Staff & Faculty

Michael Sarbanes has an abiding interest and wide experience in strengthening communities on behalf of children and families. He has served as an attorney, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, and Executive Director of Engagement for Baltimore City Public Schools.

He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.  He attended Princeton University on an Army ROTC scholarship where he graduated in the School of Public and International Affairs. He studies at Oxford University on a George C. Marshall Fellowship, and received his law degree from New York University School of Law where he was a Root-Tilden scholar.

In 2008 Mr. Sarbanes was appointed Executive Director of Engagement for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). He was responsible for engaging partners, parents, families, and community organizations in support of City Schools, as well as all internal and external communications for City Schools. During this period, City Schools dramatically expanded its engagement of families and communities, including a broad-based mobilization resulting in over $1 billion for new school construction. Mr. Sarbanes also was lay co-chair for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. In 2014, he became a classroom teacher in 2014 at Green Street Academy, a 6-12th grade school within walking distance of his home.

Michael resides with his family in the Irvington Community of Baltimore City where he and his wife Jill helped to create an intentional community (Collins Streamside Community) focused on reconciliation across race and class boundaries and on respect for the environment. He has been active as a coach, mentor, church, and community leader.

Greg serves as the Business Specialist, supporting the department in key financial and Human Resources roles. From onboarding student workers and organizing events, to managing purchasing and accounts payable, Greg helps to keep the office functioning and moving towards the goal of raising passionate and prepared educators.

Corey is an award-winning educator and lifelong learner. He takes pride in meeting student needs through servant leadership and holistic mentorship that centers the needs of scholars as developing teachers. Corey’s goals include diversifying the teaching profession, particularly increasing the representation of highly-skilled Black male educators.

Shirelle serves as the primary scholar advisor for the Sherman Program. She values individualized advising that is rooted in empathy. Shirelle has particular interest in the implementation of high-quality student support services for groups underrepresented in higher education.

Julie works across PK-16 education, building practical bridges between school systems and universities.

Chris is a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. Having served as a classroom teacher, program leader, and college counselor, Chris has spent his life promoting college access and success for students coming from marginalized backgrounds. If you are interested in the Sherman Scholars Program and want to learn more, Chris would love to hear from you.

Chris is a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. Having served as a classroom teacher, program leader, and college counselor, Chris has spent his life promoting college access and success for students coming from marginalized backgrounds. If you are interested in the Sherman Scholars Program and want to learn more, Chris would love to hear from you.

Victoria is a lover of numbers and mathematics to the point that she decided to study engineering and loves her profession. She also loves working with children and had extensive informal experience educating them while also working in the private sector. She pursued a master’s degree in Community Leadership at UMBC to combine her passions. Victoria is collaborative and willing to help others when needed, and is now also a part of UMBC supporting the Reach Together Tutoring Program (math tutoring) in two South Baltimore public schools, where her enthusiasm for education has grown.

Benjamin is the Cherry Hill school site coordinator of the Reach Together Tutoring Program. He graduated with a degree in English Literature and an Honors Citation from UMBC, where he was also inducted as a Sherman Scholar. Before his current role, he was a Sherman academic mentor at multiple Baltimore City middle/high schools and also served in campus ministry leadership for several years. In his free time, he is a spoken word poet, a small group leader at his local church, and an active part of the UMBC community as a club advisor.

I’m a native of Baltimore MD and a proud advocate of BCPS. I’ve been working in partnership for over 6 years through different non profits, as the director of volunteer based tutoring programs. I enjoy the fast paced environment and the challenge to meet every student’s needs. Helping students succeed has been the most rewarding role I’ve had, and I know that this year will be no different because the need is great! I’m excited to work with everyone and I look forward to making a change together.

Shannon is a parent educator with the HIPPY program, focusing on connections and empowering families.

Colleen is a graduate student beginning her Master’s of Social Work. She is a PeaceWorker Fellow from the Shriver Center. Before moving to Baltimore, Colleen worked at the Center for Victims of Torture in Minneapolis, Minnesota, supporting mental health care professionals and survivors. She served in the PeaceCorps as a Youth in Development Facilitator in the highlands of Guatemala and after being evacuated due to the pandemic, she worked as an Operations Manager at Casa Alitas Welcome Center on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sara previously served in Baltimore City Public Schools as a classroom teacher, math lead, and an Assistant Principal. She is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). She is also an adjunct professor for teacher preparation programs. Sara is an advocate for educational equity, has a love for developing budding and experienced educators, and aspires to convert everyone she meets into a lover of math!

Crystal serves as the HIPPY Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Initiatives.

Cullbi is a dedicated Parent Educator with HIPPY South Baltimore, helping parents prepare children for success.

Darcy serves as a Program Coordinator for the Reach Together Tutoring Program, working with middle school students in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. In this role, Darcy helps students grow in their math knowledge while also fostering their personal growth and confidence. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching from UMBC, Darcy is dedicated to helping students succeed. A former Sherman Scholar, math coach, and science teacher in Baltimore City, Darcy is committed to empowering and building relationships with scholars and UMBC coaches to create a positive learning environment.

ennifer serves as the Associate Director of the UMBC Math Project, primarily overseeing the Reach Together Tutoring Program and Summer Math Programs as part of a partnership with Baltimore City Schools. As a former math classroom teacher and Math Department Chair in Baltimore County Schools, Jennifer gained experience working with students to excel their mathematical abilities and coaching teachers to develop their craft in creating positive learning environments and implementing effective pedagogy. Her passion for building student confidence and capacity for mathematics drives her work

Juliana is an early childhood education and community engagement specialist with experience working in a variety of museums and schools. She is passionate about utilizing community spaces as safe and welcoming places of learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. She loves working with early learners; she is excited to support families in discovering the joys and opportunities that can come with teaching and learning alongside their children.

Dr. Douglass is founder and executive director of the Institute for Early Education Leadership and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts Boston where she is also associate professor and director of the bachelor’s degree and leadership programs in early childhood education.  Dr. Douglass is an expert on leadership, quality improvement and professional development strategies and policies that promote talented, diverse, entrepreneurial leadership from within ECE.  She is the author of a new book entitled Leading for Change in Early Care and Education: Cultivating Leadership from Within.    Her prior experience includes 20 years teaching, administering, and consulting in early care and education programs serving low-income children and their families.  She has a PhD in Social Policy from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in education from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wellesley College.

Dr. Rolf Grafwallner is senior policy advisor.  He was the former Assistant State Superintendent for Early Learning at the Maryland State Department of Education from 1994 to 2016.  He became Program Director for early childhood education with the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in 2016.  He is now a consultant with CCSSO.  Dr. Grafwallner has worked in the field of early education for 40 years and received his Ph.D. in Education Policy Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland – College Park.

Louise holds a BS in government and political science and a Masters in education for at-risk children. She was executive director of Ready At Five for 16 years until she retired in 2017. Under Louise’s leadership, Ready At Five became a dynamic statewide non-profit program focused on elevating the discussion regarding the practice and quality of early childhood education in Maryland so that all children will be ready for school.

Prior to joining Ready At Five, Louise was chief of early childhood partnerships in the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families and coordinator of the Office for Children in Baltimore County. She is a past board member of the Abilities Network and serves on numerous state and local committees and councils charged with using data to drive policies to support young children and their families.

In her previous role asVisiting Executive in Residence at the Sherman Center, and in her current role as Co-Chair of the MECLP Advisory Committee, Louise spearheads the implementation of MECLP

Amanda earned her Ph.D. at University of Massachusetts Boston. She has 25 years of experience as an early educator, program administrator, consultant, and trainer. She has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Puget Sound, M.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education from the College of Saint Rose, and a Post Masters Certificate from University of Massachusetts Boston in Early Childhood Education Research, Policy and Practice. Amanda currently teaches courses focused on the creative arts, curriculum, and leadership at University of Massachusetts Boston and serves as a leadership and professional development consultant for early education programs throughout the northeast. Amanda is thrilled to be bringing her passion for early education, instructional leadership, and creativity to UMBC.

Marloe is an experienced educator, coach, and higher education professional with more than 20 years of leadership in education, community engagement, and teacher development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in technology from Johns Hopkins University and currently serves in multiple leadership and instructional roles with University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  Her expertise includes instructional supervision (both at UMBC and Montgomery College), early childhood education, literacy instruction, grant coordination, teacher preparation, and inclusive STEM practices. Marloe was an early childhood classroom teacher in the Howard County Public Schools for a decade and is passionate about strengthening educator leadership, supporting equitable learning environments, and building collaborative partnerships that positively impact children, families, and communities across Maryland.