Meet Our Leadership Team
Our experienced leadership team brings together diverse expertise, unwavering commitment to educational excellence, and a shared passion for developing every scholar's potential. Each leader plays a vital role in creating the supportive, high-achieving environment that defines the DC Scholars experience.
Amy Helms
Head of School
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Amy Helms is a dedicated educational leader who has devoted her career to transforming opportunities for students in underserved communities. As the Head of School at DC Scholars Public Charter School in Washington, DC's Ward 7, she guides a dynamic team of educators in delivering exceptional learning experiences for students from preschool through eighth grade.
Her journey in education began in the classroom, where she spent seven years teaching fourth and fifth-grade English Language Arts. During this time, she distinguished herself by earning a District award for her outstanding ability to meet the diverse needs of all students. This early experience shaped her understanding of how to create inclusive, engaging learning environments that help every student thrive.
Amy's commitment to educational excellence is reflected in her own academic pursuits. After completing her undergraduate studies at Tufts University, she went on to earn a Master's in the Arts of Teaching from American University. Furthering her expertise in educational leadership, she later obtained a Master's in Education Leadership from the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Throughout her career, Amy has developed particular expertise in teacher and leader development, strategic planning, and talent strategy. These skills serve her well in her current role, where she leads a growth-oriented team focused on achieving breakthrough results for their scholars. Her leadership philosophy centers on providing rigorous, innovative, and caring educational experiences that empower students to reach their full potential.
At DC Scholars, Amy combines her classroom experience, academic training, and leadership skills to foster an environment where both educators and students can excel. Her work exemplifies her deep commitment to educational equity and her belief in the transformative power of high-quality education.
LeAngelo Emperator
Chief of Academics and Operations
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LeAngelo Emperator is an accomplished educational leader serving as Chief of Academics and Operations, bringing 13 years of comprehensive experience in education across teaching and administrative roles. He holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies in Elementary Education, forming a strong foundation for his leadership in educational program development.
A founding member of DC Scholars, Mr. Emperator's career began in early childhood and elementary education. He spent eight years teaching students from PreK3 through 3rd grade; his success in the classroom led to progressive leadership roles over the next five years, including Director of Culture and Family Engagement, Elementary Principal, and ultimately Principal overseeing both elementary and secondary education.
As Chief of School Programs, he leverages his expertise in Leadership and Executive Coaching Development to enhance educational outcomes and support professional growth among staff. His leadership approach is particularly focused on creating comprehensive educational programs that serve diverse student populations and promote academic excellence.
Mr. Emperator's educational philosophy is deeply rooted in equity and high expectations, with a particular focus on empowering students from underserved communities. As a Black male educator, he is passionate about creating learning environments where students of color feel seen, heard, and valued. His commitment to transformative education has been recognized through his participation as a panelist for CityTutor DC, where he shared insights on innovative teaching practices.
Throughout his career, Mr. Emperator has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fostering educational environments that combine rigorous academic standards with culturally responsive practices. His experience spanning early childhood through middle school education, coupled with his focus on culture and family engagement, makes him particularly effective in developing comprehensive educational programs that serve diverse student populations.
Osato Omokaro
Associate Director of Operations
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Osato Omokaro is a Jersey-born leader and advocate with over six years of experience in education, both inside and outside the classroom. After relocating to the DMV to pursue her Master’s in Counseling Psychology, she deepened her commitment to student wellness through a thesis focused on the “Implications of Negative Communication in the Educational System”. This powerful research continues to shape her approach to creating supportive, affirming environments for all students.
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, and certification in Mental Health First Aid USA, Osato brings a trauma-informed, equity-centered perspective to her work as Associate Director of Operations at DC Scholars. She leads core operational systems—spanning facilities, technology, safety, enrollment, compliance, and crisis response with the belief that efficient operations are a foundation for academic and emotional success.
Osato is driven by her love for children and a deep-rooted passion for mental health. She blends compassion with strategy, ensuring her work not only supports day-to-day functionality but also reflects a broader commitment to advocacy, access, and whole-child well-being. Her leadership plays a critical role in helping DC Scholars remain a place where students and staff feel seen, supported, and set up to thrive.
Makiri Pugh
Principal
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Mr. Pugh is an accomplished instructional leader and systems strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing student outcomes. He began his career in Guilford County Schools in North Carolina and later returned to Washington, D.C., where he grew as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader, including serving as an assistant principal at Dunbar High School. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at the Maya Angelou Schools & See Forever Foundation, leading network-wide work in curriculum, instructional systems, MTSS implementation, professional development, and academic strategy across multiple campuses. He is known for building strong systems from the ground up, developing leaders, and translating vision into action. His leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to creating the conditions for both young people and educators to thrive.
Sharneise Hedgepeth
Assistant Principal - ECE and Specials
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Sharneise Hedgepeth is an accomplished educational leader serving as Assistant Principal, with extensive expertise in early childhood education and instructional leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development & Family Studies, forming a strong foundation for her educational leadership approach.
With 14 years of combined teaching and leadership experience, Mrs. Hedgepeth has demonstrated exceptional skill in both classroom instruction and administrative roles. Her seven years of teaching experience in PreK3 and PreK4 classrooms were marked by excellence, achieving an impressive 5.11 score in the Instructional Support Domain. This classroom success translated into effective leadership, as evidenced by her coaching performance with a 4.12 score in the same domain.
Mrs. Hedgepeth has progressively advanced in educational leadership, spending four years as an instructional coach for Early Childhood Education before assuming her current role as Assistant Principal of Early Childhood for the past three years. As a certified CLASS Observer, she brings specialized expertise in evaluating and enhancing classroom interactions and instructional quality.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the individuality of each learner and the importance of creating nurturing environments that promote curiosity and creativity. She is particularly skilled at implementing hands-on exploration techniques and building strong relationships that support comprehensive child development across social, emotional, and cognitive domains.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Hedgepeth has consistently demonstrated her commitment to early childhood education excellence, focusing on creating developmentally appropriate learning environments that allow young learners to thrive at their own pace. Her combination of classroom expertise and leadership experience makes her a valuable asset in shaping effective early childhood education programs.
Dr. Rachel Cason
Assistant Principal - Student Support
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Coming soon!
Deborah McClary
Assistant Principal for 3-8 ELA
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Deborah McClary brings nearly two decades of educational excellence to her role as Assistant Principal of 3-8 Humanities at DC Scholars. She has developed expertise across multiple areas of instruction and leadership. Ms. McClary holds a Bachelor of Science from Francis Marion University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.
Now entering her fifth year at DC Scholars, Deborah has witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress and evolution of the organization. She has observed DC Scholars' transformation into an institution that pays careful attention to student needs and responds thoughtfully to those needs. What keeps her deeply committed to DC Scholars is her alignment with the school's vision, mission, and overarching goals, which ground her in the important work of ensuring comprehensive student development.
Deborah is passionate about DC Scholars' commitment to providing students with academic and social development, delivering instruction that prepares them for higher education, and creating opportunities for students to learn about the world around them, ultimately preparing them to become productive citizens. She values being part of an organization that prioritizes developing teachers to transform the learning experience for students.
Samantha Thomas
Assistant Principal - K-2 for ELA/Math
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Samantha Thomas brings over a decade of educational expertise to her role as Assistant Principal for K-2 ELA/Math at DC Scholars. With 12 years dedicated to education, she has cultivated a deep understanding of early childhood learning through her diverse experiences as a PreK-3rd Grade Teacher for nine years and an Instructional Coach for three years.
Samantha holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from the City College of New York and a Master's degree in Reading: Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. This educational foundation has equipped her with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to support young learners in their critical early years.
What drew Ms. Thomas to DC Scholars is the school's unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing community where every student feels valued, loved, and supported. This philosophy perfectly aligns with her own passion for fostering young minds and creating environments where children can thrive. She is particularly inspired by DC Scholars' approach of maintaining high expectations while celebrating every achievement, both big and small, on each student's journey toward excellence.
As an educational leader, Samantha is dedicated to designing joyful learning experiences that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning in every scholar. Her leadership style embodies the core values of passion and persistence, as she works tirelessly to create supportive and collaborative environments where both students and teachers can flourish and reach their unlimited potential. Ms. Thomas is excited to continue her leadership journey at DC Scholars, where she remains committed to contributing to the growth and success of the entire school community.
Tom Sawko
Assistant Principal for 3-8 Math
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Tom Sawko brings a unique blend of technical expertise and educational leadership to his role as Assistant Principal at DC Scholars. With eight years of experience in education, Tom has built a comprehensive understanding of instruction and leadership through his diverse roles as an Elementary Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal.
Mr. Sawko's educational background combines technical proficiency with pedagogical expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. This distinctive combination of engineering knowledge and educational training positions him uniquely to lead STEM initiatives that are both academically rigorous and developmentally appropriate.
What initially drew Tom to DC Scholars was witnessing the extraordinary dedication of teachers to their students. He vividly recalls visiting classrooms two years ago as an instructional coach and observing incredible educators who built strong relationships, delivered rigorous lessons, and made every child feel truly seen. That powerful experience left a lasting impression and solidified his commitment to the DC Scholars community.
Jahlita Williams
Assistant Principal for Student Culture and Family Engagement
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Jahlitta “Coach J” Williams is a dynamic leader and educational professional who combines technical expertise with a passion for student development and family engagement. With a diverse academic background including an Associate's degree in Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications, she brings a unique analytical perspective to this role.
Coach J holds multiple professional certifications, including Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer credentials, as well as comprehensive programming certifications in JavaScript, C++, C, Basic, and Python. She maintains active coaching licenses in both DC and Maryland, demonstrating her commitment to athletics education and professional development. Coach J has held many roles during her career, including: preschool teacher, coach, athletic director, behavior technician, and middle school dean. Each role has strengthened her passion for supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom. A proud Southeast Washington native, Coach J feels that growing professionally and personally in her community at DC Scholars has shaped her into the leader she is today.
Jackie Gold
Director, Talent and Human Resources
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Jackie Gold serves as Director of Talent and Human Resources at DC Scholars Public Charter School, where she brings 20 years of experience in people operations, talent strategy, and organizational leadership. In this role, Jackie leads with a versatile and strategic approach that strengthens both teams and communities. For Jackie, joining DC Scholars feels like a return home to her educational roots—doing the work that grounds her, in the city she loves, and in Ward 7, a neighborhood where she once lived and taught.
Jackie’s path in education began at Teach For America, where she first worked as a recruiter before recruiting herself into a DC-based classroom. She spent several years teaching first grade in two charter school systems across the city, developing a deep commitment to students and families. Called back to her hometown of St. Louis, Jackie went on to serve as a Recruitment Director and later as Director of Talent Systems and Strategy at Teach For America, focusing on hiring, retention, and capacity-building for teachers nationwide. Most recently, she completed the Community Organizing Fellowship with Innovate Public Schools, strengthening her work as a grassroots organizer committed to building the capacity of parents and families to organize, advocate, and demand high-quality schools for their children.
Jackie is also deeply invested in her own community as a parent of two children who attend their neighborhood charter school, where she currently serves as PTO President. She sees her personal and professional lives as interconnected, both guided by her belief that strong schools and empowered families create lasting impact.
Her academic background reflects this dual commitment to communication, equity, and early learning. Jackie earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Missouri–Columbia, followed by a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University.
Throughout her career, Jackie has created, expanded, and managed recruitment and hiring programs that deliver operational excellence while fostering belonging and strong community support. At DC Scholars, she brings her extensive experience, values, and commitment to ensuring the school attracts, develops, and retains the talent needed to provide exceptional educational experiences for all scholars.
Jennifer G. Leonard
Chief Financial Officer
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Jennifer Leonard has committed her career to supporting high quality education, particularly in public schools in the District of Columbia. Jennifer holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA, BS, and MBA from Louisiana State University.
Through her various leadership roles in the DC Deputy Mayor for Education’s office, public schools, and nonprofits, she has developed a keen understanding of the area’s education, policy, and resource landscape. She believes that anything is possible for students if we hold high aspirations coupled with joy, optimism, strategic planning, and effective execution.
Jennifer’s journey at the individual charter school level began at DC Scholars in 2017. She served as Executive Director from 2017 - 2021, during which time she transitioned DC Scholars to an independent LEA. Following her tenure as Executive Director, Jennifer continued supporting DC Scholars as an Executive Coach from July 2021, providing strategic guidance to the Head of School and mentoring directors in areas of her expertise. During this period, she also expanded her impact by supporting several other local charter schools, gaining valuable perspective on best practices across the charter school sector.
Jennifer has advised and worked with education leaders in the public, non-profit, and private sectors, primarily focusing on system and policy changes to improve the lives of children, youth and families. She brings strong management, education policy, and finance & budget experience to the team in addition to a drive for operational excellence.
Connect With Our Leaders
Building strong relationships with families is essential to student success. Our leadership team welcomes the opportunity to connect with you about your child's educational journey, answer questions about our programs, or discuss how we can better serve your family.
