Staff Bios

Leadership Team | Early Childhood Education (PK3-4) | Primary Education (K-5) | Special Education | Student & Staff Support | Special Subjects | Operations Personnel | Front Office Staff | School Partnerships

Leadership Team

Principal: Carrie Broquard

Known as Dr. B to Miner students, Carrie Broquard has led as a principal within DCPS since 2014. Dr. B began her career in education as a science teacher in Los Angeles, California. Within the Los Angeles Unified School District, Dr. B later served as a chemistry teacher, gifted and talented education coordinator, and an assistant principal. In 2008, she relocated to Normal, IL, where she has served as an assistant principal, an emotional-disabilities coordinator, and a clinical assistant professor in educational administration. Dr. B holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in education from Bryn Mawr College, as well as both a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles. On the weekends, Dr. B can be spotted spending time with her two daughters and prepping her camper for upcoming adventures.

Assistant Principal: Madison Bosurgi

Madison Bosurgi began her career in Philadelphia as a 1st-grade teacher for 7 years and later moved to DC, where she taught 3rd-grade math/Science for one year. Shortly after, she became an Assistant Principal within DCPS and is beginning her 9th year in this position. Ms. Bosurgi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in both Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, and a Minor in Psychology. She also has a Master’s of Education in School Leadership. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Mikey, and traveling back home to New Jersey and Philly whenever possible. Go Eagles! 

Assistant Principal: Airnecia Mills

Airnecia Mills is a native of Mississippi. She attended Alcorn State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2013 and a Master of Science degree in Education with Reading and Special Education endorsements in 2015. She continued her advanced studies at Arkansas State University, graduating in 2020 with a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. Airnecia is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Belhaven University, Jackson, Mississippi.

  
​In 2013, she began to teach in the Greenville Public School District as a first-grade teacher at Weddington Elementary School. In 2016, she transferred to Hollandale School District, where she served as a Special Education Case Manager, Inclusion teacher, 11th Grade English Language Arts teacher, and Head Cheer Coach. In 2019, Airnecia became an Academic Coach in the Sunflower County Consolidated School District. Soon after, she served as the Assistant Principal at Lockard Elementary School in Mississippi and as an Assistant Principal at Tubman Elementary within DCPS. In her spare time, Airnecia finds immense pleasure in reading and researching, frequent travels, and exploring parts of the United States and other countries.

Early Childhood Education

Pre-K3 Teachers 

  • Yolanda Jones 

  • Trina Mears 

  • Erica Trimboli

  • Kapri Urie is beginning her teaching career at Miner as a Pre-K 3 teacher. She recently moved from her hometown in Pennsylvania and is an alumna of Penn State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Minor in Social Justice in Education. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, exploring new places, and taking dance classes.    

Pre-K3 Instructional Aides

  • Mia Hodge is so excited to help support your child on their learning adventure this school year. She is a native Washingtonian with 4 years in education, working as a paraprofessional in elementary childhood education. She attended Norfolk State University, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology. During her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends! She is committed to creating a supportive classroom environment and looks forward to a fun school year with lots of learning! 

Pre-K 4 Teachers 

  • Tiara Paige 

  • Kyeonshae Richardson 

  • Dawn Smith 

  • Shanice Wright is a Northeast, DC native. She began her teaching career at her alma mater as a paraprofessional, working alongside her former teachers. In her second year, she began studies to get her Master of Arts in Teaching, which she earned in 2020. Sometime after, her journey at Miner began - she is ready to embark on year seven! She is passionate about Early Childhood Education and everything artsy - fashion, crafts, etc. In her leisure, she loves working out, exploring museums, and traveling. 

Pre-K 4 Instructional Aides 

  • Miles Hunt

  • Angela Mack-Lee is a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher Aide with over 14 years of experience working with infants and toddlers. She’s deeply passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where young children can explore, grow, and develop essential skills through play, music, storytelling, and hands-on creative activities. Her approach to teaching is rooted in supporting the whole child socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and linguistically, ensuring that each toddler is prepared for their next stage of learning. Her journey in early childhood education began with a genuine love for working with young children and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact in their earliest years. Over time, her commitment to this field has grown as she witnessed the incredible influence that high-quality care and intentional teaching can have on children’s development. Her experiences in the classroom, combined with mentorship from a former director who recognized my potential and encouraged me to keep growing, inspired her to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies. Which she will attain by the end of the year 2026. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts (music & comedy), traveling, going out to eat, and anything fun. 

  • Britney Roscoe 

Primary Education

Kindergarten 

  • Courtney Cunningham 

  • Hannah Taylor is originally from Norristown, Pennsylvania where she graduated with a BS in Environmental Science and a Med in Elementary Education. She moved to DC 10 years ago to be closer to her sister and her family. She has 2 nieces and 1 nephew. Ms. Taylor loves animals and has a cat named Skylar.  This is Ms. Taylor’s 9th year teaching in DC public schools. She is excited to begin this school year where she can share her love of science and reading with her students. 

  • Jason Yoho has taught kindergarten at Miner for 8 years. He enjoys relaxing with family and vacationing at the beach. He can’t wait until the school year starts so he can share his love for Legos and dinosaurs with his students. 

Kindergarten Instructional Aides 

  • Diyale McLane 

  • Tre Wood graduated from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and a Masters from George Mason in Sports Management. He played Division I basketball at these colleges and is looking forward to working with his students and coaching them through different skills that they can use whether it be physical, life, or instructional.  

1st Grade

  • Josephine Ballard began her career in San Diego as a Kindergarten student-teacher while pursuing a master's degree. Upon completion, she later moved to DC, where she began her time at DCPS and was a substitute teacher for one year. She is now beginning her first year as a classroom teacher and is excited to be teaching first grade! Ms. Ballard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a Minor in Ethnic Studies. She also has a Master of Education in Elementary Education. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, watching baseball (Go Padres!), and traveling back home to San Diego to visit friends and family.   

  • Ellen McLam is originally from North Carolina, where she received her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She relocated to Washington, D.C. In 2022 to pursue a career in education. This will be her fourth year teaching 1st grade for DCPS, and her first year at Miner Elementary School. In addition to her work as an educator, she is currently pursuing a master's degree in elementary education from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dog, baking, and reading. 

2nd Grade 

  • Aurielle (Auri) Jones is originally from the DMV area. Went to undergrad in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. After undergrad, she came back to the area. She then pursued her love for children and started a long-term substitute teaching role in Alexandria, Virginia. She was offered a full-time position as a Special Education Teacher, and the rest is history. Aurielle made her way across the river in 2019 and began teaching in Southeast D.C. Aurielle has 10 years of education experience under her belt. During her free time, she loves to coach cheerleading, go on hikes, go to the movies, spend time with her friends/family/dogs, and eat crabs on the beach.   

  • Shayundra Walker 

2nd Grade Instructional Aides 

3rd Grade 

  • Christina Daniyan

  • Maggie Lucas is beginning her first year teaching at Miner Elementary School! Ms. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minors in Deafness and Hearing Studies and Special Education. She continued her studies and obtained her Master of Education in Special Education. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outside in the sun, in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, and curling up with a good book. She can't wait to share her love for reading with her students this year! 

  • Dominique McKee is a passionate teacher with 10 years of experience, dedicated to nurturing young minds and making reading fun. She loves reading, fashion, shopping, singing, cooking, and spending time with her four-year-old. She is also a fan of organizing and decluttering,  and enjoys watching videos about it. She is excited to continue to be a part of the Miner family and looks forward to achieving great things together! 

4th Grade 

  • Molly May graduated from Georgetown University with a major in Sociology and minors in Statistics and Education, Inquiry and Justice. During her time in college, she worked in a number of DCPS preschool classrooms through an early childhood education program. She focused her studies on education research and spent one year working for the teachers union. She is thrilled to be joining Miner Elementary as a teacher through Teach for America! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and going to museums. 

  • Dominique Quigley is a proud Washingtonian "The Heart of Go-Go"! She is an accomplished education professional with over 15 years of experience supporting student success in diverse learning environments and roles. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management and an MBA with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. She has a passion for youth development, can connect with students of all backgrounds, and is committed to creating impactful, nurturing spaces for learning and growth. She balances my professional life with my role as a mother of three, a creative hair braider, and a lifelong learner who enjoys a good book.   

  • Arya Subramanian 

5th Grade 

  • Ms. Lindsay Brown began her career in her hometown of Orlando, Florida as a 6th-8th grade reading interventionist. In 2015 she moved to DC to continue her career, adding 10th grade to her teaching repertoire. After 10 years, it was time to grow again, so off to elementary school she went, leading her to become a proud Miner Bear! During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Bluford and Justice, solo traveling, thrifting, reading, and oh so many other hobbies. Just ask! She loves to share her joy! 

  • Edward Sauls Jr. is an experienced educator entering his 23rd year of teaching. He began his career in 2002 as a high school Special Education teacher in Baltimore County, Maryland. In 2011, he transitioned to teaching high school in Washington, D.C., and in 2021, he expanded his impact by joining the faculty at Miner Elementary School. Mr. Sauls holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to his work in education, he is a competitive cyclist, a part-time cycling coach, and serves as the director of a cycling team. 

Special Education

Special Education Programs

  • Jasmin Martin

  • Alexandria Murphy 

  • Rachel Mann

  • Selena Myers

  • Stephanie Storlie, Director of Specialized Instruction

Special Education Instructional Aides 

  • Lakisha Devaughn is committed to positively engaging and enhancing the educational experience of all students. She is passionate, dedicated, and patient about teaching and ensuring that all students become the best version of themselves. She has provided exceptional support to elementary-age students for 2 years. She has also been developing talents in youth from ages 5-18 through multiple sports for 30 years. She looks forward to providing exceptional service and support for the 2025/2026 school year to the students and staff of Miner Elementary, where together we can make a difference one student at a time. 

  • Angela Keeno 

  • Renee Powell 

Special Education Resource & Inclusion Teachers 

  • Danielle Harris, also known as Mrs. D, began her teaching career over a decade ago, working in special education classrooms supporting students from Pre-K through third grade. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from James Madison University, where she completed the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program. This program led to dual licensure in both Early Childhood Special Education and General Education. Danielle is passionate about inclusive education and loves supporting all learners through fun, developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new hiking trails.   

  • Krysi Hermes 

  • Mikayla Lee 

  • Lashonda Thigpen is a Georgia-born Navy brat with a penchant for the big city.  After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in English and history, she dedicated her life to public service. She has worked diligently for women's rights, environmental conservation, and education in a variety of professional capacities. However, after realizing that many children, even those in high school, were reading below grade level, she joined Urban Teachers (UTC) to obtain two master's degrees: one in general education and the other in special education.  

     Currently, Lashonda has 14 years of experience teaching at the elementary level, and DCPS has deemed her "highly effective" for several years. She wrote and published her first fantasy novel, "The Reaching," in 2020 and is currently working on both the sequel and a new series about "two-spirit" Native Americans. In her spare time, Ms. Thigpen loves playing video games, cosplaying, reading, writing, and watching the juiciest of reality TV shows. That being said, don't ask her about Game of Thrones unless you have a lot of spare time on your hands. It's still a touchy subject. 

  • Kelly Vergamini began her career in DC Public Schools in 2009 as a teacher in a self-contained classroom for students with Autism. She worked in self-contained classrooms for 3rd-5th grade for 4 years before moving to high school. Ms. Vergamini returned to elementary school, where she worked as a resource teacher and LEA Representative for 5 years. From 2022 to 2025, Ms. Vergamini was a special education administrator at a DC charter school and a non-public separate day school.  She is thrilled to be returning to teaching. Ms. Vergamini spent 15 years in the U.S. Army as a linguist and speaks French and Arabic. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Yiddish and a Master of Science in Special Education Teaching. During her free time, she enjoys running, tending to her bees, and playing the cello.   

Student & Staff Support

Mental Health Team 

  • Kanyinsola Charis, PhD., NCC., LGPC, School Counselor, began her career teaching sixth-grade science in Georgia and has taught both in the U.S. and internationally. She is excited to begin her second year at Miner. Her name—Kanyinsola (pronounced KAHN-yeen-SAW-lah)—comes from the Yoruba tribe in Lagos, Nigeria and means “to add honey into wealth.” Dr. Charis holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from The Pennsylvania State University. At Miner, Dr. Charis helps students feel safe, supported, and confident so they can do their best academically. She uses creative tools like play, art, and thoughtful conversations to help students manage big feelings, solve problems, and build strong friendships. Her counseling approach includes trauma-informed care, play-based strategies and programs designed to help every child feel like they belong at Miner. Dr. Charis loves working closely with teachers, families, and all members of the school community—because when we work together, every child succeeds. Dr. Charis is a huge basketball fan—Go Washington Wizards! 

  • Jeanecia Hayes, Behavior Technician, began her career as a Pre-K Paraprofessional in Washington, DC of 11 years. This is her first year serving as a Behavior Technician. Ms. Hayes hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Though her academic background began in business, her heart has led to education and student support, where she finds fulfillment working with children and creating structured, nurturing environments for their success. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking new recipes, exploring unique fragrances, and taking peaceful walks with her dog Birkin Bag! 

  • Veronica Hill, Counselor

  • Kelvin L. Mitchell, School Social Worker, launched his social work career at The Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, NY, an organization focused on the well-being and human rights of children and families. He later worked as a substitute teacher in New York City public schools, taught in private schools in Ohio, and served as a social work consultant at private schools in Montgomery County. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Clinical Officer at Families Achieving More, LLC, where he provided clinical services for children and families in crisis. Mr. Mitchell holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Social Work, as well as a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. In addition to these degrees, he has obtained numerous certifications, including those in grief counseling, trauma-informed care, and diversity and inclusion, among others. People are his passion, and he is particularly exhilarated by helping young individuals live with intention and direction. In his spare time, Mr. Mitchell enjoys dining out, going for walks, and spending quality time with his family.  

  • Gregory Rodgers 

  • Nicholas Wall, Restorative Justice Coordinator

Content Specialists and Interventionists 

  • Kolanje Alexander began her career in Memphis, Tennessee as a 1st grade teacher o f2 years and later moved to DC where he taught 2nd Grade Math/Science and later became a Math Interventionist/Teacher Leader. Shortly after, he became a Math Instructional Coach within DCPS and is beginning his 3rd year in this position. Mr. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Political,  Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum and an Educational Specialist degree in School Leadership. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, going to the gym, and carrying a gallon of water with him everywhere he goes!! 

  • Whitney Coleman, Occupational Therapist

  • Camilla Faulkner, Physical Therapist

  • Sophie Kelly, Speech Language Pathologist

  • Nia Muhammad, Reading Specialist

  • Hailey Nettles, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Coordinator, Hailey Nettles has been working in DC’s education system for the past eleven years. She has been both a general education and special education teacher across all elementary grade levels. Her school leadership experience includes roles as a special education coordinator, MTSS coordinator, and instructional coach for special education, ELA teachers, and interventionists. She is deeply passionate about equipping teachers with the knowledge and resources they need to support all students in becoming stronger readers.   

  • Sasha Shahidinejad, ELL Specialist

  • Free Wright is an academic leader with educational experience spanning over 15 years. The Gary, IN/Chicago area native is a proud graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Elementary Education. She continued her studies at Concordia University, earning a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. At the heart of her educational philosophy is the belief that all children deserve the right to a world-class education in a safe, encouraging, and motivating environment. Wright believes that her purpose is to educate youth effectively and train others to do the same. Across her years of teaching experience, she has been in school leadership, a programs developer, curriculum and benchmark writer, professional development trainer, and lead teacher. The award-winning educator has developed and hosted trainings for teachers and parents, mentored new teachers, and pioneered several school-wide initiatives. Outside of Education, Mrs. Wright loves fashion, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family. 

Special Subjects

  • Candice Barfield, Peace Teacher

  • Allyson Chamberlaine, Music Teacher

  • Natalie Pratt, Art Teacher

  • Kadeem Preston, Performing Arts Teacher

  • Michael Robinson, PE Teacher

  • Eileen Seligman, School Librarian, began her career over 15 years ago as a Paraeducator in Montgomery County, MD, and is entering her 11th year as a School Librarian. Mrs. Seligman has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Maryland and Virginia, most recently serving as County Lead and Middle School Librarian in Orange County, VA. Originally from South Florida, Mrs. Seligman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Instructional Technology with a focus on School Library Media from Towson University. Mrs. Seligman recently relocated to Washington, D.C., with her husband of 25 years, who is on active duty. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching reality TV, reading romance novels, doting on her college-age twin daughters, and keeping up with her very talkative Siamese cat, Leon. 

  • Josh Senior, PE Teacher

Operations Personnel

  • Trevon Abbott, Custodian

  • Demond Burwell, Foreman

  • Keith Moore, Custodian

  • Daniel Turner, Custodian

  • Daemeyell Walk, Custodian

Front Office Staff

  • Andi Ding-Chong, Administrative Assistant

  • Kiona Footman, Administrative Assistant, graduated from Capital City Public Charter School. She has been in the Administrative Assistant field for 4 years. She is a native Washingtonian, but this is her first year working with DCPS. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family as well as writing poetry.  

School Partnerships

  • ShaLisa Richardson, Community School Coordinator, comes from an educational and work background that focused on Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy for 10 years before transitioning into Human Services. While working on her Master’s in Human Services Counseling: Crisis and Trauma Response, she served women and children in a shelter/transitional housing program in North Carolina. Once she moved to the DMV, ShaLisa served as a counselor and mentor in a local all-male youth group home for 2 years. 

    ShaLisa Richardson has been with Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative for 4 years. At the beginning of her time with EBFSC, she started out as a Youth Coordinator in the Show Up Stand Out truancy program, prior to transitioning to the Community Schools Coordinator role at Miner in June 2022.