Valerie
Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi
“It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.”
-Sankofa
Valerie (she/her) is entering her 4th year at PSCS and has over 20 years experience in education. She spent 14 years teaching in independent schools, including 13 years at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, FL, is certified in Conflict Transformation through Imani Works, a non-governmental organization of the United Nations, and is trained in or holds certification in creative facilitation, youth mental health first aid, restorative practices, neuro-divergent teaching/administrative strategies, racial and gender equity and identity facilitation, and organizational leadership.
Val is also an instructional coach focused on culturally responsive practices and historical fidelity. She is a curriculum developer focused on equitable representation and restoration, as well as collaborative impact, decolonizing education, mentorship, and youth empowerment. Val brings with her a depth of knowledge and experience, which includes education and programming, as well as music, performance, and all things creative.
Although she spent seven years near Nashville, Tennessee prior to moving to Seattle, Val was born and raised in and around Boston, Massachusetts. As a child she spent a lot of time in Harvard Square in Cambridge, surrounded by buskers, academics, skate boarders, and musicians. “All of these people, known and unknown to me, influenced how I view the intersectionality of our world. Summers on Walden Pond and Martha’s Vineyard allowed this Pisces time to splash around in the water and connect with nature.”
Val was influenced by her first shop class in elementary school and for many years, wanted to be a carpenter when she “grew up.” If I had a shop again I’d make toys for my daughter. I find peace when I have time to sew, knit, and make jewelry.” She loves sharing her favorite things with her daughter: reading, playing music, dancing, cooking and baking! “I can’t wait to take my daughter to her first live music show as music has been an integral part of my life.”
Why PSCS?
“This community is dedicated to working together to confront systemic inequities through education. The self-reflective work each community member does, is essential to helping us uncover the truths lost to many traditional models and requirements in the education system. PSCS knows this is ongoing work-and each day we put in effort we grow stronger together.”