Our founding team is led by Daniel Brink-Washington, a veteran teacher-leader with 20 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 17 years of experience in traditional and non-traditional educational settings .

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.

Terri Bennett has spent multiple years working in elementary education. Her warmth and care for others are just two of the ways Terri makes a positive impact on our Buffalo Commons community.

KC Wetter, founding faculty member, brings many years of experience in a variety of early childhood classrooms to her role at Commons. KC's dedication and deep care for students are on display each and every year!

Juniper Moon, our founding Teaching Artist, brings many years of experience providing engaging art experiences to children throughout Buffalo! Her classroom is filled with students learning how to express their uniqueness through amazing art!

Emily Vargas, founding faculty member, is an experienced and passionate educator. Her commitment and curiosity are on display every year in her dynamic and caring classrooms.

Shaunessy LaClair has spent years working in schools as a teacher and helping to lead others. She believes strongly in the importance of supportive relationships which give space for others to achieve their best.

Iana Cathey has years of teaching experience here in the United States and internationally. Her positive energy and dedication to student success are on display every day!

Eman Abuzaid has been with Buffalo Commons now for multiple years. Her dedication to her students, and her belief in life long learning show her students every day how important they are and how important their education is.

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.

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!

Larisa Cramer has spent over 20 years in education. She has had various roles including as teacher, social worker and administrator. When you step into her classroom, you see how creatively she blends fun, hands on learning and academic rigor.

Sierra Craig cares deeply about her students and takes seriously her role as role model for her students. She fosters her students natural curiosity by using and developing hands on and engaging curriculum.

Michelle Nowicki has multiple years of teaching experience. She brings her love of learning and reading into the classroom each and every day, and she believes strongly in ensuring the success of each and every one of her students.

Kaili Kozlowski has multiple years of teaching experience. She believes strongly in creating a positive and inclusive classroom where all students can thrive!

Isabel Cubillo believes strongly in the power of relationships! She uses her strong relationships with students, families and her colleagues to help ensure her students success.

Madison Foley believes strongly in the power of relationships. In her experiences teaching and coaching, she has seen how positive relationships can help young people gain skills and confidence so they can thrive and achieve their goals.

Kristin Frail understands the power of helping others. She has worked with children in a variety of settings and works hard to help them learn and grow from all situations. She works hard to support each student on their educational journey so they can find their purpose.

Madison Stercula believes strongly that all students can succeed and thrive. She teachers her students that they can achieve their goals, and as their teacher she supports them on their unique journeys!

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.