Dedra was previously the Wellesley ABC Resident Academic Tutor from 2018-2020 and has now returned as our Resident Director. Dedra hails from Roslindale, MA and was educated in the Boston Public Schools. She is a graduate of Wheelock College, where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Math with a minor in Education and Human Services, and a Masters Degree in Elementary and Special Education. She has been employed by the Wellesley Public Schools in the Special Education Department since 2012 and is currently the Wellesley Middle School METCO Academic Coordinator.

​

Shawnamandela (Shawna) is a native of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  She has a challenging day job as a Universal Banking Operations Specialist with Santander Bank, but she is still eager to work with our scholars at study hall on weekday evenings.  Shawna served as a camp counselor for many summers at Agassiz Village Camp in Poland Springs, Maine.  While there, she worked with inner city students with numerous disabilities and has extensive experience working with young people of color with learning differences.

Kiara currently resides in Milton and is a native of Dorchester, Massachusetts. As a full time mom, she works to create healthy and tasty food alternatives.

Kiara is delighted to share her passion for cooking with the Wellesley ABC family! She has been cooking for the past 10 years and since having children her love for cooking has grown stronger. During the pandemic she and her fiancé  started a catering business. They we are able to creatively combine new spices and ingredients inspired by their culture and share them across the greater Boston region. Wellesley ABC has provided her the opportunity to expand and continue to grow her cooking talents.