Staff
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Alyssa Anderson, 5th grade Science
Penn State University
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Ms. Anderson arrived in Charlotte in 2009 through Teach for America, after graduating from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University. She taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at James Martin Middle School, and was the science department chair during her time there. She also works as a Learning Team Leader for Teach for America and a Seminar Leader for Teach Charlotte; both of these positions allow her to coach and train beginning science teachers in their respective programs. Mrs. Anderson was excited to join the KIPP staff in 2011 to teach the talented and eager students of Charlotte.
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Chelsea Barsamian, EC Teacher
St. Edward’s University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-406-1321
Ms. Barsamian comes to us all the way from Texas where she was born and raised. She attended St. Edward’s University in Austin where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Psychology. There, she also played volleyball. In 2011, Ms. Barsamian came to the Queen City as a Teach for America Corps Member, giving her the opportunity to take part in closing the achievement gap here in Charlotte. Ms. Barsamian is excited to join and serve with the Special Education Team at KIPP Charlotte. She is especially eager and feels very lucky to become a contributing factor of the education revolution!
Tracey Battle, Office Manager
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4348
Ms. Battle is a Washington DC native. She graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Electronic Media. Ms. Battle is now pursuing a Masters of Art in Teaching at UNC Charlotte. She is looking forward to being a dynamic pulse within the education industry. Ms. Battle joined the team in 2011 and is extremely excited to get to know all of the KIPPsters and their families.
Christopher Bloom, EC Teacher
Manhattan College
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Mr. Bloom earned his Bachelor’s degree at Manhattan College where he studied Elementary/Special Education with a concentration in English. While at Manhattan he was a four year varsity letterman in track and field and served as the academic advisor to the track team. He began his teaching career at P.S. 138x in the Bronx. He then spent two years at TEAM Academy, A KIPP School in Newark, New Jersey where he taught P.E. and co-founded the Charter School Athletic League in conjunction with the New Jersey Education Consortium. After two years at TEAM Mr. Bloom moved to the Charlotte area to start a family and spent three years teaching at Monroe High School where he taught Occupational English, Math, and Science to 9-12th grade E.C. Students. He also was the Head Varsity Volleyball and Baseball Coach, and was an Assistant Football, Wrestling, and Track and Field Coach. Over the summers he works at the US National White Water Center. Mr. Bloom has been a vital part of the KIPP Charlotte E.C. Department since 2009 and teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades.
Lauren Grayson Bloom, 6th Grade Reading
Pennsylvania State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-5345
Mrs. Grayson Bloom is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Political Science. Interested in urban education from her early college years, Mrs. Bloom joined Teach for America. She was placed in Newark, New Jersey, where she taught third grade for two years. After her Teach For America corps experience, she joined the founding staff of TEAM Academy Charter School, A KIPP School in Newark, New Jersey. She helped to establish TEAM Academy, teaching fifth grade reading and writing for five years, establishing the school’s remediation program, and serving as fifth grade level chair for three years. In 2007, she married and moved to the Charlotte area. A native of the area, she settled in Indian Trail, NC and taught fourth grade at Marshville Elementary School in Marshville, NC. Mrs. Bloom joined KIPP Charlotte in 2009.
Malcolm Brooks, 6th Grade Math
North Carolina A&T State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-6101
Mr. Brooks is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, with a degree in Public Relations. In 2003, Malcolm joined Teach for America in the Atlanta Region and taught fifth grade for six years. While earning his teaching certification at Agnes Scott College, Mr. Brooks served in many roles at his previous school including grade level chair, local school council member, and intramural sports founder. Mr. Brooks participated in the 2010 KIPP School Leadership Program (Leadership Team) and is the 2011 Teach For America School Director for the Mississippi Delta. He joined the team in 2009. Outside of KIPP, Mr. Brooks enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially his daughter, Moriah.
Julia Burrus, 8th grade Science
UNC Chapel Hill
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 704-796-5969
Ms. Burrus is from eastern North Carolina. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration. In 2009, Ms. Burrus joined Teach For America and taught middle school science in Charlotte for 2 years. She joined the KIPP Charlotte team in 2011 and is excited to teach 8th grade science at a school where both teachers and students are on a mission to succeed.
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Audrey Cox, Chorus
Spelman College
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Ms. Cox is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia with a degree in Vocal Performance. In 2006, Ms. Cox joined Teach For America and began teaching Chorus at Warren County Middle School in Warrenton, NC. Under her direction, the Warren County Middle School Chorus grew from a chorus class into a strong music program that has been recognized at state-wide education conferences and numerous County celebrations. In 2008, Ms. Cox became Miss Black North Carolina USA and implemented her platform, T.E.M.P.O. (Together Education and Music Produce Opportunity) in public schools across the state. Ms. Cox has been spreading the gift of song with the KIPP Charlotte Pride Chorus since 2010.
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Tiffany Flowers-Washington, Co-Founder and School Leader
Spelman College
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-5817
Mrs. Flowers-Washington is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia with a degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, Mrs. Flowers-Washington began teaching 6th and 7th grade Science at KIPP Gaston College Prep in Gaston, NC. Mrs. Flowers-Washington then moved to Houston and taught 8th grade Social Studies and was the Social Studies Department Chair at KIPP 3D Academy. Always committed to educating the underserved, Mrs. Flowers-Washington moved to Charlotte to begin KIPP Charlotte in 2007.
Cassia Fox, French and Spanish
University of Idaho | University of Oregon
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4293
Ms. Fox is from Portland, Oregon, but lived in Taichung, Tawian until she started the 6th grade. Growing up overseas started her passion for learning languages and has opened many doors for exploring. Ms. Fox has explored many different cultures and countries, which helped motivate her studies in college. Ms. Fox holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, with minors in both French and Spanish from the University of Idaho. She also earned her Master’s in Teaching from the University of Oregon. Ms. Fox considers teachers to be some of her greatest mentors, which includes her parents. She has been teaching French and Spanish for two years in Charlotte. She is excited to join the team at KIPP Charlotte in 2011 and to help students develop a love for other cultures and see the beauty in their languages!
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Derrick Gates, Associate Director of KIPP Through College and Athletic Program Director
University of Akron
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Mr. Gates attended the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio and earned his B.A. degree in English Literature. He attended Pfeiffer University and earned a Masters in Organizational Change and Leadership. Mr. Gates wanted to come to KIPP because his passion in life is to serve others and pass on the wealth of knowledge and experiences that others have instilled in him. He joined the Pride in 2010.
Alyssa Goodman, Director of Data Management
Wheaton College
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-9210
Ms. Goodman graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts with a degree in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. Upon graduating, she joined Teach For America and taught fourth grade (all subjects) and fifth grade (math). She joined KIPP Charlotte in 2010, and in the 2010-2011 school year she taught math to the Pride of 2018. She is excited to change roles within the KIPP Charlotte team and family and become the Director of Student Accountability and Data Management.
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Latasha Hailey, 5th Grade Math
College of Wooster | Eastern Michigan University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-9098
Ms. Hailey earned a B.A. degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio and completed her M.A. at Eastern Michigan University. She decided to join the KIPP Charlotte team because she wanted to be in an environment that would challenge her professionally and personally. A life-long learner, Ms. Hailey is excited to teach at a school where the mission and vision ensure that students from traditionally under-served communities can learn to create a life beyond their current reality. She joined the team in 2010.
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Taraneh Karim, 6th grade Writing
Queens University of Charlotte | San Francisco State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4201
Ms. Karim received her bachelor’s degree from Queens University of Charlotte and her Master’s degree from San Francisco State University. She had been working with middle school students for almost 2 years before coming to KIPP. Ms. Karim was a Teach for America corps member and absolutely loves working with students. Ms. Karim has worked in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and as an international missionary in Kenya and Tanzania. Her overall goal is to eventually work in public policy reforming education. Ms. Karim enjoys running, yoga, cooking, camping/hiking, traveling, reading, and sports. She joined the KIPP Charlotte team and family in 2012 and looks forward to a fantastic year!
Shamar Knight-Justice, 8th grade English
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-3249
Mr. Knight-Justice is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Business Marketing. In 2010, Mr. Knight-Justice joined Teach For America as an English teacher, after developing an interest in education during his later years of college. He taught 12th grade English at Phillip O. Berry Academy, but is energized by the opportunity to join KIPP Charlotte in 2011. Mr. Knight-Justice’s passions include traveling internationally, laughing at ridiculous jokes, and developing students to become future leaders of society.
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Torie Leslie, Technology
University of North Carolina at Asheville
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-3602
Ms. Leslie is a member of the 2001 graduating class of the University of North Carolina at Asheville where she earned a BS in Computer Science - Information Systems. Ms. Leslie earned her 6-12 Business Education licensure while serving as a Computer Applications and Keyboarding teacher for Asheville Middle School. Ms. Leslie also taught the AVID elective for Asheville City Schools and is coming from being the Instructional Technology Facilitator at Asheville Middle School. Besides the opportunity to join the KIPP Charlotte team in 2010, Ms. Leslie feels especially blessed to be in Charlotte closer to her family. In the 2010-11 school year, Ms. Leslie was awarded the Wells Fargo Teacher of the Year award at KIPP Charlotte.
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Rachel Oyola, 7th grade Reading
Metropolitan College of New York
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-1896
Ms. Oyola is a graduate of Metropolitan College of New York with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Upon graduating, she joined Teach For America and made the move to the Tar Heel state. She taught at Thomasboro Elementary School in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system for two years before joining the KIPP Charlotte family in 2009. This past summer, she expanded her mission to eliminate educational inequality to a global scale and spent 6 months teaching in Cambodia. She returns to the KIPP Charlotte family with a renewed passion for helping our children discover the supernova within.
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Morgan Pierce, 6th and 7th grade Science
Spelman College
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-3696
Ms. Pierce is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia with a B.A. in English studies. Ms. Pierce is a member of the 2010 Teach For America Corps and is excited to have joined the KIPP Charlotte team in 2010. Morgan is originally from the Charlotte area and is glad to be back working in her home community. Ms. Pierce has a passion for serving students and hopes to inspire and ignite activism and passion in her students every day.
Joey Plum, 8th Grade Algebra
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-2496
Mr. Joe Plum Jr. was born and raised in Gaston, a small town in the northeastern part of North Carolina. Mr. Plum graduated in 1999 from the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. Afterward, Mr. Plum attended MIT, graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering in June 2003. Mr. Plum volunteered in an AmeriCorps program called City Year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he helped run a service-learning program and youth service corps for middle school students called Young Heroes. Mr. Plum worked at KIPP Gaston College Preparatory for four years – one year as the 6th and 7th grade Science teacher and three years as the 6th grade Math teacher. In his first year as the 6th grade Math teacher 93% of his student passed the End of Grade Test and he has continued this level of excellence since. KIPP Charlotte is excited to have Mr. Plum as a member of the Pride since 2009.
Aaron Pomis, Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction
University of Illinois at Urbana
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Mr. Pomis earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1996 and then worked as an award-winning research chemist and an elected member of a local school council. Mr. Pomis joined Teach For America in 2002, where he taught 7th and 8th grade science in Durham, NC. Afterwards, Mr. Pomis became a program director for Teach For America - Charlotte, helping nearly 200 teachers find success teaching in high poverty communities in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Mr. Pomis was the founding science teacher at KIPP Charlotte in 2007, and for two years his science students at KIPP Charlotte performed in the top 10% of all 5th grade science students across North Carolina. In 2010, he became Chief Accountability Officer and began spending less time as a teacher in the same capacity. In 2011, Mr. Pomis became the Assistant Principal of Instruction.
Amanda Prothero, Chief Development Officer
University of Bradford | University of Leeds
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Ms. Prothero was born and raised in the North East of England. She earned a BA (Hons) in Organization Studies from the University of Bradford in England. After the birth of her son, Owen, Ms. Prothero returned to her studies and earned an MA in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies and Feminist Theory from the University of Leeds in England. Ms. Prothero has worked in the not for profit arena for her entire career in the UK and the USA. She has raised much-needed funds for domestic violence agencies, community safety programs, organizations dedicated to young people and education, the American Red Cross and KIPP Charlotte. Ms. Prothero is President of the Charlotte Top-of-the-Week Rotary Club, an active member of the Junior League of Charlotte, an Alumna of Leadership Charlotte and a current fellow in class XII of American Leadership Forum, Charlotte Region. In her spare time, Ms. Prothero practices Taekwondo. She came to KIPP Charlotte in 2008.
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Shayna Quilty, Development Associate
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-3679
Ms. Quilty graduated in 2009 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she double majored in Cultural Anthropology and Religious Studies. As an undergraduate, she studied abroad in China, Peru, and Thailand. After graduation she took advantage of an opportunity to travel to Turkey. In addition to traveling, Ms. Quilty also enjoys photography, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. She came to KIPP Charlotte as an intern in 2010 and became a full time team member in 2011. Ms. Quilty grew up in Charlotte and is thrilled to be back home and working in the movement to close the achievement gap in her hometown.
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Donna Rogers, Director of Operations
University of Florida
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Ms. Rogers’ alma mater is the University of Florida where she graduated with a degree in English. After entering the workforce, she enhanced her education and skills with an associate’s degree in accounting and certification in project management. Her professional experience ranges from being a talk show host at a country music radio station to an Internet solutions project manager with IBM Global Services. She came to KIPP Charlotte in 2010. As a prior owner and operator of an award-winning bed and breakfast, her hobbies include the domestic arts of interior decoration, gardening and cooking.
Courtney Rollins, 5th and 6th grade History
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-2983
A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Mr. Rollins comes to KIPP Charlotte after prior teaching experiences in Durham, North Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland. As a teacher, Mr. Rollins encourages exploring issues of social justice and attempts to facilitate a community of compassionate critical-thinking citizens of the world. In his free time Mr. Rollins studies Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and loves to bake. He joined the team in 2011.
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Meleah Selip, 5th grade English
University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Wake Forest University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 704-796-5422
Ms. Selip grew up in Kernersville, NC and graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2007. She then completed her Master’s degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University, where she focused on school counseling, as well as grief and bereavement counseling. After completing her Master’s degree in 2009, she joined Teach for America and spent two years teaching 4th grade in Charlotte, NC. During her time working in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, she also served as an Aspiring Leader Fellow for the district and laid the foundation for an early intervention program to identify and assist students who show signs of academic, emotional, and social risk at an early age. She joined the KIPP Charlotte team in 2011 as a 5th grade English teacher.
Sarah Sparks, 5th grade Science
Capital University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-1974
Mrs. Sparks is a native of Springfield, Ohio and a graduate of Capital University with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Organizational Communications. Mrs. Sparks joined Teach For America and taught 5th grade in Greenville, Mississippi. Now that she has made her way to KIPP Charlotte, she is eager and excited to teach 5th grade Science! Mrs. Sparks has always been devoted to public education through volunteering and giving back to the community and the Philippines. Mrs. Sparks spends her spare time with her husband and friends. She is very excited to be a part of KIPP Charlotte where the students are eager to learn and confident in their success. She joined the team in 2010.
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Taylor Wells, 7th grade Math
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4021
Mr. Wells is a native of Charlotte, but grew up in eastern North Carolina on Roanoke Island. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Economics in 2009. After graduating, Mr. Wells joined Teach For America and taught high school mathematics at Olympic High School and Kennedy Charter Public School. Mr. Wells is excited to have been a part of the KIPP family since 2011 to help his students realize their dream of attending and graduating from college!
Emily Wingfield, Director of KIPP Through College
University of Michigan | Arizona State University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4714
Ms. Wingfield graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a degree in Psychology and Spanish. She then joined Teach For America as a corps member teaching 5th grade in Phoenix, Arizona. There she earned her Master’s in Curriculum Design from Arizona State University. She spent 5 years teaching in Phoenix where she served as the Writing Chair, head basketball coach, and she created a drama program. She also initiated a college curriculum for the entire school. In June 2007, Ms. Wingfield moved to Charlotte, NC and joined the regional Teach For America staff as a Program Director. She has been with KIPP Charlotte since 2009.
Rashid Williams, 7th and 8th Grade History
Florida State University | the Interdenominational Theological Center
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-4720
Mr. Williams is from Miami, FL. He graduated from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Real Estate. He also gained a Masters of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. In 2009 Mr. Williams joined Teach For America and taught 7th grade Social Studies for two years at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Charlotte, NC. He is excited to have joined the KIPP Charlotte staff in 2011 and is pushing his students to reach high academic achievement.
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Karen Young, Assistant Principal, Dean of School Culture
Boston College | City College
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 980-297-5813
Ms. Young graduated from Boston College with a degree in Elementary and Special Education, and a minor in Spanish. Ms. Young began her teaching career in the New York City Public School System. While teaching in New York City, Ms. Young earned her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from City College. Ms. Young is a veteran teacher and has taught grades K-8. In 2005, she was named Charlotte - Mecklenburg Teacher of the Year. In addition to being a general education classroom teacher, Ms. Young has experience in Title I Reading, Gifted and Talented Program, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). In addition to teaching, Ms Young is an active teacher and performer of African dance. Ms. Young was one of the founding teachers at KIPP Charlotte in 2007. In 2010 she became the Dean of Students and Title I Coordinator, and in 2011 she was promoted to Assistant Principal of School Culture.
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Blake Zimmerman, EC Coordinator
University of Georgia
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Mr. Zimmerman graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Sociology. He joined Teach For America – Charlotte in 2008, and began teaching Special Education at McClintock Middle School. At McClintock, he became the Exceptional Children Department Chair and was awarded a grant to start a robotics team for 6th and 7th graders. When Mr. Zimmerman is not working hard, he spends time enjoying the outdoors and playing disc golf. Mr. Zimmerman joined the team in 2010 and is excited to continue working at KIPP in a culture that exudes excellence and service to others.
updated 12/15/2011
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