MS. HUSEBY - DIRECTOR
Email: Erin.Huseby@kippdc.org
Ms. Huseby is thrilled to lead the Virtual Learning Program working with the staff, students, and families! She has been an educator, coach, and school leader since 2003 working in schools in Ecuador; San Diego, CA; West Palm Beach, FL; New York City; and Washington, DC. She began working in DC as a teacher at Friendship Public Charter School in 2007 and joined KIPP DC in 2013. At KIPP DC, Ms. Huseby served the Benning Road community at the Benning Road campus, Promise Academy as a Vice Principal and later a Principal. She is most proud of the achievements of the students and staff at Promise- earning a National Blue Ribbon in 2018 and being a top 10 performing school in Math and top 20 performing school in Literacy. In 2020, Ms. Huseby moved home to Minnesota to be near her family. She feels incredibly blessed that she is able to live near her family while continuing to serve the amazing students, and families in Washington, DC. Ms. Huseby loves supporting adults in their work with students and families. When she’s not working, Ms. Huseby loves hanging out with her dog, Eliza, and having fun with her family and friends. When her schedule allows, she also loves traveling and experiencing new countries and cultures! She is so excited for the year ahead.
MS. DAVIS - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Email: Candice.Davis@kippdc.org
Candice Davis is the Associate Director for KIPP DC VLP. Candice started her career in education as a Curriculum, with a background in film, and Personnel Specialist, writing grants and proposals. Due to her desire to have more of a direct impact with students, she transitioned into teaching. “Teaching has shown me firsthand that children go through much more than we could ever imagine- it’s more than just academics. Thinking about all the obstacles they experience today and wanting to help them navigate those waters is what inspires me to be an educator… Children need adults who not only help guide them through navigating various issues but who also reflects on their own contribution or lack thereof.”
Candice is also a published author who released her debut book, Melanin Brown Discovers America, which has caught the attention of readers of all ages and has received 3 awards. She hopes her stories help to show possible ways to navigate common interactions that people may experience in everyday life, socioeconomically and culturally, as well as stories that hopefully connect with humanity.
Candice holds a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with a focus in Social Foundations from the University of Virginia and a BA in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University.
Jovon Gerald is a graduate of Virginia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and African Americans Studies. She holds a master’s degree in Non-profit Management from Averett University.
Mrs. Gerald has been an educator for 16 years. She has always felt the need to instill a love for the learning process in all her students, regardless of any adversities they may face. Although she has experienced many challenges along the road to success, Mrs. Gerald has successfully risen above them.
Mrs. Gerald has been with KIPP DC for almost 12 years and is currently the Manager of Student Success for KIPP DC: Virtual Learning Program.
Bilqis Taiwo is the Digital Learning Specialist at the VLP. She is your go to person for all things tech within the VLP! Bilqis was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended KIPP Houston High School. After graduating, Bilqis moved to Hanover, New Hampshire where she studied at Dartmouth College. She has worked as an educator locally in the US and abroad in Dubai. Bilqis also has experience working in the tech industry. Her goal is to use technology to help students grow and achieve as individual learners. In her spare time, she enjoys journaling, yoga, learning new languages, visual storytelling, and traveling! She looks forward to helping students and families have a great virtual learning experience at KIPP DC.
MS. COLEMAN - SOCIAL WORKER
Email: Jessica.Coleman@kippdc.org
Jessica Coleman serves as the Mental Health Practitioner for the KIPP DC Virtual Learning Program. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a lasting passion for providing youth and their families with the highest quality of therapy and support services. Jessica is a proud graduate of Howard University with a Masters in Social Work and clinically trained by a superior network of mental health clinicians. She has worked as a School Social Worker with DC Schools (both charter and public) for over 10 years; as a result, implementing successful parent engagement programming to increase parent advocacy and school involvement. Jessica has not only served in School Mental Health but also Child Welfare, Foster Care, and Child Protective Services. Throughout her career, she has advocated for culturally competent and equitable interventions that support Black and Brown families. It is her hope that she can be a leading change agent as a clinical social work expert; pouring her purpose into the generation of tomorrow and beyond.