Ambiea Khaten, founding faculty member, brings a deep commitment and purpose to teaching through her personal and professional experiences over the last few years. We can't wait to see how Ambiea brings her classroom to life with her warmth and passion for teaching!

Arielle brings a wealth of experience from different educational settings. This provides her students with a teacher that has built a strong practice drawing on many influences.

Becca brings a deep commitment and purpose to teaching through her personal and professional experiences in Buffalo and Rochester. Becca's classroom is always buzzing with warmth and student engagement.

Our founding team is led by Daniel Brink-Washington, a veteran teacher-leader with 17 years of experience in K-12 district, charter and independent schools.

Our founding team is supported by the Director of School Community, Ellen Morenzi. Mrs. Morenzi is a social worker and director with 14 years of experience in traditional and non-traditional educational settings .

Emily brings national teaching experience to Commons' faculty. Additionally, her creative spirit is constantly involving students in wonderful, engaging experiences.

Emily Vargas, founding faculty member, is an experienced and passionate educator. We are thrilled to welcome such a committed and curious teacher to our founding team!

Joe has worked with children for nearly two decades. He believes every child deserves access to regular physical activity and sports. His work at Commons is complemented by his work at the Assist Foundation, which he started.

Juniper Moon, our founding Teaching Artist, brings many years of experience providing engaging art experiences to children throughout Buffalo! We can't wait to see how Juniper builds a unique art program here at Commons!

KC Wetter, founding faculty member, brings many years of experience in a variety of early childhood classrooms to her role at Commons. We look forward to learning from KC as a founding teacher!

Melissa brings a warm spirit and a deep love for children to everything in the classroom. With deep experience in urban education, Melissa provides students with strong relationships and a terrific learning environment.

Morgan joins Commons after a several successful years at other area schools. A reflective and caring teacher, Morgan fosters success for all students.

Our founding team is supported by Rachael Owunwanne, Director of Teaching and Learning. Rachael is a skilled educator with a wide variety of experience in education as both a teacher and instructional coach.

Rose is a strong educator with experience at area charter schools. Students love Rose's approach to teaching because it is both warm and rigorous.

Shayla Jackson-Wooden, our founding Family Ambassador, brings years of personal and professional experience to her role in getting the word out about Buffalo Commons.