Executive Board Bios
Arthur Linder, Sr.
Treasurer
Arthur Linder, Sr. is the former Principal of the Youth Services Center, Oak Hill Academy and Co-Principal of Anacostia SHS. Arthur served in DCPS for 47 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and as a summer school coordinator. He has been a member of the CSO since 1993 and has been actively involved with the Executive Board serving in many roles representing members. Arthur has served in the role of Treasurer since 2017.
Delisa Green
Secretary
Delisa Green is a Speech Language Pathologist with the District of Columbia Public School system. In this role, Delisa provides high quality diagnostic and intervention services to special education students ages 3 to 22. With two decades of experience in diagnosing and treating oral communication disorders for special needs students within the public school setting, Delisa now focuses primarily on comprehensive and dynamic evaluations of speech sound, oral language, pragmatic, and auditory processing disorders for students within the private and religious education sectors.
While passionate about her clinical duties, Delisa has also been a staunch supporter of the Council of School Officers since 1999. Her passion led her to serve on the Executive Board from 2008 to present, as well as, various committees to promote the values and principles of labor! She has been afforded special honor of representing union members at regional American Federation of School Administrator – Local 4 conferences.
Courtney Anderson March
Dr. Courtney Anderson March is the proud Principal of Smothers Elementary School in DC Public Schools, where she leads with a vision centered on academic excellence, equity, and transformational leadership. Prior to serving as principal, she was the Assistant Principal of Literacy at C.W. Harris Elementary School, where she led instructional improvement initiatives that strengthened literacy outcomes and teacher development. Her educational career also includes serving as an Academic Dean and English teacher, experiences that continue to shape her belief that exceptional instruction and strong relationships are the foundation of student success. Dr. March is committed to building high-performing school communities where scholars, educators, and families thrive together.
Dr. March earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Trinity Washington University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She is passionate about developing future leaders, cultivating positive school cultures, and building systems that accelerate student achievement while empowering educators to reach their highest potential. Through collaborative leadership, strategic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. March strives to create lasting impact for scholars, educators, and the communities she serves.
William L. Blake
Dr. William L. Blake is a Legacy Educator, Culture Shifter, and Cultural Disruptor with over two decades of experience leading schools and districts, coaching school leaders, and building the systems and structures that ensure every student, especially those furthest from opportunity, has access to the adults and environments they need to thrive. As Assistant Principal at Bard High School Early College DC, he leads the 9th Grade Academy with the same conviction that has defined his entire career, that intentional adult support is the most powerful lever for dramatic student outcomes. A former Director of Social Emotional Learning for 51,000 students across 116 DCPS schools and Director of Redesign XQ, Dr. Blake has spent his career producing measurable results inside some of the most complex urban school systems in the country. He is also the author of “The AI School Leader: Leading with Efficiency, Innovation, and Adaptability,” a groundbreaking resource that equips school and district leaders with a practical framework for integrating artificial intelligence into their leadership practice in ways that are ethical, strategic, and student-centered. Dr. Blake serves as National Secretary for the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and as Founding Board Chair of Legacy RISE Academy, a charter school preparing to open in Anne Arundel County, Maryland in 2027.
Charlette Butler-Strickland
Charlette Butler-Strickland is an award-winning educational leader, transformational principal, and passionate advocate for school leaders across the District of Columbia. As Principal of Hart Middle School for more than 11 years, she has led significant gains in school culture, academic achievement, family engagement, and teacher development while building a student-centered environment grounded in excellence and equity.
Mrs. Strickland is the recipient of the 2023 City Year DC Educational Equity Partner “Red Jacket” Award, the 2022 DCPS Standing Ovation Leading Change for Innovation Award, and was recognized as the 2022 DCPS Washington Post Nominee for Principal of the Year. She is widely respected for her ability to motivate teams, strengthen organizational culture, and create systems that improve outcomes for students, staff, and families.
As the current CSO Middle School Representative, Charlette has served on the Professional Development, Elections, and Scholarship Committees, where she has worked to expand leadership opportunities and increase principal participation and engagement across the organization. She has led and facilitated professional learning sessions for aspiring and new assistant principals and principals, helping to strengthen the pipeline of effective school leaders throughout the district. Additionally, as a member of the CSO Negotiations Team, she advocates for equitable policies, professional supports, and the collective interests of school leaders.
Charlette’s leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and empowerment. Her continued commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and organizational excellence makes her a strong voice for middle school leaders and the broader CSO community.
danitra dorsey-daniels
I am Danitra Dorsey-Daniels serving as a first-time board member for CSO. My election win was a surprise as I was nominated by a fellow colleague and garnered the support of those who propelled me to a humble victory, so I am eager to serve and do you all proud. I am a native Washingtonian and product of The District of Columbia Public School system. As a Ballou SHS graduate, I was intentional in serving the community who raised me with passion and an unwavering, relentless energy to see the next generation claim that same diploma and move on to inspire others to do the same.
I have volunteered with the Ballou Majestic Marching Knights for the last 30 years along the side of the esteemed Mr. Darrell Watson in providing our students with a wealth of experiences and memories that span an amazing set of accolades and awards across our great Nation. I have worked my way up through the ranks of my DCPS career in coming from the private trade industry with holding a Journeyman and Masters’s license in HVAC.
After following my passion for education and working tirelessly to ensure students who ‘look like me’ and come from ‘where I came from’ know what is possible, I pursued and completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work while putting in the time as a member of the Climate and Culture Team. I am self-made through a lot of hard work and perseverance. I am truly honored and grateful to serve amongst all the board members and to represent such awesome individuals in the CSO family across the district.
tamara dukes
Tamara Dukes is a Social Work Program Manager with the District of Columbia Public Schools and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with specialized training in a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities. Her extensive experience as a therapist, particularly in working with youth and families, has shaped her into a compassionate clinician and effective leader.
In her current role, Tamara combines her passion for mental health, education, and equity by serving as a clinician, school social worker, educator, and advocate. She is a dedicated leader who champions the work of school mental health professionals and is committed to improving outcomes for students, families, schools, and staff.
Throughout her 26-year career with DC Public Schools, Tamara has served in a variety of leadership roles, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the profession and to those she serves. She is excited for the opportunity to continue serving as a member of the CSO Executive Board, where she looks forward to advocating for and supporting all CSO members while helping advance the organization's mission.
DeChantel Fields
Dr. DeChantel Fields is passionate about strengthening teacher practice, improving student outcomes, and building a positive, inclusive school culture. Through collaboration, advocacy, and an unwavering focus on equity, Dr. Fields works to provide scholars with access to high-quality instruction and grounds her work in policies and practices that close opportunity gaps. Dr. DeChantel Fields is an Assistant Principal who has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district-level instructional support leader, and associate principal. A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Dr. Fields believes in building culturally relevant systems that help scholars thrive, creating environments where scholars can advocate for themselves, and that all scholars can contribute to their learning—no scholar is a blank slate. Committed to side-by-side learning as a key to building teacher capacity, Dr. DeChantel Fields works closely with teachers to support effective instruction, uses data to guide student growth, and values strong partnerships with families and the community to ensure both staff and scholars succeed.
William Haith
"William “Roc” Haith, the principal of @ballou_dc, is a proud native of Ward 8 who has devoted his career to educating the students of the District of Columbia for 20 years. A distinguished DCPS graduate of Wilson High School (now Jackson-Reed), he began teaching there in 2004, designing curricula for the Alternative Social Studies Program for grades 9-12. Principal Haith’s service as an administrator at Wilson High School and as Principal of Anacostia High School from 2018-2023 resulted in significant increases in in-seat attendance, 9th-grade promotion, and graduation rates, all while boosting student and parent satisfaction and elevating the Love Challenge Prepared index. His work first at Anacostia and now at Ballou has been integral to the success of Redesign initiatives.
Principal Haith holds an Executive Master’s degree in Leadership from Georgetown University and is an honored alumnus of the Mary Jane Patterson Fellowship. In addition, he has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Liberty University as well as a master’s degree from Virginia College. His innovative efforts have profoundly impacted his school communities and earned him an Emmy award and Two Standing Ovation awards for his outstanding contributions as a school leader for exceptional Leadership and the Whole Child Approach to education."
Zachary Larson
Zachary is originally from Chicagoland currently resides in the District, loves enjoying the public recreation parks in the region and engaging his community. Prior to relocating, he earned an undergraduate degree from Western Illinois in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration from DePaul University. Zachary’s career began in juvenile justice and he served as a juvenile probation officer in Illinois, a corrections counselor with the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority and has worked for the District’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services before joining DCPS. Zachary began his career with DCPS in 2013 after volunteering at Luke C Moore Senior High School serving as a mentor for overaged and under credited students. He shortly thereafter, assumed numerous roles at Luke C Moore SHS such as an Athletic Director, Administrative Officer and the Twilight Academy Coordinator. In 2018, he transitioned to Ballou High School where he has served as the pathways coordinator. Zachary loves solving complex issues by trying new approaches which have never been done before, working collaboratively and smarter, not harder! Zachary is a global adventure seeker, motorcycle enthusiast, an outdoors lover and stays busy. In addition to his role with DCPS he is currently serving as the project coordinator for the Greater Anacostia Educational Opportunity Center and as the communications specialist for Hurley & Associates. He is eager and excited to serve all members of CSO and most importantly serve as a liaison for members other than principal and assistant principal.
Soncyree Lee
Soncyreè currently serves as the Director of Strategies and Logistics for District of Columbia Public Schools, where she leads a team overseeing all aspects of operations at H.D. Woodson STEM High School.
A seasoned educational leader, Soncyreè holds a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education from Delaware State University. She also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Trinity University and a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University.
With a deep-rooted passion for education, Soncyreè began her career as a Special Education Teacher in Washington, D.C., and Delaware, later serving as a Placement Specialist. Before joining DC Public Schools, she worked in the Christina School District as a high school special education/inclusion teacher.
Her tenure with DCPS began as a Teacher and Special Education Coordinator, roles she held for seven years. She then served as a principal for a decade before stepping into her current leadership role as a Director of Strategies and Logistics.
staci mcduffie
Staci McDuffie is a native Washingtonian and has been an educator with DC Public Schools since 1998. In addition to her current role as Assistant Principal, she has served as secondary ELA teacher, alternative/opportunity education instructor, DCPS School Improvement Specialist, sole Instructional Specialist for DCPS High Schools, Director of DCPS School Support, and Director of DCPS Special Projects. Amongst her most notable accomplishments are developing, from their infancy, the Extended Day, Extended Year, and Middle Grades Initiative Programs which were all created with a focus on narrowing the achievement gap for students of color and increasing equity across the District.
Chunita Pilgrim
Dr. Chunita Pilgrim is a native Washingtonian and a proud product of DC Public Schools. Dr. Pilgrim has dedicated over 19 years of service with DCPS and is very excited to serve on the CSO Executive Board. This is her fourth year serving as the Assistant Principal of Burrville Elementary School- the Ville on the Hill, where they have received the second highest ELA gains in the District. Prior to that, Dr. Pilgrim was a Master Educator for seven years. She was also a Literacy Instructional Coach at HD Cooke Elementary School and a classroom teacher at CW Harris Elementary School. Dr. Pilgrim believes wholeheartedly in closing the achievement gap and providing opportunities for those farthest from them. She provides supports to teachers on inclusive education, intervention, and differentiated instruction. Most recently, Dr. Pilgrim completed the inaugural cohort of the DCPS Leadership and Innovation Program at Georgetown University. In addition, Dr. Pilgrim completed the Aspiring New Leaders program at Harvard University School of Education. She has received her doctorate from The George Washington University. Her master’s from Regent University and her bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University.
nicole pitre
Nicole Pitre is a Speech Language Pathologist with the District of Columbia Public Schools. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole provided transformational change for students and families in Washington, DC. Her primary duties include writing comprehensive speech language evaluations, providing dynamic workshops for parents and professionals, and delivering evidence-based practice intervention services for students in a variety of settings. The American Speech Language-Hearing Association has recognized Nicole for her exceptional commitment in continuing professional education, the ACE award.
Currently, Nicole is an active dues paying member of the Council of School Officers. She has served within this capacity since 2000. On a regional level Nicole has attended, represented, and volunteered at numerous American Federation of School Administrators Conferences. During these years Nicole locally, has served on the benefits and negotiation committee, new building committee, social/event committee, and scholarship committee.
Krystal Willingham
Krystal Willingham, a devoted Washingtonian, has woven her expertise in business management and administration into a robust 15-year career within the DC public and charter school systems. Beginning her career at DCPS in 2018 as an Attendance Counselor, Krystal quickly advanced. During the pandemic, she transitioned to the role of Coordinator of Strategy & Logistics and later ascended to the position of Manager of Strategy and Logistics at Neval Thomas ES. Her leadership is marked by a focus on modernization and efficiency, ensuring high-quality communication and safe, nurturing environments for students. Krystal's efforts have consistently led to the school meeting and exceeding enrollment targets.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Krystal is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Secretary of the Executive Board of the Junior League of Prince Georges County and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her commitment extends to volunteering at her daughter’s school and participating in church activities. An avid fan of the Washington Commanders, Krystal also enjoys cheering on her daughter at sporting events, swimming, and traveling. Her life is a testament to her motto: being always a call away for her students, inspiring and being inspired by the community she serves.
Executive Board retiree Bios
Patricia Briscoe
Dr. Briscoe retired from the DC Public School System in September of 2018 after 43 years of service. She worked as a teacher at Anacostia, Spingarn and Eastern Senior High Schools. For 22 years, she worked in the Department of Athletics as a Coordinator and Assistant Director of Athletics. In 2013 she accepted the responsibility of a teacher and Athletic Director at Eastern Senior High School. In 2016 she transitioned into the full time Athletic Director position until her retirement in 2018. Although Dr. Briscoe has been a member since 1989, this is her first opportunity to serve the Council.
Gwendolyn Brown
Gwendolyn Brown, a retiree and former Special Education Supervisor with DCPS. In this role, Gwen looked after assisting with identifying the least restrictive educational setting for special education students providing all aspects of school visitations, including observing, providing recommendations and professional development to teachers and para-educators. Gwen is no stranger to special education, having spent 36 years as a special education teacher and a teacher mentor in DCPS and two years a public charter school where she advocated for teachers and students. Gwen also spent more than 5 years as an adjunct professor at Trinity University
BARBARA CHILDS
Barbara Broady Childs - A native New Yorker, Barbara remained in Washington, DC after graduation where she continues to live, work and play. After graduation from Howard University, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity College. She applied those skills in the DC Public Schools for 42 exciting years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, until her retirement in 2008. She has also worked as a field supervisor for interns in the Master of Arts in Teaching at Bowie State University, where she supervised the work of student teachers. Barbara has a great love of education and believes that children will succeed if given an equal chance. Not willing to sit after retirement, Barbara continues to work with educators. She was the Executive Vice President of the Council of School Officers (CSO), until her retirement in 2024. The union is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours and working conditions for DCPS administrators. Barbara is a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church, Washington, DC where she is the Co-Chair of the Trustee Board and the Financial Secretary of the District of Columbia Association of Educators. Barbara is also an avid bridge player and is the President of the Washington Bridge Unit Inc. and she loves to travel.
Executive Board Meeting Minutes are available to members upon written request.