I am the Lower School Dean at a charter school called KIPP WAYS Primary on the west side of Atlanta. Our mission is to prepare students for top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond by instilling in each student a commitment to scholarship, teamwork, and integrity. I completely believe in this mission, hence I began my career as a Teacher for America teacher. I am now celebrating my tenth year in education and I am so excited to be a part of the founding team opening this new school! I hail from Buffalo, NY where my school options were dictated by my zip code. I did not receive the best educational opportunities and thus was not adequately prepared for college. I never want another scholar to experience what I did on their climb up the college mountain. For this reason, I continue to fight the good fight and work with students in underprivileged neighborhoods to ensure their success through elementary school and beyond.