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Our Team

Central Office


Opportunity Network

DawnLynne Kacer, as Executive Director-Opportunity Network, leads the team responsible for Philadelphia’s multiple pathway programs and the School District’s Re-engagement Center. Previously, she led the School District’s Charter Schools Office monitoring, supporting and evaluating charter schools in Philadelphia.

Before joining the School District in 2015, DawnLynne led the Charter Schools Office for the NYC Department of Education. Before her career in urban public education, DawnLynne was a Senior Consultant for public sector clients in healthcare policy and information technology. She also served as a juvenile court officer hearing cases of abuse/neglect and foster care permanency in Georgia. DawnLynne has a Masters of Education from The Broad Center for the Management of School Systems, a MPP from the University of Michigan, and both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. DawnLynne is a foster parent, voracious reader, loves to travel, and enjoys old school (black and white darkroom processed) photography.

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

What if you have only ever had ONE cheesesteak… does that make it my favorite??? Joking aside, I really only have had just one in my life… but at least it was in Philly!

Woman smiling at camera

Education


The Broad Center for the Management of School Systems
Master of Education

University of Michigan
Master of Public Policy

University of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Business Administration

Office of Multiple Pathways to Graduation

Bio coming soon!

Education


University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Education, Psychological Services
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Bachelor of Arts, African American Studies

Opportunity Network

Bio coming soon!

Education


Office of Multiple Pathways to Graduation

Seth is a compassionate leader with a commitment to improving education outcomes for youth in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Prior to joining the School District of Philadelphia in August 2019, Seth was an Emerging Leader Fellow with the Stoneleigh Foundation, where he worked to promote post-secondary access for foster youth, and worked with multiple colleges and universities across the state to build programs for youth leaving the foster care system and enrolling in college.

 In addition to his work on homeless and foster youth, Seth also has a strong passion for social justice education, economic and racial equity, and LGBTQ rights. Since receiving their masters degree in 2015, Seth has also worked with youth development programs at the Urban Affairs Coalition, and early childhood education improvement with Action for Early Learning at Drexel University and with the Mantua-Haverford Promise Neighborhood.

As the Strategy Analyst for the Opportunity Network, Seth facilitates all data and evaluation initiatives for each program in the Network. In addition, Seth provides training and technical support to assist programs in data literacy and integrity, and how to use data to improve school programming. In their free time, Seth enjoys walking along Penn’s Landing, sewing and designing clothes, and is an avid video gamer.

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

Gotta be Delssandro’s!

Education


University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Education, Education Policy

University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

The Re-Engagement Center


Re-Engagement Center

As an Assistant Director with the School District of Philadelphia’s Opportunity Network, Tiana Wilson oversees the Re-Engagement Center, where students, families and community members come in to connect to the many alternative high school diploma programs available in the city.

Tiana has been employed with the District for over a decade, first working in the Office of Family and Community Relations and, then,  in the Office of the Chief of School Operations before joining the Office of Multiple Pathways to Graduation. Tiana has a strong commitment to increasing the quality, availability, and accessibility of college and career focused alternative programs for Opportunity Youth in Philadelphia. Tiana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She enjoys cooking, reading and trips to the beach and is the mother of 2 boys.

Education


Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Re-Engagement Center

Bio coming soon!

Education


Capella University
Master of Science, Sports Psychology

Philadelphia University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

The Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Careers
High School Diploma

Transition & Continuation


Office of Transition & Continuation

Dedicating his career to the fields of social services and education, Marcus A. De Vose is a passionate administrator, educator, life coach, and youth/family advocate. He has served in community, non-profit, governmental, and faith-based organizations promoting education and human development. Mr. De Vose has held positions such as social worker, instructor, counselor, and administrator.  His work includes leading and counseling individuals and families at social service agencies, serving as faculty and teaching at a local university and an education center, and directing teen education and life skills programming. He has spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the Client Engagement Model using a Cognitive-Behavioral Approach,  Positive Youth & Social-Emotional Development in alternative settings, and the Apex and Continuation School Models.

While with the School District of Philadelphia, Mr. De Vose fulfilled several roles remaining committed to educational equity and access for all students. He was instrumental in redesigning and developing non-traditional/alternative education schools and practices leading to school support and accountability frameworks, the launch of five new schools, and the implementation of strategic student support, placement and transition services.

Mr. De Vose also plays an active role in his community and serves in community outreach and professional organizations. He is a member of the National Alternative Education Association and the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings. He also sits on the Advisory Board for a local youth organization and is the Equity and Inclusion Chair for the Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Pennsylvania. Marcus De Vose earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Psychology from Temple University, holds a Master of Education in Psychological Studies, and is a certified family life educator. His personal philosophy for education is grounded in a quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”

Education


Temple University
Master of Education, Psychological Studies
Bachelor of Arts, Business
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Achieve Academy

Charla Hill joined the Opportunity Network as a Student Transition Liaison (Achieve Academy) in November 2020. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University.

During college, while as a mentor for an Upward Bound program, she found her passion in education. She has been committed to youth development for the past 15 years. In her career, her main priority has always been to advise, support, and motivate young people to recognize their purpose and full potential in life.

In addition to her youth development and advocacy work, Charla’s interests also include Real Estate Investing. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, and exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant food, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

Pagano’s Steaks in West Oak Lane.

Education


Temple University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Achieve Academy East

Rodreen Howell is a Philadelphia native and proud alumni of Benjamin Franklin High School. Graduating third in his high school class, Rodreen was a scholarly student-athlete, and one of the best football players in the public league.

Rodreen received both of his degrees at Cheyney University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality in 2010 and Master in Public Administration 2017.

Rodreen has been employed with the School District of Philadelphia since 2011. He began as a Program Assistant for the Educational Options Program (EOP), tracking grant data and supporting adult students’ transition to post-secondary pathways.  Currently, Rodreen continues with the Opportunity Network as a Student Transition Liaison, working with families and helping students grow academically and social-emotionally.

Rodreen has a strong passion for football and mentoring youth. Whether it is sports or life, he wants teens to maximize the moment. “I love to give back to the younger generation the opportunities I missed so that they can take advantage of what I didn’t.”

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

My favorite Cheesesteak place in the city is “Delassandros” located on Henry and Walnut lane. If you eating a cheesesteak anywhere else, you are wasting your cheat day!!

Education


Cheyney University
Master of Arts, Public Administration
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality

Benjamin Franklin High School
High School Diploma

Continuation Programs

Deirdre is a Philadelphia native who grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. After graduating from Furness High School located within the city of Philadelphia, Deirdre attended Cheyney University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and later received her Masters of Science in Human Services from Kaplan University.

While attending Cheyney University, Deirdre joined several organizations on campus (BBBS, NCNW, Vision Quest) that gave back to the community by providing mentoring services to inner city youth. Not really sure what being a mentor as a college student would consist of, Deirdre became a part-time mentor proudly serving inner city youth to help them recognize and reach their full potential in life. As of today, Deirdre still continues to serve as a mentor to inner city
youth.

After being employed at Albert Einstein Medical Center for over 5 years as an inpatient psych social worker, Deirdre decided to change career paths and joined the SDP in September 2023 as a Transition Liaison under the Opportunity Network supporting the Continuation Academies (Excel Middle Years Academy, Stetson Continuation Academy and Olney Continuation Academy).

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

I don’t have a favorite place to get a steak from but as long as the chicken cheesesteak is chopped well and has good reviews I will give it a try .

Education


Kaplan University
Master of Science, Human Services

Cheyney University
Bachelor of Science, Biology

Furness High School
High School Diploma

Educational Options Program


Educational Options Program

Cameo John is an experienced social worker with over 10 years in social services and education. She is a compassionate advocate for all. Ms. John has worked with adults providing counseling and supportive services in workforce development programs and re-engaging youth and adults into educational programs. She enjoys contributing her wealth of experience through program development, community engagement, and outreach to families.

Currently, Ms. John is the Assistant Director of the Educational Options Program where she continues to help adults earn their high school diplomas and lead successful lives.  Ms. John holds a Master of Social Services degree from Bryn Mawr College and is a Licensed Social Worker.

Education


Bryn Mawr College
Master of Social Work

Temple University
Bachelor of Science

South Philadelphia High School EOP

Audrey F. Nock is an instructional leader who serves to improve the capacity of students, and families through her various roles.

Her roles in the School District of Philadelphia have included teacher, grade chair, department coordinator, lead mentor teacher, family-engagement liaison, and new teacher adviser. She has served as a conference presenter focusing on grant development, service learning and project-based instruction.

Mrs. Nock is the recipient of 15 teaching awards and 20 school improvement grants. Additionally,  Mrs. Nock is a former University of the Arts adjunct professor and  self-proclaimed lifelong learner who is  passionate about amplifying instruction, school leadership, and equity.

Education


Northeast High School EOP

Some of Adrienne Staten’s earliest memories are playing “school” in her bedroom and sitting for hours reading books. Born and raised in Philadelphia and a former SDP student, Adrienne Staten has been a teacher with the School District of Philadelphia for 24 years. After high school, she attended Hampton University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. Shortly thereafter, Adrienne attended LaSalle University to become a certified teacher of English and Language Arts.

In her 24 year tenure, Adrienne has worn many hats including senior sponsor, peer conflict resolution manager, teen girls group coordinator and of course, EOP site coordinator.  She loves to laugh and believes that laughter is truly the best medicine.  She has a passion for mentoring and assisting adults as an investment in not only their own personal futures, but to strengthen our communities and society at large.

Favorite Cheesesteak in Philly

Dalessandro’s! Hands down!

Education


Hampton University
Bachelor of Arts, English

LaSalle University
Teacher Certification, English and Language Arts

Benjamin Franklin High School EOP

Diane Wilson is an experienced educator with over 20 years in teaching special education.  She is committed to ensuring that all students become successful and socially responsible individuals.  She teaches her students to transition from being dependent on others to being interdependent and working with others.

Currently, Diane is the Coordinator of the Educational Options Program (EOP) at Benjamin Franklin High School where she provides outreach, in-reach and up-reach to her students.  Through outreach she promotes the importance of students completing their education.  Through in-reach she ensures that students get what they need to complete their education as quickly as possible.  Through up-reach she focuses on the whole student helping them to become productive citizens.

Diane holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Gwynedd Mercy College and a Bachelors degree in Special Education from Temple University.  She believes that just because you have been dealt a bad hand in life, that doesn’t mean you have to fold.

Education


Gwynedd Mercy College
Master of Arts, Educational Administration

Temple University
Bachelor of Arts, Special Education