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Vision
The DC Reggio Emilia Alliance is a study group committed to elevating professional discourse through research and collaboration.    

Mission
Members of DCREA gather monthly to further collective learning and strengthen individual practices inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Our collaboration deepens relationships, making growth and risk-taking possible. The work of children, school environments, professional literature, lectures, workshops, and the community serve as resources for study.

Steering Committee
Seven DCREA members make up the Steering Committee. They meet regularly to plan and organize all aspects of the monthly meetings, as well as execute all responsibilities related to DCREA's bylaws and 501c7 status. 

 Jennifer Azzariti

For the past 30 years Jennifer has worked both locally and nationally with schools inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, focusing particularly on the culture of the atelier. Her early career began at the Model Early Learning Center, a landmark in the history of the Reggio Approach in the U.S. She is the pedagogical director at St. John's Preschool, and has worked there for close to 25 years. Jennifer was a NAREA board member, the founding director of the DC Reggio Emilia Alliance, and is currently serving on the steering committee. Jennifer is a graduate of Smith College where she earned both her BA and MEd, and a studio potter who just finished a sabbatical year at the Northern Clay Center. 

The rest of the current steering committee, left to right: Lori, Brenda, Julie, Daizy, Adia, and Elyse

Lori Adams Chabay
Lori started her career in Early Childhood Education after completing her Master's degree in Education from Bank Street College of Education in Infant and Parent Development. Years later, she received a Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education at Stanford University. Over the last 40 years, Lori has served children and their families as an infant-toddler educarer, program director, instructional coach, researcher and university pre-service and in-service teacher educator. She began her Reggio journey in 1994 and attributes her continued joy in her work with children, teachers, and parents to having embraced this approach. Nearing retirement, Lori looks forward to slowing down, spending more time with family and friends, and smelling the flowers along the way! She has been on the DCREA steering committee since 2017. 

​Brenda Coggins
Brenda has over 30 years experience in early childhood education serving in a variety of roles as teacher, administrator, and pedagogical director. She received her BA from UC Santa Barbara and her M.A. in Education from UC Berkeley. Introduced to the Reggio approach early in her career, it became the guiding inspiration and philosophy for her work with children, teachers and families. Brenda also provides professional development in the field and holds a passion for creating environments that engage and support children's development and autonomy.  She spent over 22 years in Maryland working with schools that served infants through Pre-K, and most recently was Head of School for a private preschool-8th grade program. Brenda is currently deciding on the next steps in her learning journey, and has happily served on the steering committee since 2016.

Julie Rausch
Julie has been in the education field for 30 years as a preschool and school-aged director, kindergarten teacher, mentor teacher and early childhood educator of two and three year olds. She was introduced to the Reggio Approach during her graduate work in Early Childhood Education and Human Development at Pacific Oaks College. In practice, she gained extensive experience while teaching at the Bender JCC for 13 years and currently in the ECC at Washington Hebrew Congregation. Julie joined the steering committee in 2022, having attended DCREA meetings since its beginning years. 

Daizy Rose Frazier
Daizy has been in the early childhood art education field for the past 12 years (M.A.T, Boston University), working as a Pre-K studio teacher for 9 years and currently overseeing the arts department as the Studio Director at all Two Birds locations. She is passionate about sensory-rich and nature based experiences for the youngest learners as she works closely with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She was fortunate enough to have Jen Azzariti as her mentor during her first year of teaching, which opened her eyes to the Reggio approach and the DCREA community - she joined the steering committee in 2022. 

Adia Harris
Adia began her teaching career by entering the DC Teaching Fellows program 13 years ago. She was introduced to the Reggio approach here, which changed her career. Since then, Adia has fully committed to this educational philosophy. She became an atelierista nine years ago and loves it. In her role she gets to explore materials and possibilities with the children she works with, encouraging creativity and curiosity. As a social justice champion, Adia is proud to be part of a team that offers the Reggio approach to Washington, DC children who have frequently been denied such rich and authentic educational experiences. Adia joined the steering committee in 2022 serving as the co-chair and is honored to be part of this group. 

Elyse Crown
Elyse has been a full-time early childhood educator for 10 years. She holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Development and Dance and an M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. After receiving her master's degree, she served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Italy, where she taught English in Italian high schools. The Reggio Emilia approach has inspired her work and shaped her career since her undergraduate studies. She has worked in Reggio-inspired schools around the nation (Fairfax, Richmond, New Haven, New Orleans, and Seattle) as both teacher and pedagogical specialist. Currently she is in her 5th year at St. John's Preschool in DC. Elyse joined the steering committee in 2022 and is serving as the co-Chair. 

DCREA Steering Committee Members
It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge all DCREA Steering Committee members who have served (*founding member):
*Jennifer Azzariti 2011-current, founding Chair
*Cecilia Etchegoimberry 2011-2020
*Mara Bier 2011-2019
*Madeline Lowitz Gold 2011-2017
*Jessica Bieber 2011-2016
*Suzanne Nealon 2011-2016
*Sissy Walker 2011-2016
Brenda Coggins 2016-current
Laura Jackman 2016-2022
Leslie Slan 2016-2017
Lori Adams Chabay 2017-current
Melissa Williamson 2018-2022
Sandy Lanes 2019-2022
Lisa Brooks 2019-2021
Elyse Crown 2022-current, co-Chair
Adia Harris 2022-current, co-Chair
Daizy Frazier 2022-current
Julie Rausch 2022-current