Mrs. Brenda Saravia (Community Based Organization Clinician, LPC, NCC, BC- TMH)
I am grateful and honored to work in partnership this year as the Community Based Organization (CBO) Clinician for such a wonderful school- Dorothy Height Elementary School. This is my seventh year as a mental health counselor. I have always provided my work and service in the DC area and really do enjoy working with our children, families, and all stakeholders and being able to increase awareness in mental health.
When I am away from work I truly enjoy spending my time with my precious family where it includes my husband, my three year old son and our next baby who will be here soon in the summer! We enjoy going out for long walks, hiking, going to the park, playing sports, cooking and anything that will make us feel relaxed and at peace and maintaining our gratitude for everything that surrounds us. Being surrounded by my boys at home is truly a blessing and where there is always fun and laughter going on.
It has been a pleasure to work at DHES and I continue to look forward to being able to serve our wonderful students, families, and staff!
I am currently the CBO Clinician who is working with the following grade levels:
Third grade
Fourth grade
Fifth grade
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Jennifer Murphy (DC Department of Behavioral Health Therapist, MSW, LICSW)
I support and serve all grades, with a focus on PK3-2, this year.
I am so happy to be a DHES Monarch! This is my second year here as a full-time clinician and clinical social worker from the city’s School Mental Health Program(DBH). I was in the same position at a charter school in Ward 8 for four years, before coming to DHES. This is my 26th year as a social worker in Washington, DC. I love working with students individually, and in their classrooms, and it is a privilege to partner with parents and families as we focus on the health and wellness of our school community.
When I am not at school, I love spending time with my husband, Scott, who is a high school teacher, and our three sons, Dylan(21), Aidan(19), and Kieran(11). We are all huge sports fans and love playing, coaching, and cheering on our favorite teams. I also love to work in my garden, read books, and take pictures.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-568-0882
Ms. Mignote Yirdaw (School Counselor, M.A. School Counseling Certified K-12th, George Washington University, B.A. Psychology Carleton College)
I am grateful to continue serving our Monarchs at Dorothy Height this school year. This is my 4th year as a school counselor (3rd year at Dorothy Height). I speak English, Amharic, French fluently and some Spanish. I love working with our bright students, dedicated staff, and supportive families.
When I am away from school, I love to read novels, spend time with my family and friends. I have recently started taking long walks and being intentional about noticing and appreciating the beauty of nature.
I am currently the counselor working with the following grades:
Pre-kindergarten
Kindergarten
1st
2nd
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Natasha Griffith (School Counselor M.S. School Counseling Certified K-12th University of the District of Columbia, B.S. Pedology Bowie State University)
I have had the privilege to continue to serve the students at Dorothy I. Height ES this 2020-2021 school year. This is my 13th year in Education and my 6th year as an elementary school counselor.
I started my career as a pre-school teacher in DC, and later became a paraprofessional for DCPS. After one year of being a behavioral tech. at H.D. Cooke, I moved into the counseling position. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with students, families, and faculty at Dorothy I. Height ES.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my son, Neo and my mother Marva. I also enjoy reading, dancing, and challenging adventures.
I am currently the counselor working with the following grades:
3rd grade
4th grade
5th grade
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Candi Peterson (School Social Worker, LICSW)
I am grateful to have served my entire career in D.C. Public Schools. This marks my 28th year as a Clinical School Social Worker. I have always loved working with students in all grades, but my “heart” has always been in working with elementary students.
When my last school closed, I had the honor of being selected to work at Dorothy I. Height Elementary School (DHES) this year with wonderful and dedicated administrators, and school staff. I love working with our Monarchs. They are the best....they make me smile.
When I am away from school, I enjoy international travel with my travel buddies. In the past three years, I have had the privilege to visit Senegal, Africa, Egypt and Ghana. Only slowed down by Covid-19, I plan to continue traveling abroad. I live by the quote, “see the world, it’s more fantastic than any dream.”
I am fond of the man my son, Blair has grown to become. I love chats with him, time spent with family, friends, and surrounded by good food. I also enjoy writing and authored a popular education blog, The Washington Teacher, for nine years.
It is a pleasure to work at DHES and I continue to look forward to being able to serve our wonderful students, families, and staff.
I am currently the School Social Worker working with the following grade levels:
Third grade
Fourth grade
Fifth grade
Self-contained classes (Gaddis & Jennifer)
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Omar Reyes (MSW, LGSW, Family Service Specialist, Family Service Team
B.S: Psychology at University of Maryland University College MSW: Social Worker at Howard University)
It’s been more than five years that I have served as Dorothy I. Height Early Childhood Education, ECE, Family Service Worker. It gives me a great pleasure to connect families to community resources, work in collaboration with the families to remove barriers to promote attendance, child educational growth and family wellbeing. Also, I love to promote family school engagement by keeping families informed about our school’s events and other related activities. Throughout the year I coordinate parents’ workshops on related topics such as child growth and development, nutrition, attendance, kindergarten readiness and other workshops requested by the parents. I believe in giving parents the information and tools to advocate for their little loved ones.
Before becoming part of the DCPS, I worked in the area of Public Health for more than 20 years for a community-based organization in Washington DC.
In my free time, I conduct Zumba Fitness with my wife, love to spend time outdoors with my two little girls, ages 11 and 4 ½, as well as family members, like karaoke and workout on a regular basis. Also, when we have a chance, I love to travel with the family to discover new places and cultures. I’m content to be part of the Dorothy Height family working with a group of great professional individuals.
E-mail: [email protected]
Ms. Teresa M. Lee (School Social Worker, LICSW)
I am thankful I have the opportunity to work with the students and staff of Dorothy I. Height Elementary School for 2021-2022 school year. This is my 4th year working in DCPS however I have been in mental health for about 18 years working with families, children and within the community. I strive to incorporate my knowledge and clinical practice experience into my work with students. My belief is that our experiences early in life shape how we learn to manage challenges and can often impact our lives well into adulthood. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for my students and families. I look forward to working with you.
I am originally from North Carolina born and raised. I attended East Carolina University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Family and Community Services and a Master Degree in Adult Education. I began working for a community college and working with children in a residential facility. However, wanted to do more direct care work so decided to pursue a Master degree in Social Work from NC State University.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends as well as myself. I love to travel and explore different trails and greenway in the DMV area. I also love feeding into my own self development because I believe learning is a lifelong journey.
I am currently the social worker working with the following grades:
Pre-kindergarten
Kindergarten
1st
2nd
Email: [email protected]