Edgewood Middle Campus

Principal

• Cassie Meltzer Pergament | Principal of the Edgewood Middle Campus

  Cassie Meltzer Pergament joined DC Prep in 2006 and has served in a variety of roles including Instructional Coach, Chair of the English Department, and member of the school Leadership Team. She began her teaching career with Teach For America in Compton, California where she designed and implemented a program for Gifted and Talented students. Cassie also taught at the KIPP: Bridge Charter School in Oakland. Cassie holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Rochester and an MAT from Loyola Marymount University. During the 2010-11 school year, Cassie earned an MEd in School Leadership and participated in an intensive residency program at High Tech High in San Diego.

Leadership Team

• Dan Englender | Assistant Principal

  Dan Englender joined DC Prep in 2011 and helps oversee instructional and school culture initiatives in his role as Assistant Principal. He began his career in education as a Teach For America (TFA) corps member in New Haven, CT. After teaching high school math as a corps member, Dan went on to work in many different roles at TFA, including his most recent role as Program Director in DC. He spent the summer of 2011 as a School Director in TFA's summer institute in Philadelphia. Dan has a BS from the University of Michigan.

• Sally Houston | Assistant Principal

  Sally Houston joined DC Prep in 2012. She helps oversee instructional and school culture initiatives in her role as Assistant Principal. Prior to DC Prep, Sally was the Dean of Instruction at YES Prep in Houston, TX. She also taught Middle School ELA, Science and Social Studies. Sally was a member of Teach For America’s 2007 Houston cohort and the 2010 recipient of the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award. Sally has a BA from the University of Virginia.

• Phil Cimbak | Dean of Student Support

  Phil Cimbak joined DC Prep in 2012. Phil leads school culture and character education efforts at the Edgewood Middle Campus. Prior to joining DC Prep, Phil worked at YES Prep Public Charter School. Phil started at YES Prep through the Teach For America program and was a Special Education Teacher, History Teacher, Arts and Humanities teacher, Grade Level Lead and Athletic Director during his tenure there. He received a BA from Georgetown University.

• Tara Iqbal | Dean of Academic Support, Science Department Chair

  Tara Iqbal joined DC Prep in fall 2008 and supports academic intervention initiatives in her current role. Prior to that, Tara taught for several years at The SEED School in Washington, DC, where she also served as an instructional coach and department chair. Tara received a BS from the University of Michigan.

• Julie O'Malley Moeller | Director of High School Placement

  Julie O'Malley Moeller joined DC Prep in 2005 and works to ensure that all DC Prep graduates secure placement in a competitive high school. Prior to directing the High School Placement program, Julie taught Math in the upper grades at DC Prep. Before joining DC Prep, Julie was the lead Math teacher at Mother Caroline Academy, an independent school for inner-city girls in Boston. Before entering teaching, she spent five years in business, primarily with Mercer Management Consulting. Julie received a BA from Northwestern University and an MEd from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

• Kate Terrill | Special Education Coordinator

  Kate Terrill came to DC Prep in 2011. She works to ensure that DC Prep’s Edgewood Middle Campus provides appropriate programs in the least restrictive environment for all students with special needs. Kate began her career in teaching as a Teach For America corps member in Charlotte, NC. While in Charlotte, she supported students with IEPs and was recognized as the J.W. Wilson New Teacher of the Year. Kate received a BA from Hendrix College and a JD from Catholic University.

• Sarah Wilson | School Counselor

  Sarah Wilson joined DC Prep in 2012. As the Edgewood Middle Campus School Counselor, Sarah provides a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program of counseling and guidance for students. Prior to joining DC Prep, she served as School Counselor at the Friendship Public Charter School, where she implemented a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program for over 500 students in grades preschool through 8th grade. Sarah received a BA in Psychology from James Madison University and an MA in Education and Human Development and School Counseling from The George Washington University.

Operations

• Kalik Booker | Operations Manager

  Kalik Booker joined DC Prep in 2012 where he serves as the Operations Manager for the Edgewood Middle Campus. Kalik comes to DC Prep from KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, where he spent three years as the Founding Director of Operations. He has a BA from Gwynedd-Mercy College.

• Michael Brooks | Safety and Facilities Associate

  Michael Brooks joined DC Prep in 2009. He provides building and grounds security at both Edgewood Campuses. Prior to that, Michael worked for Construction Labors Contractor, where he participated in the total renovation of the Pentagon.

• Olga Cruz | Day Porter

  Olga Cruz is a Day Porter at DC Prep's Edgewood Middle Campus, where she was part of the founding staff. In addition, she is a DC Prep parent.

• Cristino Garcia | Building Engineer

  Cristino Garcia joined DC Prep in 2007. He oversees maintenance services at both Edgewood Campuses.

• Linton McGahee | Safety and Facilities Associate

  Linton McGahee joined DC Prep in 2012, where he provides building and grounds security at both Edgewood Campuses. Linton has extensive experience in private security.

• Keisha McLaurin | Operations Assistant

  Keisha McLaurin joined DC Prep in 2012. Prior to that, Keisha was an Administration Assistant for the Maryland Department of Education. During the 2009-2010 school year, Keisha was the office manager for Leadership Prep Brownsville Charter School. She has a BA from Penn State University.

• Monique Samples-Thompson | Operations Assistant

  Monique Samples-Thompson joined DC Prep in 2012. Prior to that, Monique worked for M&T Bank and was an Account Analyst for Howard University. Monique received a BA from Bethune-Cookman University.

• Khadejah Viera, RN | School Nurse

  Khadejah Viera joined DC Prep in 2011 and is the Edgewood Middle Campus school nurse. She is affiliated with Children’s National Medical Center. Khadejah attended the Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her Associates Degree in Nursing.

Teachers

• Adriana Antunez de Mayolo | 5th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher

  Adriana Antunez de Mayolo joined DC Prep in 2012. She began her career in education through Teach For America and taught in DC charter schools for five years before coming to DC Prep. Adriana received a BA from the University of Miami and an MEd from American University.

• John Becker | 4th Grade Math Teacher

  John Becker, who first joined DC Prep in 2005, has enjoyed careers in engineering and teaching. He was a Teach For America corps member in Washington, DC, where he taught 4th grade. He has since taught math, science, guitar, and debate to 4th-8th grade students in both DC and St. Louis, MO. John received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MAT from American University.

• Cassy Charyn | 4th Grade Intervention Teacher

  Cassy Charyn joined DC Prep in 2012 as a member of Teach For America’s DC Metro Cohort. While completing her undergraduate degree, she interned at the Department of Education and also worked as a teacher’s assistant in an early childhood center and student taught in an elementary school. Cassy received a BA from Middlebury College.

• Courtney Clark | Art Teacher, Specials Department Chair

  Courtney Clark joined DC Prep in 2004 and has worked as an Art Teacher and Enrichment Coordinator, and Prep EX! Coordinator during her tenure. Before coming to DC Prep she taught English as a Second Language for two years to prekindergarteners at Truesdell Elementary School in Washington. Courtney has a BA from Grinnell College and an MSA from Trinity University.

• Tonya Combs | 4th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher

  Tonya Combs joined DC Prep in 2012 with ten years of teaching experience. In addition to teaching Language Arts and Social Studies in Ohio, Tonya was the Reading Curriculum Coordinator for her school district. She has a BS from Capital University and an MA from Antioch-McGregor University.

• Milisa Cutlip | 5th Grade Science Teacher

  Milisa Cutlip joined DC Prep in 2012. Prior to being a Legislative Correspondent for a United States Senator, Milisa taught 7th and 8th grade science in Arkansas. She was a member of Teach For America’s 2008 Delta cohort. Milisa holds a BA from West Virginia University.

• Neema Desai | 4th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher, Grade Level Lead

  Neema Desai came to DC Prep in 2011 from a charter school in Bronx, NY. She began her career in education as a Teach For America corps member in New York City in 2008. Neema holds a BA from The George Washington University and an MA from Bank Street College.

• Jaime Goldman | 6th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher

  Jaime Goldman joined DC Prep in 2010 after teaching 9th grade English at the Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance. She began her teaching career after working as an Associate Publisher at Simon & Schuster, a position that fed her love for children’s literature. Jaime holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin and an MA from Columbia University.

• Matthew Guerrero | Senior Academy Special Education Teacher

  Matthew Guerrero joined DC Prep in 2012 as a member of Teach For America’s Metro DC cohort. Prior to DC Prep, Matthew volunteered in various high school classrooms. He has a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

• Hollis Hyland | 6th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher

  Hollis Hyland joined DC Prep in 2011 with over seven years of teaching experience. She began her career as a Teach For America corps member in Atlanta and Boston and has taught English at the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. Hollis received a BA from Hamilton College and an MEd from Harvard University.

• Julia King | 7th Grade Math Teacher, Grade Level Lead

  Julia King joined DC Prep in 2010. She began teaching as a 2008 Teach For America (TFA) corps member at West Gary Lighthouse Charter School in Gary, IN. Julia is the 2013 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year and the 2010 winner of the TFA Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Award, an award that recognizes TFA corps members who have made a significant impact on student achievement. Julia holds a BA from The George Washington University and an MA from Dominican University.

• Dan Kipperman | Physical Education and Health Teacher, 6th Grade Level Lead

  Dan Kipperman joined DC Prep in fall 2007. Prior to that, he wrote about health and the environment for the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, VA, and was a writer and copy editor at a newspaper in Latrobe, PA. Dan has a BA from Duquesne University.

• Brianne Kopecky | 8th Grade Science Teacher

  Brianne Kopecky joined DC Prep in 2009. Before that, she taught science and related subjects to 7th and 8th graders in Massachusetts and Washington, DC. She also has several years of experience working in community and social service programs. Brianne has a BS from Loras College.

• Allison Lashley | 8th Grade Math Teacher

  Allison Lashley joined DC Prep in 2010. Her previous experience includes teaching middle and high school math and 3rd grade. She has committed extensive time to tutoring and mentoring youth. Allison holds a BS from Union University.

• Rachel McClam | 5th Grade Math Teacher, Math Department Chair

  Rachel McClam joined DC Prep in 2010 after completing two years as a Metro DC Teach For America corps member. In addition to teaching 5th grade math, she supports math teachers on curriculum and instruction. Rachel’s previous experience includes teaching 3rd grade at a DC charter school and student teaching experience in Durham, NC. Rachel holds a BA from Duke University and an MAT from American University.

• Bill McDermott | Senior Academy Social Studies Teacher

  Bill McDermott joined DC Prep in 2009. Before joining DC Prep, he had experience working in general and special education in middle and high schools in DC, NY, and VA. Bill holds a BA from Western Connecticut State University and an MEd from The George Washington University.

• Katie Michaels | 5th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher, Writing Department Chair

  Katie Michaels joined DC Prep in 2008. In addition to teaching, she works with EMC’s literacy teachers to develop curriculum and improve their instructional practice. She entered teaching through the Teach For America program, where she was a 6th grade teacher at I.S. 151 in the Bronx. She also served as the Manager of Student Programs at Georgetown University’s Law School. Katie has a BS/BA from Bucknell University and an MA from Georgetown University.

• James Nicholas | 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

  James Nicholas returned to DC Prep in 2012. He has been working in the field of education since 2003 when he was a member of Teach For America’s DC Metro Cohort. He then worked at DC Prep as a Social Studies Teacher and Director of Student Support. Prior to his return, James was a Special Education Advocate for students in DC Public Schools. He has a BS from Winona State University.

• Isimemen Ojeabulu | 5th Grade Math Teacher

  Isimemen Ojeabulu joined DC Prep in 2012 as a member of Teach For America’s DC Metro Cohort. Before teaching, Isimemen worked for America Reads/America Counts. In 2012, Isimemen co-founded a project designed to address needs and visions of DC Metro-area minority women through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and internship opportunities. Isimemen has a BS from the University of Maryland.

• Oluseyi Olugbenle | 7th Grade Science Teacher

  Oluseyi Olugbenle joined DC Prep in 2010 as a member of Teach For America’s Metro DC region. Previously, she has been a Math and SAT tutor for high school students and completed architecture internships in New York and in the DC area. Oluseyi holds a BS from the University of Maryland, College Park.

• Lauren Orzechowski | 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

  Lauren Orzechowski joined DC Prep in 2010. Her previous experience as an educator includes five years as a Reading and English teacher at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus. In addition, she worked as a soccer/writing coach with DC SCORES, a program that combines creative writing, soccer, and service learning in public schools. Lauren has a BA from Saint Mary’s College of Maryland and an MAT from American University.

• Kara Piccirilli | 6th Grade Math Teacher

  Kara Piccirilli joined DC Prep in 2011. She began her teaching career as a DC Teaching Fellow in 2009. Prior to teaching, she worked for the United Nations and the International Rescue Committee. Kara received a BA from Saint Louis University and an LLM from the University of Nottingham (UK).

• Heidi Reed | 5th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher, Grade Level Lead

  Heidi Reed joined DC Prep in fall 2009. Prior to that, she worked in community and education initiatives in both Chicago and Washington, DC. Heidi started her teaching career with Teach For America (TFA) as a 4th grade teacher at a charter school in Washington, DC. Prior to joining TFA, she did recruitment for The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and was a research assistant at Chaplin Hall Center for Children, both in Chicago. She has also served as a tutor and afterschool teacher. Heidi holds a BA from the University of Chicago and an MA from American University.

• Stephanie Rose | 4th Grade Social Studies/Science Teacher

  Stephanie Rose joined DC Prep in 2004. Now a social studies and science teacher, she previously served as a  music teacher. Before coming to DC Prep, Stephanie maintained a successful piano studio in Richmond for over two years. She has a BM from Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Meredith Rosenberg | Senior Academy Spanish Teacher, 4th Grade Math Teacher

  Meredith Rosenberg came to DC Prep in 2011 after completing two years as a Teach For America corps member in Metro DC. She has experience teaching Spanish in a Prince George’s County high school. Prior to teaching, Meredith was a supervisor at a camp for 3rd through 5th graders. She received a BA from Colgate University and an MAT from American University.

• Kelly Schrepfer | 6th Grade Math Teacher

  Kelly Schrepfer joined DC Prep in 2012 with extensive teaching experience. She began her teaching career as a member of the 1999 Teach For America cohort in Baltimore. Just prior to joining DC Prep, Kelly taught Math at North Star Academy Public Charter School in New Jersey. She has a BA from the University of Illinois and an MAT from Johns Hopkins University.

• Amanda Silva | Junior Academy ELA Special Education Teacher, English Department Chair

  Amanda Silva first joined DC Prep as a Resident Teacher. In addition to teaching, Amanda works with the Reading and Writing teachers to develop curriculum and improve their instructional practice. Previously, she worked in the New York City public school system for three years as a mentor and a tutor for elementary school students on the Lower East Side. Amanda received a BA from New York University and an MAT from American University.

• Susanne Sparks | 6th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher

  Susanne Sparks came to DC Prep in 2011 as member of the Teach For America corps Metro DC region. She previously student taught at a charter school in Brooklyn, NY. Susanne has a BA from St. Joseph’s College, New York.

• Emily Thomas | 7th Grade English Teacher

  Emily Thomas joined DC Prep in 2012 with five years of teaching experience. She was a member of Teach For America’s 2007 NYC cohort. Before coming to DC Prep, Emily was a 6th grade Reading Teacher at Coney Island Preparatory Public Charter School. Emily received a BA from Columbia University and an MS from Pace University.

• Alisha Watts | Junior Academy Special Education Math Teacher

  Alisha Watts joined DC Prep in 2009. Prior to that, she was an 8th and 9th grade special education teacher at The SEED School of Washington, DC. Alisha holds a BA from Princeton University and an MA from the University of Arizona.

• Ashli Wilson | Special Education Resource Teacher

  Ashli Wilson joined the DC Prep team in 2011. Prior to DC Prep, Ashli taught 5th grade at Washington Latin School, where she served as an English Teacher and Team Leader. She received a BA from Spelman College and an MA from Tufts University.