Meet the Teachers
The SPARK team is made up of credentialed, passionate early childhood educators who believe every child deserves a teacher who truly sees them. Get to know the people who will walk alongside your child every day.
Ms. Angela Foster
Program Director & Lead Educator
15+
Years Experience
"We don't just prepare children for school — we prepare them for life."
Ms. Angela is the heart and vision behind SPARK Early Learning Academy. With 15 years in early childhood education and program leadership, she oversees curriculum development, educator training, and family partnerships at TYBP. She holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Leadership from George Washington University and has been recognized by the DC Office of the State Superintendent as an Early Childhood Champion. She is deeply committed to equity, access, and excellence in early education for every child in Washington, DC.
Credentials
- M.Ed. Early Childhood Leadership — George Washington University
- B.S. Child & Family Studies — Bowie State University
- DC Early Childhood Administrator Credential
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Member
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Ms. Angela started her career as a TYBP summer camp counselor over 15 years ago.
Our Classroom Team
Each SPARK educator is carefully selected for their credentials, warmth, and deep commitment to early childhood excellence.
Ms. Tamara Williams
Lead Teacher — Pre-K Bridge (Ages 3.5–4)
12+ yrs experience"Every child is a scientist waiting to discover their world."
Ms. Tamara brings over 12 years of early childhood education experience to SPARK. A Washington, DC native, she earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Howard University and holds a Master's in Child Development from Trinity Washington University. Before joining TYBP, she led Pre-K classrooms at two DC Public Schools and served as a curriculum coach for early childhood educators across Ward 7.
Specialties
Credentials
- M.S. Child Development — Trinity Washington University
- B.S. Early Childhood Education — Howard University
- DC Early Childhood Educator Credential (Level 5)
- Montessori Foundations Certificate
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Ms. Tamara has a classroom garden where children grow herbs and vegetables year-round.
Ms. Keisha Brown
Lead Teacher — Twos & Threes (Ages 2.5–3.5)
8 yrs experience"Play is the highest form of research."
Ms. Keisha is a passionate advocate for play-based learning and social-emotional development. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Family Studies from the University of Maryland and completed her early childhood certification through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. With 8 years in the field, she specializes in helping toddlers navigate big emotions and build the social skills that set them up for success.
Specialties
Credentials
- B.A. Psychology, Child & Family Studies — University of Maryland
- DC Early Childhood Educator Credential (Level 4)
- Conscious Discipline Certified Practitioner
- Trauma-Informed Care Training
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Ms. Keisha leads our weekly "Feelings Circle" — children's favorite part of the day.
Ms. Destiny Carter
Lead Teacher — Toddlers (Ages 1.5–2.5)
6 yrs experience"The first three years are the foundation for everything."
Ms. Destiny has a deep love for the toddler years — that magical window of rapid growth, first words, and endless wonder. She earned her A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College and is currently completing her B.S. at UDC. She is a certified infant/toddler specialist and has worked in early learning settings across the DMV for 6 years, with a focus on sensory-rich, relationship-based care.
Specialties
Credentials
- A.A.S. Early Childhood Education — NOVA Community College
- B.S. Early Childhood Education (in progress) — UDC
- DC Infant/Toddler Specialist Credential
- Positive Behavioral Supports Training
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Ms. Destiny creates all of our sensory bins by hand — a new theme every week!
Mr. Jordan Ellis
STEAM Enrichment Specialist
7 yrs experience"There's no such thing as a wrong experiment — only new discoveries."
Mr. Jordan is the creative force behind SPARK's hands-on STEAM programming. He holds a B.S. in Engineering Technology from Morgan State University and a Graduate Certificate in STEM Education from Johns Hopkins. After several years as a robotics coach and STEM camp director, he joined TYBP to bring engineering thinking to the youngest learners. He designs all of our STEAM discovery blocks and leads our weekly Innovation Lab sessions.
Specialties
Credentials
- B.S. Engineering Technology — Morgan State University
- Graduate Certificate in STEM Education — Johns Hopkins University
- Certified STEM Educator (CSTE)
- Robotics Coaching Certification — FIRST Robotics
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Mr. Jordan once built a working marble run with a class of 2-year-olds using only cardboard tubes.
Ms. Priya Nair
Movement & Wellness Specialist
5 yrs experience"A moving child is a learning child."
Ms. Priya brings joy, mindfulness, and movement to every corner of SPARK. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from George Mason University and is a certified children's yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance. She leads our daily movement blocks, outdoor exploration sessions, and the beloved "Mindful Mornings" yoga routine that helps children start each day grounded and ready to learn.
Specialties
Credentials
- B.S. Kinesiology — George Mason University
- Registered Children's Yoga Teacher (RCYT) — Yoga Alliance
- Adapted Physical Education Specialist
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Fun Fact
Ms. Priya teaches children a new yoga pose every Monday — they name them after animals they've learned about.
What Every SPARK Educator Believes
These aren't just values on a wall — they're the principles that guide every interaction, every lesson, every day.
Relationship-First
Every educator at SPARK builds deep, trusting relationships with each child and family. We believe learning happens best when children feel safe and seen.
Credentialed & Committed
All SPARK educators hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. We never stop learning so our children never stop growing.
Culturally Affirming
Our team reflects the rich diversity of Washington, DC. We celebrate every child's background and ensure every family feels welcomed and valued.
Research-Informed
Our curriculum and teaching practices are grounded in the latest early childhood research — from brain development to social-emotional learning science.
Ready to Meet Your Child's SPARK Team?
Enrollment opens June 8th, 2026. Express your interest today and we'll be in touch to schedule a tour and introduce you to the team.