KIPP DC INNOVATE - Igniting and Empowering the Future of Learning
MISSION
At KIPP DC Innovate, we are committed to fostering a joyful and inclusive community, empowering students through excellence and growth, and igniting a strong sense of purpose and self-advocacy.
VISION
We envision a future where every student becomes a confident, empowered, and globally-minded adult. Through a supportive, joyful, student-centered, and rigorous virtual learning space, we are committed to advancing equity and advocacy for all KIPP DC families.
SPARKS SHINE - ALL THE TIME!
CORE VALUES
S.P.A.R.K.S
🌟 S – Self-Advocacy:
Speak up for yourself and others, ask for help when needed, and take charge of your learning and growth.
🔥 P – Perseverance:
Embrace challenges, stay committed to your goals, and push forward even when things get tough.
💡 A – Accountability:
Take responsibility for your actions, words, and learning while holding yourself and others to high standards.
🚀 R – Respect:
Value yourself and others by showing kindness, listening actively, and embracing diverse perspectives.
✨ K – Knowledge:
Seek learning in all areas, think critically, and apply your knowledge to innovate and create.
⚡ S – Service:
Contribute to your community, support those around you, and use your skills to make a positive impact.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Kelly Casagrande
Director & Principal of KIPP Innovate
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Caitlin Maxwell
Director of School System Innovation
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Jenna Omokanye
Director of High School Programming
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Candice Davis
Manager of Student Success
KELLY CASAGRANDE
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I chose to work, develop, and support the creation of KIPP DC Innovate because I believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives. My passion lies in ensuring every student has access to meaningful learning, no matter their background or circumstance. Innovate was built on the commitment to provide new opportunities, to personalize and differentiate learning in ways that truly meet the needs of our diverse learners. I believe that all students can learn—and that it is our responsibility to remove every barrier in their path. That’s the work Innovate does every day. It ignites and empowers the future of learning by meeting students where they are and pushing them toward their full potential.
Work Superpower:
My super power is I am the ultimate multi-tasker
Hobbies:
I love coaching, sports, shopping, and hanging out with my family and friends
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I desire for all my Sparks to feel empowered—not just by what they learn, but by how they grow. Whether they’re mastering a new concept, building confidence as readers, or finding their voice, my mission is to ensure every student knows their growth matters and their brilliance belongs here.
Contact Info
email: kelly.casagrande@kippdc.org
CAITLIN MAXWELL
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I researched, designed, and have supported the virtual learning program for five years because I believe that our families deserve choice in what school looks like for their child. Not all students thrive virtually, and not all students thrive in the traditional education model. Our families get to choose an option that is best for them!
Work Superpower:
My super power is I researched, designed, and have supported the virtual learning program for five years because I believe that our families deserve choice in what school looks like for their child. Not all students thrive virtually, and not all students thrive in the traditional education model. Our families get to choose an option that is best for them!
Hobbies:
Trail running, fostering puppies, taking my niece and nephew on adventures, gardening
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
that they thrive in the virtual setting and become true citizens of the 21st century!
Contact Info
email: caitlin.maxwell@kippdc.org
JENNA OMOKANYE
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I chose to work at Innovate VLP because it offers both flexibility and accountability, helping students take ownership of their learning. The virtual environment encourages students to become self-starters and develop strong time management skills. These habits not only support academic success now but also prepare them for the independence required in college and beyond.
Work Superpower:
My super power is finding joy in all circumstances
Hobbies:
Spending time with my family, swimming, walks, spending time with friends
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
To feel confident in the gifts and knowledge they have been given and are working on.
Contact Info
email: jenna.omokanye@kippdc.org
CANDICE DAVIS
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I chose to work at KIPP DC Innovate because I believe in leveraging technology's transformative potential in education to help create more equitable access. I believe in fostering flexible and inclusive learning environments that meet diverse student needs and encourage innovative teaching methods. My commitment to making quality education accessible to all, regardless of geographical barriers, ultimately guided my decision.
Work Superpower:
My super power is compassion and equity
Hobbies:
Writing and traveling in my free time
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope that every one of our SPARKS continues to cultivate the skills required for success in academic environments while also developing their skills as humans.
Contact Info
email: candice.davis@kippdc.org
INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM
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Clarke Cooper
5th/6th ELA & Social Studies Teacher
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Kelsey Murray
5th/6th Math & Science Teacher
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Nadrienna Damaris
7th/8th ELA & Social Studies Teacher
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Tim Jackson
7th/8th Math & Science Teacher
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Andrea Scott
Enrichment Teacher
CLARKE COOPER
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I chose KIPP DC Innovate because it provides scholars and families with a forward-thinking, academically rigorous, caring, and engaging educational environment. At Innovate, I, as the teacher, can create a student-centered learning environment where every day offers KIPPsters the chance to ignite a love for language and literature.
Work Superpower:
My work super power is that I am A Super Reader!
Hobbies:
My hobbies are reading, cooking, and traveling.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
is to ignite a love for language and literature.
Contact Info
email: clarke.cooper@kippdc.org
KELSEY MURRAY
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
Innovate is exactly as the name applies! This school allows students and teachers to reimagine what school looks like and how students are given opportunities for learning. I love the ability to teach students of all abilities in the same classroom using technology to aid in differentiation and creative teaching strategies. Beyond the instruction, I love the close community we have built at Innovate given the opportunity to loop with students and specialize in specific content areas. Everyday teaching with Innovate feels joyful, exciting, and meaningful.
Work Superpower:
Connecting to the students and keeping joy in learning.
Hobbies:
When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, exploring new hikes, going to the gym, reading, camping, playing games and cards, and traveling.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope every student knows that they are loved and they absolutely can do any academic task they set their hearts, minds, and time to. There are definitely challenges, but through those challenges is where we can really grow. We love seeing your face in class. Your ideas and opinions are truly valued in our virtual space.
Contact Info
email: kelsey.murray@kippdc.org
NADRIENNA DAMARIS
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I can reach students in a virtual setting and help them to reach their goals when they are unable to attend brick and mortar school.
Work Superpower:
I don't know if I have a super power. I believe in the power of a new day. Give each day your best and look to learn something new.
Hobbies:
I have a hobby of trying out new hobbies! But I especially love dancing, singing, Kazaxe, reading, bike riding and hanging around any large body of water.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
That they embrace who they are and find a future doing what they love.
Contact Info
email: nadrienna.damaris@kippdc.org
TIM JACKSON
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
My commitment to student-centered education closely aligns with KIPP DC Innovate’s mission of putting students at the heart of everything we do. I believe schools should equip students not only with strong academic foundations but also with the real-world skills they need to thrive beyond the classroom. Additionally, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact of cultivating a strong virtual learning community. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to a team that values innovation, equity, and deep relationships with students and families.
Work Superpower:
My super power is efficiency.
Hobbies:
Sports | Video Games | True Crime | Video Creati and Editing
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope that each of our SPARKS feels empowered to achieve their personal and academic goals this year and beyond.
Contact Info
email: timothy.jackson@kippdc.org
ANDREA SCOTT
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
At KIPPDC Innovate, the staff truly care about putting students first. Although traditional in-person classrooms will always have a place in education, for some students, virtual learning can be a powerful tool. KIPPDC Innovate can be an option that improves educational experiences, offering ways to supplement and enrich the curriculum and create a more balanced, productive environment for students.
Work Superpower:
My super power is to build strong relationships with my students. In my classes, there is a mutual respect and care for one another.
Hobbies:
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy traveling locally and internationally with my husband, young son, and two dogs.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope each student can find what truly makes them SPARK and together we can work towards that electric goal!
Contact Info
email: andrea.scott@kippdc.org
SUPPORT TEAM
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Casey Scully
ELA Special Education
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Amanda Jackson
Math Special Education
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Bryanna Herrera
Instructional Aide & Website Manager
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Mary Lohoury
Mental Health Practitioner
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Angela Keila
Speech Language Pathologist
CASEY SCULLY
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
Virtual learning is a great fit for students who may have had a tough time in the building, and I love getting to be a part of many student's first positive school experience. The flexibility of KIPPDC Innovate allows students to access a fabulous education, no matter where they are or where they're going. I'm also lucky to teach alongside some of the best teachers from all over the country!
Work Superpower:
My work super power is the power of BELONGING! Making sure every single student feels seen and wanted, every single day.
Hobbies:
I love hobbies! I enjoy reading, writing poetry, cooking/baking, camping, hiking, thrifting, sculpting pottery, and film photography.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
That you end the year feeling more capable and confident than when you started, both at school and in the world!
Contact Info
email: casey.scully@kippdc.org
AMANDA JACKSON
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
Virtual education can be empowering and transformational for students, and I see evidence of it at KIPP DC Innovate! Our staff and students are a part of a community that feels like family, and I am consistently proud of the wonderful things that our scholars accomplish.
Work Superpower:
My curiosity and love of learning. I can help a student with any and all subjects - and will likely have a fun time doing it!
Hobbies:
I love puzzles - any and all kinds! Also, I love a good outdoor adventure. Hiking, biking, kayaking, ziplining, sign me up for all of it.
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope each of our Sparks find the courage to make the daily decision to be the best version of themselves that they can be, even if it's different from what others expect.
Contact Info
email: amanda.jackson@kippdc.org
BRYANNA HERRERA
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
Virtual learning is a great fit for students who may have had a tough time in the building, and I love getting to be a part of many student's first positive school experience. The flexibility of KIPPDC Innovate allows students to access a fabulous education, no matter where they are or where they're going. I'm also lucky to teach alongside some of the best teachers from all over the country!
Work Superpower:
My work super power is focusing on the details! While I prioritize the main ideas and bigger pictures, I always make sure that the details are accounted for. Nothing is too small to be considered insignificant!
Hobbies:
When I am not helping our teachers shape young minds I enjoy baking, cooking, crafting, and yoga!
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
I hope our students understand the opportunities they have ahead of them! That they continue to work hard to make their dreams a reality and their passions a driving force for the future!
Contact Info
email: bryanna.herrera@kippdc.org
MARY LOHOURY
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
I believe KIPP DC Innovate is a model school for high-quality online learning, where both staff and students strive to learn, engage, and bring their personal best!
Work Superpower:
My superpower is multiplying myself
Hobbies:
Working out, watching sports (Go Niners and Warriors!), spending time with family and friends, discovering new eats
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
That each and every student has a sense of belonging to KIPP DC Innovate
Contact Info
email: mary.lohoury@kippdc.org
ANGELA KEILA
Why KIPP DC Innovate?
Work Superpower:
Hobbies:
One thing I hope for our SPARKS…
Contact Info
email: angela.keila@kippdc.org
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