Meet the Principal
What is your professional background?
I was an elementary teacher for several years - 12 years teaching elementary school children. Then I went into racial equity work as an equity teacher for a few years; serving as support to administrators, cabinet and scholars of all ages. Next, I went into an administrative position as an assistant principal for six years. I was named National Outstanding Assistant Principal for Minnesota in 2021 for NAESP! I became a principal in a different district, and recently was the principal of Brooklyn Center Elementary for about 4 years. Now, I am the principal of the Early College Academy(ECA) and Insight (ISMN) online schools.
What are you looking forward to most about your new role?
I am excited to see our young adults and soon to be graduates take this opportunity to focus on their life goals and aspirations. I am looking forward to seeing those who may have had roadblocks prove to everyone and most importantly, to themselves that they will accomplish what they set out to do!
What inspired you to work in education?
What pushed me to be in education was my love for children. I am a caregiver and, in my heart, I am a servant leader. I always want to make sure that I do right by people and that the love of children that I have is expressed through my actions.
I went into education because I struggled as a student, in particular being a student of color. There were so many loopholes and resources that weren’t there. Initially, I was not looking into being an administrator. I went into getting my administrator license because, as a teacher, I wanted to understand why principals made the decisions they made. As a student, my gifts and needs weren’t being recognized, so I want to help amplify the voices of little Keishas out there and show them that they are worth the time and effort.
What do you do when you are not at work?
I spend a lot of time with my children and spouse. I’m passionate about building communities up and creating possibilities and opportunities for children in the community. I worked on a committee to bring a Juneteenth celebration to a local community. I also team with other schools and help them with their summer programs and implementation of new things. What you see me do during the day is really what I do outside of the office as well.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
- My favorite snack is popcorn!
- I like to be active and exercise (running, jogging, walking, kickboxing)!
- I like to learn new things - especially cool new facts!
- I love children’s books! I hope to complete a children’s book of my own one day.
Do you have a special message you want to share with the Brooklyn Center Community?
I am just so excited and so proud of all the things that are going on here. I’m so excited to join this great team of folks - everyone I have met are like minded folks and listen with their heart, mind, and soul to make sure that what we are doing for children benefits them and their families. I’m also excited about being in a community school: Wrapping around a child, family, and community to make sure the whole child is taken care of and making sure that we consider every aspect of a child’s growth and development is what my whole heart and soul is about.
Scholars of ECA and Insight: I am so excited to meet and greet you. I am so excited to see your skills and things you are working on and to help you in your school journey and to graduate! I am an administrator that gets involved so you will see me in your classrooms. I’m also a learner like you! My hope for us is that we can all end each day and say that we have learned something new. I look forward to working with you!
Families of our scholars: Please connect and stay involved- I’m one who loves to build relationships and collaborate! You’ll see me out in the community.
Community: I want to continue to partner with community leaders and organizations, I want to make sure that you know that ECA and Insight are your home too. You can be readers, come in and explain what you do, be an expert and share your work with our scholars. I look forward to your involvement!
New Hires: Welcome! I am thankful you chose us to be your new work family. You were chosen for a reason and it is my hope and goal that your gifts will shine here. I am excited to have you join our team!