Dr. Dacia F. Sewell, is a proud native New Yorker who grew up in Brooklyn and brings over three decades of experience in education and leadership to her role as principal of Forest Oak Middle School. She has served as a classroom teacher, staff development teacher, assistant school administrator, assistant principal, supervisor, and now principal, with a consistent focus on equity, student voice, and family partnership. With advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Brooklyn Law School, New York University, and Binghamton University, Dr. Sewell is committed to fostering academic excellence and supporting Emerging Multilingual Learners and students of all backgrounds. Dr. Sewell loves to binge-watch her favorite shows, listen to audiobooks, and enjoy time with her two daughters and the family pets. At Forest Oak, she leads with the belief that everyone can GROW, everyone can BELONG, and every voice MATTERS, ensuring that the school community is both inclusive and empowering. 

Ms. Christina Putman is a Detroit native who attended Kentucky State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of Maryland-College Park. Ms. Putman is an educational administrator with origins as a secondary mathematics teacher. As an experienced instructional leader, Ms. Putman has had the opportunity to serve as a mathematics teacher and research assistant, high school resource teacher, middle school content specialist, team leader, elementary and secondary assistant principal, Saturday School center director, elementary principal intern, and acting supervisor of secondary mathematics. She strives to provide equitable learning environments that foster students’ appreciation of and academic success in mathematics. 

Mrs. Chavaughn Jones-Black has been a part of the Forest Oak Middle School Community for 15 years! She is thrilled to serve in a new role as the Assistant School Administrator, supporting Grade 7, the Electives, Social Studies, and Special Education departments. Mrs. Jones-Black earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bowie State University in English and Reading Education. I am excited about being the Assistant School Administrator because it offers the opportunity to expand on the restorative justice work she has supported over the years for students, families, and staff. One of Mrs. Jones-Black’s goals is to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Her interests and hobbies include participating in outdoor activities with her husband and three sons, reading mysteries, and trying new recipes! Mrs. Jones-Black looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff as we partner together to create a thriving school community. 

Mrs. Theresa Dethlefsen is excited to join Forest Oak Middle School as the 8th grade administrator, supporting English & Reading, English Language Development, Health & PE, and Counseling. She previously served as Coordinator of School Counseling Services for MCPS and as a Resource Counselor at Northwest and Wootton High Schools. She holds degrees from SUNY Geneseo, Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, and McDaniel College. Mrs. Dethlefsen loves being an administrator because it allows her to support students, staff, and families while helping students explore their interests, challenge their thinking, and build confidence. Outside of school, she enjoys time with her family, playing volleyball, reading James Patterson books, and cheering on her two sons in soccer and Boy Scouts. Mrs. Dethlefsen looks forward to partnering with the community for a successful and meaningful school year!