Our Team

We are proud to introduce our 2022-2023 Faculty & Staff!

Dr. Danielle Miles

Executive Director
Dr. Danielle Miles

Dr. Danielle Miles started her teaching career at a local K-8 charter school. She moved to the Raytown School District in 2006 where she taught in an elementary classroom for five years and served as an elementary principal for nine years at Blue Ridge Elementary. As a principal, Dr. Miles focused on building a positive, collaborative culture and emphasized developing leaders and learners who inspire others to greatness. Her notable successes included maintaining high enrollment, building and retaining an exceptional staff, and steady improvement in all facets of the school’s performance. The school consistently ranked in the top three academically in the district and also significantly reduced behavior and suspension data by establishing a successful multi-tiered support system.

Dr. Miles has a Bachelor’s Degree from Park University in History, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Avila University, an Education Specialist from the University of Central Missouri, and Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.

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Ryan Brennan

Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Brennan

Mr. Brennan joined the CWCKC team in October 2015, just prior to the school receiving its charter. Throughout the planning year (2015-16), Ryan worked closely with the build-out team to bring the vision of a bright, joyful campus staffed with an experienced and passionate educational team to fruition. Ryan supports the school in the areas of finance, recruitment/enrollment, human resources, school operations/administration, and strategic planning support. Ryan has also works closely with our Board, Sponsor, and Department of Education to ensure compliance across all areas of operations. Mr. Brennan earned an MBA from Colorado Christian University and a BS in Business Administration from Colorado State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

2022 MCPSA Excellence in Education “Administrative Team Member of the Year” Winner

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Johanna Chambers

Director of Student Services
Johanna Chambers

Ms. Chambers is returning to CWCKC as the school’s Director of Student Services. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, has a BSW from the University of Missouri, and an MSW from New York University. Prior to joining our team, she served as a Social Worker for a New York charter school, a hospital social worker, and a family advocate.

2021-22 CWCS “Change” Core Value Winner

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Sara Nelson

​Director of Special Education
Sara Nelson

Ms. Nelson joined Citizens in 2016-2017 and leads our Special Education team. She has a B.A. from Kansas City Art Institute and an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Across her 10-year career, she has worked with special needs students from Kindergarten through High School.

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Ivette De La Paz

Coordinator - Language Services
Ivette De La Paz

Ms. De La Paz is joining Citizens during the 2022-2023 school year as our Coordinator of Language Services, providing Spanish translation and interpretation services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has more than fifteen years of experience as a translator and interpreter, including leading efforts to establish a department for Spanish interpretation at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

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Tisha Kidd

Coordinator - Technology & Platforms
Tisha Kidd

Ms. Kidd joined Citizens in 2018-2019 and is now our Coordinator of Technology & Platforms, after serving as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher for 3 years. She has as B.S. in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Before joining us, Ms. Kidd had two years of experience teaching 2nd Grade, Kindergarten, and Head Start in Kansas City district schools.

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Katy Lineberry

Coordinator - Recruitment & Enrollment
Katy Lineberry

Mrs. Lineberry joined Citizens in 2020-2021 and is now our Coordinator of Recruitment & Enrollment after serving in 4th Grade Teacher and Math Instructional Specialist roles. She has a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Music from Truman State University, as well as her K-12 Gifted Certification. Before joining us, Mrs. Lineberry had 6 years of experience in district schools in both Florida and Missouri and spent time teaching early childhood music.

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Blake Smith

Coordinator - Facilities & Food Service
Blake Smith

Mr. Smith joined Citizens in 2022-2023 and is now a Coordinator of Facilities and Food Service. He holds a bachelors in Nonprofit Leadership from Williams Jewell College. Before joining the Citizens family, he served in a number of roles doing community outreach and event planning.

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Troy Butler

Principal
Troy Butler

Mr. Butler joined Citizens in 2021-2022 and serves as the K-8 Principal. He holds B.A. degrees in General Students (Wichita State University) and Secondary Education-English (UMKC) and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from UMKC. Prior to joining us, Mr. Butler had twelve years of experience in middle and high schools, serving as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Department Chair in other district schools throughout the Kansas City area.

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Daniel Manley

Assistant Principal
Daniel Manley

Mr. Manley joined Citizens of the World in 2021-2022 and now serves as our Assistant Principal, in addition to teaching middle school history. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rockhurst University and a Master of Arts from Wichita State University. Prior to joining us, he had six years of experience teaching and serving as an administrator in Kansas public schools. In addition to his experience in schools, he is a published author.

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Erika Gibbs

Coordinator - Constructivist Learning & Early Childhood
Erika Gibbs

Ms. Gibbs was a member of our founding faculty at CWCKC and will serve as the Coordinator for Constructivist Learning & Early Childhood this year.  She has a B.S. from the University of St. Mary and an AMS Montessori Certification. Across her 25-year teaching career, she has worked in early childhood settings, including specialized settings for supporting children experiencing trauma.

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Sarah Drew

Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah Drew

Ms. Drew joined us as a kindergarten teacher during the 2023-2024 school year.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from University of Saint Mary and has completed additional coursework in Adaptive Special Education.  Ms. Drew has 15 years of experience teaching early childhood and K-8 in both classroom and physical education settings.

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Shannon Keith

Coordinator - After-School
Shannon Keith

Ms. Keith joined Citizens in 2021-2022 and is now our Coordinator of After-School.  She previously serviced as the Middle School Office Manager and Operations Assistant. Ms. Keith holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Services from Kansas State University.  Prior to joining us, she had been a substitute in Manhattan, Kansas schools as well as a student success coach in an area Kansas City School.

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Jamesetta Mills

Office Manager
Jamesetta Mills

Ms. Mills joined Citizens in 2016-2017 and is our Office Manager on the Broadway Campus.  She has a B.A. in Marketing and Management from Stephens College. Prior to joining us, Ms. Mills worked in Administrative Services for 11 years from the Greater KC YMCA to the Metropolitan Bar Association.

2018-19 CWCS “Authenticity” Core Value Winner

2021-22 CWCS “Community” Core Value Winner

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Nicole Gardner

Kindergarten Teacher
Nicole Gardner

Mrs. Gardner joined Citizens in 2017-2018. She has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University. Prior to joining us, Ms. Gardner had three years of experience in a preschool setting as a teacher and assistant director.

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Jennifer Christensen

1st Grade Teacher
Jennifer Christensen

Ms. Christensen joined Citizens in 2020-2021 and is a 1st grade teacher. She has a B.S. from Lafayette College and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from University of Missouri. Prior to joining us, Ms. Christensen had nine years of experience teaching Kindergarten in other Kansas City charter and district schools.

2021-22 CWCS “Diversity” Core Value Winner

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Christina Murphy

1st Grade Teacher
Christina Murphy

Ms. Murphy joined the Citizens of the World community as a 1st grade teacher in 2022-2023. Before joining our staff, she served as a Science City educator and filled the roles of long-term substitute, secretary, and reading group facilitator in area elementary schools.

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Casey Thomas

1st Grade Teacher
Casey Thomas

Mrs. Thomas joined Citizens in 2016-2017 and has served a variety of roles at CWC, including as a reading interventionist and now 1st grade teacher. She has a B.A. from Winona State University and an M.A. in Elementary Education from University of Missouri St. Louis. Ms. Thomas has played an active role in coordinating our assessment processes, supporting data collection, and in helping with scheduling for the campus.

**2018-19 CWCS “Excellence” Core Value Winner

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Kerri Ethridge

2nd Grade Teacher
Kerri Ethridge

Ms. Ethridge joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a 2nd grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Park University. She has received training in Conscious Discipline and helping students who have experienced trauma and has more than 8 years of experience in district and private elementary schools in the Kansas City area.

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Kerrie Schoen

2nd Grade Teacher
Kerrie Schoen

Ms. Kerrie was a founding member of our Citizens of the World faculty in 2016-2017. She has a B.A. from the University of Kansas and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Rockhurst University. Before joining us, Ms. Schoen had four years of experience teaching visual arts and dance while teaching abroad in the Dominican Republic as well as at another KC charter school.

2021-22 CWCS “Excellence” Core Value Winner

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Calvin Davenport

3rd Grade Teacher
Calvin Davenport

Mr. Davenport joined Citizens in 2021-2022 and is now a 3rd grade teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Ottawa University and a Master’s in Urban Education from Park University. Prior to joining us, he had three years experience teaching in Kansas City district schools.

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Sonya Felder

3rd Grade Teacher
Sonya Felder

Ms. Felder joined Citizens in 2021-2022 and is a 3rd grade teacher. She holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is pursuing her Master’s in Elementary Education from Avila University. Prior to joining us, she has 20+ years’ experience working with youth in roles including substitute teacher, paraeducator, tutor, before/after-school program director, and community outreach director of a non-profit organization.

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Shanell Terry

3rd Grade Teacher
Shanell Terry
Ms. Shanell joined Citizens in 2020-2021 and is a 3rd grade teacher. She has a B.S. from Devry University in Technical Management. Ms. Shanell comes to us from an 18+ year career in Technology; prior to transitioning into teaching and after leaving IT, she worked as a lead STEM instructor for Engineering for Kids in Las Vegas.  Ms. Shanell is currently a Teach for America Corps Member and is working towards a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
**2020-21 CWCS “Change” Core Value Winner

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Mi’Kelle Carter

4th Grade Teacher
Mi'Kelle Carter
Ms. Carter joined Citizens of the World in 2022-2023 as a 4th grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in both Elementary Education and Business Administration from Lincoln University. Ms. Carter has extensive experience working with early childhood students and elementary students with the Boys and Girls Club and Headstart programs.

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Joelleanne Tejada

4th Grade Teacher
Joelleanne Tejada
Ms. Tejada joined the staff of Citizens of the World in 2022-2023 as a 4th grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Missouri State University. Prior to joining us, Ms. Tejada gained experience in the classroom through tutoring and instructing painting classes.

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Summer Grayer

Teaching Associate
Summer Grayer
Summer Grayer is joining us as a Teaching Associate during the 2023-2024 school year, providing support for our kindergarten and first grade teachers and students, in addition to her teaching duties in the Citizens of the World after-school program. She is passionate about providing play-based learning opportunities in positive classroom environments while building relationships with students.

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Laura Nowlin

5th Grade Teacher
Laura Nowlin
Ms. Nowlin joined Citizens in 2020-2021 and is now a 5th grade teacher. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from University of Missouri St. Louis. Prior to joining us, Ms. Nowlin had two years of experience teaching at another Kansas City charter school.
**2020-21 CWCS “Excellence” Core Value Winner

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Latasha Roland

5th Grade Teacher
Latasha Roland
Mrs. Roland joined Citizens in 2021-2022 and is a 5th grade teacher. She holds a B.A. in History from College of Wooster and is pursuing her M.A. in Education from Missouri State University.  Prior to joining us, Mrs. Roland had 11 years experience in district and charter schools in North Carolina as well as the Kansas City area. In addition, she was the Director of Teaching & Learning with Teach for America – Kansas City.

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Becky Brents

Math Teacher
Becky Brents
Ms. Brents joined Citizens in 2019-2020 and is a Math teacher. She holds B.A. degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS.  She received her teaching certificate from Avila University.  Prior to joining us, Ms. Brents had five years of experience as a middle school math teacher in Gardner Edgerton and Shawnee Mission School Districts. She also spent time in South Korea teaching English.
**2019-20 CWCS “Excellence” Core Value Winner

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Ever Fierro

History Teacher
Ever Fierro
Mr. Fierro joined Citizens in 2019-2020 and is our Middle School History teacher. He has a B.A. from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. in Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining us, Mr. Fierro had three years of experience as a Special Education teacher in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Fierro is bilingual in English and Spanish.
**2019-20 CWCS “Change” Core Value Winner
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Safina Nanyonjo

English & Language Arts Teacher
Safina Nanyonjo
Ms. Safina joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a Middle School ELA teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters degree in Education Management and Administration, both from Makerere University of Uganda Kampala. She is a Montessori-trained teacher who has been working with students for more than 19 years.
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Malia Sapp

Science Teacher
Malia Sapp
Ms. Sapp joined Citizens in 2022-2023 as a Middle School Science teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies from Missouri State University. Prior to joining us, she gained experience in community outreach, strategic planning, and project management through her work at a local church and the Kansas City Police Department.

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Dominique Betts

Literacy Interventionist & Coach
Dominique Betts
Ms. Betts joined Citizens in 2018-2019 and after serving as a classroom teacher, is now a Literacy Interventionist & Coach. She holds a B.A. from Neumann University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln University.  Before joining us, Ms. Betts had one year of experience as a 2nd Grade Literary Support teacher in Philadelphia, PA.

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Angela Garcia

ELL & Special Education Interventionist
Angela Garcia
Ms. Garcia joined Citizens in 2022-2023 as a Special Education teacher and ELL specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and a Masters in ELE Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from Universidad Europea Miguel in Cervantes, Spain. Prior to joining us, she had four years of teaching experience in Madrid, Spain, as well as three years of experience as an au pair for special needs children. Ms. Garcia is bilingual in Spanish and English.

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Natalie Beer

Art Teacher
Natalie Beer
Ms. Beer joined Citizens in 2021-2022 as a Middle School Art Teacher and now serves as the K-8 Art Teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the Kansas City Art Institute and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Education at UMKC. Prior to joining us, she worked as an Early Childhood Educator.

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Julian Goff

Music Teacher
Julian Goff
Mr. Goff joined the Citizens staff in 2022-2023 as our K-8 music teacher. In addition to being a percussionist who performs locally, Mr. Goff has five years of experience teaching music in Kansas City schools, educating students from preschool through middle school.

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Destinee Shehan

PE Teacher
Destinee Shehan
Ms. Shehan joined us as the PE Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.  She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  Ms. Shehan has served in a variety of roles within the field of education, including work at an area domestic abuse shelter, tutoring, and teaching students of all grades.

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Emily Barron

Guidance Counselor
Emily Barron
Ms. Barron joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Prior to joining us, Ms. Barron served as a paraprofessional and Court-Appointed Special Advocate, she is passionate about supporting students and creating a welcoming school environment.

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Lori Grove

Health Aide
Lori Grove
Ms. Grove joined Citizens in 2021-2022 as a Health Aide. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant with her Associates degree in Healthcare Management from National American University. Prior to joining us she had 21 years of experience in the medical field with 16 years in pediatric care at various clinics.

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Ashley Huggans

Behavior Coach
Ashley Huggans
Ms. Huggans joined Citizens in 2019-2020 and is the Behavior Coach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Missouri State University; prior to joining our team, she worked at Operation Breakthrough and served as a Social Work Specialist for organizations in Kansas and Missouri.

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Rashad Wahab

Guidance Counselor
Rashad Wahab
Mr. Wahab joined Citizens in 2022-2023 as a counselor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Marian University and a Master of Science in Educational Science from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Prior to joining us at CWC, Mr. Wahab served in multiple coordinator roles at the Boys and Girls Club in Milwaukee, as well as oversaw programs at LINC in Kansas City.

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Josh Albarelli

Special Education Teacher
Josh Albarelli
Mr. Albarelli joined us in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Truman State University and a Masters in Special Education from University of Missouri – Kansas City. Before joining us, Ms. Albarelli had eight years of experience teaching special education at schools in Wisconsin and Missouri.

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Kim Anderson

Special Education Teacher
Kim Anderson
Ms. Anderson joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Studies from Park University. Ms. Anderson has more than 20 years of experience in the field of education, spending time as a director of an early childhood center, instructional assistant, after-school program director, parent aide, and paraprofessional.

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Haley Barr

Special Education Teacher
Haley Barr
Ms. Barr joined us in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from Park University and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to joining us, Ms. Barr worked with preschool students as a Registered Behavior Technician.

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Patti Benton

Special Education Teacher
Patti Benton
Ms. Benton joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Teacher. She holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to joining us, Ms. Benton worked in district schools in Kansas City for ten years as a reading interventionist and special education teacher.

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Peggy Caton

Special Education Related Services Coordinator
Peggy Caton
Ms. Caton joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as our Related Services Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Central Missouri. Ms. Caton has 25 years of teaching experience in Kansas City area schools, serving as a paraprofessional, substitute teaching, and early childhood special education teacher.

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Antionette Harrington

Special Education Instructional Assistant
Antionette Harrington
Ms. Harrington joined Citizens in 2017-2018 and is now a Special Education Instructional Assistant. She has a B.A. in Education from University of Central Missouri. Prior to joining us, Ms. Harrington spent 10 years as a teacher in early childhood settings.

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Emily Joyce

Special Education Instructional Asst. & Registered Behavior Therapist
Emily Joyce
Ms. Joyce joined Citizens in 2021-2022 as a Special Education ParaProfessional / Registered Behavior Technician. She has taken classes in Early Childhood at Metropolitan Community College. Prior to joining us she had worked as a ParaProfessional in private settings.

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Paige Kenney

Special Education Instructional Assistant
Paige Kenney
Ms. Kenney joined Citizens in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising. Prior to joining us, Ms. Kenney served as a nanny for Kansas City area families and is passionate about collaborating with families of neurodiverse children to give them the tools they need to thrive.

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Sara Langford

Special Education Assistant
Sara Langford
Mrs. Langford joined Citizens in 2020-2021 and is a Special Education Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing from West Texas A&M. Prior to joining us, she spent the prior five years volunteering and assisting in local schools.

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Brock Tendick

Special Education Teacher
Brock Tendick
Mr. Tendick joined the Citizens of the World staff in 2022-2023 as a Special Education Instructional Assistant and Registered Behavior Therapist, and now serves as a Special Education Teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University. Prior to joining us, Mr. Tendick has served as a Registered Behavior Technician, paraprofessional, and other community support roles.

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Cordell Brooks

Daytime Custodian

Arthur ​Dawkins

Daytime Custodian

Isabel Diaz

After-School Team

Sofia Gillespie

After-School Team

Ashley Harrison

Meals Team

Antoinette Herron

After-School Team

Lashonda Mason

After-School Team

Carla McGee

After-School Team

Beverly Reed

Meals Team

Danielle Wilson

After-School Team

Samone Wilson

Clerk

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