The Parent and Community Advisory Board (PCAB) consists of 14 members, most of whom shall be parents of students in the Baltimore City Public Schools.
PCAB Executive Board
PCAB Communications Committee Chair
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Chartae' Anderson holds an M.S. in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University with dual certification in Special and Elementary Education, and a MicroMasters in Instructional Design & Technology from UMGC. She has served as a Senior Learning Designer and Course Build Advisor at 2U Inc., and previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Baltimore City Public Schools. Ms. Anderson currently works for the John’s Hopkins Peabody Institute as a Senior Instructional Technologist.
PCAB Policy Chair
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Charlene Faison is a dedicated advocate for children, families, and educational equity, with a passion for serving her community through leadership, mentorship, and public service. She is a mentor and Baltimore Advisory Board member with Higher Achievement Program. Charlene is committed to empowering young people to reach their full potential. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in Maryland state government, she brings thoughtful collaboration, policy expertise, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening opportunities for Baltimore City students and families.
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Charlene L. Stewart holds a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from Morgan State University and is a certified General and Special Education Teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Bowie State University and CCBC, and founded the College Completion and Mentor Programs at the CollegeBound Foundation. Her past roles include Educational Specialist for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, advising foster care students on financial aid. Dr. Stewart was honored with the 21st Annual Regional HBCU Summit on Retention Service Award in 2018.
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)
Devan Southerland is a community advocate, communications professional, and nonprofit leader dedicated to creating stronger, more inclusive communities throughout Baltimore. With experience in community engagement, marketing, and health information, Devan is passionate about connecting individuals and families with valuable resources and opportunities. As a member of the Executive Board of the Baltimore City Public Schools Parent and Community Advisory Board and the founder of Brown on the Spectrum, Devan works to amplify underrepresented voices, advocate for equity, and build meaningful partnerships that create lasting, positive change.
PCAB Board Members
2nd Year Board Member
Appointed by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Lisa Brown is a dedicated professional with experience in childcare, food services, and school support. She currently serves as a School Pantry Assistant at Arlington Elementary in Baltimore, managing the food pantry and supporting volunteers. Her past roles include Childcare Associate at Emustine Long Daycare and Dietary Aid at Ridgeway Manor. Ms. Brown is a proud graduate of Walbrook High School.
1st Year Board Member
Appointed by Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)
Rev. Cassandra “Cassy” Núñez serves as the Area-Wide Coordinator of Hispanic/Latine and Multicultural Ministries for the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences of The United Methodist Church. An immigrant, community advocate, and faith leader, she has extensive experience supporting immigrant families, children, and underserved communities throughout Baltimore and the region. Previously, she served as pastor of Salem Baltimore Hispanic United Methodist Church, advocating for families and building community partnerships. Rev. Núñez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master of Divinity. She is passionate about empowering families, strengthening community voice, and creating responsive institutions.
2nd Year Board Member
Appointed by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Monica Ogunnika is a dedicated mother of four children attending City Schools with over 15 years of experience in leadership support. She believes strong relationships between families and schools make a difference and enjoys finding meaningful ways to get involved and support her community.
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the Disability Rights Maryand (DRM)
Malique Parker is a community outreach professional with experience in tenant organizing, harm reduction, and labor advocacy. He currently works as a Tenant Organizer at Baltimore Renters United, leading outreach, training, and the Rent Court Watch Program. His past roles include Harm Reduction Specialist at Charm City Care Connection and Shop Steward for Unite Here Local 7. Mr. Parker graduated from Saint Frances Academy and brings skills in group facilitation, data analysis, and case management.
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Chris Patterson is a proud graduate, teacher, and parent of Baltimore City Public Schools who is deeply committed to strengthening educational opportunities for all students. A passionate advocate for student voice, Chris believes every child deserves to be heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. Chris also champions positive and supportive work environments for educators, recognizing that teachers thrive when they are respected, supported, and equipped to provide high-quality learning experiences for every student.
1st Year Board Member
Appointed by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Nivia E. Prescod is committed to serving her community through civic engagement and educational advocacy. After relocating to Baltimore four years ago, she was selected as a cohort member of the Baltimore Planning Academy and currently serves as President of the Baltimore City College High School PTSA.
She brings professional experience in nonprofit management, public relations, and healthcare. After owning a boutique public relations agency in New York City, she transitioned into healthcare and relocated to the DMV region. Having experienced both the New York City and Baltimore public school systems as a student and parent, she advocates for Baltimore City students, families, and schools.
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)
Marvin Lee Price Jr., is a dedicated educator, parent, community advocate, and faith leader committed to elevating student and family voices across Baltimore City. With more than 20 years of experience serving children and young adults, Marvin brings a strong background in education, family engagement, and educational advocacy. He is passionate about strengthening school-family-community partnerships and advancing equitable, student-centered opportunities. As a PCAB Board Member, Marvin proudly champions authentic parent leadership, transparent communication, and collaborative solutions that empower families and ensure every child is seen, supported, and positioned to thrive!
3rd Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Dontae Ryan is on a mission to show the next generation of students what is possible when community support meets rigorous academic opportunity. With over two decades of professional experience in RF Engineering, Dr. Ryan has contributed vital research to anti-jam technologies and high-efficiency communication systems. Today, he leverages his technical depth to bridge the educational gap for young scholars in Baltimore City. As Co-founder and VP of The Ryan Institute, LLC, Dr. Ryan designs local school partnerships, pop-up enrichment academies, and specialized STEAM initiatives that build character, leverage the arts, and empower young mathematicians and engineers to thrive on a global stage.
1st Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Mr. Nii (pronounced “knee”) Sowah is an accomplished executive leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing organizational performance, strategic planning, and community impact across the public and nonprofit sectors. He holds a B.S. in Business Management from Morgan State University and an M.P.A. from the University of Baltimore. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives in housing, community development, workforce development, early childhood education, and family services. An Eagle Scout and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nii brings a deep commitment to leadership, collaboration, and strengthening communities.
1st Year Board Member
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Nkenge Yasin is the Founder and Executive Director of Learning How! Child Development Center, where she is dedicated to changing the world through early encounters by strengthening children, families, and communities through early childhood education and family engagement. A Baltimore parent, entrepreneur, and community leader, she is passionate about expanding educational opportunities, building strong community partnerships, and ensuring parent voices help shape decisions that improve outcomes for all students.
Alternate Members
Brunia Francois is a first-generation Haitian American from Boston, Massachusetts, and a proud Goucher College alumna. She is a special educator with 17 years of experience serving students with disabilities and their families across Boston, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
As both an educator and the mother of an autistic daughter attending Baltimore City Public Schools, Brunia brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. She is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable schools where every student and family feels supported, heard, and empowered.
Akil Parker is the founder and CEO of All This Math, LLC an educational services company founded in 2017 with a mission to improve the relationship between mathematics and the Black community. He was raised in Baltimore and is a product of Baltimore City Public Schools and Morgan State University. After graduating he relocated to Philadelphia where he became a high school math teacher at multiple charter schools and traditional public schools. He later served as an adjunct professor teaching Math Methods and pure math courses at LaSalle University and Cheyney University. Mr. Parker has 3 children, the youngest of which attends Northwood Elementary School where Mr. Parker also serves as the Vice President of the PTA. He is a firm believer in not only teaching the children math, but also their parents/guardians so they can in turn teach math to their own children.
Ms. Phillips-Davis is a Child of God, devoted mother, and proud Coppin State University alumna who is passionate about serving children, families, and her community. As an inaugural Maryland Corps/Service Year Option alumna, educator, family advocate, parent mentor, outreach specialist, BTN Ambassador, MaMaBear Ambassador, and business owner, she is committed to creating meaningful opportunities that empower others. Through leadership, advocacy, and service, she strives to inspire positive change, strengthen families, and leave a lasting impact, leading with faith, purpose, compassion, and a heart dedicated to uplifting the communities she serves. Ms. Phillips-Davis also holds certifications in Crisis Prevention, Autism, and Youth Mental Health First Aid, and is active in organizations like the Autism Society, Autism Speaks, and Pathfinders for Autism.
Former Chairs
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
2023 - 2024 Chair
Appointed by the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Standing Committees
Budget Committee
Charter Advisory Board Committee
Communications Committee
Family & Community Engagement Committee
Policy Committee
Teaching & Learning Committee