Staff

William Blake

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Dr. William L. Blake is a dynamic K–12 educational leader with over 15 years of experience driving school improvement in large urban districts. Recently, serving as Director of Redesign XQ at DC Public Schools, he led innovative, student-centered transformation efforts using Human-Centered Design and equity-focused practices. A former teacher, principal, and Director of Social Emotional Learning, Dr. Blake has a proven track record of boosting student engagement, attendance, and achievement through experiential learning, SEL integration, and culturally responsive leadership. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and is a fellow of the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy and Cambiar Catalyst program. Dr Blake is a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

Cierra Branch-Harris

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BA Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Services- Southern Illinois University of Carbondale; M. Ed. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Ed.S. School Psychology- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Cierra Branch-Harris, completed her graduate studies in School Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Illinois. Currently, she is entering her 2nd year at Bard High School Early College in Washington, D.C. In this role, Ms. Branch-Harris has the opportunity to provide mental health services, consultation, prevention, and intervention. Ms. Branch-Harris is passionate about working with at-risk youth and utilizing social-emotional learning.

Janay Brooks

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Denise Colbert

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Brandon Dailey

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Denise Daniels

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Donna Desormeaux

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Donna Desormeaux (Ms. D) is a special education case manager, adjunct professor of journalism, and co-teacher of Algebra 1 at Bard High School Early College DC. She has taught special education math for Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 5th grade math at DC Scholars Public Charter School. Her career as an educator includes the position of enrichment teacher and math and English tutor with Little Scholars, LLC. An educator for more than 15 years, Donna has taught English Language Arts and other subjects in middle and high schools in Washington, D.C. Before becoming an educator she was a senior writer and public/media relations professional in the corporate sector. She has two master’s degrees and is in the dissertation stage of a doctorate in Philosophy in General Psychology with an emphasis on cognition and instruction.

Kevin Dial

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Tony Gallemore

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Leslie Gamage

Warren Jennings

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Ellen Moharsky-D’Angelo

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BA in Elementary Education-Bloomsburg University of PA, an MS in Curriculum and Instruction- at University of Scranton, PA, and an MS in Administration and Leadership- at Western Governor’s University, UT

Ms. D’Angelo has over 20 years of teaching experience in educating students from pre-kindergarten to adult. She has worked in a variety of educational settings, which include non-profit organizations, juvenile corrections, charter and public schools. Ms. D’Angelo enjoys teaching Literature and co-teaching Mathematics. She becomes very excited when students have that ah-ha moment of understanding new concepts, skills, or information. She also likes to assist students with ACT and SAT Prep, so that students can earn academic and /or athletic scholarships to college/university. In her free time, Ms. D’Angelo enjoys playing the piano, reading, and walking her dog Sasha.

Waynonia Potts-Harris

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MSW, Howard University; BA Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Waynonia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with adolescents to help them identify their strengths and utilize them to expand their opportunities. She has been a social worker with DCPS for over ten years and has worked with students in all grade levels. Waynonia was the recipient of the 2019 Rubenstein Award of Excellence for staff. She believes that being a social worker means serving those who need our help, particularly those most vulnerable in society. In her free time, Waynonia enjoys spending quality time with her family, volunteering within her community and completing Peloton challenges.

Mariama Smith-Graham

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Kym Sturdivant

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Harish Thakar

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Sophia Thomas

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DeWhitney Upchurch

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BA, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill; MEd, University of North Florida.

DeWhitney is a Tar Heel native who received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida. DeWhitney’s previous professional experience has seen her in various roles of student development within the K-12 and higher education arenas. In particular, her interests lie in college access, multicultural advising and counseling, and cultural competency in education. When she’s not assisting students in actualizing their dreams, you can find her cheering on (more like yelling at) her UNC Tar Heels and Philadelphia Eagles, reminiscing on some good Eastern NC BBQ, playing Jeopardy from her couch, or on a deep dive of a random Google search. As a recent transplant to to the DMV area, DeWhitney hopes to immerse herself in the local community through intentional relationship-building and being of service to the Bard students and their families.

Emily Williams

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Four years of experience as an assistant principal, in DC charter and Public schools including elementary and high school. 10 years of experience in education total, including special education. Entering my second year at Bard, looking forward to more growth and change this year from our students.

William Wylie

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