Noah joined SchoolTalk in 2020. He is a former SchoolTalk intern and Literacy Lab tutor who graduated from Eastern Senior High School. In his current role, Noah supports the design and facilitation of arts-based programming for D.C. youth, including school-based workshops, electronic portfolios, and reasonable accommodations. He is also trained in trauma-informed communication and has proudly used his skills to document, honor, and elevate the experiences of former Forest Haven residents. He is passionate about providing platforms where individuals with disabilities can share their stories with the world.

Naisha joined SchoolTalk in 2019. She is a former SchoolTalk intern and a graduate of Cardozo Education Campus. She is also an experienced workshop leader who thrives on ensuring the smooth delivery of high-quality programming. Naisha supports the design and facilitation of arts-based programming for D.C. youth while also working behind the scenes to coordinate logistics, supplies, and pay for youth programming. She is active outside of SchoolTalk as well. She supports the DC Girls Coalition and serves on the D.C. Developmental Disabilities Council, appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Tosha joined SchoolTalk in 2017 as the Office Manager, overseeing internal operations. Her work at SchoolTalk includes human resources, administration, finance, and oversight over all internal systems and processes. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years, specializing in building strong back-end support for growing organizations. Prior to coming to SchoolTalk, Tosha managed operations at Mosaica: The Center for Nonprofit Development and Pluralism for 17 years and went on to work at DC Appleseed, where she was introduced to SchoolTalk.

Jessica joined SchoolTalk in 2022. She has a B.S. in Special Education with a concentration in Secondary Education (6th -12th grade) and Romance Languages (Spanish/French) and an M.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership. She is a solution-oriented leader with over 10 years of experience in special education, multilingual learner support, and school leadership administration. Jessica collaborates with multiple D.C. agencies and community-based organizations to tackle challenging problems and create meaningful post-secondary pathways for students with disabilities. Her work is driven by a personal commitment to empowering people with disabilities and ensuring D.C. youth with disabilities and multilingual learners have a clear plan for life after high school.

Sarah joined SchoolTalk in 2011. She has a M.A. in Human Rights and Justice from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. With over 17 years of international and domestic experience in youth development, arts-integration, and conflict resolution, she thrives on using art to engage communities and advocate for change. She currently manages the design and implementation of arts-integrated programming for D.C. youth. Her work focuses on creating safe spaces for youth to collaborate with professional artists, create original pieces, share their voices, and pursue creative careers.

Allison joined SchoolTalk in 2024. She has an M.S. in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, multiple mental health and special education certifications, and 8 years of experience in special education and English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction. She is passionate about empowering students to take confident steps toward their professional futures. In her role, Allison connects high school students to meaningful career opportunities through workplace tours, job shadowing, panel discussions, and internships. She thrives on designing impactful, data-driven programs that equip young people for success beyond high school.

Juanita joined SchoolTalk in 2013. She is a George Mason University graduate committed to increasing youth with disabilities’ access to postsecondary education, employment, and independence. Juanita has over 10 years of experience collaborating with D.C. disability service providers to address challenges, develop resources, and promote skill-building opportunities that empower youth to achieve their goals. In her current role, Juanita works to enhance interagency collaboration, youth and family engagement, and post-secondary outcomes for D.C. youth with disabilities. She is also a member of the D.C. Secondary Transition Community of Practice.

Rashid joined SchoolTalk in 2019. He is a Howard University graduate devoted to helping all people rediscover well-being and fulfillment. He uses his skills as a certified mindfulness teacher and a certified Trauma Technique Tapper to provide technical assistance, coaching, and training services to individuals and schools based on their unique needs. His work focuses on facilitating discussions and conflict resolution, addressing misbehavior, and repairing harm in communities. Rashid is also the co-founder and managing director of the Institute of African-American Mindfulness, co-founder of the Heart Refuge Mindfulness Community, a Fellow of the Garrison Institute, and a member of the Inaugural Cohort for the Healing-Centered Education Certificate program at the Acosta Institute.

Yazid joined SchoolTalk in 2018. He has over 14 years of experience using Restorative Practices to resolve issues. His work focuses on designing restorative programs for D.C. public and charter schools. He leads the RestorativeDC team in all project areas, including visioning, programming, budget and project management. Yazid thrives on coaching, mentoring, and youth engagement. He is passionately committed to supporting students, schools, and communities.

Chelsea joined SchoolTalk in 2015 and leads our business strategy, financial management, and program capacity. With over 15 years of experience in special education and transition services, she specializes in empowering youth with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. Her work encompasses initiatives at the student, school, and system levels, bridging education and workforce development. Chelsea holds an Ed.S. and M.Ed. in Special Education and Transition Services from George Washington University and a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Special Education from Rider University. She is deeply committed to building an inclusive workforce among marginalized populations.

Elijah joined SchoolTalk in 2016. He is a former SchoolTalk intern and a graduate of Anacostia Senior High School. He is also an avid photographer with an intensive understanding of arts education and inclusive, accessible practices. He has a Universal Design for Learning and the Arts Certification from the Kennedy Center and extensive experience with DSLR cameras, photography editing software, videography equipment, iMovie, and Final Cut ProX. His work focuses on designing and facilitating arts-based programming for D.C. youth. In his role, Elijah trains youth to use professional-grade technology to create art. He thrives on creating safe, inclusive artistic spaces that empower youth to explore creative careers.

Leila became SchoolTalk’s founding executive director in 2008. She holds an M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and has over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, change management, and leadership development. She thrives on facilitating collaboration among government, private, and community representatives to address complex issues. In her role, Leila is responsible for the overall strategic vision of the organization and manages day-to-day operations. Recent projects have included the intersection of Restorative Justice and mental health, as well as expanding work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities in Creative Careers and Careers that Create Change. Leila also teaches as an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Studies. She is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Leadership Network as well.

Lisa joined SchoolTalk in 2019 and holds an M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. As an accomplished Special Projects Manager, she brings over 27 years of experience in senior organizational leadership, specializing in education and community-based initiatives. She is recognized for her expertise in training and developing conflict resolution skills, curriculum design, and facilitating experiential education programs in diverse community settings. In addition to her professional work, Lisa is an active volunteer serving as a keeper-aide at the Smithsonian National Zoo and an Election Officer with the Fairfax Office of Elections in Virginia.

Jasmine joined SchoolTalk in 2024. She earned an M.S. in Social Work from Howard University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She has over 8 years of experience in mental health support, education systems, and conflict resolution. In her role, Jasmine provides technical expertise in Restorative Justice practices for schools and communities, focusing on proactive, preventative, and responsive strategies. She thrives on fostering inclusive environments, building strong relationships with community partners, and driving systems change. Jasmine is dedicated to promoting equity and restorative practices in education.

Shana joined SchoolTalk in 2022. She supports the implementation of RestorativeDC projects by developing community partnerships, logistical systems, and peer-learning environments. She brings over 15 years of experience working with youth and adults in the Social-Emotional Learning and Youth Developmental Needs fields. She also has extensive experience in out-of-school time program management and coordination. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Shana as a commissioner to the D.C. Community Schools Advisory Committee, which advises the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent on community schools in the District. Shana serves on the Out-of-School Time Committee with DCAction as well.