This American Education Week (Nov. 17-21), Academy of Hope is celebrating the teachers, administrators, and staff committed to providing high-quality adult education and services that change lives and improve communities.
Join us in honoring our school community and their dedication to AoH learners:
Dr. Sean O’Loughlin, Teacher
Dr. Sean O’Loughlin considers himself an adult learner, too, not starting his post-secondary education until later in his life. After his bachelor’s, he earned his PhD in mathematics from Howard University (HU) a decade later. Since then, he’s taught mathematics at multiple programs, including AoH and HU.
For the last seven years, Sean has made an everlasting impact on learners’ lives. His dedication earned him a 2025 AoH All-Star Award, an employee-nominated honor recognizing his unwavering commitment towards learners and the school’s mission for hope.
Porsha James, Student Support Specialist
Porsha is one of our four Student Support Specialists at AoH. She is dedicated to providing our learners with the resources and encouragement to motivate them to stay in school.
“Supporting our learners deeply shapes who I am—both personally and professionally. Their resilience, curiosity, and determination continually motivate me to show up fully and strive for excellence in the work I do. Each day inspires me to grow, learn, and lead by example so that I can better guide them toward their goals.
Her superpower is creating an interactive community between learners and staff members, frequently organizing school-wide events and celebrations. Many of these events have included educational activities informing learners about financial and physical wellness. For instance, in October, Porsha organized a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, providing a safe space for learners to share their stories and receive help.
Dawn Williams, Lead NEDP Advisor/Assessor
Dawn Williams has almost 20 years of experience in education. Dawn started at AoH in 2016. Her desire to have a direct and immediate impact on learner achievement beyond being a classroom high school teacher led her to adult education.
As Lead Advisor/Assessor, she supports the NEDP team in maintaining data and high standards in learner outcomes and satisfaction. She serves in the daytime program at Ward 8, and currently works with over 60 learners in various roles and phases.
“My favorite part of my job is serving as an advisor. This is where I form some of my strongest bonds with learners, as I am often the main academic support they have while working towards their high school credentials.”
Mary Cabriele, Director of Career and Workforce Services
Mary Cabriele is our Director of Career and Workforce Services at AoH. For over a decade, Mary has designed and implemented training programs that provide certifications for high-demand careers, such as CompTIA, Phlebotomy Technician Training, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training, and more.
Alongside our Employment Specialists, Mary has fostered partnerships with industry leaders and employers in the local community to facilitate job placements for AoH workforce graduates. She has also helped AoH obtain the highest Nursing Aid pass rate in the District of Columbia.
Jamier Jones, Employment Specialist
Employment Specialist Jamier Jones is a seasoned college and career mentor. He is passionate about preparing AoH learners for their careers by providing one-on-one guidance on improving resumes, sharpening their interviewing skills, and finding the right job for them.
Serving in AmeriCorps motivated Jamier to pursue career development. He learned the importance of this work during my time at Philadelphia Job Corps, where he led a project for a construction site to survey over 300 properties for then-Councilmember (now Mayor) Cherelle Parker. The information he gathered helped revitalize Philadelphia’s 9th District.
“It’s rewarding to see learners achieve their dreams because I know I’ve played a small part in helping someone create stability for themselves and their families.”
Dr. Andrea Sparks-Brown, Principal
As an educator with over 35 years of experience, new Ward 5 Principal Dr. Andrea Sparks-Brown has gained progressive leadership experience in the classroom and at the federal level. Prior to AoH, she served as the Chief of Academics for the Department of Labor, where she designed and implemented an academic framework for 13,000 learners nationwide.
“My leadership philosophy centers on the belief that every learner deserves access to high-quality, inclusive instruction that empowers them to thrive academically, socially, and civically.” She’s excited to implement that philosophy at AoH.
Give Back
AoH faculty and staff are deeply committed to helping learners stay on track and achieve their education and career goals. Yet with rising costs due to inflation and unexpected emergencies, many learners face tough choices between paying bills and giving their loved ones a small holiday gift.
You can change that.
By selecting an item from our Amazon Wish Lists, you’ll help a learner experience the joy of giving—without sacrificing essentials like food or transportation. Your gift not only brightens a learner’s holiday, it also lifts the hearts of AoH teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support them every day.
View the Wish Lists and Give Today:
Thank you for bringing a little extra joy to AoH learners and their families this holiday season!
P.S. Please order by November 21 to ensure your gift reaches learners in time for the holidays. On December 2, we’ll host a Holiday Gift Wrapping Party—if you’re local and would like to help, we’d love to have you join us! Contact volunteer@aohdc.org to learn more.