Partner Teachers' Photos

Sharrón Dean joined the Van Ness family for the 2017 -2018 as a partner teacher for Courtney Diagnualt’s PK. Sharrón is an accomplished, Leadership Coach and Educator with proven experience in human resource strategy, leadership development, and equity and inclusion. She is an adjunct instructor for the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus teaching Ethics and Legal Practices, and Human Resources courses at both the graduate and undergraduate She is a Professional Development Coach in the Masters Organizational Development Program for American University. Sharrón possesses a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Management and is a graduate of the Georgetown University Certified Coaching Program. She has earned the ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation and is a Certified Birkman Consultant, Certified MBTI facilitator.

Nichelle Bradley joined the Van Ness family for the 2017-2018 school year as partner teacher for Whitney Listman’s PK class. Before working with DC Public Schools, Nichelle worked as an assistant teacher at The Julia Brown Montessori School in Howard County, Maryland and was a lead teacher in MCPS aftercare programs. Nichelle currently lives in Maryland with her husband and enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as crafting in her free time.

Haley Guarisco joined the Van Ness family for the 2019-2020 school year as a partner teacher for Michelle Johnson’s K/1st class. Prior to working with DC Public Schools, Haley worked as an assistant teacher at Arlington Montessori House in Arlington, Virginia, and was a co-teacher in the AMH aftercare program. Haley obtained her B.S. from Louisiana State University majoring in Child and Family Studies. Haley lives in Arlington, VA and enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as music, sports, and traveling in her spare time.

Steven Berry joined the Van Ness family in the 2017-2018 school year as a partner teacher in First Grade. Prior to working at Van Ness, Steven facilitated and led a variety of community-based training initiatives serving youth and adults in the Washington Metropolitan Area. His fondest memory to date was taking fifty children to meet Barack Obama and the first family through a partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank. The Obamas shared fresh produce and gift cards to supplement Thanksgiving meals.

Bruce Moore is excited to join Van Ness as a partner teacher on the ECE team! Coming from over a decade of experience as a child care provider, a few of the cornerstones she believes help young people develop into healthy adults include nurturing, building strong bonds, and learning through play. Bruce obtained her B.A. from The University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in English, minoring in telecommunications. Working with young people is a passion of hers. Along with her core base of work experience in childcare, she has a super smart five year old son who she considers her best accomplishment! In her spare time Bruce enjoys reading, playing chess, cooking, and play dates at the Smithsonian museums in downtown Washington DC, also dedicating her time to organizations that promote literacy and strengthening community bonds such as Ward8reads and Looksandbooks. As a native Washingtonian, Bruce enjoys learning and experiencing new cultures and traveling the world with her three best friends, affectionately coined the “Fantastic Four.”

Shelby Odom joins Van Ness this year as a partner teacher. She worked the past two years at C.W. Harris Elementary School, first as a tutor in a Pre-K 4 classroom with The Literacy Lab and then as a kindergarten paraprofessional. She holds her A.S. in early childhood education from New Hampshire Technical Institute. She is currently working on her B.S. in applied studies of child development and human services from Granite State College. Shelby adores working with children and families and is most passionate about inspiring learning and growth through building and maintaining trusting relationships. Shelby lives in Washington D.C. with her one year old daughter and enjoys writing, reading, art and visiting with friends and family.

Jessica Heath joined the Van Ness family for the 2019-2020 school year, as a partner teacher for Allison Hall’s ELS class. Prior to being hired by DCPS, Jessica worked as a contracted educational aide, here at VanNess. Jessica is a Washington, DC native who obtained her B.S. from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Jessica enjoys reading, music and making others smile.