


Saber Employee Essentials
Special Edition
Growing Stronger: Meet Our New Staff
Welcome to the SEED MD Family
Ikia Robinson
Ms. Robinson graduated from Loyola University Maryland in three years with honors. She has volunteered at SEED MD since she was 12 years old. Ms.Robinson is now a substitute teacher for both Middle and Upper school students. One fun fact is her older brother, Isaiah Robinson, graduated from SEED MD in the first class.
Grace Durotolu
Ms. Durotolu is the new Cyber Coordinator at SEED and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in cybersecurity. She has a robust background in IT support and cybersecurity, focusing on developing security solutions and empowering others through education. Grace’s expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our school’s technological resilience.
Omead Afshari
A Baltimore native, Omead has over a decade of experience as a teacher and graphic designer. A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art and Towson University, he has worked for fashion brands in New York and schools in Maryland. Omead is an accomplished artist with awards from Young Arts and Scholastics Art & Writing. He brings his passion for art and design and a deep commitment to student learning to our classrooms.
Ysonde Harris
Ms. Harris recently graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in painting. She has experience in retail and is now a long-term substitute at SEED. Her hobbies include writing poetry, decorating collectible card holders, and playing mobile platform games. Ms. Harris brings creativity and enthusiasm to her role and looks forward to engaging with our students.
Keli Anderson
Ms. Anderson is our new Attendance and Records Monitor, with a strong background in operations, contract management, and team leadership. She previously served as a US VAR Team Leader at CompuGroup Medical, streamlining processes and mentoring teams. Keli is proficient in SAP ERP systems and MS Office, ensuring operational excellence at SEED. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring graphic design projects.
Kirsten White
Ms. White is a skilled professional with experience in contract administration, special education, and leadership. She is our 7th Grade Life Science Teacher, bringing her positive energy and passion for education to the classroom. Kirsten previously served as a US AIS Team Leader at CompuGroup Medical and worked as a paraprofessional in Texas, where she mentored and taught a blind, autistic student—one of her proudest accomplishments. In her free time, she enjoys Cricut projects, singing, and traveling.
Randell Berry
Mr. Berry is excited to join the SEED School of Maryland as a Upper School Math Teacher! With a strong background in economics, software development, and education, he brings extensive experience in microeconomics, labor economics, and data science. Holding advanced degrees in Economics and Data Science, Mr. Berry has led projects in predictive modeling and credit market analysis. His expertise in R, Python, and Tableau, combined with a passion for teaching, will greatly enhance the learning experiences of our students.
Derek Gillaspe
Derek Gillaspie is a new Student Life Counselor at the SEED School of Maryland, bringing a wealth of experience in student support and engagement. As the former Assistant to the Director of the Office of Student Life at Morgan State University, he honed his skills in leadership, program coordination, and student development. Derek also served as a Resident Assistant in Morgan State's Housing Department, where he provided mentorship and fostered a supportive living environment for students. A proud Morgan State graduate with a degree in Liberal Arts, Mr. Gillaspe is passionate about empowering students and creating opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Anthony Bonner
Mr. Bonner, a returning SEED School of MD Student Life Counselor holds a Bachelor's Degree in Ministry/Counseling and has extensive experience in substance abuse, mental health, and case management. He serves as a Youth Practitioner working with youth and adults and is also one of the pastors at Greater Grace Family Ministries Church in SE Washington, DC. Anthony is passionate about reading, studying the word of God, and physical fitness. He is working toward launching A&M Sober Living Community Inc., a 501(c) community-based housing program.
Shannon Maynard
Mr. Maynard is a new Student Life Counselor at the SEED School of Maryland, bringing a strong background in psychology, mental health care, and client support. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Mental Health Care Certificate from the University of Maryland Global Campus, He combines academic expertise with hands-on experience. His professional journey includes roles in education, healthcare administration, and sales, where he excelled in building relationships, providing personalized support, and fostering growth. Passionate about guiding students toward success, Mr. Maynard is committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for the SEED community.
Celebrating SEED Staff Anniversaries
Congratulations to our staff members celebrating another year of service:
Celebrating 15 years of Dedicated Service!!!
This January, we are proud to celebrate Mr. Vincent Carter-Bey's 15-year anniversary at SEED School of Maryland!
Mr. Carter-Bey joined SEED in 2009 and has been an integral part of our community ever since. In 2018, he was promoted to Director of Student Support, a role in which he oversees the Health Suite, Mental Health Team, Dean of Students, and External Opportunities Coordinator. Through his leadership, Mr. Carter-Bey has forged strong partnerships with external stakeholders to bring programs to campus that promote wellness and character development.
One of his most impactful contributions has been leading the schoolwide implementation of mindfulness practices, including Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation, fostering a supportive and calming environment for both students and staff.
Prior to his work at SEED, Mr. Carter-Bey provided direct care to adolescents in residential settings who required intensive behavioral and mental health support. This formative experience inspired him to pursue a career in education, where he continues to make a lasting difference by preparing students for college and beyond.
A Baltimore native and a proud graduate of Lincoln University (PA) with a Bachelors in Health Science, Mr. Carter-Bey is deeply connected to his community. Outside of work, he enjoys attending sporting events and spending quality time with his family. His professional philosophy, "Trust the Process," reflects his commitment to fostering growth and resilience in those around him.
Congratulations, Mr. Carter-Bey, on 15 incredible years at SEED! Your dedication and impact are truly appreciated.
14 years of Service:
Dr. Mini Legaspi
12 Years of Service:
Quelinne Joseph
3 Years of Service:
Don McCray
2 Years of Service:
William Davis
Melissa Smith
Calvin Tucker
Tess Pietila
Astrid Scott
1 Year of Service:
Shanice Woodland
Sheena Dixon
Laura Heydt
Stafford Levy
Dorian Watters
Celebrating January Staff Birthdays at SEED Maryland!
As we kick off the year, we would like to take a moment to celebrate our incredible staff members who are marking birthdays and work anniversaries in January. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our students make SEED Maryland a wonderful place to grow and learn. We are so grateful for everything you do!
Please join us in wishing a happy birthday to:
- Domonic Payne - 01/01
- Samantha Obriant - 01/05
- Bill Boykin - 01/06
- Don McCray - 01/06
- Kyndale Green-Lyles - 01/07
- Eric Henderson - 01/07
- Tommy Green - 01/08
- William Davis - 01/12
- Takee Jobe - 01/14
- Amie Cortez - 01/16
- Keli Anderson - 01/18
- Michael Bowen - 01/24
- Malcolm McMillian - 01/31
Observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Closed on January 20, 2025
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., SEED School of Maryland will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of this federal holiday.
This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's profound contributions to civil rights and social justice, as well as his vision of equality, compassion, and nonviolence. Dr. King’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the "Beloved Community" continue to inspire meaningful conversations and actions toward a more equitable society.
Let us use this time to celebrate his legacy by engaging in activities that promote service, learning, and unity, aligning with the spirit of the MLK Day of Service, a hallmark of this commemoration.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
HELP SEED GROW
Refer a Candidate and Earn Up to $1,000!
Looking to grow our team? Refer a prospective employee by completing the referral form and submitting it, along with the candidate’s resume or application, to Danielle Conway at dconway@seedschoolmd.org.
Earn Bonuses:
- $250 for any referral who is hired.
- An additional $250 for fully certified teachers (grades 6–12).
- Another $500 for certified Math, Science, or ELA teachers (grades 6–12).
Program Details:
- The referral form must be submitted before the candidate is hired.
- Bonuses are paid after the hire completes a 90-day probationary period and meets program qualifications.
- Referrers must be employed during the new hire’s first 90 days to qualify for the bonus.
For complete rules, contact Human Resources. Help us find great talent while earning rewards!
January Reflections: Halfway There!
As we kick off the new year, let's take a moment to reflect on how far we've come. We're officially halfway through the school year—a testament to your hard work, dedication, and resilience. Thank you for making a difference every day. Let’s continue to build on this momentum as we inspire and support our students in reaching their full potential. Here's to a strong and successful second half of the year!