Executive Board Bios
Arthur Linder
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 and retired in 2014. He has been a member of the CSO since 1993 and has been actively involved with the CSO serving on the Executive Board for SHS and acting as the Retired Members Representative until 2017, when he was elected as Treasurer.
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
Courtney Anderson is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and has been an educator with D.C. Public Schools since 2012. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Principal at Caroline Wilder Harris Elementary School. Before becoming Assistant Principal, Courtney served as the Academic Dean and social studies LEAP leader at Kelly Miller Middle School. She is most proud of her current work with early literacy and the implementation of C.W. Harris’ signature program, C.O.L.O.R., which stands for Culture of Love of Reading.
Charlette Butler-Strickland
Principal, Hart Middle School
danitra dorsey-daniels
Manager, Strategy & Logistics, Ballou HS
tamara dukes
Tamara Dukes, a Social Work Program Manager for the District of Columbia Public Schools, is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with training in various evidence-based treatment modalities. My extensive experience as a therapist, particularly with youth and families, has shaped me into the professional I am today. Currently, my role allows me to merge my passion for mental health, education, and equality, serving as a clinician, school social worker, educator, and advocate. A dedicated leader and a strong advocate for the work of the school's mental health team, striving to improve outcomes for all stakeholders. Over the past 26 years, I have held various leadership positions within DC Public Schools, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the field. I'm excited about the opportunity to continue serving as an executive board member, aiming to make a positive impact on all CSO members during this tenure.
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."
kimbria jackson
Dr. Kimbria Jackson is the Assistant Principal at a premier STEM high school in Washington, DC. She was a member of the NASSP 2018 cohort for Secondary Principals. She served as the Math Instructional Coach and Curriculum Writer for District of Columbia Public Schools. Not only has she served DC Public Schools for the past ten years, but she also works closely with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Teacher Quality and Retention Program, where she provides professional training for participants in the field of education.
Dr. Jackson is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia; however, she lived in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, she was a high school math teacher for eight years and a high school Math Instructional Coach for one year.
She received her Doctoral Degree in Education, Instructional Leadership at Argosy University in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed her Education Law Certificate program at Indiana University in 2020. Dr. Kimbria Jackson is a contributing author in Next in Line to Lead: The Voice of the Assistant Principal
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 a Director of Strategies and Logistic with the District of Columbia Public Schools. In this role, Soncyreè leads a team providing all aspects of operations at H. D. Woodson STEM High School. Soncyreè is a qualified school leader and holds a dual major in Elementary and Special Education from Delaware State University. She also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Trinity University and a master’s degree in executive leadership from Georgetown University.
Before joining DCPS, Soncyreè worked for the Delaware school system as a high school special education/inclusion teacher. She later joined the District of Columbia Public School system. Her first seven years in DCPS, Soncyreè served as a special education teacher, special education coordinator, and placement specialist. She later served as principal for ten years and now serves as a DSL.
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.
Phillip Morgan, Sr.
My name is Phillip Morgan, Sr, a proud native Washingtonian with deep roots in the community and DCPS. Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated my career to serving the students and families of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) as an assistant principal, Dean of Students, and athletic director.
I am passionate about education for all students as well staff. As a candidate for the board member position on the CSO. I am committed to advocating for the needs and interest of my colleagues.
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
Allen Chin
aec10@yahoo.com
Raised in Washington, DC, Allen E. Chin is a product of the D.C. Public School System. He attended Maury Elementary School, Eliot and Kramer Jr. High Schools and graduated from Anacostia Senior High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The George Washington University.
Becoming the youngest athletic director in the DC Public School System in 1972, he joined Anacostia Sr. High School as head swimming, golf and tennis coach, as well as assistant football coach. While teaching and coaching, he completed graduate degrees in secondary administration from The George Washington University.
In 1987, Dr. Chin was selected to replace Otto T. Jordan as the Supervising Director of Athletics. He remained until the summer of 1988 and returned to Anacostia Sr. High in the fall of 1988. In 1989, he became again the athletic director at Anacostia Sr. High.
In the fall of 1991, he was selected to succeed Sam Jones (legendary Boston Celtic player) as the Director of Athletics. This was Dr. Chin’s second tenure as Director of Athletics for the DC Public School System. During this tenure, he advocated the concept of the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) as a successor to the DC Inter-High League. This concept of the DCIAA reflects the total athletic program of the DC Public Schools for the following levels: elementary, middle and senior high schools.
During his tenure, the girls’ athletic program added the following sports: junior varsity basketball, developmental golf, and varsity soccer. The following changes were made in the boys’ athletic program: revitalized and upgraded junior varsity football, revised the varsity football playoff structure, revised the varsity and junior varsity basketball programs, implementing developmental golf and expanding the crew program.
Dr. Chin is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA), a lifetime member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and has served on multiple National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and NIAAA committees. He has served on the following NFHS committees: AD Advisory, Citizenship, Equity, Football Rules, Hall of Fame Screening, and Soccer Rules. He served as a member of the NIAAA Credentials Committee. In addition, he served as the Section 2 representative on the NFHS Board of Directors from 2005-2008.
On February 29, 2008, Dr. Chin retired his position as the Director of Athletics for D.C. Public Schools. At the end of the NFHS Summer Meeting in Washington, DC, he retired as Executive Director of the DCIAA in July, 2008. Currently, he is the National Sales Executive for Team IP Sports which serves sixteen (16) NFHS state associations and as a sales consultant for SMI Awards. In 2019, he joined the Amateur Athletic Network as the National Sales Consultant.
In May, 2017, Dr. Chin was inducted as a member of the inaugural District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Hall of Fame. In November, 2017, he was selected and honored by the DMV-Athletes in Action, Inc. as a member of the 2017 class of “Legends Award.”
Dr. Chin is the proud father of two children, Allen, Jr. and Denise and grandfather of one grandson, Noah and one granddaughter, Emilia.
Executive Board Meeting Minutes are available to members upon written request.