Mia Chang
Assistant Staff Director - Rising Star Elementary
​My name is Mia Chang, and I’m a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Education and a concentration in Social Sciences. I’m thrilled to return for a second summer with School Connect WA, where I can continue pursuing my passion for supporting children’s academic and personal growth. I find great joy in building meaningful relationships with students and their families, and I’m eager to be part of their development journey once again. Outside of work, I love spending time with close friends and family, serving in my church community, reading, and expressing creativity through doodling. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead and grow alongside the amazing team at School Connect WA!
Najma Mohamed
Program Assistant - Rising Star Elementary School
Bio coming
Gigi Solis
Program Assistant - Dearborn Park Elementary
My name is Gigi Solis, and I’m a teacher at Rising Star Elementary. Teaching in this community is deeply meaningful to me because it’s where I grew up—and where my family still lives. South Seattle is home, and that connection fuels my passion for making a positive impact.
I believe my shared background with the students will help me build strong, meaningful relationships and allow me to make a real difference in their lives, even in a short time.
Mason Chang
Summer Intern - Dearborn Park Elementary
Hi, I’m Mason Chang, an incoming engineering major at Seattle Pacific University. I love staying active through sports—especially tennis—and also enjoy playing drums on my church’s youth worship team.
I’m excited to join School Connect WA as a Team Sports & Recreation Intern because I want to help make sports like tennis more accessible to students in underserved communities. I also look forward to supporting their academic growth and encouraging them to build confidence both on and off the court.
Aaron Kern
Program Assistant - Dearborn Park Elementary
Hello! My name is Aaron (AKA Mr. A) and I’ve been working at Dearborn Park Elementary for going on 4 years now. I grew up in Central Seattle, and my family has lived in South Seattle for over 100 years. This community is incredibly important to me, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with these students. I enjoy playing baseball, watching good movies, going skiing, eating my way through our city’s great restaurants, and spending time with my dog (Brody), and cat (Stitch). Looking forward to an exciting summer filled with inspiring academic confidence.
Esmeralda Jimenez Cortes
Summer Intern (Spanish) - Dearborn Park Elementary
Our multilingual Youth Intern works closely with Spanish-speaking students and families to facilitate literacy and math success. They help reach and support a diverse group of students with their bilingual skills.
Jared Jackson
Program Assistant - Rising Star Elementary
Hello! I’m Jared Jackson (he/him), a class of 2025 graduate in Political Science at the University of Washington with a minor in Public Policy. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where all students feel supported and confident. This summer, I’m excited to serve as a Lead Classroom Teacher at Rising Rocket Academy. I bring experience in mentoring youth through programs like FIUTS and the City of Tukwila, along with a strong background in child safety, enrichment planning, and educational leadership. Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing volleyball and exploring local art. I’m looking forward to a fun and impactful summer of learning and growth!
Ally Bierschenk
Summer Intern - Rising Star Elementary
My educational philosophy is to create a positive learning environment where the students feel safe and supported. Over the last year with City Year, I have worked 50 hours a week at Rising Star mainly with 3rd grade students, learning the ins and outs of what methods are most effective with which personalities. Because of this, I feel confident in keeping students motivated during the summer. During my undergrad, I volunteered in a 4th grade class helping with their Deaf and Hard of hearing students. Both of these experiences have shown me how adaptable students are and have motivated me to continue to help create the best environment for them to learn in
Barnabas Lee
Summer Intern - Rising Star Elementary
Hello! My name is Barnabas and I recently graduated this previous summer with a Bachelor’s in Community Psychology. Over this past year I have worked at City Year Seattle as a student success coach at Rising Star Elementary. I primarily worked inside of a 3rd grade classroom tutoring both math and literacy. I also led an afterschool science club for K-2 students. When I work with young students I strive to create a school environment where students know they are capable learners. I believe that before learning can take place, students need to first feel welcomed into the school as young people.
Charlotte Adams
Program Assistant - Rising Star Elementary
My name is Charlotte Adams and I am graduating from the University of Washington this June! I am majoring in Education and history with a minor in Labor Studies. I have spent the last two and a half years working at a large after school program and have fallen in love with working in the education field. I believe that a welcoming educational environment is the key to learning. A priority should be placed on student’s confidence in themselves and as educators, it is our role to create an accepting environment for all who can freely express themselves. Just as every person is unique, so are their learning styles. In order to conduct a successful program, I hope to get to know each of the youth so that we can understand what works best for each person. I’m excited for this program!
Kalie Vo
Program Assistant - Dearborn Park Elementary
I want to teach this summer because summer is a time when students are usually less stressed than during the typical academic year and tend to act more comfortably as themselves. I want to create safe spaces for joyful learning experiences while also using the summer to hone my skills and prepare for my continued work in SPS this upcoming year as an Academic Interventionist intern at Franklin High School!
Sofia Ybarra
Summer Intern - Rising Star Elementary
Sofia is excited to start her new role supporting students and helping them enjoy learning. She brings experience from her time as a Team Read Reading Coach at Kimball Elementary during the 2024–2025 school year, where she discovered a passion for education and mentoring. Sofia is eager to continue making a positive impact and helping students grow with confidence.
Jessie Gillmore
Summer Intern - Rising Star Elementary
Bio coming
Owen Harwood
Summer Intern - Rising Star Elementary
Hi! I’m Owen, and I’m a fourth-year student at the University of Washington. I’m majoring in Psychology and Education, hoping to become a school psychologist in the future!
I’m very passionate about social and emotional learning, and am super excited to apply what I’ve learned so far in my undergrad to the classroom setting. In the past, I’ve worked as a water safety instructor and have volunteered extensively with Best Buddies–a nationwide organization that’s all about increasing opportunities and involvement for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities–so I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned from these experiences to my role at the Rising Rocket Academy!
In my free time, I love to go bouldering, read, and spend time with my cat, Smokey.
Samara Desai
Summer Intern - Daniel Bagley Elementary
I am a rising 11th grader at Holy Names Academy. During the 2024–2025 school year, I worked with 5th-grade students at Daniel Bagley Elementary, which helped me learn how to support younger students and build meaningful connections. In my free time, I enjoy playing chess, rowing, and listening to music. I’m excited to be part of this summer program because I love working with kids and want to help them feel confident and excited about learning. I’m looking forward to making new memories, learning alongside the students, and creating a fun, welcoming space for everyone this summer.
Manuel Ramirez-Alonso
Program Assistant - Daniel Bagley Elementary
Hi, I'm Manuel! I’m a fourth-year student at the University of Washington, majoring in Education, and originally from Spain. Growing up bilingual in Spanish and English has given me a deep appreciation for connecting across cultures and supporting others in finding their voice. I’ve had the opportunity to work with kids in many settings—from surf camps in Spain to tutoring in California—and I love helping young people grow in confidence and curiosity. Over the past year, I’ve also volunteered with School Connect WA, where I’ve seen just how powerful it can be when students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. I’m excited to keep learning and giving back this summer as part of a passionate and caring team.
Amirah Melvin
Program Assistant - Daniel Bagley Elementary
Hello! My name is Amirah Melvin and I am eagerly excited to be working at School Connect Washington’s summer school program. I am a Seattle native and currently transitioning into my junior year at Hampton University. I’m so excited and blessed to have this opportunity to pour into these wonderful students and be apart of this wonderful community. I’m so excited get to know everyone and have a wonderful summer!
Rose Lulengo
Program Assistant - Rising Star Elementary
Hello, my name is Rose Lulengo. I am currently a 3rd year college student working to earn my degree in addiction counseling with a focus on youth. I have always loved helping people and encouraging others to with a determination to achieve their goals. As I work with youth and build relationship with them. I will be culturally competent through interactive and collaborative learning sessions in the classroom. Making it a goal to cultivate a space that encourages critical thinking and interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills.​