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.

Kindergarten

Marqutia Locke

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.

Hailey Notino

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in reading at East Carolina University. This will be my second year teaching kindergarten, and I bring with me 5 years of experience teaching in preschool, where I worked with a variety of children. I feel so fortunate to begin this next chapter of my teaching journey here with such a fantastic community!

Erica Graesslin

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 Rodriquez-Simmons

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

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.

1st Grade

Karen Howell

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

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

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.

Victoria Loomis

Hi! My name is Victoria Loomis and prior to the last few years of being home with my two sons, I have six years of experience in education. I’ve taught Kindergarten, First grade, and high school ESOL! I’m looking forward to working with all of you and getting back into the classroom!

2nd Grade

Thomas Carrington

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.

Zakiyah Everette

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.

Nichola Gayle

Natalie Randolph

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.

3rd Grade

Lakeisha Funderburk

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

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.

Xiomara Smith

Hello Harrisburg Global Academy families! My name is Xiomara Smith. I’m originally from Panamá, a proud military spouse to my retired Naval Officer husband, a mother of three amazing adult children, and a grandmother to three beautiful girls. I’m bilingual and a native Spanish speaker, and I truly value the cultural and linguistic diversity our students and families bring to our school. I’ve spent over 20 years in education, teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Supporting students through strong literacy practices and meaningful, data‑driven instruction is at the heart of my work. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and my Master of Science degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University.
I’m excited to join Harrisburg Global Academy and look forward to meeting each of you! Together, we’ll build a joyful, supportive, and successful learning experience for every child.

4th Grade

Wanda Reid

Wanda attended historic Spelman College, Atlanta, GA and Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC where she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Marketing & Broadcast Journalism. Wanda is currently a candidate for Master of Teaching & Learning in Elementary Education, at Voorhees University, Denmark, SC. Her 25+ years of Broadcast and Communication has now transformed into a 2nd career spanning 6 years of teaching elementary children to be they can be.

Zarreah Dent

Zarreah Dent is an experienced educator and educational leader with seven years of experience in education. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Zarreah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies, Cum Laude, from Spelman College and her Master of Education in Education Policy and Administration from American University. Throughout her career, Zarreah has served as a classroom teacher, grade-level leader, instructional coach, program manager, and Director of Education. Her experiences have allowed her to work with students across multiple grade levels and subject areas while also engaging in education policy and equity work focused on creating more equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for students. Zarreah is passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning environments, building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and helping students grow both academically and personally.
Outside of education, Zarreah enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring new places, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys picking up new hobbies and experiences, including pottery and horseback riding. She is excited to join the school community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families!

5th Grade

April Jones

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

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

6th Grade

Ebony Lawhorn

I am excited to begin my 10th year of teaching middle school English. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, a master’s degree in Teaching, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Instructional Design and Technology. As a member of the International English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, I am passionate about fostering a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking.
My goal is to create a supportive, engaging classroom where every student is challenged to grow as a reader, writer, and thinker. I am committed to cultivating the next generation of literary scholars, educators, writers, and leaders by providing a transformative middle school English experience that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Elective Teachers

Santiago Baños-Cruz

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.

Laqueita Carter

STEM Teacher / Coordinator

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.

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 Teacher (PE)

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.

Mary Palmer

Physical Education Teacher (PE)

Hi everyone! My name is Mary Palmer, and I’m so excited to be joining Harrisburg Global Academy as a PE teacher!

My passion for athletics and working with children has been a huge part of my life. I have experience coaching swimmers of all ages and currently serve as a high school swim coach, as well as coaching competitive swimmers through the YMCA.

I also have experience teaching PE, where I’ve loved creating fun, engaging activities that help students develop confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of being active.

I believe PE should be a place where every student feels included, encouraged, and excited to participate. I love getting creative with activities and challenging students in fun and unique ways while helping them grow both on and off the court.

I’m so excited to begin this next chapter at Harrisburg Global Academy and can’t wait to get to know my students and their families!