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Leadership
Michael Maruca
Head of School
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Mike Maruca founded AJC in 2009. He holds a BA in Comparative Religions from Bates College, an MA in Philosophy from the University of St. Louis, and an Masters in Divinity from Weston School of Theology. He loves watching the staff around him do beautiful things and seeing students grow and change. Fun fact: Mike once played centerfield at The Diamond and was picked off second base in the same game.
Yolanda Gilliam
Principal
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Yolanda was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Virginia State University in 2004 with a degree in Health & Physical Education (K–12). For four years, she taught math and PE to 6th through 8th graders with the Petersburg Public School System. She has been helping AJC students stay on track to succeed since 2010. What she loves most about AJC is the love everyone has for each other.
Micheal Crane
Lower School Principal
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Micheal is an Atlanta native and passionate educator committed to equity, service, and student growth. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Richmond in 2019. Micheal began his career teaching middle school science at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and later served as Dean of Students at Armstrong High School. He also spent summers mentoring youth at the Metro Richmond Boys and Girls Club. Since 2018, he has brought his leadership and heart to Anna Julia Cooper School. Outside the classroom, Micheal enjoys swimming, reading, and music, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Susan Barstow
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
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Susan holds a BA in English from Amherst College and a PhD in English from the University of Virginia. She values the whole AJC community—teachers, staff, parents, and especially the kids. Susan loves working with AJC’s dedicated and passionate educators, and she enjoys connecting with students from kindergartners to 8th graders, whom she considers some of the best people she knows. A fun fact about Susan is that she taught English to Maasai girls in Kenya for two years.
TeShawn Cunningham
Director of Graduate Support
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Born and raised in Richmond, TeShawn holds an RN Nursing degree from Bon Secours, a B.S. in Human Services from Old Dominion, and a Master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University. Before joining AJC, she worked as a Family Service Worker with Head Start families and as a Family Parent & Student Liaison in the East End Schools. TeShawn also supported pregnant teens as a Resource Mother at the Richmond City Health Department. Passionate about building relationships, she believes “the purpose of human life is to serve, show compassion, and help others.” A mom of three boys, she enjoys gardening, exercising, traveling, and making memories with family and friends.
Laura McGowan
Director of Development and Communications
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Laura has been part of AJC since 2012 and serves as Director of Development and Communications. She is continually inspired by the beauty and resilience of the students and families, and treasures being part of a community that feels like family. Laura holds degrees and certifications from Miami University, the London School of Economics, Sofia University in Tokyo, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. A passionate distance runner, she has completed over a dozen half marathons.
Tanisha Moyer
Lower School Administrator
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Tanisha is a proud mother of two sons, including one who is a former AJC student. Originally from Queens, New York, she now calls Virginia home. Prior to becoming a staff member at AJC, Tanisha worked in the banking industry for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Business Management from Strayer University. In her free time, Tanisha enjoys traveling and making lasting memories with her family.
Ladesha Powell
Director of Mental Health Services
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LaDesha is a native of Smithfield, Virginia, and now calls Richmond home. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has provided mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. She is trained in multiple therapy modalities, including trauma-focused care, play therapy, expressive arts, and sand tray therapy. At AJC, LaDesha values showing up for students in many ways—whether offering a listening ear, making home visits, or cheering them on at games. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, mentoring, spending time with loved ones, and practicing aerial yoga.
Katye Snipes
School Administrator
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Katye holds a BA in Spanish and Religious Studies from VCU and an MDiv with a concentration in Urban Ministry from McAfee School of Theology. What she loves most about AJC is the sense of family and the “I’ve got your back” mentality shared by staff, students, grads, volunteers, and everyone who walks in. Her dog Molly is at AJC most Thursdays and would love to meet you. Ask Katye about her favorite place for arepas!
Linton Wade
Athletics Director & Dean of Students
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Coach Wade was born in Kinston, NC, and served as an Army Medic for five years in Baumholder, Germany. After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from Purdue University. In Richmond, he has worked with the Peter Paul Development Center and has substitute taught and tutored around the city. Coach Wade joined AJC in the summer of 2011 and has since played a key role in coaching and overseeing the school’s sports programs.
Teaching Staff
Scout Boynton
6th Grade English and History Teacher
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Scout is from Massachusetts and studied History and French at Amherst College before moving to Richmond in 2021 to pursue her Masters in Teaching at VCU. She spent 4 years teaching history at Petersburg High School and is excited to join the AJC team in 2025. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, reading (her favorite recent book is The Boys in the Boat), traveling, and spending time outside.
Stephanie Cassidy
LS Classroom Aide
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Stephanie earned her Master’s in Early Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and began working at AJC in 2019. After volunteering at the school, she felt she had found a little piece of heaven on earth. The love, compassion, and dedication shown to the students and community continue to inspire her, and she’s grateful to be a part of it. Stephanie comes from a large Lebanese family with hundreds of cousins living in the Richmond area!
Amaya Doswell
1st Grade Teacher
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Amaya earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from VCU in 2020 and a Masters of Teaching in 2022. She started at AJC as the Title I Reading and Math teacher, building strong connections with students and staff. When the first grade teaching position became available, she jumped at the chance. Amaya loves art, especially painting and sculpting, and enjoys creating new nail art designs every two weeks. Her favorite subject to teach is science, and she loves inspiring students to explore and learn with curiosity.
Jenesse Evertson
1st Grade Teacher
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Jenesse holds a BA and MA from Ohio State University and a PhD from the University of Virginia. She co-founded bbgb tales for kids and co-authored The PreK-2 Writing Classroom: Growing Confident Writers (Scholastic Books). Jenesse joined AJC in 2021 after waiting for the lower school to develop, knowing this community and these students was the end goal for her. She has raised her children in three countries besides the US – Canada, England and the Netherlands. Jenesse also drives bus #7!
Theo Frankel
LS Classroom Aide
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Theo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He began volunteering at AJC and quickly discovered a passion for teaching and working with kids. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. Theo loves that AJC feels more like a family than just a community. He enjoys soccer, teaching, listening to music, spending time with friends, and being outside, among many things.
Emily Fritz
2nd Grade Teacher
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Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Teaching from VCU. After teaching in public schools for eight years, she was excited to find a place like AJC where smaller class sizes allow her to give each student more individualized attention. Emily has a twin brother, enjoys cooking, and usually reads over 100 books a year.
Christy Gore
5th Grade Language Arts Teacher
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Christy earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a K–12 Reading Certification from East Carolina University. With over 20 years of classroom experience in North Carolina and Virginia, she’s served as AJC’s Reading Specialist, 4th Grade Teacher, and now part of the 5th Grade teaching team. When she is not in the classroom, Christy enjoys reading, volunteering in the community, eating pasta, and most importantly spending time with her five children and husband.
Tim Grimes
LS Classroom Aide
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Tim started working in the Lower School in 2024 as a teacher’s aide and loves that faith is part of the AJC community. He holds an associate degree in blueprint machinery and engineering and has been a dedicated artist for over 17 years. Around campus, he’s affectionately known as Kobe, Unc, and Himothy.
Mereal Hughes
7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher
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Mereal graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in K-12 Education. Since joining AJC in 2013, she has loved how the school cares deeply for each individual and feels called to be part of the community. She finds great joy in helping students explore and learn through science. Outside of school, she finds peace being outdoors and surrounded by nature.
Rebecca Hugo
LS Classroom Aide
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Rebecca holds a degree from Virginia Tech, training with Mindful Schools, certification as an ICF Ontological Coach, and as an AFFA Fitness Instructor. She loves AJC for the community it fosters and the way this place is filled with love, support, and home for so many. As Betsy Fauntleroy says, ‘AJC is where my soul gets fed.’ Fun fact: Rebecca used to live on a sailboat!
Tamara Johnson
4th Grade Teacher
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Tamara holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. She loves AJC’s holistic approach to working with children and values the autonomy to meet each child where they are and create meaningful experiences. It’s rewarding for her to help shape the next generation. Tamara has been named Teacher of the Year twice and was a finalist for Richmond City Teacher of the Year in 2023. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family—especially her loving grandchildren.
Brian Keiper
7th and 8th Grade History Teacher
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Since 2013, Brian Keiper has loved being part of the community of affection at Anna Julia Cooper School. He brings a B.S. in Marketing from VCU and a Master’s in Curriculum and Development from the University of Richmond to his work, helping students grow in confidence, knowledge, and compassion. Outside the classroom, Brian once “co-starred” in a movie, “Killing Kennedy”, with Rob Lowe. He didn’t have any lines or anything, but he did get to hang out with Rob for a day. Brian is also a proud founding member of the Linton Wade Appreciation Society.
Michelle Lightfoot
Lower School Music Teacher
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Michelle earned her B.A. in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been sharing the joy of music with AJC students since 2021. What she loves most about teaching music is how it helps children grow and connect as a community—watching their confidence bloom and creativity come to life brings her joy every day. Outside of school, Michelle loves going to the movies and once dreamed of becoming an actress!
DAniel Martin
7th and 8th Grade Math Teacher
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Daniel is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, and moved to Richmond with his family in 2014. He graduated from Lee University and has been teaching middle schoolers at AJC since 2023. Daniel loves the students’ energy and curiosity and appreciates the supportive environment that allows teachers to do what they do best. Outside of the classroom, Daniel enjoys playing guitar and performing magic tricks—though never at the same time.
Steve McNamee
Middle School Academic Interventionist
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Steve McNamee, a graduate of The College of William & Mary with a degree in Business Administration, worked several years in the private sector before returning to school at Mary Baldwin College to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Prior to joining AJC in 2014, Steve taught for 15 years in Richmond Public Schools. He loves sports, especially baseball, football, and golf.
Julisa Robinson
Kindergarten Teacher
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Julisa loves being part of students’ growth and providing a safe, nurturing environment. With Montessori Teaching Credentials for pre-K to 3rd grade, she finds joy in witnessing her students’ milestones, fostering their curiosity, and helping them develop skills that will set them up for success. Julisa grew up in NYC, attending high school near 14th Street (Gramercy Park), where she often ate lunch with friends in the park and watched many MTV video shoots.
John Szymendera
5th Grade Teacher
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John is a Richmond native who graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020. He loves the friendliness of his coworkers, the humor of the students, and the mission of the school. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys basketball, camping, and caring for his collection of reptiles and amphibians—including eight pet frogs.
Quintin Terrell
PE and Middle School Music Teacher
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Quintin earned an associate degree from Daytona State College, a bachelor’s in Physical Education from Bethune-Cookman University, and a master’s in Sports and Recreation Management from the University of North Alabama. He joined AJC in 2024 and loves that he gets to combine his passions by teaching physical education and music while also coaching cheerleading.
Myrtle Thaxton
6th Grade Math and Science Teacher
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Myrtle has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching from James Madison University. She started working at AJC in 2023 after seeking a new environment outside of public education and being drawn to the community and demographics here. Myrtle was Valedictorian of her high school class and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Stephanie Turner
Kindergarten Teacher
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Stephanie loves the freedom at AJC to give students different experiences outside of the classroom. She skipped kindergarten and went straight to first grade, which makes teaching kindergarten especially meaningful. She believes that if you ever want to hear the truth, just ask a kindergartner.
Victoria Wean
3rd Grade Teacher
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Victoria earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Elementary Education from James Madison University. She was drawn to AJC because of its mission to educate the whole child and its commitment to offering students access to a small independent school regardless of socioeconomic status. Victoria loves traveling and spending time outdoors—on weekends, you might find her hiking, camping, or hammocking with friends. During the summer, she works at Camp Alkulana alongside many AJC students. She love living in Richmond with her husband, their son, and their rambunctious dog, Peyton.
Brooks Whitten
LS Classroom Aide
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Brooks has lived in Richmond for most of her life and earned both a BA in English and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She first joined AJC as a volunteer and is now proud to support students and teachers in the Lower School. Since 2023, she has loved being part of a warm, supportive community and working closely with students. Outside of school, Brooks enjoys traveling and riding bikes.
Support Staff
Kate Abbott
Lower School Social Worker
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Kate Abbott was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (2023) and a Master of Social Work (2025) from VCU. What she loves most about AJC is the people—whether it’s her coworkers or the students, there’s always someone who brightens her day. She also appreciates that no two days are ever the same.
Ingrid Addison
Director of Admissions
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Since joining AJC in 2018, Ingrid has loved working with the students and families the school serves. She takes great pride in being one of the first points of contact for prospective families, ensuring that everyone feels valued, cared for, and loved as they step through the doors for the first time. Ingrid loves cooking, decorating, entertaining, and hosting.
Kiara AUSTIN
Middle School Kitchen
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Kiara joined AJC in 2023 as Kitchen Manager. She holds an associates degree in Healthcare Management. Kiara loves cooking for the children and takes great joy in preparing meals they enjoy. In her spare time, she also enjoys making candles.
Taquisha Bell
Outpatient Therapist
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Taquisha holds a BSW from Virginia State University and two master’s degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University—one in Social Work and another in Gender Violence and Intervention Studies. Her work at AJC is deeply personal: she was once a student who needed the kind of support she now provides. That experience fuels her passion for showing up, offering a safe space, and helping students feel valued and capable. Taquisha loves working with AJC’s unique and resilient children, many of whom remind her of herself. For her, this role is more than a job—it’s a way to give back to the community that shaped her. Outside of school, she enjoys time with her sassy young daughter, who keeps her on her toes.
Floyd Brown Jr.
Maintenance Assistant
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Floyd was born and raised in Richmond, VA. After graduating from Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe High School in 1983, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Floyd has a passion for working with youth and enjoys playing Soul Santa at the Black History Museum of Richmond and the Richmond Symphony. His favorite part about working at AJC is his interactions with the students. Outside of work, Floyd loves grilling at cookouts and frying fish.
Bridgette Craddock
Facilities Manager
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Bridgette Craddock is dedicated to creating a clean and safe environment for the students of Anna Julia Cooper School. She takes pride in helping ensure that every child can learn and grow in a welcoming space. Outside of school, she loves to bake and brings that same warmth and care to her work each day. She says it best herself: “AJC is the best!”
j'Nique craddock
Coordinator of Food Services
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JNique attended Thomas Jefferson High School and earned her Certified Nursing License through the Richmond Technical Center. Her favorite pasrt about AJC is the kids! She loves cooking good food that the students enjoy. In her spare time, she enjoys making TuTu skirts for little girls.
Aaron Everic
Library/IT
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Aaron joined the AJC community in 2023 and enjoys helping students and staff succeed and stay connected with one another. He holds a Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministries from Abilene Christian University. He is proud to be one of AJC’s many lefties.
Paula Harper
Accounting Specialist
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Paula holds a BS in Sociology and Psychology and completed post-baccalaureate studies in Accounting. She loves the people she works with at AJC and the mission they all share to make a difference in children’s lives. Outside of work, Paula enjoys bowling, playing blackjack, and listening to all kinds of music. She also gets countless hours of joy from her dog and often wonders about her “secret life.”
Markaya James
Assistant Director of Graduate Support
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Markaya is a Richmond native with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Radford University. After graduating, she discovered a passion for working with children and adolescents, especially those facing mental health challenges and barriers to essential resources. Her experience includes supporting youth in both the education and foster care systems. Markaya is committed to empowering young people and helping them access the tools they need to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and serving her community. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Shannon Moise
Middle School Social Worker
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Shannon holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been part of the AJC community since 2022. She finds joy in watching students build lasting friendships and care for one another as they grow together. Outside of school, Shannon enjoys curling up with a good book and spending time with her son, Daniel.
Ashley Raggi
Community Engagement Coordinator
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Ashley holds a BA from the University of Richmond and is inspired by the students and the engaged community of volunteers at AJC. She has experience as a former Spanish teacher at Hermitage High School and The Steward School, as well as a former Program Director at Little Hands Virginia. Ashley is also a proud mom to three kids and two dogs.
Raymond Robinson
Lower School Kitchen Support
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Raymond joined AJC in 2024 and brings a strong spirit to the lower school kitchen each day. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, he enjoys connecting with students and being part of their school day. In his free time, Raymond loves watching football—especially when the New Orleans Saints are playing. He’s grateful to be part of such an amazing community.
Development and Communications
Andrea Coleman
Associate Director of Development and Communications
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Andrea earned her BA in Sociology from James Madison University. She joined the AJC team in 2025, and loves how warm and welcoming the AJC community is and feels. Fun fact, Andrea can play piano by ear!
Laura McGowan
Director of Development and Communications
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Laura has been part of AJC since 2012 and serves as Director of Development and Communications. She is continually inspired by the beauty and resilience of the students and families, and treasures being part of a community that feels like family. Laura holds degrees and certifications from Miami University, the London School of Economics, Sofia University in Tokyo, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. A passionate distance runner, she has completed over a dozen half marathons.
Krissi morley
Grants and Communications Manager
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Krissi graduated from the University of Dayton in 2000 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spent several years as a project manager in the medical device field. She joined AJC’s Development & Communications team in 2020 after discovering a passion for supporting children through her volunteer work as a Richmond CASA. Krissi loves spending time outdoors—whether camping and hiking with her family or unwinding with a book on her back porch swing.
Katerina Moss
Visual Communication Designer
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Katerina, who often goes by Kat, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University in 2023 and joined the AJC community that same year. She loves being able to combine her passion for design and love for education in one job. Outside of school, Katerina enjoys spending time outdoors, going to concerts, and playing with her two pups, Coco and Kipper.
Katherine Reid
Donor Relations Coordinator
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Katherine earned her undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and a Masters in Teaching from UVA. Katherine appreciates how, despite the focus on reading and math, teachers have the opportunity to explore different interests with students through electives, field trips, and other experiences that bring new perspectives. Katherine loves to travel — the farthest she’s ever been from home was Shanghai, China!