One of the founders of Independence and former co-director, Erik received his BS in history and geography from Towson University in 1993.  After teaching social studies at Patterson High School for five years, he joined several others and took the leap of faith in 2003 to found a program based on experiential, individualized learning. In particular Erik created the portion of the wilderness program that involved fixing up old bikes, then biking down the C&O Canal while studying local Maryland and Native American history.  Meanwhile, he’s logged some 20 years playing bass and singing in local bands and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in education as a reading specialist at Loyola College, which he received in June, 2010.     

A 1972 graduate from Boston University in political philosophy, Danny also studied with the famous populist historian Howard Zinn before embarking on a blue collar tour of America that lasted 25 years.  He worked in a steel mill in East Chicago, then drove a truck for twelve years while also pursuing his master’s in history.  Then it was on to stints in the cable industry and construction work, until 1990, when Danny helped to found several Quaker schools in Frederick County. It wasn’t until 1999, though, that he synthesized his unique experiences, interest in education and graduate degrees:  Enrolling in the Resident Teachers’ Program, he began teaching history and government at Northwestern High School.  He stayed there for seven years, until Independence School’s mission— including biannual wilderness trips and frequent cultural and historical forays in and around the city— proved too compelling to resist. 

Andy grew up in Indianapolis, home to the Purdue School of Science (IUPUI), where he received his BS in chemistry. In pursuit of his master’s degree, he moved to Baltimore to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he went on to receive his master’s in chemistry and then a Ph.D. in June 2007.  Meanwhile, he began substitute teaching at Patterson High School and found that he enjoyed teaching young students in an urban setting.  Andy is currently trying to raise the level of scientific literacy at Independence High School.

Chris received his BS in math at Towson University in 1993, and two years later, his master’s degree at West Virginia University.  He then began his doctorate and finished all the course work before moving back to Baltimore in 1997, when he became a math instructor at Goucher College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  After enrolling in the Resident Teachers Program, Chris taught math at Patterson High School from 2000 to 2007.  He then joined the staff at Independence, where he teaches transitional math, Algebra I and II, and geometry.

With a BA in philosophy from the New School in 1990 and a year of drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts under his belt the following year, Chris took an unconventional path to teaching.  First, there were five years as a stage actor; then a couple of years at St. Johns in Annapolis, where he received his master’s in liberal studies in 1996; and finally six years in web design and other facets of the computer business.  By 2002, he finally got around to doing what he had meant to do for some time: he quit IBM and became an English teacher—first at Lake Clifton High School and then at ACCE.  In his second year as an advisor at Independence, Chris is a strong advocate for more reading and community service among his students.

After earning her BS in chemistry at the University of the City of Manila in 1989, Jocelyn worked as a process chemist in a paint manufacturing company before beginning to teach chemistry at St. Michael’s Academy in Manila.  A chemistry instructor at the Maritime Academy for five years, and then at the University of Eastern Philippines for six, she also attended law school at night and received her degree in 2005.  At the same time Jocelyn was also pursuing a post-graduate Diploma in Science Teaching with a major in chemistry at the University of the Philippines, Open University, and then, in 2006-2007, a Master of Arts in Special Education, with a major in communication disorders.  (She is planning to return this spring to defend her thesis).  Meanwhile, she was recruited by the BCPSS and came here in 2008, where she plans to stay for at least five years.

A 1972 graduate from Boston University in political philosophy, Danny also studied with the famous populist historian Howard Zinn before embarking on a blue collar tour of America that lasted 25 years.  He worked in a steel mill in East Chicago, then drove a truck for twelve years while also pursuing his master’s in history.  Then it was on to stints in the cable industry and construction work, until 1990, when Danny helped to found several Quaker schools in Frederick County. It wasn’t until 1999, though, that he synthesized his unique experiences, interest in education and graduate degrees:  Enrolling in the Resident Teachers’ Program, he began teaching history and government at Northwestern High School.  He stayed there for seven years, until Independence School’s mission— including biannual wilderness trips and frequent cultural and historical forays in and around the city— proved too compelling to resist. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in history with a minor in education from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY and my master’s degree (M.Ed.) in School Improvement Leadership from Goucher College in Maryland. I have been awarded my Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) from the State of Maryland with an endorsement in Social Studies 7-12 and my Administrator I and II. I am currently looking into doctoral programs in the area.

After one satisfying career as a renal dialysis technician, Cindy began another when she returned to school and received her BA in psychology from Coppin State in 2000.  For the next five years she dedicated herself to children with mental and/or physical disabilities, teaching at Leith Walk Elementary, Patterson High School and Southwest Charter School.  Arriving at Independence in 2007, Cindy immediately became a crowd favorite, earning the nickname “Mama” from all of the students, a handful of teachers, and one pizza lady up the street.  By 2009, she had also earned her master’s in education as a reading specialist from Loyola College, as well as her master’s in urban education from Sojourner-Douglass College.      

A Baltimore City native, Raymonda received her high school diploma from Lake Clifton High School, her BA in social work from Morgan State University and her MA in social work from the University of Maryland before working in Child Protective Services for the Department of Social Services in Baltimore for 17 years. She switched to the Baltimore City Public School System in September, 2005.  “I feel like I’m helping more in this position,” she said about her work at Independence and Westside Elementary.  “I wanted to work with children directly.”