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Children Discovering Justice Testimonials

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Children Discovering Justice

Testimonials

What do participants have to say about Children Discoveirng Justice?

"The curriculum gives teachers a voice in the planning and implementation - the same way this curriculum teaches students to use their voices to advocate for justice."
Tara Boudreau
Early Elementary Instructional Specialist, Indian Orchard Elementary, Springfield Public Schools
"I finally feel like there's a social studies curriculum that meets the diverse needs of my students. CDJ is engaging, rich, and fun! I look forward to teaching more next year!"
Jaclyn Gordon
3rd Grade Teacher, Cambridge Public Schools
"With piloting the CDJ materials I saw my students have a passion for some thing and the will to want to do so much. They ask a lot more questions they don’t just take one side of things they understand that there’s multiple viewpoints on things. This has helped not only with implementing the curriculum but also with problem-solving skills when students no one understand that there are different viewpoints on things."
Dania Lezama
3rd Grade Teacher, Boston Public Schools
"I love having the opportunity to teach the Discovering Justice curriculum to my third graders…Students are able to apply their learning in a historical context and to themselves and their communities. I believe teaching students civics is an incredible step in teaching young kids how to be responsible, respectful, and thoughtful members of society."
Ruhi Rahman
3rd Grade Teacher, Winship Elementary School, Boston Public Schools
"It teaches us what we can do to make earth a better place. And I also like it because [it] tells us about everyday problems."
Nathan
3rd Grade Student, Winship Elementary School, Boston Public Schools
"This is the most age-appropriate curriculum I have seen. It is so well organized, easy to use, and accessible."
K-2 Teacher
Watertown Public Schools
"This was one of the first times students were vulnerable… these lessons created a space where other students could speak to experiences that I couldn’t."
Jaclyn Gordon
3rd Grade Teacher, Cambridge Public Schools
“I can explain justice! It means fair to everybody… what you need, not always what you want… good for everybody!”
Kindergarten Student
Cambridge Public Schools
"Expertly prepared presenter and an interesting topic… The materials are so thoughtfully created, and practical - as a long-time teacher I can tell that teachers were a key part of their creation. I like how the lessons and resources highlight the development of a shared vocabulary for students' and teachers' understanding of what civics entails."
Elaine Cusick
Russel Elementary School, Boston Public Schools
"Module 0 is exactly what students need at the beginning of the year especially still recovering from pandemic teaching."
K-2 Teacher
Watertown Public Schools
"I think it's important because you can learn about civics but also have fun doing it!"
Beatrice
3rd Grade Student, Winship Elementary School, Boston Public Schools

Read more CDJ Testimonials here. 

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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.

At Discovering Justice, Bianca plays a flexible, all-hands-on-deck role across development and communications. She supports fundraising strategy, manages the Development and Administrative Associate, external partnerships, contributes to donor engagement efforts, and leads the execution of key initiatives and events. Bianca also helps amplify the organization’s impact by producing core communications and fundraising materials.