Ombudsman for Public Education
Toni Criner was appointed as the Interim Ombudsman July 19, 2023, and will serve in the role until January 24, 2024. Ms. Criner's background and achievements showcase her deep commitment to education and community support, making her an invaluable asset to the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education. With a master's degree in Public Administration from Howard University and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Tougaloo College.
Ms.Criner’s seven-year tenure with DC Public Schools (DCPS) as a school leader and central office staff demonstrates her dedication to enhancing the educational experience of students across all eight wards. Ms. Criner's contributions to DCPS, including facilitating professional developments for special educators and principals and securing vital resources such as technology and internships for underprivileged students, underscore her passion for equitable access to quality education.
Moreover, her swift response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including securing crucial funding for laptops and resources for DCPS Opportunity Academies, exemplifies her resourcefulness and commitment to supporting vulnerable youth during challenging times.
Ms. Criner's involvement in various community initiatives, including her active role in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and her appointment as a District of Columbia Congressional Foster Care Delegate, highlights her dedication to community service and advocacy for young people's well-being. Her pioneering work in connecting transitioned-aged youth in Wards 7 and 8 to local mental health services through a White House Initiative showcases her unwavering commitment to holistic support for young individuals.
Ms. Criner's exceptional passion for connecting youth and their families to essential resources and empowering them to build brighter futures aligns perfectly with the mission of the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education. Her wealth of experience, academic credentials, and community engagement make her a valuable advocate for education and youth development in the District of Columbia.
Assistant Ombudsman for Public Education
Stephanie Arias was initially hired as the Program Associate for the Office of the Ombudsman in May 2019. She was promoted to be an Assistant Ombudsman for Public Education in October 2021. Stephanie spent three years working with multicultural youth from elementary to high school grade levels. Before joining the Office of Ombudsman for Public Education, Stephanie, a DC native, served as a Youth Development Representative for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. She also served as a Bilingual Case Manager for the Collaborative Solutions for Communities, where she partnered with families and 14 DCPS elementary, middle, and high schools to reduce student truancy by providing support and services to families in need. Stephanie is trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Family Group Conferencing, and she hopes to utilize these skills when assisting families who contact the Office of the Ombudsman. In addition, Stephanie is passionate about helping students reach their educational goals. Stephanie received her BA in Criminal Justice from Trinity Washington University.
Assistant Ombudsman for Public Education
Brianne Sullivan was hired as an Assistant Ombudsman for Public Education in June 2023. Ms. Sullivan obtained a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economic Development from Tulane University and a Master's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Sullivan is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in education and community development. She served as a 2nd-grade teacher in DC public charter schools, where her commitment and expertise helped her students achieve remarkable growth in state testing. Before her teaching career, Ms. Sullivan served as the Director of a Boys & Girls Club program in rural South Carolina, near her hometown where she successfully designed and implemented innovative recreational programming for 80 students in grades K-5. Now, as a member of the Office of the Ombudsman, Ms. Sullivan continues to contribute her passion for education and community engagement to effect positive change.
Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education
Jhoselin Beltran Contreras was hired as the Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education in February 2022. She was born and raised in Washington, D.C., to Salvadoran immigrant parents. Jhoselin first found her passion for education as a student in D.C. Public Schools, where she often volunteered as a Chemistry tutor for her peers and earned the Washington Teacher’s Union Scholarship in 2014. She completed her B.S. in Family Science at the University of Maryland in 2018. She later taught as a dual-language educator for two years in D.C. Public Schools, working with students with diverse learning abilities. After completing a fellowship at the State Board of Education, Jhoselin graduated with an M.A. in Educational Transformation from Georgetown University in 2021. Before joining the Office of the Ombudsman, she served as a Research Associate at Synergy Enterprises, where she worked under two federal contracts for the Department of Education. Jhoselin continues to pursue her passion for education by ensuring families understand their educational rights, maximizing healthy communication practices between schools and families, and supporting D.C.’s most vulnerable students. During her off time, she enjoys painting and watching thriller movies.
Program Support Specialist
Whitney Jones was hired as the Program Support Specialist for the Office of the Ombudsman in February 2022. Before joining the office, Whitney spent the past five years as a Case Manager/Family Support Worker for SHOW Up, STAND Out under Catholic Charities, a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. During this time, Whitney provided support services to families of students in grades K-8th who experienced barriers to continuous attendance concerns. Whitney is a North Carolina A&T State University graduate where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. After graduation, Whitney became the Administrative Assistant for a laboratory preschool for seven years in Greensboro, NC, and decided to further her education, where she earned a certificate in Early Childhood-Administration. Whitney has always loved children and found joy working in the preschool setting. In addition, Whitney loves to travel, spend time with family, watch Law & Order: SVU, shop, and listen to music.