Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital recently expanded to Burrville Elementary School in Ward 7! Site coordinator Asyja Smith will work with the students, families, and staff of Burrville to ensure students have everything they need to succeed inside and outside of school.

Born and raised in the District, Asyja graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Northwest DC. She has long maintained a passion for basketball, having started playing at the age of 8, and this passion allowed her to attend Virginia State University on a basketball scholarship.  

After her time at VSU, Asyja returned to the DC area to begin a career in youth-development. What started as a stint as a substitute teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools soon turned into a full-time position as a Special Education Specialist.

When given the chance to return to working in the district, she jumped at the opportunity. As the Behavior Dean at Kelly Miller Middle School, Asyja thrived in the environment, as she appreciated the chance to work with students in need of the highest levels of support. In describing her experience, she always comes back to talking about her students.

“The best part was just going there and seeing them every day, seeing them grow. They make you appreciate everything you have.”

As Behavior Dean, Asyja made it a focus to ensure her students were supported inside and outside of the classroom. She worked closely with parents to create a sense of community and was frequently in the crowd at student games and other extracurricular activities to show that her support continued outside of school.  

With her move to Burrville Elementary School, Asyja is excited to continue her work with DC’s youth. She looks forward to contributing to the school’s culture and increasing family engagement in their children’s education.

Coming from a similar background to many of the students, Asyja recognizes the importance of having a supportive adult in one’s life that can understand the challenges they face every day.

We are very excited to have Asyja representing CIS at Burrville. She is a great example of CIS Founder Bill Milliken’s saying that, “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children.”