The Story of Our Schools is committed to diversity, inclusion and drawing from our own local DC community. We also represent a range of perspectives critical to the work of our organization including professionals in communications, fundraising, law, accounting, policy and programming, as well as parents, community members and educators. Our Board of Directors supports the work of the organization by providing mission-based leadership and strategic governance.
Meet Our Board of Directors
A native of suburban Philadelphia, Rachel attended Johns Hopkins University, where she majored in history and sociology.
Rachel lives with her partner in Columbia Heights. She enjoys watching comedy, attending concerts, strength training and walking around with a good audiobook.
After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in NW DC, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2016, she received the Laura Banks Reed Award for Community Service to Victims of Domestic Violence.
Joe is a parent of a DCPS student and has a B.S. in Physics from University of Central Florida and a M.S. in Project Management from University of Maryland - College Park.
Prior to his work at C2Auctions, Chris spent nearly a decade at St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School, where he was a member of the Advancement Team and, later, the Director of Communication.
He holds a master's degree in strategic communication from American University and a bachelor's degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. He and his partner live in Washington D.C.
Danica is currently a Principal at Penn Hill Group in Washington, DC a leading bipartisan consulting and lobbying firm specializing in federal education policy and advocacy. Previously, she worked in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Department of Education.
Petroshius holds a master's degree in education policy from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from the University of Notre Dame.
Blanchi started her career at the U.S. Department of Education, where she managed a range of policy and funding areas including appropriations, civil rights policy, higher education policy and other key policy issues areas. She has passionately engaged in advocacy efforts addressing immigrants’ and women’s issues in the education field. As a former student—and immigrant herself—she understands the importance of empowering students by encouraging them to explore and learn stories about their communities as a way to preserve history and promote inclusiveness.
Tiffany holds over (10) ten years of higher academia experience with a stellar reputation of conjoining and broadening business development partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, educational organizations, and nonprofits.
Kyle and her husband live in Glover Park. She is an animal lover and enjoys traveling, yoga and amateur gardening.
Michael and his wife, Christian, started A Life Well Dressed Company (ALWD Co.) in 2018 by blending their three decades of experience in the fashion industry, retail, and marketing. You can find their retail spaces at BWI Airport and coming soon to Union Station. Most recently Michael wrote, "A Beard Like my Dad," a children’s book that celebrates the relationship between fathers and children from different ethnicities and cultures while following the journey of a father and son throughout New York City.
Michael earned marketing degrees in Philadelphia and California from The Art Institutes. He and his family of five currently live in Northeast DC and love touring the Smithsonian museums, DC parks and traveling to California to visit family.
Meet Our Leadership
Our leadership team is committed to working in true partnership with school communities. Our core beliefs in school and community resources, open communication, and inclusive solutions guide and sustain each partnership. Our leadership team currently includes our Executive Director, Education Director, and Development Director who work closely together to oversee successful program, exhibit, and fundraising execution.
Jen brings over 20 years of experience in photography, exhibition design, and all aspects of digital imaging. She is the owner of Jen Harris Studio where she works with a wide range of organizations from large federal agencies to small local businesses. She has digitized and archived over 15,000 pieces of artwork for The National Portrait Gallery, The National Museum of African American History & Culture, and private collectors. Prior to founding Jen Harris Studio, Jen worked for Chris White Design Incorporated, an exhibit design business.
Jen graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Photography. She currently resides in Capitol Hill with her husband, son, and a variety of pets.
MaryBeth is Montessori certified through American Montessori Internationale. She holds a master’s degree in education from Loyola University and a bachelor’s in American studies from Springfield College. She also studied literacy at the University of Sydney, Australia.
She believes The Story of Our Schools presents a unique opportunity for students to delve into living history. Through rigorous research the students form a personal connection to contemporary social issues that impact their community. This project changes the student's perspective. They no longer just go to their school, they become part of their school’s story.
Prior to joining The Story of Our Schools leadership Erin worked in both local and federal government as the director of education research at the Office of the D.C. Auditor and an associate research scientist at the US Department of Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Master’s degree in Sociology of Education from NYU and also holds a certificate in Education Sciences from the Institute of Education Sciences at the US Department of Education. Many years ago, Erin taught kindergarten and Head Start in North Carolina.
Erin and her family currently live in Capitol Hill and when not celebrating school history, she enjoys reading, eating everything DC has to offer, and hanging out with her family and two cats.
Meet Our Associate Advisory Board
Our Associate Advisory Board cultivates an environment where young professionals can contribute their talents and resources to support the growth of the organization.
He graduated from Cornell University, where he majored in Government and minored in China and Asia-Pacific Studies, focusing on both domestic politics and international relations.
In his spare time, Alex enjoys chess, playing guitar, discovering new music, and reading. He is thrilled to be supporting the Story of Our Schools in driving forward its mission.
Audrey has worked in DC federal education policy advocating for high-quality education on all levels, from early childhood to higher education. Audrey's passion for early education led her to work with a DC preschool where she partnered with early educators, families and young children to support child development.
Audrey is thrilled to serve on the Associate Advisory Board for the Story of Our Schools and to have the opportunity to contribute to the work the organization does to empower students through art, history and a sense of community.
As the Associate Advisory Board Chair for The Story of Our Schools, Carly is passionate about empowering DC students to understand the stories of their communities and illuminate the invaluable role of schools in our city's vibrant history.
He completed his Undergraduate Degree in Finance from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Master’s Degree in Business Analytics from the College of William Mary, interested in how new technologies such as artificial intelligence will impact the domestic financial system.
Growing up Marius’s first job was working as a youth sports coach at his local recreation center serving as a mentor to youth in his community. Through supporting The Story of Our Schools, Marius is thrilled to continue to work to empower youth in his area.
Soraya is a graduate from the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and English with High Honors. While at the University of Michigan, Soraya supported college access initiatives at the Center for Educational Outreach and taught a freshman-level course based off of her English thesis “Learning in the Shadow of 9/11: The Creation of a ‘Better-Formed Story’ in the Classroom.”
Soraya is deeply honored to be a part of the Associate Advisory Board for The Story of Our Schools, where her passion for education intersects with the organization’s mission to integrate community, art, and history in classrooms throughout the District. She currently resides in Washington D.C. and enjoys traveling, a good book, and hosting friends and family for homemade meals.
Meet Our Consultants, Interns, and Volunteers
Our talented consultants help to create a robust organization by bringing in fresh perspective and expertise to The Story of Our Schools. Our interns and volunteers are self-motivated individuals who seek hands-on non-profit experience while working closely with our Board of Directors and Executive Director.