Meet the I Dream Team
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Adria Abana, Lead Coach - 1st/2nd
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Adriane Gay, Special Education Coach
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Andrika Banks, Lead Coach - K/1st
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Chrischanne McPhatter, Dedicated Aide
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Christina Kemp, Coach - 1st/2nd
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Dani Stevenson, Lead Coach - PK3/PK4
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Demetrius Johnson, Coach - K/1st
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Dr. Kate Outten, Principal
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Kevin Greene, Dean of Learners
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Isabela Martinez, Co-Lead Coach - 4th/5th
I am very excited to be a part of the I Dream PCS team and continue my work in elementary education. I believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and every adult involved in a child's life has the obligation to make a positive difference. Through my work, it has always been my goal to be a consistent, dependable, and trusted adult in my learners' lives, and someone who they can rely on to help build their self-esteem and remind them that they are special and valued in the world. I want all our learners to know that they have the potential to achieve their dreams, and that they have someone in their corner cheering them on. |
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Janine Gomez, Executive Director & Co-Founder
I was that child who dreamed big. My favorite phrase was, "I can do that!" When I watched Bugs Bunny dig a whole through Earth and pop out in China, I said, "I can do that!" Two weeks of digging in our backyard with the spoon my mother gave me, and the help of my neighborhood friends didn't lead me to China, but I fell in love with rocks, learned about the life of ants, and observed the layers of soil. I have many stories about pursuing my dreams and passions as a child. My West Indian/Cape Verdean grandparents immigrated to the U.S. to pursue their dreams. Dreaming is in my DNA.
The idea to create I Dream PCS has been my dream for more than a decade. I believe every child has a right to dream, but that right to dream in school has only been for the affluent private school learner. I experienced the freedom to be curious and to dream in the private school I attended 1st - 3rd grades. I also experienced what is considered a traditional education for Black and Brown children in undervalued communities like the neighborhood I grew up in - compliance, skill drills and weekly tests, repeat procedures without understanding concepts. I want I Dream PCS learners to be free to think for themselves, to know themselves, to dream big, and to know how to pursue their dreams. I want every learner at I Dream to say with confidence, "I can do that!"
I was that child who dreamed big. My favorite phrase was, "I can do that!" When I watched Bugs Bunny dig a whole through Earth and pop out in China, I said, "I can do that!" Two weeks of digging in our backyard with the spoon my mother gave me, and the help of my neighborhood friends didn't lead me to China, but I fell in love with rocks, learned about the life of ants, and observed the layers of soil. I have many stories about pursuing my dreams and passions as a child. My West Indian/Cape Verdean grandparents immigrated to the U.S. to pursue their dreams. Dreaming is in my DNA.
The idea to create I Dream PCS has been my dream for more than a decade. I believe every child has a right to dream, but that right to dream in school has only been for the affluent private school learner. I experienced the freedom to be curious and to dream in the private school I attended 1st - 3rd grades. I also experienced what is considered a traditional education for Black and Brown children in undervalued communities like the neighborhood I grew up in - compliance, skill drills and weekly tests, repeat procedures without understanding concepts. I want I Dream PCS learners to be free to think for themselves, to know themselves, to dream big, and to know how to pursue their dreams. I want every learner at I Dream to say with confidence, "I can do that!"
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Karmyjia Bradford, Security & Operations Associate
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Latika Wood, Coach - PK3/PK4
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Lisa Monroe, LGPC, NCC - School Based Therapist (via Paving The Way)
After teaching for 13 years, I wanted to change to a career that still allowed me to be involved in an educational setting and continue to support students who may be experiencing difficulties in school or at home. I wanted to provide services like emotional support to students to ensure their physical, mental and emotional well-being. |
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Marites Duldulao, Lead Coach - PK/K & PK Mentor
My career started as a high school biology teacher in the Philippines. I continued teaching High School Biology in the United States for a couple of years. But then, I realized that I can use my creativity to its full potential by switching to Early Childhood Education. I know that I found my mojo in this field. I am an educator of 23 years. I strongly believe that each child has their own learning style and as a teacher I have to discover that style in my students. Blending cultures with education provides new learning platforms for my students. Partnering with the community in fostering a successful learning environment is my goal. I am a proud member of the I Dream family and look forward to building relationships and success for my students. |
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Melissa Taylor, School Counselor
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Monique Chiles, Family Engagement Coordinator
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Neisha Speis, Special Education Coach
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Portia Nicholson, Lead Coach - 2nd/3rd
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Reina Moreno, Custodian (via Smart Cleaning Solutions)
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Siara Morris, Lead Coach - PK3/PK4
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Taray Contee, Dedicated Aide
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Venus McClure, Co-Lead Coach - 4th/5th
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Wisdom Bethel, Physical Education Coach
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