounts of tea, and indulging her sweet tooth.

Third Grade Teacher

“I am thrilled to join The District School, where I believe every child is called by Jesus to let their light shine—and I am here to encourage them to do just that.”

A proud native Washingtonian, Leslie brings with her years of experience nurturing young minds, including over a decade at a private preschool in Potomac, MD, and five years with DC Public Schools.

Leslie holds a B.A. in Education from the University of the District of Columbia and will soon begin pursuing her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy in Reading at Trinity Washington University. She is passionate about cultivating a love of learning and literacy in the classroom and is committed to continuing her own growth as an educator.

At home in D.C., Leslie and her husband Aris have raised four wonderfully loud and lively children, though the house is beginning to quiet as their children spread their wings. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, downtown adventures with her husband, music, crochet, and working through a steady stack of good books.

Academic Interventionist

“I love working in a school that prioritizes the whole child.”

Alyssa graduated with a B.A. in Politics from Colorado Christian University and is working on an M.Ed. in Teaching at American University.

While living in Colorado, Alyssa volunteered with elementary students through her church and at local elementary schools. After moving to DC, she worked as an AmeriCorps Literacy Lab tutor, offering Tier 2 and 3 literacy support to early elementary school students. She then joined DC's City Teaching Alliance, a teacher prep program that supports educators to teach in historically underserved urban classrooms, and completed her student teaching this year.

Alyssa enjoys spending time with her friends, playing volleyball, and going on walks. She is passionate about education and the opportunity to support a holistic approach to student learning and development.

Teaching Assistant

"I am committed to fostering a Christ-centered community where students of all backgrounds can thrive."

Chloe was born and raised in New Jersey before moving to Washington, D.C., to attend George Washington University. She recently earned her B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Public Health.

While in New Jersey, Chloe volunteered as a teacher with a Chinese-American immersion education program, where she taught Upper Elementary History. She also led financial literacy workshops for elementary-aged students and organized book drives to introduce racially diverse literature into schools, promoting awareness and appreciation of students’ unique and global backgrounds.

Chloe has also conducted education policy research in Kenya, where she evaluated early intervention services for children with autism. Living and working abroad deepened her passion for supporting children of all backgrounds and abilities. She is committed to fostering inclusive, Christ-centered learning environments as a teaching assistant.

In her free time, Chloe enjoys traveling, exploring global cuisines, and reading.