Staff & Faculty

Michael Sarbanes has an abiding interest and wide experience in strengthening communities on behalf of children and families.

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.

Mr. Sarbanes’ work has focused on a wide range of issues supporting opportunity fo all children.. He has served as an attorney with the Community Law Center, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Deputy Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and as Executive Director of the Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA) from 2003 to 2008. During his tenure at CPHA, Mr. Sarbanes focused on inclusionary housing, transportation improvements, enhancing drug treatment, and strengthening community capacity.

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

Julie has spent her career working across every level of PK-16 education, driven by the belief that the schoolhouse is the ultimate context for all teacher preparation. Her work focuses on building practical bridges between school systems and universities; designing scalable “Grow Your Own” programs that turn licensure barriers into workable solutions for educators. Deeply grounded by her years as a classroom teacher, administrator, and director of clinical experiences, Julie ensures that every partnership is engineered to meet district compliance while remaining rooted in the daily realities of the school building.

Outside of work, Julie lives in Ellicott City with her husband, three children, and two high-energy dogs.

Hello! I’m Shannon Carter—an enthusiastic educator, community advocate, and lifelong art lover. My journey in early childhood education began with Early Head Start and as a teacher’s assistant in a kindergarten classroom. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Parent Educator with the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program, where I deepen connections, build new relationships, and empower families every day.

Cullbi is a dedicated Parent Educator with HIPPY South Baltimore, where she enjoys meeting new people and helping parents prepare their children for school success. She is passionate about supporting families by sharing community resources and seeing firsthand how the program makes a difference in their lives. As a Parent Leader with the National Home Visiting Network, Cullbi advocates for equitable opportunities and brings parents’ voices to the table. Outside of work, she loves swimming, cooking, and staying active in her community. Known for her compassion, flexibility, and commitment to helping others, Cullbi strives to make every family feel empowered and supported.

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. Juliana 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.