OUR TEAM
The Social Justice School is led by a passionate team that believes in our values of Love, Learning, and Liberation. If you're interested in joining us, please explore our Careers page.
LEADERSHIP CREW
Myron Long
Executive Director and Founder
Myron Long is a native Washingtonian, a graduate of DC Public Schools, and a veteran D.C. teacher and principal, most recently at the E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. He graduated from Morgan State University in Maryland with dual degrees in philosophy and political science and received his master’s degree in philosophy with a concentration in social policy from American University. At every stage of his career, Long has brought a commitment to social justice into his educational practice. He is a NewSchools Venture Fund grantee and a Camelback Ventures Fellow, an inaugural Expeditionary Learning School Design Fellow as well as a 4.0 Schools Fellow.
Brandon Johnson
Founding Principal
Brandon Johnson started his career in education with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District where he served at an alternative high school where he worked as one of the school’s community based social workers. While working full time, Mr. Johnson attended graduate school at Case Western Reserve University where he got his masters in nonprofit management and community and social development. As an educator, Mr. Johnson has been a part of many fellowships and leadership positions such as the Education Innovation Fellowship, the Chancellor’s Cabinet and the District of Columbia Public School Teacher Selection Ambassador.
Michelle Pianim
Interim Special Education Oversight Director
Michelle has over 20 years in the Special education field. She is student centered and focused on changing the negative narrative special education often holds. When she isn't in schools, she's traveling or spending time with her 3 daughters.
Amber Ramos
Director of Operations
Coming Soon!
Patience Walley-Johnson
Operations Project Manager
Patience served 8 years in the United States Navy as an avionics engineer and earned a BS in Business Administration from National University in San Diego. In 2018, she found her passion for teaching and changed careers to education through Teach for America and has since earned a Masters in Secondary Education from Wilmington University, an MBA from WGU, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership from Columbia International University. Prior to joining SJS, Patience ran a federally funded 21st Century after-school program surrounding STEM and Robotics for elementary scholars. Her diverse background and skill set enables her to manage complex projects with ease. In her free time, Patience enjoys painting, teaching art, running/hiking, and traveling with her family.
Sarah Cole
Assistant Principal of ELA
Sarah Cole is a proud product of Kansas City, MO, where she was born and raised. Prior to becoming the Assistant Principal of Literacy at the Social Justice School, she served middle school communities across the country as an ELA and Humanities teacher, Instructional Technology Coordinator, and Equity Coordinator. She is passionate about working with students, families, and fellow educators to design a schooling experience that leaves Black and Brown kids feeling loved, competent, capable, and purposeful. She holds a Master of Education in Learning and Teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a Special Concentration in Education and American Society from Harvard College.
Nicole Smith-Jones
Assistant Principal of Math
Nicole Smith-Jones loves mathematics and loves sharing her passion for math with students and teachers. This is her 22nd year in math education. Before becoming a math educator, Nicole graduated from Bowie State University with her B.S. in Computational and Applied Mathematics. She developed a passion for teaching and has always strived to be a better educator. After working as a Math Specialist for a while, she decided to continue growing in her practice. She received her M.Ed and her M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Nicole just completed her Leadership Certificate program and hopes to continue supporting students and teachers. It is clear she is a lifelong learner! In her free time, you will find her spending time with her husband and 2 children. She loves puzzles, games and being outside.
SUPPORT CREW
Kavon Holley
Dean of Culture
Kavon Holley is from Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelors degree in Political Science at the University of Rochester. She began her career in education in New York as a mentor and student-teacher, then served in different teaching roles in New Orleans, LA. In her experience as a teacher, she taught students how to see beyond single stories and develop revolutionary thinking. She believes that in order to reach students, you must lead with love and have a holistic approach. In her spare time, Ms. Holley likes to spend time with family, travel to new places, and indulge in performance arts related experiences.
Ondrae Jackson
Assistant Dean of Culture
Ondrae Jackson, MSW hails from Harlem, NYC. She earned her Bachelors of Health Science and Master of Social Work from the illustrious Howard University. Ms. Jackson, who affectionately prefers to be called Ms. OJ, has been teaching math in underserved communities for five years. As a mother and personal trainer, Ms. OJ believes that holistic health is the catalyst to freedom for people of color and that contending to the mind, body and soul will open new perspectives to foster the change necessary in this world.
Lamar Davis
Social Worker
Lamar is a native of Washington, DC, attending multiple schools within DCPS. He attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, earning his bachelor's degree in Social Work. Growing up in DC, Lamar saw the value of Black males in education and the impact it has on the youth. "It was not the schools themselves that got me here, but the community of teachers who believed in me and saw value," he says. In pursuit to serve he was a part of and led several organizations tailored to the development of African American males. His work focuses on the overall well-being of individuals through therapy and relationship building. Lamar is a lover of all things sports and a big brother to all.
ADMINISTRATIVE CREW
Katrina Butler
Office Manager
Greetings! I am Katrina P. Butler, a native Washingtonian and mother of five beautiful and amazing children. Not only am The Operations Associate and After School Coordinator here at SJS, I am one of our founding families!! I love the fact that I am here with my son, supporting a great staff and the wonderful children and their families we serve. I enjoy cooking and I cater in my down time, as well as enjoying music, karaoke, and spending time with those I love. I have a genuine heart and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for anyone. I'm big on showing care and showing up for people.
INSTRUCTIONAL CREW
Rebecca Ain
7th Grade English Language Arts
Rebecca Ain was born and raised in the Boston area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vassar College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Fordham University. Ms. Ain began her teaching career in the South Bronx and later taught in San Jose, California and Southeast D.C. before landing at SJS as part of its founding team. As an educator, Ms. Ain values the opportunity to use literature as an avenue for social justice and for empowering young people to find and use their voices. A lifelong dancer who trained in ballet and modern dance, Ms. Ain is also passionate about the arts and their potential to transform hearts and minds. Outside of school, Ms. Ain enjoys doing yoga, discovering new coffee shops, and spending time with her husband and son Theo.
Corderius Allen
6th Grade English Language Arts Inclusion
Corderius Allen is a proud native of Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Elizabeth City State University, an Historically Black College in northeastern NC. He attended Johns Hopkins University where he later earned a Masters in Education. Mr. Allen transitioned to DC to begin his career as an Urban Teacher in 2019. He started as a kindergarten teacher and soon after founded an academic tutoring program for Black and Brown youth as a way to decrease educational gaps. He has an expertise in social emotional learning, teaching students to read, write and language acquisition for English language learners. A quote that Mr. Allen lives by is "If you know you can, then you will”.
Lakeitha Alston
Physical Education & Basketball Coach
Lakeitha Alston is ecstatic to begin her 2nd year as Physical Education and Wellness teacher at the Social Justice School. Lakeitha was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Charleston Southern University. Having played basketball at the collegiate and professional level, Lakeitha has a continuous interest and experience in coaching and has eagerly started the basketball program here at SJS. Lakeitha loves to play sports, and hopes to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and start a black women owned P.T. Practice one day in the future.
Laura Asher
6th Grade English Language Arts
Laura is excited to be in her third year at The Social Justice School as an ELA teacher. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky and has lived in DC for three years. Laura graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a Bachelor's degree in sociology and recently received her Master's degree in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University. She loves developing relationships with students and helping all students find a love of reading. Outside of school, Laura enjoys reading for fun, spending time with friends, and traveling!
Lizbeth Avila
Inclusion Teacher, Math
Coming Soon!
Winnifred Berry
Inclusion Teacher
Ms. Winnifred Berry was originally born in Monrovia, Liberia and migrated to Accra, Ghana with her mother and father at the age of two to escape the Liberian Civil War. At the age of five, Ms. Berry migrated to the United States to begin a prosperous and promising life and educational journey. Ms. Berry attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for four years where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Upon graduation, She was planning to pursue a legal career, but later discovered her calling in education and began to serve Royal Scholars in the District by serving as a substitute and in-person support teacher. In her role as a Servant educator, she learned that she wanted to dedicate her time on this earth to help raise up a generation of Powerful, Joyful and Loving, Wise, Bold, and Service-minded Leaders and Warriors for the Kingdom of God. She is passionate about the education and wellness of children and youth and prays to one day have her own Scholarship Foundation to help students and families have Empowering and Debt-Free educational experiences. Ms. Berry looks forward to welcoming you to the SJS family with her radiant smile and warm hugs.
Johanna Figueroa
7th Grade Math & Basketball Coach
Johanna Figueroa was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and was raised in Northwest, Washington D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a BA in Spanish from George Mason University. Before joining the SJS crew, Johanna taught High School History and 5th Grade Math. She has also coached varsity basketball and Girls on the Run. In her free time, she enjoys playing kickball, reading and learning new languages.
Alexis Kelly
6th Grade Math
Coming Soon!
Shannon Marshall
Liberatory Design Lab
Shannon is originally from Washington, DC. She taught a variety of subjects from 5th grade ELA to 6th grade Science and Social studies. Ms. Marshall specializes in teaching Graphic Design and Media. She gets excitement from teaching students how to create art and media and finds joy in connecting with her students. She earned her Bachelor's in Mass Communications from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Ms. Marshall enjoys spending time with her daughter, watching movies, and going to the beach.
Hyourin Martina-Hood
8th Grade Math Inclusion
Mx. Martina-Hood, who uses they/them pronouns, is originally from Nixa, MO. They earned their Bachelor of Arts degrees in Astronomy and Psychology from Amherst College, and earned their Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Mx. M.H., as students call them, strives to create inclusive classroom environments and has particular experience working with students who have special needs and learning disabilities. They believe that understanding math is a critical skill for everyone because math is everywhere in the world around us. Outside of school, Mx. M.H. is a passionate video-gamer, casual writer and artist, and talented gardener.
Danyelle Morris
8th Grade English Language Arts Inclusion
Danyelle is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a 7- year veteran ELA inclusion teacher in the District of Columbia. She specializes in increasing student achievement for students with special needs and learning disabilities. Ms. Morris gets excitement from introducing new text and literary/social concepts to scholars, and finds joy in witnessing the "Aha!" moments in her students. She earned her Bachelor's in anthropology/sociology and Africana studies and a minor in women and gender studies from Lafayette College. In her spare time, Ms. Morris enjoys learning new cultural dances and preparing new dishes.
Symone Odoms
8th Grade English Language Arts
Symone Odoms is a Detroit native and a graduate from Howard University's School of Education. She has worked in education for the last 6 years -- serving students in grades K-10, in all subject areas. Poetry is her absolute jam, and she loves nature and trying new things. One of her favorite quotes of all time is "When I dare to be powerful, to use my strengths in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." As our science and wellness, Ms. Odoms specialty is sparking joy and curiosity as she opens up new worlds to our scholar-activists.
Carlos Omana
Coding & Robotics
Carlos Omana is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing with a minor in Computer Science from DePauw University. He also attended Johns Hopkins University and earned his Master of Science in Education. Mr. Omana has worked in DC and Chicago in various roles as an educator helping children better understand concepts and even learn about coding. He has taught various subjects such as Math, Coding, Technology, and Science! He believes that by having a growth mindset and passion, you can accomplish anything. Mr. Omana likes to spend his downtime going for runs, cooking, playing games, and is always in search of new things to try out!
Linice Perry
7th Grade Science
Linice is originally from Clovis, New Mexico. She is a 19- year veteran mathematics teacher. She specializes in student growth and achievement in the subject of math. Mathematics is an exciting and fun subject for Mrs. Perry so, she loves to share her enthusiasm with her students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and a minor in computer science from Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. In her spare time, Mrs. Perry
enjoys learning baking and cooking from around the world.
Sean Stewart
8th Grade Math
Coming Soon!
Holly Williams
5th Grade
Committed to excellence Ms. Williams joins SJS with over twenty years of combined experience as an educator, evaluator of teacher effectiveness, and youth chess coach. Motivated by a love for engaging, affirming and celebrating children's innate gifts, Ms. Williams encourages scholars to see themselves as liberated thinkers. Her advocacy as a lobbyist for children's rights provided her with a platform to write and publicly speak about inequalities youth often face. Recruited by one of DC’s only Black criminal defense law firms, she fought prosecutorial injustice, unique to ward 8. Before long, she was teaching the community closest to her heart. Ms. Williams has taught elementary, middle, and high school students in DC, New York, Howard County, and Baltimore. She enjoys discovered attacks (during a chess game), basking in abundance, and seeing youth invested in defining themselves. She is a passionate educator, mother, and third-generation Washingtonian who continues to be proud to live, love, and build here.
Karen Woods
7th Grade English Language Arts
Karen Woods is so excited to be teaching 7th grade ELA inclusion here at SJS this school year. She is going into her 8th year teaching and is so excited to grow and learn with scholars. Mrs. Woods is from Silver Spring Maryland and graduated from Bowie State University with a bachelors in Education. Her favorite things to do in her spare time is spending quality time with her family and shopping. Karen loves to teach and is ready for a powerful year growing in knowledge and love.
