Why I become a part of the team...
MEET THE TEAM
DIRECTOR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Krystal Semper is the ABA Specialist at the Edison K-8 and YQKSP Site Director/Founder. She was born and raised in the great city of Boston, Massachusetts. Growing up in the Roxbury/Dorchester area, Krystal attended Boston Public Schools (BPS) most of her life. When she graduated from BPS, she knew she wanted to come back to support students in BPS as an adult. Krystal attended Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Counseling with a minor in Psychology. A few years later, she went back to further her education and attended American International College, a school in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she earned her Master’s in Education with a specialization in Moderate Disabilities data and Research collection. Krystal currently works for Boston Public Schools wearing multiple hats. She is a Facilitator/Mentor for the 10 Boys and 10 Girls Initiative, an Educator and a tutor, she runs the Edison School store, and she runs the Transformative Mentoring/Tutoring Program through BPS Equitable Pathways . Krystal also helps within her community with the Neighborhood clean-up, her church food pantry, and she always tries to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
CO-DIRECTOR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Tyeson Janee Bell is an educator in Boston Public Schools. She currently works as a grade 5 Special Education Resource Teacher at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. K-8. She was born and raised in Boston, MA and is proud to be a product of both Boston Public Schools and Uncommon Schools. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Tyeson has worked with Boston Public Schools for 9 years, and has been a part of the staff at Young Queens and Kings Scholar Program since the start 4 years ago. She joined YQKSP because she wanted to help make a difference in her school community. She has always wanted to help show students who may be at a disadvantage in the world that they can do and be anything that they want to.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Alexis Xavier Munoz was born and raised in Boston neighborhoods, Dorchester and Roxbury. In 2015, he graduated from Brandeis University a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor of Education. Alex has worked with BPS since 2015 and currently is an Applied Behavior Analyst at the Thomas Edison K - 8 School. In addition to his role during the day, Alex serves as the Co-Director of Operations, Athletic Director, and 10 Boys Coordinator. The reason why I joined the Young Queens and Kings as the Assistant Director was to help empower and inspire the youth to live beyond societal norms. Also, the program allows voices and stories to come together that might not have interacted if the program didn’t exist. Alex believes it’s important that we encourage youth to stand up for themselves in a safe and appropriate ways.
EDUCATIONAL ADVISOR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Elizabeth is an educator in Boston Public Schools and teaches 7th grade English Language Arts. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English: Language Arts and Gender and Women’s Studies from Plattsburgh State University of New York. Through her work and studies as a Gender and Women’s Studies major, she recognized the inequalities in education and became passionate about being an agent of change through teaching. She moved from New York to Boston and received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons University receiving certifications in English 5-12 and Special Education Moderate Disabilities 5-12. She believes education is a transformative tool to enhance students’ academic and social emotional success. She is passionate about literacy and using multicultural literature to address issues such as race, class, gender with her students and providing opportunities for students to enhance their literacy skills. In the Young Queens and Kings Scholar Program, Elizabeth serves as the Educational Advisor and a teacher supporting with Newspaper, Literacy testing, and homework support. She is proud to be part of the work of the YQKSP to close the achievement gap and the mission to support students through academic and social emotional experiences.
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Rashanna Roach is a Boston-native, alumna of Boston Latin School, and the CEO/Founder of Vocal A.C.T.I.O.N., LLC (Vocal ACTION). Vocal ACTION is a strategy and philanthropy consultancy based in Washington D.C. The company started in 2015 and provides quality and tailored support and guidance to stakeholders invested in positively impacting Black people and communities globally. Specifically for YQKSP, Rashanna provides website support and professional development training to the team. To date her team at Vocal ACTION has provided Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Family Engagements training through a lens of racial and cultural equity. To learn more: www.vocalactionllc.com
Rashanna has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Tuskegee University and a Master of Science in Justice and Public Policy from American University. She has certifications in Strategic Project Management, Lean Six Sigma- Black Belt, and is a graduate of the Certified Public Management Program- PEMM 32- from The George Washington University.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
1 YEAR OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Eileen Lara Bio was born in the Dominican Republic, but was raised in Dorchester’s Four Corners neighborhood. Growing up, Eileen attended Boston Public Schools and after graduating from Boston Latin Academy went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater State University (BSU). During her last couple of years at BSU volunteering around the city and abroad and after working in the community for a few more years, Eileen realized what her true calling was – to increase access to mental health providers and services whose first language was not English. Determined and passionate about such, Eileen went on to Wheelock College where she got a Masters in Social Work and is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton, MA. Eileen is excited and eager to work with students in YQKSP this year as she supports them in learning social emotional skills that will enhance their lives in and out of the school setting.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
2 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Yaniris Jimenez the Clinical Coordinator for the EI- Edison K-8 program at BPS. I am Afro Latina, I was born in Long Beach California, my roots are Dominican. I am bilingual, I am a mother to two beautiful children ages 22 & 19. I grew up in the Dominican Republic, where I had the opportunity and privilege to spend all of my summers in summer school in (EL Caribe). I am a clinician; I enjoy helping and working with students & their families in understanding how to manage internally what happens to them externally. When School is not in session, I enjoy working in the YQKSP after-school program teaching Spanish. When I am not working or teaching, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, spending time with my family; hiking, and the beach.
“Prepare your children for the road instead of the road for your child”. (TIM ELMORE)
GROUP LEADER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Jennifer Doiron was born in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, but grew up in Cocoa, Florida. She came to America 43 years ago with her parents and four siblings. Ms. Doiron graduated from International Correspondence School with a certificate in Early Childhood. She was a preschool teacher for 6 years at Longwood Medical Child Care Center in Boston, Massachusetts before establishing her own family. Jennifer has been working at the Edison School for 11 years as a volunteer, lunch monitor and present role as school secretary. She is also the cooking instructor group leader at the YQKSP as well as the administrative assistant to the Site Director.
She is also a proud mother to two wonderful children who are also graduates of the Boston Public School System. Jennifer joined the YQKSP because of her passion for children and want to give back to the community. Coming from an immigrant family she understands the importance of an enrichment education system. YQKSP allows her to share her experiences and help mentor students to become the best they can be no matter what gender, age or race. Also, she is able to conduct various Family Engagement Outreach tasks with YQKSP, which helps our families find various resources in their communities
KINDERGARTEN SPECIALIST
1 YEAR OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
My name is Ada Velazquez-Escobar, I am a daughter, wife and mother dedicated to my family and wonderful students. I, myself, am a product of the Boston Public Schools. Growing up in the city makes me a well experienced city educator having had the privilege to give back to my home communities. For over 22 years Boston Public Schools has allowed me to teach your amazing children and the privilege to provide them with an inspiring learning curve, as someone did for me 24 years ago. Thank you for allowing me to learn from your children, because the more I know, the more I need to learn. Thank you for instilling trust in me as we work together to make a difference in your child’s educational journey.
SPORTS COORDINATOR
1 YEAR OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Jake Green is a paraprofessional for Boston Public Schools. He goes by Mr. Jake, Mr. Green, or just Jake. He was born and raised in Springfield, MA. Jake moved to Boston in 2017 and started working at the YMCA youth afterschool and summer programs. It was here where Jake discovered his love and passion for working with kids, helping them grow and be successful. This discovery led him to the Edison K8, where he has been working as a paraprofessional in the 6th grade since 2018. Jake is currently pursuing a Masters degree in counseling psychology in hopes to become a school guidance counselor. His goal through his work is to try and help every student, no matter their background, race, religion, color, etc., have an equal opportunity at achieving their goals and aspirations. Jake chose to be a part of YQKSP because he strongly believes in the importance of equal opportunity, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging all students to pursue their dreams.
ART COORDINATOR
1 YEAR OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Katie Jablonski was born in a small town in Massachusetts that has more cows than people. She moved to Boston to attend Wheelock College for Elementary Education and Visual Arts. After completing her teaching degree in BPS, she has continued to work as a Paraprofessional at the Elementary Level. She is currently going to graduate school to earn her masters in Arts Education. Her love for art has led to a passion for Social Emotional Learning and helping students explore their own thoughts and emotions. She believes it is crucial for students to take time to practice mindfulness and reflection with creative outlets. Through this, she hopes students start to see themselves as part of a community.
GROUP LEADER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Mike "Yoga Mike" Massey is from Boston Yoga Worx. He is an African American man, who built his business servicing people in the inner city students and people of color for over 8 years. He was raised in Roxbury and is well known within the community. Bringing him to the program will help the students learn other strategies for channeling their energy as well as other healthy living habits. Yoga Mike will work with students on breathing, patience, nutrition/better eating habits, meditation, and self-regulatory skills. As a member of the BPS community, his goal is to show BPS students how to make healthy as well as proactive decisions. Growing up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Mike Massey witnessed crime, drugs, low income, poor performing schools, and domestic violence and learned the ability to breathe and be professional. He learned that staying calm would save his life. He wants to bring his knowledge as well as his personal experience from living in urbanized Roxbury, to help teach our students that they have someone that looks like them, giving back to them and their community. Known among Edison students as Yoga Mike, Mr. Massey shows students that yoga is for everyone and that any body size, gender, and race can use yoga and mindfulness to strengthen the mind, body and soul.
READING INTERVENTION TEACHER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Bang Pham is an educator in Boston Public schools. He was born in Vietnam but grew up in Dorchester and went to Boston Public schools from K-12. Bang identifies himself as Vietnamese-American and a man of color. Bang received his bachelors in studio arts and urban education at Hampshire College in 2013. During his time in college he volunteered at an after-school program in Holyoke, MA. Bang found his passion working with youth during his time there and is forever grateful to the community of Holyoke. After Hampshire College, he served as a City Year member in a school at Hyde Park, MA. Bang went on to acquire his masters in moderate disabilities at Boston College. He has been working as a 4th teacher in Boston ever since. Bang chose to be part of YQKSP because he wants to work with amazing students from other grades and build meaningful relationships with students of color.
SUMMER READING INTERVENTION TEACHER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Tawonia Queeley, is embarking on her 10th year of teaching in Boston Public Schools. Although born in Memphis, Tennessee, She grew up in sunny Miami, Florida. As a young child, she attended Miami-Dade County Public Schools through high school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Boston College. Tawonia began her master’s at UMass-Boston through the Boston Teacher Residency program and completed her practicum at the Mather Elementary School in Dorchester, MA. She is so elated to be a part of the Young Queens & Kings Scholars Program family. It has always been Tawonias passion to work with young people to help make a difference in their lives and help to shape how they see the world and themselves in it.
“It is imperative that we, as educators, create innovative ways to help our young people to be their best selves and achieve their goals.”
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/MENTOR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Barry Stallings, is the Sport Director/Mentor for YQKSP, who has been working in BPS since 1996. Mr. Stallings is the CFC, Community Field Coordinator at the Edison K-8 in the EI, Emotional Impairments Program. Mr. Stallings was born and raised in Roxbury, Mass., and attended the Boston Public School System. Mr. Stallings received a bachelor of science degree from Springfield College, and also completed the MEOC, program Male Educators of Color through BPS, in 2017. Mr. Stallings began working with At Risk Youth in 1989, as a mentor and Supervisor of the BYF, Boston Youth Fund, at the Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain, Mass. With over 30 years in the Human Services Field, Mr. Stallings is a dedicated as they come in helping students with disabilities overcome adversity and help them become productive members of society. He chose to become a YQK mentor because he’s passionate about seeing our young Kings & Queens become successful in all phases of their lives.
GROUP LEADER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YOUNG QUEENS & KINGS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Jennifer White was born and currently resides in Boston, MA. She has worked for the Edison School for the past 3 years as a Mentor and as a Group Leader for YQKSP since it was established in September 2018.
Soon after graduating Charlestown High School in 2007, due to unforeseen circumstances, Jennifer became an active caretaker for 4 children in relation to me. Through this hardship, she found the importance of becoming a mentor for every teen/young child she encounters. Jennifer was able to birth the mindset that showed me the significance of consistency, compassion, uplifting, & understanding in a young person’s life as those things not only add value, but also become the solid foundation for their futures.
