Staff

Leadership

 

Arthur Dade, Executive Director      

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Arthur Dade has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2008. As Executive Director, he provides overall fiscal and programmatic oversight for all aspects of YouthBuild PCS. Arthur has extensive experience in organizational leadership, financial management and youth development. His previous experience includes work as CEO of a neighborhood development corporation, as a grant officer for the Freddie Mac Foundation, and as Controller, Director of Finance, and Accounting Manager in the areas of financial management, grant compliance and accounting for various organizations. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland.

 

Andrea Hinson, Principal

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Andrea Hinson is one of the founders of the YouthBuild Public Charter School.  Previously, she was the Program Director and Job Developer for the YouthBuild Program at the Latin American Youth Center. Prior to her work at YouthBuild, she managed several large youth programs and led training and educational programs for a variety of institutions and organizations including Wellesley College, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Hope, Inc. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Trinity University. She is a graduate of the highly competitive and rigorous New Leaders for New Schools Program and is certified as an administrator of secondary schools.

 

Rebecca Paavola, Assistant Principal / Special Education Coordinator

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Rebecca Paavola has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2008. She has over 12 years of experience as an educator and school administrator at a range of elementary and secondary schools including YouthBuild Community School in Ohio. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in Special Education and Elementary Education, and continued on to graduate studies at Ohio State University in Literacy and Reading.

 

Administration

Karla Gant, Executive Assistant

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Karla has been with YouthBuild since 2011, and is the executive assistant for the principal, vice principal and executive director. She has almost five years of executive administrative experience in the non-profit sector and more than a decade of administrative experience. A former Elementary Education major at Bowie State University, she is currently attending Prince George’s Community College working towards a degree in psychology.

 

Gina Kelley, Business Manager

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Gina Kelley has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2007, and works on finance, development, compliance, and human resources projects for the school. She previously worked at Latin American Youth Center as Program Director of the Department of Labor-funded Youth Opportunities Program. Prior to her work at LAYC, she has worked in the non-profit community for over 12 years in asset building, community development, and youth development. Gina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Richmond and a Masters degree in Public Policy from George Washington University.

 

Iris Mata, Office Manager/Registrar

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Iris Mata has served at YouthBuild PCS since the school’s inception. Iris oversees student recruitment, registration, and records as well as facility management. Previously, she held the positions of Receptionist and Office Manager at the YouthBuild Program of the Latin American Youth Center.  She is a graduate of the Latin American Youth Center’s Next Step Public Charter School. Iris is bilingual.

 

Maria Sanchez, Receptionist / Student Attendance Counselor

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Maria Sanchez has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2007, and manages student attendance, stipends, and the front reception area. She is a graduate of the YouthBuild program of the Latin American Youth Center and served on the LAYC Americorps team at LAYC, performing community service in the local area. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree at the Community College of the District of Columbia. Maria is bilingual.

 

 

Academic Instruction Staff

 

Ligia Arreaga, GED Instructor

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Ligia Arreaga teaches GED subjects in Spanish to Spanish-language students at YouthBuild PCS. She has been with YouthBuild PCS since the founding of the school and before that taught at the YouthBuild program of the Latin American Youth Center. Previously, she has over eleven years of teaching experience from kindergarten through high school in both Guatemala and the United States. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a law degree in Education from the University of San Carlos, Guatemala.

 

Carmielle Darden, GED Instructor

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Carmielle Darden has been with YouthBuild PCS as Math and Science GED Instructor since 2010. She is a professional educator with over 10 years of experience in management supervision, instructional strategies, curriculum development and job readiness training. Carmielle also has experience in implementing and evaluating programs related to the advancement of education and professional development. She is dedicated to providing quality education and resources for all students. Carmielle has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Morgan State University and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Administration from Bowie State University.

 

Phyllis Henderson, GED Instructor

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Phyllis Henderson teaches GED classes as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at YouthBuild PCS. She has been with the school since 2007 and previously taught at Prince George's Community College and Commonwealth College. She holds a Bachelors degree from Virginia Union University.

 

Julie Lindenberg, GED Instructor

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Julie Lindenberg has been the Social Studies and Spanish Instructor at YouthBuild PCS since 2011. Her teaching experience prior to YouthBuild PCS includes work in New Haven, Connecticut, the Dominican Republic and New York. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Swarthmore College and a Master’s degree in Education from the City University of New York.

 

Nicole Morel, Specialized Education Instructor

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Nicole joined YouthBuild PCS in 2011. Previously, she worked at a wide range of community organizations including Community Family Life Services and New Alternatives for Children. She has teaching experience in various school settings through her affiliation with AmeriCorps. Nicole holds a Master's degree in social work from Howard University and a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida.

Student Support Staff

 

Eva Camacho, Student Support Service Coordinator / Life Skills Instructor

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Eva Camacho has served at YouthBuild PCS since 2006. She manages a team of three case managers and oversees all aspects of student supportive services. Previously, she was a Case Manager at the Latin American Youth Center, and served as Adjunct Faculty in the Psychology Department at Prince George’s Community College. She has a Bachelor’s degree. in Psychology from Florida International University and an Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in Washington, D.C. Eva is bilingual.

 

Gina Fognani, Case Manager

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Gina Fognani joined YouthBuild PCS as Case Manager in 2008. She previously was a Case Manager for the Latin American Youth Center for several years where she worked with a diversity of young adults. Gina holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University. Gina is bilingual.

 

Volita Russell, Case Manager / College Placement Specialist

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Volita Russell joined the YouthBuild PCS team in 2008 as a GED Instructor and has since transitioned into the roles of Case Manager and College Placement Specialist. She has worked in the DC Charter School system since 2006. She is an active member of the Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals and NOVA Hampton Alumni Association. Volita received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Education Management from Strayer University. She is in the process of completing a certificate in Education Leadership and Administration from the George Washington University.

 

Transitional Services Staff

 

Dana Daugherty, Transitions Coordinator

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Dana Daugherty joined YouthBuild PCS in 2010 as Career Development Fellow, in partnership with Dartmouth College. Previously, she has taught important critical thinking, math, language, and life skills to help incarcerated women while in their jobs in prison and post- prison facilities. She has also facilitated counseling and conflict management programs by creating therapeutic activities to address problems. Dana has engaged in post-experience outreach as a speaker for Poverty Awareness panel and presenter for Dartmouth Global Learning Leadership Conference. She is bilingual and works with students at YouthBuild PCS learning English as a second language. Dana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies from Dartmouth College.

 

Quardricos Bernard Driskell, Professional Development Coordinator

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Quardricos Driskell has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2010 and oversees student internship and career exploration, placement and follow-up services. His prior experience includes work as Program Manager at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and as Assistant Director of Education Programs of Summer Sessions at the George Washington University. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Political Management from George Washington University, a Master’s degree in Ethics from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Leadership Studies from Morehouse College. He is currently enrolled in a second Master’s program at the George Washington University in Public Policy and Legislative Affairs.

 

Shannon Murphy, Mentoring & AmeriCorps Coordinator

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Shannon Murphy joined YouthBuild PCS in 2011. She has an extensive background working in community engagement, service, and volunteerism, having served as a program director at both the National Youth Advocacy Coalition and LIFT. Shannon also served as an Americorps Member for two years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Syracuse University.

 

Workforce Training Staff

 

Abner Soto, IT Instructor

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Abner joins the YouthBuild PCS team from the Latin American Youth Center. He is originally from Costa Rica and began working there as a computer instructor at CENFOCAP (Port Authority Training Center) teaching Microsoft Office Suite. Since then, he has worked in the U.S. at Casa of Maryland Inc., Montgomery County Public Schools, Holiday Park Senior Center, Long Branch Community Center, Montgomery County Department of Recreation, and at the Embassy of Costa Rica. Abner is an authorized instructor of IC3, Microsoft Office Professional, Cisco Fundamentals, and CompTia Strata. He studied business administration and accounting in Costa Rica.

 

John Collier, Construction Manager

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John Collier is responsible for the construction component of YouthBuild PCS and has been with the school since its founding. He oversees all on-the-job construction training. John has over 17 years experience in all phases of home building and renovating. He has served as foreman for construction crews, taught general construction to newly hired personnel, and taught construction at LAYC for 5 years. He is certified in OSHA 30, First Aid and CPR, and has received certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to serve as a Core Curricula and Carpentry Instructor in the NCCER’s standardized training curriculum.

 

Dominque Johnson, Construction Trainer

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Dominique Johnson joined YouthBuild PCS in 2011 and oversees students on the construction site. His prior experience includes work for Habitat for Humanity, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He holds a Master's degree in management from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor's degree from Howard University

Sharneise Turpin, Vocational Education Coordinator

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Sharneise Turpin has been with YouthBuild PCS since 2009, and oversees vocational education at YouthBuild PCS. She brings a diverse background to her role at YouthBuild in architectural design, project management and construction general contracting. Sharneise has a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Architecture from Catholic University.

 

Malik Turner, Construction Trainer

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Malik Turner joined YouthBuild PCS in 2010, and oversees students on the construction site. He is a construction trainer and skilled laborer proficient in carpentry, excavation, concrete finishing, and servicing commercial air conditioners. Malik has a wide range of construction experience in areas of emergency response construction and training employees in construction certifications. He has received certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to serve as a Core Curricula and Carpentry Instructor in the NCCER’s standardized training curriculum.

Antione Clipper, Construction Assistant

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Bio coming soon