Our Founding Team
Founding CEO & Executive Director
Chizarra Dashiell​
BS & MA Behavior Specialist &
Organizational Development Leader
Over the past year, Chizarra's dedication to community service and educational development has been particularly evident through her involvement in impactful initiatives. She has played a key role in the Black Children's Book DMV+ initiative, promoting literacy and cultural awareness among Black children across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, and contributing to the distribution of over 500 culturally relevant books as a volunteer coordinator. Additionally, she is actively involved in planning a school-based mental health clinic at Puzzle Pieces Learning Academy PCS, reflecting her deep understanding of the importance of holistic student well-being. These projects directly connect to her extensive background in special education, applied behavior analysis and entrepreneurial skill sets.
PPLA Governing Board
Founding Board & Academic Committee Member
Leroy is a passionate advocate for educational equity with 14 years of experience as a special education teacher, curriculum developer, and instructional coach. ​
Board Member - Secretary & Interim Treasurer
Shawn Marshall is a Maryland licensed Speech Pathologist Assistant (SLP-A) with over 15 years..
Founding Board & Academic Committee Member
Dr. Marlee Bunch is an interdisciplinary educator and advocate for equity. She has over 17 years of teaching experience.
Board Member at Large & Academic & Fundraising Committee
Ashley Winkey is a dedicated early childhood educator, wife, mother, and the founder and owner of Xcellent Consulting LLC.​
Board President
Tavon Betts is a results-driven leader with experience in strategic leadership, organizational governance, and talent development.
Founding Board Member at Large
Tamika LeRay, a dedicated Speech and Language Pathologist with over a decade of experience, is fueled by a profound passion for helping children...
Community Engagement Committee President
Simona is a community strategist and creative with over 15 years of
experience building bridges between people, place, and purpose.
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Board Member & Co Chair of Fundraising, Grants & Donor Committee
Stacey Taylor, from Youngtown, Ohio and has served as a non-profit co-director for circle of God's love for 10 years.
BCBA - Founding BCBA & Policies Committee Member
Quintara Tucker is a highly credentialed behavior analyst (BCBA, IBA, LBA, LBS) and doctoral learner with extensive experience working with children with autism.
Dominique D. Loving is an organizational expert with a robust background as a Behavior Therapist and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Board Member & Facilities Committee Member
Board Member at Large & Academic and Strategy Development Committee
Majidah Muhammad is a passionate early childhood educator and advocate.
Academic Committee Member
Rahshita Lowe-Watson is a highly accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.
Board Vice President
Nia brings two decades of expertise in conference and special occasion
event planning across the DMV, Philadelphia, and New York regions.
Parent Board Member at Large & Treasurer
Tyelisha Starks, our dedicated parent board member and Treasurer, brings over years of extensive experience in fixed-route transit scheduling and a strong commitment.
PPLA Advisory Board
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Robert Dashiell (Advisory Member - Law)
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Hassan Barnes (Advisory Board Member - Law )
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Kammeran Tyree Giggers (Advisory - R.I.S.E. Arts Center of Baltimore, Founder/CEO)
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Wummi Fadiora-Adediji (Advisory - Hope Health Systems)
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Yinka Fadiora (Advisory - Hope Health Systems)
Agendas and meeting minutes from Puzzle Pieces Governing Board meetings are public records and can be accessed through the Community & Committee Meetings section.