Philadelphia Continuation Academy

JaQuay D. Waller was born and raised in North Philadelphia. JaQuay was educated in The Philadelphia Public School System, where she was a member of the 256th graduating class of Central High School in 1997. JaQuay continued her education by attending Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where she successfully earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2001. JaQuay then went on to attend Johns Hopkins University where she proudly matriculated in 2004 as the first member in her family to attain the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching.
JaQuay began her career as an educator in the Baltimore City Public School System. She was a first-grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary School and served in this position for three years before migrating back to her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In August of 2005 JaQuay joined the Camelot Schools of Pennsylvania where she held a number of teaching and administrative positions. In August 2009, JaQuay was appointed as the Director of Operations for Shallcross Day School. This was such a milestone as JaQuay was the first woman in the company’s history to hold this position where she led the school’s day to day operations. During JaQuay’s tenure with the Camelot Schools of Pennsylvania, she studied diligently at Holy Family University where she earned her Pennsylvania Principal PK-12Certification.

Over the span of twenty plus years in education, JaQuay has encountered so many students, parents, and stakeholders to which she holds near and dear to her heart. Her most prideful moment to date in her career happened in August 2020 where she founded and launched First Impressions Educational Resources LLC. First Impressions was born as JaQuay was very concerned about students having to independently navigate virtually through their schooling as the Covid-19 pandemic forced schools to operate remotely. JaQuay understood the need for in-person interaction for students to be able to learn and be successful academically. The students also needed to maintain their social and emotional learning and that only happens with being around other children. As JaQuay stepped out on faith as the Founder and CEO, First Impression Educational Resources took flight. She was able to obtain a venue and began advertising. This service was so beneficial for families who had working parents and couldn’t afford to stay home with their children to monitor the virtual learning. JaQuay was so proud to be able to provide a service in her community as people struggled with how to navigate through our “new normal”.

In July of 2021, JaQuay received a call from her Deputy Superintendent with a leadership opportunity to expand her educational knowledge and years of expertise alongside a team of seasoned educators who would support the Newark Board of Education as an Educational Consultant. This experience has afforded JaQuay another opportunity to share her skill set with fellow educators and students in another city. JaQuay has been affectionately adopted as a staff member of South 17th Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey.

From a classroom teacher through other administrative roles, JaQuay is currently the Executive Director/Principal of Olney and Stetson Continuation Academy’s where she prides herself on being a “compassionate educator”. JaQuay firmly believes in being trustworthy, cooperative, and always showing up, taking great pride in these qualities. In addition to being trustworthy, cooperative and reliable, she is highly empathetic and actively involved, all while living by the motto…”Let the work I’ve have done speak for me”.

Bamnjo Bannavti believes that strong relationships and teamwork create the foundation for meaningful learning.

In his classroom, students are encouraged to support one another, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to overcome challenges together.

He fosters a positive environment where students feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow both academically and personally.

By emphasizing unity, respect, and collaboration, Bamnjo helps students develop the mindset and resilience needed for success in school and beyond.

Chelsea L. Blair-Del Rossi believes in meeting students where they are and providing the guidance, resources, and real-world scenarios they need to make thoughtful decisions.

She creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and choosing whether they need advice or simply someone to listen.

In both teaching and transition coordination, Chelsea helps students navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop greater independence.

Her calm, student-centered approach allows her to serve as a trusted source of support in and beyond the classroom.