OUR TEAM
Jennifer Cartland, Ed. D.
Executive Director
A lifelong educator, Dr. Jennifer Cartland has led teams, schools, and nonprofits to drive change for youth and youth-serving organizations. Skilled at system design, strategic planning, and innovating, she centers her work in building strong relationships to guide organizational transformation.
In nearly a decade of service as Principal for DCPS’s Capitol Hill Cluster School, Dr. Cartland was instrumental in the development of children and educators across three campuses, serving preschool to eighth grade. She continued in educational leadership roles to mentor, coach, and support transformational educators and school leaders in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Rhode Island. As Senior Director of the Flamboyan Foundation, she mobilized community-based organizations, public charter school networks, and public school district leaders to create new pathways for family engagement to support student achievement.
Most recently as a consultant to the Special Olympics\ and as Executive Director of the Washington Nationals Youth Academy, she championed participation of youth in underserved communities while building effective teams to deliver and expand programming.
Dr. Cartland’s community service extends to service on the board of directors for the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital where she is president of the board of directors. Dr. Cartland was honored as a 2022 Social Impact Women to Watch by Nonprofit HR, which recognized women who exhibit extraordinary leadership in their organizations and the communities they serve.
Dr. Cartland earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from The George Washington University, and a BA from The Catholic University of America.
Development Team
Stephanie Wolfe
Development Director
An avid reader and writer, Stephanie grew up in Westerville, Ohio. As a child, she loved writing short stories and entering them into local competitions. Stephanie earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Women and Gender Studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (Global Concentration, Macro-Practice) from Boston College and a Master’s degree in International and Public Law from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Stephanie also loves learning about different cultures; in 2013, she served as U.S. Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia and is always looking for the next travel opportunity. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit fundraising and community engagement sectors, Stephanie greatly enjoys building new relationships and learning about her community.
Program Team
Amber Edmonds-Thomas
Director of Programs
Literacy Champion | Youth Advocate | Educator
Throughout Amber’s career, she has worn many hats, each one enriching her commitment to student growth and community impact. With a deep-rooted passion for education and empowering young people, Amber brings over a decade of experience as an educator to her role as Director of Program. Driven by the belief that every young person holds the power to create change, Amber designs and leads innovative, youth-centered initiatives that foster leadership, critical thinking, and community impact.
A lifelong reader and advocate for literacy, Amber sees books not only as tools for learning but as a catalyst for transformation. Whether developing curriculum, mentoring teachers and young leaders, or building partnerships, she is committed to creating spaces where youth are seen, heard, and supported in becoming the next generation of changemakers.
When Amber is not facilitating programs or championing youth voices, you’ll likely find her perusing independent bookstores, spending time with family, or binge-watching a series.
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Ebony McGhee-Pippin
Site Coordinator
Ebony was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and, afterward, returned home to serve in Social Services. For nine consecutive years, Ebony has provided both service coordination and job preparation for students ages 14-24. In her most recent role with the Milwaukee Job Corps Center as a Residential Counselor, Ebony mentored female students and worked closely with them to develop sound hygiene practices and interpersonal skills. Additionally, Ebony is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and truly possesses a heart to serve and uplift others, while prioritizing her own professional development.
Morgan Bateman
Site Coordinator
Morgan is the newest member of the Reach team, joining us in March 2024! Morgan received a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is a creative problem-solver who enjoys putting together innovative lesson plans and has developed strong cross-cultural communication and relationship skills. She is a hard-working bilingual English/Spanish teacher who is excited to put her diverse skill sets to use!
Valyncia Hawkins
Program Lead
Valyncia O. Hawkins is a retired District of Columbia Public Schools English Language Arts Instructional Coach. She received her Bachelor of Education degree in Communication and Theater from Chatham University, a Publications Specialist Certificate from George Washington University, and her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University. She has written curricula for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society and NASA Glenn. Valyncia, along with her husband Martin, currently facilitate D.C. Hand Dance classes and workshops around the D.C. metro area.