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

Michelle holds bachelor of arts degree in broadcast journalism and a master of arts degree in communications from New Mexico State University.

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.

Sam holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Education from Denison University in Ohio and is currently working on a master's degree from the University of Virginia with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Administration.

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 recently 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.
Alex is the oldest of three and in his spare time enjoys chess, playing guitar, discovering new music, and reading.
He is thrilled to be joining the Story of Our Schools and helping to drive forward its mission.

Jeff’s passion influences his desires to obtain an MBA and MFA and work towards putting his personal, original screenplay, The Slackers, on the big screen.



A former high school math and special education teacher, Josh is passionate about education policy and civic engagement. He studied political science at American University in Washington, D.C. and earned his Master's in Education at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas.
In his spare time, you can find him cooking and baking, reading anything he can get his hands on, and lounging with his husband Tyree and their pug, Franklin.

Prior to her role at the preschool, Audrey worked at Penn Hill Group, a bipartisan lobbying and consulting firm focused on early childhood education, K-12, higher education, adult education and workforce issues.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Public Policy with a focus in Education Policy from the University of Michigan.
Audrey is thrilled to serve as the Associate Advisory Board Chair 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.
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.

Saki will finish her master's degree in Science in 2021 at New York University, majoring in Integrated Digital Media. Her skills and knowledge expanded to emerging technologies, physical computing, and creative coding, while she has deepened her expertise in digital accessibility. She hopes to keep working in the accessibility field.


Since 2005, Meghan has contributed her design sensibilities and strategic insights for companies and non-profit organizations, including Physicians for Human Rights, the Drug Policy Alliance, Disability Rights International, and the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Meghan is an adjunct professor at Avila University where she teaches coursework on design and branding. She is also a former chapter president for AIGA, the professional association for design.