Meet Our Team | Administration

At Kuumba Academy, we believe in the importance of recruiting, retaining, developing, and supporting great teachers and leaders who can help our students meet high standards.

 

Read on to meet our Administration!

Sally Maldonado

Chief Operations Officer

smaldonado@kacsde.org

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Sally Maldonado

Chief Operations Officer<

Education: Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education from University of Delaware; Masters degree in School Leadership from Wilmington University
Experience: Started my professional career in education right here at Kuumba Academy in 2002. Has taught 4th-6th and served as the Academic Dean and Head of School before becoming Chief Operations Officer for Kuumba.
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: smaldonado@kacsde.org
Dana Brittingham

Executive Assistant to the CEO

dbrittingham@kacsde.org

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Dana Brittingham

Executive Assistant to the CEO<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: dbrittingham@kacsde.org
Tara Robbins

Middle School Principal

trobbins@kacsde.org

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Tara Robbins

Middle School Principal<

Education: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with K-12 Principal Certification, and Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement from Immaculata University, Teaching Certification from the University of Delaware, Master's of Fine Arts Degree in Performance & Choreography from Smith College, Bachelor's Degree in Dance from Slippery Rock University
Experience: Before transitioning to the role of Principal, Ms. Robbins served the Kuumba Academy community as an Instructional Coach. She directed the dance program at Cab Calloway School of the Arts for seven years, where she focused on cross-curricular artistic collaborations.  Ms. Robbins taught at DeSales University for ten years and has been invited to many colleges nationwide, where she served as a Guest Artist in Residence. As a passionate arts advocate, she serves on two Boards of Directors, the Delaware Dance Education Organization and the Cab Calloway School Fund, and understands the transferable skills gained in the arts are a powerful asset in teacher leadership.
Fun Fact: Ms. Robbins toured nationally and internationally as a professional dancer and choreographer. She was named the 2023 SHAPE Delaware Dance Education Teacher of the Year. She is obsessed with houseplants and loves the good energy!
Email: trobbins@kacsde.org
Taron Williams

 Elementary Principal

twilliams@kacsde.org

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Taron Williams

 Elementary Principal<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: twilliams@kacsde.org
Sheila Cratic

HR Talent Acquisition Generalist/Benefits

scratic@kacsde.org

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Sheila Cratic

HR Talent Acquisition Generalist/Benefits<

Education: Bachelors Degree-Criminal Justice, Wilmington University, Delaware
Experience: 15+ years as an Administrator, 10 years as a janitorial coach, 3 years Educational Para, 2 years 21st Century Site Administration, 2 years Director of Before & Aftercare Program.
Fun Fact: Love to travel, Love family time, and instperation of my faith.
Email: scratic@kacsde.org
Kenneth Brown

Family Engagement Director

kbrown@kacsde.org

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Kenneth Brown

Family Engagement Director<

Education: B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a M.Ed. fom Cabrini College in Pennsylvania.
Experience: Ken is a founder of Kuumba Academy Charter School and has been with Kuumba since the beginning. 28+ years
Fun Fact: Love to host parties and detail cars.
Email: kbrown@kacsde.org
Najia Wilkins

Middle School Receptionist

nwilkins@kacsde.org

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Najia Wilkins

Middle School Receptionist<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: nwilkins@kacsde.org
John Chestnut

Culture and Climate Specialist

jchestnut@kacsde.org

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John Chestnut

Culture and Climate Specialist<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: jchestnut@kacsde.org
Kareem Gatling

Culture and Climate Specialist

kgatling@kacsde.org

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Kareem Gatling

Culture and Climate Specialist<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: kgatling@kacsde.org
Kaliyna Williams

Restorative Practice Coordinator + Coordinator of Educator Excellence and Experience

kwilliams@kacsde.org

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Kaliyna Williams

Restorative Practice Coordinator + Coordinator of Educator Excellence and Experience<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: kwilliams@kacsde.org
Natasha Lamb

Out-of-School Time Coordinator

nlamb@kacsde.org

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Natasha Lamb

Out-of-School Time Coordinator<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: nlamb@kacsde.org
Eula Hooten

Special Education Director

ehooten@kacsde.org

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Eula Hooten

Special Education Director<

Education:
Experience:
Fun Fact:
Email: ehooten@kacsde.org
Dr. Diamond Lee

Special Education Coordinator

dlee@kacsde.org

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Dr. Diamond Lee

Special Education Coordinator<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: dlee@kacsde.org
Sariah Carr

Data Entry Clerk

sacarr@kacsde.org

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Sariah Carr

Data Entry Clerk<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: sacarr@kacsde.org
Norberto Rivera

Building Engineer/Custodian

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Norberto Rivera

Building Engineer/Custodian<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email:

School Nurse

schoolnurse@kacsde.org

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School Nurse<

Education: EDUCATION
Experience: EXPERIENCE
Fun Fact: FUN-FACT
Email: schoolnurse@kacsde.org
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Access to Arts Education

Through the innovative union of academics, arts, technology, and family engagement, each KACS student’s individual learning style is nurtured—resulting in creative learners who are agents of positive change in the community.

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Reputation for Success

Nearly 800 children have prepared for great futures since the school opened in 2001.

 

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Phenomenal Staff

We believe in the importance of recruiting, retaining, developing, and supporting great teachers and leaders who can help our students meet high standards.

Kuumba Academy Charter School (KACS) is a dynamic learning environment where teachers, families, students, and community partners work together.

Contact Us

1200 North French St.
Wilmington, DE
19801

302.660.4750
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