Mike graduated from Bates College in 1980 with a degree in Comparative Religions. He was a member of the Society of Jesus from 1980-1996, and earned a Master’s in Philosophy from St. Louis University and a Master’s of Divinity from Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, MA. He was the founding director of Sacred Heart Center in Richmond and, for ten years, the Middle School Head of The Steward School, also in Richmond.
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.
Kate Abbott, Lower School Social Emotional Interventionist
Kate graduated in May of 2023 from Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where she is excited to start her full time career at AJC. She worked part-time last year during her senior year as a first grade teachers aide with Mrs. E. She is thrilled to begin this new role as the lower school SE interventionist helping and engaging with all lower school students.
Ingrid has called Richmond home for the last 18 years. Originally from Holland, Michigan, she landed in RVA to teach for Richmond Public Schools after graduating from Gordon College with a degree in Communication Arts. Having taught for three years with Richmond Public Schools, Ingrid transitioned to the Peter Paul Development Center where she taught and served as an education coordinator. In 2014, she went on to become a Site Coordinator with Communities In Schools at the formerly George Mason Elementary, now Henry L. Marsh. Ingrid is grateful to have been a part of the work of AJC from its inception. Many of her former students have attended the school. As the Director of Admissions Ingrid enjoys meeting with students and families. She lives in Richmond with her family.
Kiara is a mother of two girls, Kei’Asia and Je’Niyah. She worked at Starbucks for 8 years and enjoyed it a lot. Kiara works in the Middle School kitchen as a kitchen assistant and enjoys her job here at AJC.
Susan Barstow, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Susan has a BA from Amherst College and a PhD in English from the University of Virginia. Before coming to AJC, she worked at several schools in the Richmond area, most recently as Head of the Lower School at Sabot at Stony Point. Her job is to support teachers so that they can do their best work with students.
LaDesha Batten, Director of Mental Health Services
LaDesha is a native of Smithfield, Virginia but has called Richmond home since 2016. She is a graduate of George Mason University (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology) and Virginia Commonwealth University (Masters of Social Work). LaDesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has spent the past 9 years providing mental health services to children, adolescents, teens, and adults in various capacities. LaDesha has been trained in various therapy modalities, including short-term trauma therapy, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, and sand tray therapy. Outside of work, LaDesha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, traveling, volunteering in the community, and serving as a mentor to others. LaDesha is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
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. Outside of work, he loves grilling at cookouts and frying fish.
Anthony might be new to AJC but is not new to Richmond. Anthony graduated from Hampton University with a degree in International Studies with a Concentration in International Relations in 2020 and has been living in Richmond ever since. Anthony received his Master of Public Administration Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023. For the past 4 years Anthony has held a variety of positions in education but most recently worked with Communities in Schools as a Site Coordinator at John Marshall High School. Anthony is community focused in all facets of life and enjoys volunteering by donating time to different non-profits throughout the city. Anthony is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Outside of work and giving back Anthony enjoys finding the best food spots and cup of coffee in the city.
Bridgette began working at AJC in 2021 and has kept our campus spotless ever since. She is a mother of seven children and has 17 grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do is bake sweet treats. Be sure to inquire about her cakes when you see her!
J’Nique is a mother of two beautiful kids, Jai’Vionn and Graezlyn. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant and enjoyed every part of that career, but she is very excited to work for AJC with the students and staff here on a new journey.
Micheal is known by kids in the East End as “Mr. Mike.” Over the past four years, he has worked tirelessly to provide for his students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Armstrong High School, and multiple locations of the Boys and Girls Club. Micheal serves out of the classroom as a mentor for East End children throughout the year. He is a native of Atlanta, GA, but happy to call Richmond home. He is a graduate of Bethune Cookman University (BS in Educational Studies) and the University of Richmond (Masters of Education). He also is a very proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Born and raised in Richmond, TeShawn holds an RN Nursing degree from Bon Secours School of Nursing. She earned her B.S. in Human Services in 2019 from Old Dominion University and her Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling with a Specialization in Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University in 2021. Prior to joining AJC, TeShawn worked at RPS as a Family Service Worker for 5 years with Head Start families and as a Family Parent & Student Liaison in the East End Schools for 2 years. She also served as a Resource Mother at the Richmond City Health Dept., providing education and resources for pregnant teenage mothers within the city. Most importantly, she is a mom of three boys who keep her active with sports. TeShawn also enjoys gardening, exercising, traveling, and simply creating memories with family and friends.
Amaya graduated in Winter of 2021 with her Masters in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. After spending time as a 2nd grade and 1st grade classroom teacher for Richmond Public schools she recognized her passion for helping students with Language Arts. She decided to make the switch and join the AJC team as a Title 1 Teacher with Catapult Learning to continue her love for teaching! Her time at AJC has recently taken a brief pause to welcome her new baby girl born at the start of the school year.
Meridyth Everette, 6th Grade English & History Teacher
Meridyth was born and raised in Richmond but moved to Waco, Texas to attend Baylor University. There, she received a B.A. in International Studies (2018) and an M.S. in Education (2019). She has spent the last five years teaching social studies & English in international schools in Abu Dhabi and Cairo. While she will miss traveling internationally, she is excited to be back in her home state to enjoy more hiking, Sugar Shack donuts, and time with family.
Aaron is a born and raised Texan who now calls Richmond home. He has a degree in Youth Ministry from Abilene Christian University and a Masters of Divinity from Truett Seminary at Baylor University. He loves a good problem to solve and a great story to get lost in. When not at school he enjoys pickleball and being outdoors!
Jenesse taught the inaugural second grade class at AJC in 2021 and the inaugural first grade class in 2022. Prior to that, she was the co-founder of bbgb tales for kids, where she acted as buyer for 7 years. She earned her Master’s degree in Children’s Literature from The Ohio State University and her PhD in Writing from UVA, and taught at both the elementary and university levels in both states (as well as in North Carolina). In her spare time she coordinates the lives of her immediate family, who are currently spread across three countries and two continents.
Theo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Although he was only hired in the Summer of 2022, he has been a volunteer and friend of Anna Julia Cooper School for much longer. While volunteering here at AJC, he discovered his passion for teaching and working with kids. Theo enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, playing or coaching soccer, and teaching among many things.
Emily is a 2014 VCU graduate, with a Masters in Elementary Education. She taught for 8 years in Henrico Public Schools, where she received a Teacher of the Year award, before kicking off her 9th year by joining the staff at AJC. While she is a Franklin County, VA native, Emily has called Richmond home for the past 15 years. In her free time she likes to read, cook amazing meals in her home kitchen, and travel the world with her husband.
Christy graduated from East Carolina University in 1989 with a B.S. in Elementary Education K-8 and a Reading Certification in K-12. She has over 20 years of experience in the classroom teaching in North Carolina and in Virginia, with several of those spent at Anna Julia Cooper as first our Reading Specialist and then as the 4th Grade Teacher. In 2022, she transitioned to a part-time position on 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.
Paula is the proprietor of an accounting service for small businesses in the Richmond area. She has been serving as a fractional controller, bookkeeper, and human resources consultant for over 30 small businesses since 2001. Her passion is adding value to the organizations that she is engaged with. She likes providing easy to understand information regarding financial position, income and expenses, IRS compliance, and best practices for not-for-profit bookkeeping. She loves bringing her skills to Anna Julia Cooper School and being part of the team.
Mereal graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 with a degree in Health and Physical Education (K-12). She taught middle school for 11 years in Henrico County. Prior to joining the team at Anna Julia Cooper in 2013, Mereal taught science, health and physical education for three years at All Saints Catholic School in Richmond.
Tamara is a native of Richmond where she attended and graduated from Richmond Public Schools. She received her Bachelors and Masters in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010. She taught 13 years teaching at Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, previously known as George Mason. She was teacher of the year for the school year 2013- 2014 and 2022- 2023. She was a top five finalist for teacher of the year for Richmond City in 2023. She has served as a director of New Life Academy summer camp since 2020. She is a proud, supportive and dedicated sports mom of four sons. She loves to travel, read and spend quality time with family, especially her loving grandchildren.
Brian graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001 with a B.S. in Marketing and completed his M.ED with honors from the University of Richmond in 2010. He spent seven years teaching Social Studies and History in Henrico County, concentrating mostly in Civics at Quioccasin Middle School. When he is not in the classroom, Brian enjoys coaching the AJCS soccer team, training for triathlons, hanging out with his rockstar daughters and wife, cheering on his beloved (2018 Super Bowl Champions) Philadelphia Eagles, and spoiling his two dogs. He joined the AJC team in 2013.
Daniel Martin graduated from Lee University in 2015 and has 5 years experience teaching. 2023 will be his first year at AJC. Daniel moved to Richmond, VA with his family in 2014. He’s originally from Cleveland, TN. In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar, and practicing magic tricks.
Laura McGowan, Director of Development & Communications
Laura relocated to Richmond in 2011 from Cleveland, Ohio where she was working at St. Ignatius High School as director of a community outreach and service-based learning program. Prior to that she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland in Corporate Communications and Community Affairs. She did her undergraduate work at Miami University and the London School of Economics and has an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. She picked up distance running in her mid-50s and hasn’t missed the Richmond Half Marathon since.
Steve McNamee, Middle School Academic Interventionist
Steve is a graduate of The College of William and Mary with a degree in Business Administration. After working several years in the private sector, he went back to school at Mary Baldwin College and earned his Masters of Art in Teaching degree. Prior to joining AJC in 2014 to teach the newly added 5th grade class, Steve taught for 15 years in Richmond Public Schools. He loves sports, especially baseball, football and golf.
Myrtle grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she attended all Richmond Public Schools throughout grade school. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Middle Education in 2016, and a Masters of Art in Teaching degree in 2019. Prior to completing her graduate program at JMU, she taught 6th and 7th grade math for one year in Richmond Public Schools. She spent the last 4 years teaching 8th grade math in Henrico County Public Schools. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization called Rise Richmond (formerly CHAT). She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside the classroom, Myrtle enjoys dancing, playing softball, going to church, and traveling the world.
Shannon Moise, Middle School Social Emotional Interventionist
Shannon is a recent graduate from VCU with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She is a former thrower for the VCU Track and Field team and though that chapter of her life is over, her love for the sport will never die! She loves to work out, however now-a-days she gets her workouts in chasing around her toddler. Shannon works alongside staff to help students regulate their emotions.
Krissi graduated from The University of Dayton in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She was a project manager in the medical device field for several years before discovering her passion for helping children reach their full potential while tutoring elementary students in Richmond’s East End. In 2020 she began working at AJC to support the Development & Communications team. She is a Richmond CASA and has two teenagers of her own who keep her on her toes! She and her family love being outdoors (whether camping, hiking or skiing) and she feels blessed to be part of the AJC family.
Katerina graduated from James Madison University in 2023 with a Bachelors of Arts in Media Arts and Design, as well as a minor in Business. She has a passion for creativity and loves to travel! In her free time, you can find her cooking, watching the sunset, or playing with her two little dogs, Coco and Kipper.
Tanisha graduated from Strayer University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. She began volunteering as the President of the AJC Parents’ Association in 2017. In 2019, she was asked to join the School’s Board or Directors to be a voice for the parents. Tanisha joined the AJC family as the Lower School Administrator in 2022. Outside of work, she can be found at one of her son’s sporting events or just simply living life.
Ashley Raggi, Development and Communications Manager
Ashley is a Richmond native and a graduate of the University of Richmond. After college, she was a Spanish teacher at Hermitage High School and the Steward School. Before joining AJC, she was the Program Director at Little Hands Virginia, a non-profit supporting young children and families. Ashley and her husband have three kids. In her free time you can find her watching youth sports, listening to a podcast, walking her dog or reading fiction.
Katherine was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She studied Art History and Elementary Education at Washington and Lee University and earned a Masters of Teaching from The University of Virginia. After teaching kindergarten for two years, Katherine was thrilled to join AJC as a member of the Development and Communications team. Katherine loves art, hiking, and her enormous yellow lab, Luke.
Mrs. Robinson, aka Ms. JAS, was born in New York City and attended Malcolm King College in Central Harlem. She received her Early Childhood Montessori teaching certificate and taught at West Side Montessori School in Upper Manhattan for several years. In 1992, Mrs. Robinson moved to Virginia, where she taught pre-k to lower elementary at Richmond Montessori School for over 25 years. In 2018, she returned to NYC and took the Lower Elementary Montessori training. Through her passion for developing child-centered places for independent hands-on learning, she helped establish Montessori programs throughout Virginia. In November of 2021, while serving as a member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, she had the pleasure of visiting Anna Julia Cooper School. She knew then that she did not want to leave and was looking forward to making AJC her new home.
Raymond Robinson is a Thomas Jefferson graduate. His favorite thing to do is watch football and his favorite team is the Saints. He looks forward to working with the kids and helping them grow!
Katye graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Spanish and Religious Studies. She worked with children at Pine Street Baptist and SynerGeo for a few years, then went on to graduate school at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, GA. She earned her M.Div. with a concentration in Urban Ministry, then moved back to Richmond with her husband in 2008 and worked at another local non-profit before joining us at AJC in December 2009. At home, she enjoys spending time with her two boys and her dog Molly, who sometimes gets to visit the school!
John Szymendera is a Richmond native who graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020. He has been teaching elementary students ever since, including three years as the 4th grade teacher at Saint Joseph Catholic School in Petersburg. His hobbies and interests include basketball, camping, and animal care (a proud owner of 6 reptiles and amphibians). He is excited to be a part of the Anna Julia Cooper community!
Quintin Terrell, PE and Middle School Music Teacher
Quintin Is a native of Daytona Beach Florida, where he got his (B.S) degree in Physical Education Recreation from Bethune-Cookman University. He later gained a masters degree in Recreation Management from University of North Alabama. He has been working with students in Cobb County in Marietta, Georgia for the past four years and is looking forward to adding to the AJC experience. Quintin is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Sam graduated from Virginia Military Institute with degrees in Political Science and Arabic Language. After spending a few years teaching in Mobile, AL and earning his M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame, he is returning home to Richmond to join the AJC family. Sam could not be more excited to teach, coach, and be part of this wonderful community of students, staff, and families.
Stephanie was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She is a mom to two children, one who attends AJC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at WGU. She spent her first 12 years as an educator at George Mason, later renamed Henry Marsh Elementary School teaching 3rd grade, 1st grade and Kindergarten. She is excited to begin her journey at AJC teaching Kindergarten. Outside of her love for teaching, she loves to crochet.
Linton “Coach” Wade, Athletics Director & Dean of Students
Linton was born in Kinston, NC. He was an army medic for five years, serving in Baumholder, Germany. He went to Cameron University in Lawton, OK then transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University. He graduated from Purdue University earning a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies. Here in Richmond, he has worked with Peter Paul Development Center and has substitute taught and tutored around the city. He joined us at AJC in the summer of 2011.
Victoria graduated from James Madison University with her B.S. and M.A.T. in Elementary Education, and then she spent 6 years teaching 4th grade in Rockingham County. Victoria has also worked at Camp Alkulana for the past ten summers, and that is where she was first introduced to the students and mission of AJC. She relocated to Richmond when the opportunity to teach at AJC came up, and she couldn’t be any more excited! In her free time Victoria likes reading, camping, travelling, and learning about different cultures. She is one of 8 children and loves spending time with her 16 nieces and nephews when she gets the chance.
Brooks has lived in Richmond for most of her life. She earned a BA in English and a Masters of Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She began at AJC as a volunteer, and is excited to be working supporting students and teachers in the Lower School. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and friends, and riding bikes.
