Our Teacher Leaders
Meet our backgrounds
Tova Wilson
Co-Founder Teacher
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At The School of Harvest, as co-founder and educator, Tova Wilson enriches our educational journey with over fifteen years of holistic teaching and community leadership. With a Master of Science in Education from Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Language from Ithaca College, Tova's classrooms radiate inspiration and excellence.
She embodies service-led leadership, spearheading family engagement initiatives and integrating Montessori philosophy with a focus on culture, land-based learning, and the joy of discovery.
Tova's dedication to education evolves as she undertakes a Montessori diploma course for adolescents and remains trained in trauma-informed care. Inspired by her departure from traditional education models, she champions intergenerational learning and healing models, drawing from her experience at The Mary Elizabeth House.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tova prioritizes motherhood and advocates for Black joy. As an avid hiker and storyteller, she finds solace in honoring life's beauty and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Tova firmly believes in nurturing hearts and minds at The School of Harvest, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and redefine their potential.
Cierra Littlejohn
Co-Founder Teacher
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Cierra Littlejohn, co-founder of and educator at The School of Harvest, is driven by a deep commitment to transformative education. Her journey, rooted in a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University and a Master of Science in Education, reflects her passion for nurturing young minds and addressing systemic inequities.
Inspired by her experience in criminal justice, Cierra advocates for early intervention approaches in education. With certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education, she creates inclusive learning environments guided by Montessori principles.
As a Behavior Coach at Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School, Cierra honed her skills in supporting young learners, enriching her commitment to transformative education. She brings visionary leadership to create joyful and community-centered learning experiences.
Outside of her work, Cierra finds inspiration in travel and connection with loved ones, enriching her perspective and fueling her dedication to transformative education.
Cierra remains steadfast in her mission at The School of Harvest to empower students and educators alike, fostering environments where learning becomes a lifelong journey of growth.
Our Board
Ino Okoawo
Treasurer
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Ino Okoawo is the Director of Operations at Breakthrough Montessori PCS. She is also the founder and CEO of Education Compliance Associates, a consulting agency where she works to enhance business development initiatives and performance in academics, compliance, and operations. She has been directly involved with management, compliance, and strategic operations, with a focus on public education, for over fifteen years.
David Gaston
Board Member
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David Gaston is currently the Library Manager for the Lamond Riggs Lillian J.
Huff Library. He has worked for DC Public Library for 2 1⁄2 years. He is a seasoned higher education and workforce development professional with over two decades of experience working in admissions operations, financial aid counseling, student recruitment and retention, employment training, student housing, re-entry services, and community outreach in the public and non-profit sectors.
Rebecca Bonhomme
Board Member
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Rebecca Bonhomme's unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social
justice permeates both her personal and professional spheres. As a parent advocate, she actively engages in a myriad of DEI initiatives, notably serving as the DEI chair
of the parent association at a Montessori school in DC.
With a rich background spanning over a decade across nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors, Rebecca's
commitment to community engagement is deeply ingrained.
Denise Brijbasi Edwards
Board Member
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Denise Brijbasi Edwards, the Founding Principal of Sojourner Truth Public Charter School, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Armed with an AMI Montessori Administrator’s certificate from the Whole School Leadership Institute and an AMI Adolescent Montessori certificate from Train Montessori, Denise boasts two decades of experience as a teacher and leader in Washington D.C.'s public charter schools and D.C. Public Schools.
Zanso Dalili-Ortique
Secretary
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Zanso Dalili-Ortique is a D.C Montessorian with over 15 years of teaching experience in the primary and Elementary levels. She is the co-founder of The Riverseed School, a teacher-led micro Montessori school that is the first school site of DC Wildflower. She was a founding faculty member of Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School, where she served as a Lead Elementary Guide.
Ebonee Price
Board Chair
Ebonee Price's passion for holistic children's education is rooted in her experience as a teacher in the DC Public School system. Balancing the roles of educator and parent, Ebonee emphasizes the importance of community support and parental engagement in fostering young minds.
With a diverse professional background spanning collaborations with Muriel Bowser, impactful roles in the non-profit sector, and her current position as the Director of Donor Relations at Easterseals DC MD VA, Ebonee has honed her expertise in fundraising to create inclusive environments prioritizing children's well-being.
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