Ms. Zena is an activist and artist. She has been involved with the works of Jimmy and Grace Boggs since the age of fourteen and naturally followed this path to the Boggs School. Her work mainly focuses on the youth of Detroit, helping to shape the future they see for themselves. Zena is a lover of science fiction and being an all-around nerd. She is studying economics at Oakland Community College, hoping to graduate in at least the next ten years.
Support Staff
Zena Addae, Classroom Aide, Rainbow Room (Kindergarten)
Che-Lin Aldridge, Office Administrator
Ms. Che-Lin was born and raised in Detroit. She is a maker/craftsperson whose primary focus is fiber arts. Che-Lin enjoys traveling, triking, and music. She is excited to begin her fourth year at the Boggs School.
Ben Beutel-Gunn, Classroom Aide, Painted Turtles Room (1/2)
When Mr. Ben was born, he was so strong he could beat up a shark and never be defeated! When he was 2 years old, he could breathe fire for a hundred years and could never be defeated by fire! (Bio written by Trystan P., Age 5) Ben is looking forward to beginning his third year as an aide at the Boggs School.
Dakarai Carter, Classroom Aide, Rainbow Room (Kindergarten)
Mr. Dakarai is a social work student at Wayne State University who stays involved in his community in many ways. As a young person, Dakarai started his interested in organizing with Detroit Summer and continues that work through this day. In addition, he holds a board position with the Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership. Dakarai has a passion for working with young people and has been working with the Boggs School for four years as a community teacher. He is excited to begin his first year as a classroom aide!
Jamica Ingram, Classroom Aide, Rainbow Room (Kindergarten)
This is Ms. Jamica's fourth year with the Littles after being home with her own kids before entering the working world again! She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work as well as an Associates Degree in Graphic Design. She has been a Detroiter, along with her husband, for over 13 years. Their two children, Kaiya and Theron, are Boggs students as well, with one in 5th grade and the other in 3rd. She has really enjoyed not only being a Boggs parent but also a part of the amazing staff at the school. When not at school, you can find her and her kids enjoying the beaches of Belle Isle and the Great Lakes, checking out new camping spots, in the car ready for the next road-tripping adventure, biking around the city, or just hanging out at home.
Jiia Joseph, Program Aide
Ms. Jiia is in her second year as a Program Aide at the Boggs School. She is the mother of two young children, is an artist, and has lived in fifteen different homes in her life! Two of her favorite things are the color green and Anime.
Falyn Kelley, Food Service
Ms. Falyn is new this year to the Boggs School. She is a culinary arts student at Oakland Community College, pursuing a degree in Applied Science. She has an 8-year-old in third grade. She is excited to join the Boggs School community and feed our kids delicious, healthy food!
Colleen Kinkead, Literacy Aide
This is Ms. Colleen’s third year working as a Literacy Aide at Boggs. Before having children, she was a teacher in New York and Detroit. She enjoys working with children while helping them boost their literacy skills. Ms. Colleen has twins in Kindergarten and a child in Grade 2 at Boggs. She likes working in her small vegetable garden, finding healthy recipes her kids will like, and spending time as a family.
Liz Kirk, Special Projects
Before joining the Boggs School family, Ms. Liz began working with youth as a camp counselor and a GED prep tutor for young men in a delinquent facility. She taught elementary special education for three years in greater New Orleans before returning to her native Michigan to complete a master’s degree at the University of Michigan. At Boggs, Liz was the lead teacher in the Painted Turtles Room for 3 years and went on to work as the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coordinator for 3 years, until welcoming her daughter last spring. This year, Liz will continue to coordinate the Passions program and help out around school in multiple capacities. As a founding Boggs School teacher, Liz is entering her seventh year at the school.
Kevin Lurkins, Classroom Aide, Tiger Lilies Room (6/7)
Mr. Kevin is so happy to be joining the Boggs School this year as a Classroom Aide. He feels lucky to be a part of this school, and he can’t wait to grow, learn, and share in a joyous, amazing school year with our community! “To the world, you may be one person. To one person, you may be the world.” - Dr. Seuss
Jasmine Noble, Counselor
Ms. Jasmine serves as our school's licensed professional counselor, focusing on the social and emotional well-being of our students, families, and staff. Her journey at Boggs started during our inaugural year as a founding teacher with the Tiger Lilies (Grades 3-4). She is entering her third year as counselor and sixth year at the Boggs School overall. She is an avid visionary and developer of initiatives focusing on meeting the unique needs of individuals and communities. In addition to her work as a counselor, she is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization, ComeUnity One Stop. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and community-building.
Klotylda Hartshorn Phillippi, Librarian
Ms. Klo serves as the volunteer librarian at the Boggs School, where she established a web-based catalog system for the library and holds library time for all the classes. She received her undergraduate degree from Alma College and her master’s and PhD degrees from Michigan State University. Klo taught all elementary grades as a classroom teacher and learning specialist in Plymouth Public Schools as well as undergraduate- and graduate-level courses at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating caring environments where social justice and equity are essential and says that her 50 plus years in education have led her to the Boggs School, which epitomizes all that she believes a wonderful school can be. She loves to read, exercise in Silver Sneakers classes at the Y, spend time with her family, and participate in mission projects at her church. She is active in Democratic clubs and enjoys time in Frankfort on Lake Michigan, where she has learned to be a Michigan native plant gardener.
Kimberly Robinson, Literacy Aide
Ms. Kim is in her third year as a Literacy Aide at the Boggs School. She is the mother of two children, one of whom is a second grader in the Painted Turtles Room. She enjoys working at the Boggs School and feels fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new things in and around the area.
Terondae Taylor, Classroom Aide, Ravens Room (7/8)
Mr. Terondae began working at the Boggs School in the summer of 2016 as an intern and is now entering his third year as a classroom aide. Terondae also assists with coaching recreational basketball. He enjoys music and sports and has a deep love for food. Chocolate is the key to his heart (if anyone was wondering what could possibly make his day)!
Ebonee West, Classroom Aide, Painted Turtles (1/2)
Ms. Ebonee is a mother of five, including two kids at the Boggs School, and a new grandma to one! She loves every aspect of celebrations - food, music, dance, and especially decorating. She also loves shaping free thinkers with the Boggs School and with her friends in the Painted Turtles Room. This is Ebonee's third year as a classroom aide at the Boggs School.
