The Fishing School

Leo joined TFS in September of 2007, following over 25 years of senior executive experience with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations. During his time with TFS, the organization has more than doubled the number of students served and nearly tripled its operating budget. Immediately prior to joining TFS, he served as Deputy Executive Director of Membership Mobilization for Amnesty International USA. He was a member of the organization’s senior management team that was responsible for guiding its work and managing a $45 million budget. He provided direct leadership to several national business units focused on youth membership development, advocacy, public education, volunteer recruitment, training, and membership mobilization. His responsibilities also included leading national field operations and national program development in support of the organization’s 700,000 members and over 1,700 student and local chapters. Earlier in his career he served as a founding Deputy Director of the Doug Williams Foundation where he created and managed five city-wide youth programs that reached several thousand students in DC public schools. Leo received a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television from Grambling State University where he was a member of the famed Tiger football team coached by the legendary educator Eddie Robinson.

Quinci joined The Fishing School in August of 2011. Her work experience includes building capacity in organizations working to strengthen vulnerable or underserved communities, and developing nonprofit leaders of color. Quinci holds a Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida A&M University. Her past employment includes the Center for Minority Studies, where she launched her career in capacity building by creating and implementing successful fundraising, human resources, and board development infrastructures for the upstart organization and Fair Chance where she successfully led outreach and capacity building efforts in Washington, DC’s Wards 5 and 6. Quinci is also the founder of the Women Achieving Visionary Excellence Scholarship Fund, a scholarship fund for African American girls from Washington, DC.

Christopher, who commonly goes by Topher, joined TFS in October of 2019. His professional experience includes seven years of nonprofit work supporting both fundraising/development and program implementation. As Senior Program Manager at Playworks of Greater Washington, DC, Topher was responsible for executing their year-round events calendar, stewarding high-level corporate partnerships, and securing multi-year funding to expand into new partner schools through OSSE grants. In addition to strategic planning and fundraising to promote the program mission, Topher expanded Playworks’ program offerings into new markets while leading the management of current partnerships with a focus on delivering high-quality services. Topher also serves as Vice President with the American Latvian Youth Association, leading their volunteer board in strategic planning to better serve their members’ needs. This blend of cross-functional knowledge and expertise provides The Fishing School a great lens to support and elevate the work we do. Topher is passionate about youth development, community engagement, and nonprofit management; he received his Bachelor of Arts in International Service from American University, and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Topher loves living in Washington, DC, and can often be found enjoying the museums, cycling, or cheering on the Wizards!

Porsha joined The Fishing School in May of 2015 and brings to TFS a broad set of experiences from her time teaching abroad, in high risk areas, and with adjudicated youth and adult learners. With over a decade of classroom experience, she has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students and student needs, and she is passionate about continuing to strive to improve outcomes for students from underserved and underrepresented communities. In her program management work, Porsha has designed, coordinated, and implemented more than a dozen co-curricular and experiential learning programs, using institutional data and engaging student advocates. Porsha holds a PhD from the University of Maryland and Masters degrees from Columbia University Teacher’s College (Applied Linguistics) and Mercy College (Urban Education).

Sierra joined TFS in November of 2019. Sierra’s professional experience includes providing leadership, daily operation of sites, and outreach which includes school visits, community group meetings, partnerships, and planning special events. Previously, Sierra served as a Director at Kids Adventures where she managed all aspects of the center, completed administrative duties, was in charge of child and staff safety, and established programs, activities, and services that prepare youth for success. Sierra also served as director and other positions during her time at the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore. Sierra is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. Sierra received her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore and her bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent studies from Bowie State University. At the University of Baltimore, Sierra is a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Ashley joined TFS in December of 2015. Her professional experience includes child care, culinary services, and administrative work. Previously she served as Lead Afterschool Instructor at The Fishing School at Turner Elementary. Ashley has also served as School-Age Teacher at Antioch Childcare Center, where she conducted daily activities for children in a safe environment, including learning activities and art projects. In this role, Ashley prepared the educational materials required to implement the daily lesson plans. Ashley is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Prince George’s Community College. Ashley is passionate about youth empowerment.

Ashley joined TFS in March 2019. Her professional experience includes substituting as well as before and after school teaching. Previously, she has served as a substitute at DC Prep, where she implemented fun ways to keep the students engaged while learning. Ashley has served as a before and after school instructor for Springboard of America for Two Rivers Academy and Imagine – Lincoln Public Charter, and started as a volunteer for F.A.N., another nonprofit program based out of Ft. Stanton Recreation Center in Southeast DC. Ashley is actively involved with The Fishing School as the Site Manager and is passionate about working with the youth of today. Ashley went to North Carolina Central University where she majored in psychology. While there, she was actively involved in a DC-based student group called the Metro Eagles. She also played basketball briefly and was known around campus as “the girl with the skateboard.”

Stacey joined TFS in August of 2019. Stacey’s professional experience includes serving her country, leading community events, volunteerism and much more. Previously, she worked as Lead Instructor at MOMIES TLC, where she lead the 4^th/5^th grade combined class. Stacey has also worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation as Head Facilitator, after being promoted from Assistant Instructor. Stacey served 7 years with the U.S Army as a Supply Sergeant in several states and in countries across the world. Stacey is actively involved with her Neighborhood Community Center as event organizer and building representative. She spends volunteer time in her children’s school and is passionate about the children we serve and their future. Stacey Cook received her High School Diploma in 2003 from Eastern Senior High School. One of her favorite quotes is “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”

Michelle joined TFS in November of 2016 as a volunteer.  Her professional experience includes extensive experience in College Recruiting and Community/Business Development. Previously she served as a high school admissions representative at Westwood College, where she helped non-traditional students manage the pathway to college and employment. Michelle is actively involved with SOFCC Queens in Transition Mentoring Program as Program Support and is passionate about young people being able to access resources to build literacy. Michelle received her degree in liberal arts from Villanova University and her project management certification from UMBC. At Villanova, she also participated in the CREW team for four years.

Cato Johnson joined TFS in April of 2016. Cato’s professional experience includes several years of program coordination and operations support. As a Lead Teacher with various D.C. schools, Cato used fun-filled activities to foster an interest in the applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). He is passionate about facilitating an environment that is nurturing and supportive while providing opportunities for constructive communication and team building among children and their teachers. Cato also volunteered at Master Gutman’s Tae Kwon Do Class in the Capital Hill area. Mr. Johnson received his Associate Degree from the University of the District of Columbia, and obtained his CDA certificate from The Sunshine Learning Center here in the nation’s capital. Cato cherishes opportunities to allow each child to reach their full potential and loves being a role model in his community.

Ja’Naie joined TFS in December of 2019. Ja’Naie’s professional experience includes several years of special education, intervention services, and education administration. She has worked within both the public and private school sectors and enjoys being a part of educational services as they help to mold our future leaders. Previously, Ja’Naie served as a Math and Reading Interventionist at Sacred Heart Bilingual Catholic School where she administered standardized tests and created intervention plans for the entire student body. She also worked as a School Administrator at Parkmont School where she was the head of communications, managed enrollment, and oversaw the internship program. Ja’Naie is passionate about mental health, counseling services, and providing a quality education to students from all economic and cultural backgrounds. Ja’Naie received two degrees from Duke University, a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology, and is currently enrolled in a Master’s program for School Counseling at The George Washington University. At Duke, Ja’Naie was a part of the Focus Honors Program and also a member of the Black Student Alliance. Growing up in a military family, Ja’Naie moved a lot in her childhood but claims Fayetteville, NC as home. She has been a member of the Southeast Washington, D.C. community for the past five years and spends her time exploring local trails and watching the latest movies.

Amber joined TFS in May of 2019. Her professional experience includes maintaining and processing payroll records and reports and preparing and
typing a variety of reports and requisitions. Previously she has served as an office associate at The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, where she prepared status reports regarding initial eligibility/ineligibility outcomes. Amber has also served as a Barista at Starbucks, operations assistant at Executive Signature Services, and as a receptionist at Genetics & IVF. Amber is passionate about experimenting and creating different meals that come to mind. Amber received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University.