Meet our Teachers

At Harrisburg Global Academy, our teachers are passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. Through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to academic excellence, our educators create a positive learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. We are proud to have a team of dedicated professionals who work together to prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Marqutia Locke

Kindergarten

I bring over 20 years of experience in education and love creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel supported, build confidence, and thrive as learners while partnering with parents to support each child’s growth and success.

Lorraine Diaz

Kindergarten

My name is Lorraine Diaz and I’m so excited to teach kindergarten this year! I have a Bachelor’s Degree from UNC Charlotte and live in Mint Hill with my husband and our daughter, Daisy. I love traveling (especially to the beach), reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I hope you had a wonderful summer break and look forward to seeing you in my classroom!

Erica Graesslin

Kindergarten

With nearly a decade of experience working with children in both formal and informal settings, I cherish the opportunity to be part of each child’s foundational years, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning while helping them discover their unique strengths and watching their confidence blossom.

Ivette Simmons

Kindergarten

As a Bilingual educator with five years of experience and a master’s degree, I create inclusive, engaging learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Chelsie Tucker

Kindergarten

I am excited to join the Harrisburg Global Academy family as a Kindergarten teacher! As I begin my 16th year in education, I bring experience as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and Curriculum Specialist. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping young learners build strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. I earned my Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Liberty University, and I am committed to creating meaningful learning experiences while building strong partnerships with students, families, and colleagues.

Karen Howell

1st Grade

My name is Karen Howell. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Children’s Literature, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in Reading. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to teach students in kindergarten through fourth grade in public, private, and charter schools. I love helping students grow academically and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Jennifer Truong

1st Grade

Throughout my years of teaching, I have loved having the opportunity to touch the future without being in it. While I strive to guide and inspire my students, they continually teach, challenge, and inspire me in return, making every day in the classroom meaningful.

Nesreen Barazi

1st Grade

I am delighted to begin this new chapter with the HGA community. I have over 12 years of experience in public, private, and international schools, and I truly enjoy helping students learn, grow and gain confidence in themselves. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels welcome, supported and excited to come to school each day.

Thomas Carrington

2nd Grade

Each year, as I begin my 8th year in teaching, I strive to use my personality and passion for teaching to engage students in meaningful learning, foster their social, emotional, and academic development, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for learning and discovery.

Natalie Randolph

2nd Grade

Hello! I’m Ms. Randolph! I’m passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom where every student feels supported and encouraged to grow. I believe in fostering curiosity, building strong relationships, and helping students develop confidence both academically and personally.

Zakiyah Everette

2nd Grade

With nearly 16 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, I am passionate about creating warm, engaging learning environments where every child feels supported and encouraged to succeed.

Lakeisha Funderburk

3rd Grade

I bring energy, creativity, and a love of learning to every classroom, creating engaging experiences that encourage curiosity, celebrate diverse perspectives, and prepare students to thrive in a global community.

Brandi Viola

3rd Grade

Hi! My name is Mrs. Viola, and I am coming to HGA with over 20yrs experience within elementary education. I have a MA in Sp. Education and enjoy working with all types of academic abilities. I am dedicated, passionate, and kind. It is my goal for my students to all succeed and enjoy learning.

April Jones

5th Grade

This will be my 17th year teaching. I am excited to join the HGA team and help open my 2nd charter school. Looking forward to creating a positive teaching environment which challenges and stimulates young minds to become lifelong learners.

Susan MacLeod

5th Grade

As a dedicated and passionate Science Teacher, I enjoy supporting students’ learning by incorporating teamwork, discussion, and engaging activities.

Samantha Davis

School Counselor

With 17 years of experience in teaching, counseling, and educational leadership, I am passionate about building strong partnerships with students and families through support, connection, and empowerment to foster academic, social, and emotional growth to help every child reach their full potential.

Carson Gray

Music Teacher

My favorite part of teaching after four years in elementary school is getting to know my students not just as students, but also as people with unique personalities, abilities, and learning styles. Watching them grow and building relationships with them is the best part of this profession.

Devin Christie

Physical Education

I am going into my 8th year of education, and am excited to be joining the HGA team. I look forward to working with students across all ages, and showing them that hard work will lead to successes. I am looking forward to an amazing year with all students, teachers, and staff.

Shadora Abraham

ML Teacher

I am a bilingual Multilingual Learner Specialist with over 10 years of experience who is passionate about fostering student confidence, academic growth, and well-being.

Deborah Birosik

Art Teacher

With over 20 years of experience as an Art teacher, I believe in creating a nurturing, safe, creative, and positive atmosphere for my students to find their unique voices and joy of art making through hands-on exploration of diverse mediums, skills, and techniques.

Laquita Carter

STEM Teacher

Hello! I’m Ms. Carter, the STEM Teacher/Coordinator at Harrisburg Global Academy. I am from the coast of North Carolina and went to Queens University for my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. I have over 13 years of experience in education, with the majority of my career spent serving students in Charlotte, North Carolina. I earned my master’s degree in Educational Leadership and am passionate about creating hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Santiago Banos

Spanish Teacher

With two decades of dedicated experience in elementary education and bilingual pedagogy, I am a passionate educator committed to transforming second-language acquisition into a joyful, lifelong journey. My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that language learning flourishes best in a safe, nurturing, and predictable environment—one where students feel secure enough to take risks, explore new cultures, and fully engage with the Spanish language. My pedagogical approach is anchored by a solid academic foundation, holding a degree in Elementary Education alongside a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Sofia Biniaminov

SPED Teacher

I have worked in education for 17 years, serving in schools in New York City, Florida, and South Carolina. Throughout my career, I have held roles ranging from special educator to site coordinator, supporting student learning and growth across a variety of educational settings.

Kamilah Trice

Teacher

This is year 10 for me. I teach to inspire lifelong learners. I love giving scholars great experiences throughout the school year. I am very big on mental health and providing children with a safe space with me and within our classroom.

Angela Bohannon

Teacher

Hello! My name is Angela Bohannon, and I am excited to be part of the Harrisburg Global Academy family. I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education and have over 16 years of experience working with children, including several years as a special education teacher supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Anna-Marie Hanlon

Front Office Secretary

My name is Anna-Marie Hanlon, and I am pleased to join the HGA family as the Front Office Secretary.

I recently relocated to South Carolina from New Hampshire, where I served as a Learning Skills Specialist at a boarding school. After becoming a grandmother, I decided to make the move so I could be closer to my daughter and grandson, who now call South Carolina home.