Excellence Lives Here!

Hyde-DC is a community of caring, talented and dedicated staff, eager to serve students and their families. 

"We have high expectations for everyone who serves at our school," says Dr. JoAnn Cason, Head of School.  "We hire the most highly qualified professionals and provide professional development, training and any other support necessary to insure that every child receives an excellent educational experience."

Here's the Hyde-DC Administration Team line-up!

Dr. Jo Ann Cason, Head of School

“Doc” Cason was named the new Head of School in June 2008.  “It is an honor to lead an urban school that is so focused on the makings of the inner person – the character.  Every child is precious and deserves the opportunity to succeed,” she says.

Before coming to Hyde-DC, she served as principal of Hamilton Middle School, an award-winning school recognized for outstanding achievements by the CEO of Baltimore City Schools, as well as the President of the Baltimore City Council.

She began her career in education as a teacher in the Baltimore City Schools.  Her first job as principal was leading Edison Schools’ Gilmore Elementary-Junior Academy.  During her six-year tenure, the school twice won Edison’s highest “Double Four Star School” award.   

A native of Baltimore, Jo Ann Cason graduated Magna Cum Laude from Coppin State College, received a master's degree from Towson State University, and earned a Ph.D. in Urban Education and Leadership from Morgan State University.  She has received her State of Maryland’s certification as an Administrator and as a Superintendent.

Christina D. Brown, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction

Before assuming her current position, Ms. Brown served as Interim Head of School, providing much-needed leadership during the school’s search for a new Head of School. From 2003-2008, she was Director of Hyde-DC’s High School.

Ms. Brown has been with Hyde-DC since 1999, serving as a teacher, director and administrator. She was named Teacher of the Year by Hyde-DC in 2001 and was presented with its Unsung Hero Award in 2002.

“We all have a defined destiny that brought us to Hyde,” Ms. Brown says.  “I believe that by working together, our staff members, parents and students can reach the full potential and purpose of our school.”

A native of New Jersey, Christina Brown earned a B.A. in Political Science from Virginia State University, an M.P.A in Government Management from Southeastern University and an M. Ed. in Educational Administration and Leadership from George Washington University (GWU).  She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership and Administration at GWU.

Anne H. Hedman, Chief Operating Officer

 Ms. Hedman was named chief operating officer at Hyde in June 2008.  “I have found my colleagues to friendly, helpful, and passionate and the students poised, bright, and eager! What’s not to love?” she says.

She spent most of her working life in financial and strategic planning for energy companies, including Amoco and Pacifica Gas & Electric.  Five years ago, she moved to the field of education when she became the business manager at Alexandria Country Day School.  Her son was a student there and the job provided “a great opportunity to mesh my personal and professional” interests.

Anne Hedman has an M.B.A. from George Washington University and a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Boston College.  She grew up outside Philadelphia (Go, Eagles!) and lives in Virginia with her husband, 14-year-old son and one-year old Schnoodle (a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle), “the light of all of our lives!”  When not at Hyde, you’re likely to find Ms. Hedman doing the crossword puzzle, reading books or playing outside (gardening, golfing or skiing).

Kargsia McDuffie will mark her six-year anniversary as a Hyde-DC employee this December. Topping the list of things she loves about Hyde is our family program. “Unlike most schools, Hyde Schools make a concerted effort to bring families into our students’ education experiences and hosts events designed to heal and grow families through our Hyde process. The impact this has on our students’ performance and growth of character is phenomenal!”

Ms. McDuffie has 12 years of teaching experience at schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and here at Hyde-DC. Prior to joining the Hyde team, she was an education development specialist with the George C. Marshall Foundation, which was working to establish a small school focused on Character Education and Service Learning. (The Service-Corps Academy at Orr High School opened in Chicago in 2002.)

She believes she may have discovered her unique potential as early as age seven, when she would engage in her favorite activity: playing school. “I’d line my dolls and toys up in rows, put my lesson on the board, hand out assignments and reprimands, even grade and hand back work; I knew then that I would be a teacher.” Today, she values the opportunity to live her dream at Hyde, “doing all I can to support teachers, students, and families. My work fulfills and motivates me. I absolutely love my job!”

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Kargsia McDuffie is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where she earned a B.A. in Secondary Education, English. She earned an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbia University. Her interests outside the classroom include cooking and playing tennis. “I could use a bit of help with the latter!” she admits.

Lynnette Walker, Director, Elementary School

Ms. Walker began her career in education as an elementary school teacher in DC Public Schools in 1994.  She also taught in Prince George’s County before joining the founding leadership team at The Arts & Technology Academy Public Charter School.  It wasn’t long before she was promoted to Regional Program Facilitator for Mosaica Education, Inc., where she provided curriculum and instructional training and support at The Arts & Technology Academy PCS and Howard Road Academy PCS in Washington, D.C. as well as Renaissance Advantage PCS and Leadership Learning Partners PCS in Philadelphia, PA. 

Her educational career included service as principal at Tree of Life Community Public Charter School in D.C.; assistant principal at Furman L. Templeton Elementary (an Edison Partnership School) in Baltimore, MD; assistant principal at The Mitchellville School in Prince George’s County and as dean of students at Barbara Jordan PCS in D.C. 

Lynnette received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in education administration from Trinity College. Currently, she is a Doctoral Candidate in the Educational Leadership program at Bowie State University.  She is the mother of a 12-year-old son, Joshua and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Rinaldo A. Murray, Director, High School

Mr. Murray was promoted to Director of Hyde-DC’s High School in 2007.  As principal, he is responsible for leading, directing and supervising the High School’s core curriculum and development. “A key part of my job is to provide the vision, set the academic goals and work closely with our teachers to bring both to fruition,” he says.  

Mr. Murray joined the Hyde-DC faculty in 2004.  During his years at Hyde, he taught High School  American History (AP and General Education); served as a mentor to first- and second-year teachers and was a grade level chair for the 12^th grade. 

Prior to joining the Hyde-DC team, Mr. Murray taught at Nicholas Orem Middle School and Crim High School.  He earned a Master of Arts in Social Science from the University of Chicago and was awarded a Bachelor of Art in History/Education from Clark Atlanta University.  He is working towards an Administrative I Certification from the University of Maryland College Park.

Chante Booker, Director, Special Education

Ms. Booker is entering her eighth year at Hyde and appreciates the fact that our school provides families and staff with the opportunity to grow every day on a personal level.  “I return to Hyde each year because my life has been impacted by its principles and growth opportunities. Helping the students at Hyde is pushing me to reach my unique potential. I need the students just as much as they need me!”

Before being named the director of special education, Ms. Booker was a special education teacher, dance teacher and cheer coach at Hyde.  She was awarded the Discovery Award in June 2003 and enjoys planning the high school prom each year.  Prior to joining the Hyde team, she was an Early Balanced Literacy Teacher for the Philadelphia School District and worked as a program specialist for Reading is Fundamental.

Ms. Booker chose to work in the field of education to affect change in the lives of students from urban communities. “I grew up in an urban community and I was given numerous opportunities to advance academically. I want the same for Hyde’s students.  I seek to create pathways for them and help them to walk those pathways with confidence,” she says.

Chante Booker has a Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Delaware State University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix.  She’s a product of DC and Prince Georges County Public Schools. Outside of school, Ms. Booker enjoys dancing and spending time with her family.

Reginald L. Speight, Interim Director, Family Programs & Admissions

Reggie Speight started at Hyde in November 1999, the year the school first opened.  During the next six years, he served as a teacher, an assistance director of Middle School, academic dean, Summer School coordinator, and a teacher trainer. He coached Hyde’s football team, the boys and girls outdoor track teams and the drill team, and also directed the choral program.

Following a three-year absence, during which he served as a licensed life and health insurance agent, Mr. Speight returned to Hyde in May 2008.  “Working at Hyde provides the uncompromising satisfaction of knowing that I’m doing something meaningful and making a difference within my community.  This is truly a special school where home and school together are inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.”

His current responsibilities involve planning and implementing family programs, recruiting new students and re-enrolling returning students. He praises Hyde’s “commitment to a family’s success, which in turn assures that all members of its village strive to achieve their unique potential.”

Reginald Speight has a B.S. in Marketing from Delaware State University, where he was elected senior class president. He is a native Washingtonian, having graduated from Montgomery, Shaw and Dunbar.  He believes he has “a personal obligation to pay my debts as a positive role model for the youth of our metropolitan area.”

Tal Bayer, Development Director (and Head Rugby Coach)

Mr. Bayer has been with Hyde-DC since it first opened in 1999.  He considers Hyde to be a special school, “because of the unique bond between staff, students and alumni.  The commitment and dedication to our students is second to none.”

Prior to being named Development Director, he served as Athletic Director for seven years.  Mr. Bayer has been involved in rugby as a player or coach for 21 years.  He founded Hyde-DC’s rugby program, which is internationally recognized for its excellence both on and off the rugby field.  Team members (male and female) have been selected to play on national teams representing the United States throughout the world.

He served as Attache for the British Olympic Team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA and was assistant coach and manager for the USA U19 National Rugby Team (2002 Guyana, 2003 South Africa, 2003 Trinidad).

Tal Bayer earned his B.B.A. from Radford University.  He grew up in an Air Force family and has traveled to just about every state in the U.S.  His hidden talent:  “I was a singer in a band in college.”  

John W. Wilson III, Director of Mathematics and Instructional Technology (and Head Wrestling Coach)

John Wilson joined the Hyde-DC faculty in July 2004 as a math teacher and was named chair of the Middle School/High School Math Department later that year.  He assumed the position of K-12 Math and Technology Specialist in late 2007 and is now Director of Mathematics & Instructional Technology.

Mr. Wilson values Hyde-DC for providing the opportunity to work with students of all ages, grades Pre-K through 12.  “It really warms my heart when I help our students learn life skills and lessons that will assist them to grow into educated and productive adults.”   Working in an inner city school does present challenges; however, he believes that facing those challenges has helped him to “become more competent in my position, more confident in my public and private lives, and more appreciative of the work people do in urban education.”

He began his career in education working as a training technician with the US Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service.  He has taught math and coached football, wrestling and track in West Virginia and Virginia, and was a math instructor at ITT before coming to Hyde.

John Wilson graduated from Shepherd University with a B.A. in Math Education.  He’s on track to graduate with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in March 2009.  He grew up in Virginia Beach where he played football and wrestled from age 11 through college.  He has two daughters and enjoys biking, hiking and camping.