Enrichment Teachers' Photos

Coach Shawn is in his 8th year of teaching. At his previous charter school he served many roles over the years —teaching PE and guiding 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders as a classroom teacher. Whether students are in the gym or diving into academics, Coach Shawn aims to make learning engaging, active and fun while still holding students to high expectations. Outside of work Coach Shawn enjoys spending time with his 2 month old son Shai, watching sports events and getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. I am so excited to be joining the team!!!

Ocean is a yoga and art educator and LGBTQ+ Liaison at Van Ness Elementary, where they have spent the past seven years creating inclusive, creative, and embodied learning experiences for students. They hold a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from George Mason University and an Early Childhood and Elementary Education Standard License through KIPP's Capital Teacher Residency Program. Ocean is a registered 200-hour yoga instructor, extensively trained in children’s yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed education, and holds a Group Yoga Therapy certification through Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy School.

Ocean’s interdisciplinary practice brings together yoga, art, psychology, movement, and mindfulness. Over the past year, they have continued their education through psychology and art coursework, including ceramics. In 2024, Ocean received a Mayor’s Appreciation Award for their contributions to the Van Ness community.

Ocean believes in creating learning environments where young people can explore, create, move, and develop a deeper sense of connection to themselves, each other, and the world around them.

Melinda Holly has been teaching as a public school music educator for 12 years in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She holds a BA and MA in music education from West Chester University and Montclair State University, respectively. A vocal music specialist, Melinda has also taught general music classes that integrate world music studies, social justice, and cultural responsive pedagogy. At her previous school she led school-wide musical productions and world culture exhibitions, which she instituted. In 2019, she had the opportunity to teach English and drama abroad in Yuncheng, China. Outside the classroom, she enjoys teaching private instrumental music lessons to children of all ages. Melinda aims to leverage arts education and the language of music towards realizing the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of all students. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, practicing jiu jitsu, and hiking with her dog Athena.

Mr. Berry’s passion for service inspired over twenty years of teaching or leading community-based workforce development initiatives. With a BA in English and Communication from UMGC, Mr. Berry values lifelong learning and agrees wholeheartedly with the sentiment of W.E.B. Du Bois that education must not simply teach work; it must teach life. With this guiding principle, he strives to make learning a delightful and engaging experience. Mr. Berry revels in the exploration of creativity by finding joy in making and design. Lego, books, and fine art are all close to his heart.

Born in Haiti and raised in Southern California, Micherlange brings a passion for storytelling, history, and community engagement to her work in education. Prior to joining Van Ness, she gained experience in archival research and at cultural heritage institutions, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress. Micherlange has also worked with children as a ballet teacher, in after-school programming throughout Los Angeles, and at Detroit Public Schools Community District. She holds a B.A. in African American Studies with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine, and an M.S. in Information from the University of Michigan. Micherlange believes libraries are spaces where every student can explore their interests, discover new perspectives, and develop critical literacy skills. Outside of education, she enjoys traveling, attending museum and performing arts programs, watching documentaries, and being active.