A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Antoinette recognized the transformative power of education at an early age. Throughout her own schooling, she was fortunate to have teachers, coaches, and mentors who saw her potential and nurtured her aspirations.

After graduating from high school, she attended The Ohio State University, earning a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology and becoming the first in her family to attend and graduate from college.

During her senior year, Antoinette interned with an after-school program, where her passion for working with children took root. That experience inspired her to move to Philadelphia, where she completed 1,700 hours of service as an AmeriCorps CityYear corps member in a South Philadelphia high school. It was during this time that she committed herself to the field of education. She later moved to Washington, D.C., to teach as a fellow with City Teaching Alliance (formerly Urban Teachers), while simultaneously earning dual Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Over the course of her career, Antoinette has served in several PK–8 schools in roles ranging from lead teacher to assistant principal. She has had the honor of working with students who share her background and life experiences—an opportunity that deepened her commitment to making school a joyful, empowering space. She takes particular pride in leading students through project-based science and social studies units that investigate real-world issues and challenge students to develop solutions they can share with their communities. These experiences have shaped her unwavering belief that education is a vehicle for social justice—one that empowers children to become the courageous, purpose-driven leaders our world needs.

For over 13 years, this belief has grounded Antoinette’s work as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. As a teacher, she has been steadfast in building authentic relationships with families, students, and staff, always striving to meet the needs of every learner and empower families as advocates. As a leader, she seeks to cultivate joyful, inclusive school environments that any family would be proud to call their own. Now, as a principal, she brings this vision, along with a wealth of experience, to the challenge and joy of leading, elevating, and growing a school community.