school social work association of washington dc

Pictured from left: Ayisha, Courvaun, Danielle, Erica, Allie

President: Ayisha Keith

Currently serving as the School-Based Mental Health Coordinator and Clinical School Social Worker at Sousa Middle School in Washington, DC’s Ward 7, Ayisha has been instrumental in advancing school-based wellness initiatives that center equity, student voice, and family engagement.

A graduate of Norfolk State University (B.A. in Psychology) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (Master of Social Work). She has built her school social work career on creating access to comprehensive support services for students and families. Her commitment to excellence was recognized when she was named 2024 DC School Social Worker of the Year

Vice President: Courvaun Hill

Courvaun is a recent graduate of Howard University School of Social Work. Through his time there, he built a strong sense of community and partnership. He sought this position because he wants to continue to develop that necessary community for this work. He believes in preparation and support being vital pieces in allowing social workers to thrive. His passion for social work comes from the historical power of advocacy and community voices, and working in school social work allows him to really tap into and serve those who hold the power to change the world, the students. 

Secretary/Treasurer: Allie Perez

Allie has worked as a school social worker for AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School since 2017 years, with previous experience working in outpatient mental health and as a preschool teacher. Allie grew up in Northern Virginia, studied social work at The Catholic University of America, and has lived and worked in DC for over 15 years. Allie is the Immediate Past President of SSWA DC, in addition to previously serving as Social Chair and then Membership Coordinator/Treasurer. Whatever free time there is left is spent with loved ones, enjoying DC, watching the Yankees and Nationals be bad at baseball but cheering them on anyway, and watching as many movies and TV shows as possible for de-stressing. 

Membership Coordinator: Erica Cartledge

Erica recently celebrated 20 years as a DC School Social worker serving in both non-public schools and DCPS. In that time, she has learned how much school staff are unaware of the value of school social workers. It is her goal to always highlight school social workers and to continue to develop the field by giving back to those new to social work.

Interim Policy Chair: Danielle Helme

Danielle has worked as a high school social worker for DC public schools for the past four years. Prior to that, she worked at a middle school for girls in SE and before social work, worked for many years with students with autism. Prior to becoming SSWA DC Vice President, Danielle served as Policy representative. Danielle grew up in Maryland, but except for college/graduate school has been in the area all her life. Danielle spends her free time with friends and family especially a niece, and also doing kickboxing and crocheting amigurumi animals.

To contact any Board member listed here, please email info@sswadc.org