who we are
Your facilitators
Amani elkassabany
Amani Elkassabany is a social justice educator and a trained dialogue facilitator. Of Egyptian heritage, Ms. Elkassabany works to raise awareness about the impact of culture on teaching and learning. Since 2015, she has participated in and facilitated numerous study circles. Ms. Elkassabany believes in the power of dialogue to create empathy, deepen our understanding of each other, and ultimately transform relationships. She has taught English at Wootton since 1999 and has been the staff development teacher since 2007.
nessa vandi
david bitler
David Bitler is a biology teacher here at Wootton and has been a facilitator for over one year. He became a facilitator to better understand students and the barriers that are impacting them day in and day out. He thinks Study Circles is a forum where teachers and students can have frank conversations around these issues and can consider steps to help students move through these obstacles.
Iman Shumburo
Iman is a current Senior at Wootton High School, as a first- generation American of Ethiopian Muslim born parents, she has always seen herself and her family as global citizens. Iman places great value in unity amongst all people and immense trust in the power of genuine dialogue. When nominated as a facilitator she could barely contain her excitement to contribute to an environment that shares these same values. She joined the team with the intention of fostering important conversations between staff and students and hoping to minimize socio-economic and racial barriers that perpetuate the achievement gap. She has mediated many Circles during her time as a facilitator and looks forward to many more as seeing the impact of Study Circles has proven her belief in the power of accessible conversations and opportunities.
Malinda pierce
I have been teaching art for 30 years, the last 12 here at Wootton. Along with my classes in AP Art, Ceramics, and Fashion, I serve on the Sunshine and Wellness Committees. I have been involved with Study Circles for three years, as both a participant and facilitator. I enjoy talking and working with high school students in many venues and am looking forward to many more Study Circles in the future!
dylan horkan
nia cresham
Nia Cresham teaches three AP US Government & Politics classes and is an AP reader. She teaches two Law I & II classes and she is an attorney – and practiced law for many years before teaching. She is the SGA advisor and believes very strongly in student involvement and student voices! She believes in Study Circles because she thinks it is always important to communicate and to try to understand the people around you. There is strength in diversity, there is strength in knowledge, and you can help to get those strengths by communicating and being open to learning about others and helping others to learn about you. There is always something to learn from someone else, even if you do not agree with their point of view, it is important to understand their point of view and to respect it. Study circles help us to practice these types of open conversations about important issues.
anya bijlani
Hi, my name is Anya and I am currently a junior. I have facilitated one study circle. Study circles is a great opportunity to meet people who you wouldn't usually talk to during school and get the chance to share your ideas on how to make the Wootton community a better one. I look forward to seeing you at the study circle in February!
sherri weiss
aneesa salahuddin
Hello, my name is Aneesa. I’m a senior at Wootton, and have facilitated one Study Circle so far. I really like the opportunity to talk about social issues that Study Circles provides students and teachers. Plus there’s friends and free food! I very much recommend you participate in Study Circles; this experience is challenging but worthwhile.