BSD’s Office of Equity provides leadership around all issues of equity, including the implementation of Restorative Practices, Social Justice Education, HHB prevention and compliance, and safety.
Meet the Office of Equity:
Autumn Bangoura (she/her), Equity Instructional Leader
Autumn started her career at BSD as a Spanish teacher in 2009, and is still affectionately known as Señora Bangoura by many. She transitioned into classroom teaching at the Integrated Arts Academy and was dedicated to weaving Social Justice themes into every part of the curriculum. After serving on BSD’s District Equity Council for many years she moved into this District role in the fall of 2019 in order to influence more systemic change. In 2021, Autumn started the Summer Racial Justice Academy to empower middle and high school youth to take on leadership and create positive change at BSD. Email Autumn for all things related to curricular resources, instructional practices, Social Justice Education, professional development requests, youth leadership and mentorship, restorative learning pathways, equity newsletter, resource sharing and more!
Teresa Giallorenzo (she/her), Hazing, Harassment and Bullying (HHB) Coordinator
Teresa Giallorenzo has worked in various roles in the Burlington School District starting in 2009 and as a resident and parent in Burlington she is proud to be a part of the Burlington School District and a member of the Office of Equity Team. Teresa has worked as a paraeducator, Administrative Assistant, lead Administrative Assistant, data team member, and registrar, and has now moved into the role of District Coordinator of Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying reporting, Title IX reporting, and the District Safety Lead. This role aligns to her beliefs that we need to ensure every student’s safety and feeling of belonging so they can come to school and engage in learning. Email Teresa for questions about HHB reporting, investigation and compliance, Designated Employee training, crisis response, suspension reviews, and all things related to district safety.
Mika Moore (she/her), Restorative Practices District Coordinator
Dr. Mika Moore is the Restorative Practices Coordinator in Burlington School District. Prior to this role, Mika was a lecturer at UVM where her teaching and research focused on issues of educational equity and access for underserved groups. She was formerly a middle school special educator in San Francisco Unified School District and also served there as a department head and MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support)coordinator. Mika is passionate about bringing a restorative approach to all aspects of our work in BSD. Her role is focused on the implementation and use of restorative practices District-wide, which encompasses teacher training and support, facilitation of District-level RP teams, RP systems and strategy planning, and ensuring RP is used as one way to dismantle white supremacy culture and furthering our anti-racism work in the District. Email Mika for questions about Restorative Practices, staff to staff interpersonal conflict, circle templates, tools for Tier 1 RP work, suspension review, the annual report, and the Restorative Code of Conduct
Sparks, (he/him) Director of Equity and Safe & Inclusive Schools
Sparks oversees all of BSD’s anti-bullying and harassment work and supervises the Office of Equity. He offers a wealth of institutional knowledge and was instrumental in the co-leadership and facilitation of the BSD Equity Council and DEALT (District Equity Access and Leadership Team). He facilitated the roll-out and implementation of Restorative Practices for the entire District and guided professional development in the form of Equity Conversations for all BSD staff. Sparks serves on the District Leadership Team. Email Sparks for problem solving with district leadership, parental complaints and concerns that have not been adressed at the school level, liaisons with community partners, budgetary issues and overall district safety and security
Timothy Verstandig (he/him), Administrative Coordinator
Tim, originally from the Albany, New York area, has spent the last eight years in Plattsburgh, New York working as paralegal / legal assistant while also studying Political Science and History at SUNY Plattsburgh. Tim was the Secretary of the Plattsburgh City Democratic Committee from 2021 to 2024, helping to grow the committee to what it is today. He is new to the Burlington School District family and is eager to make a difference by helping the Office of Equity make an indelible impact on the community. Email Tim for general Office of Equity requests or to schedule a meeting with any members of our team
Maria Davies, (she/her/ella) Community Schools Coordinator
My name is Maria Davies I am new to the Burlington School District. I identify as Latina, from both Central and South America. I grew up in a in a relatively underserved area of Queens, New York and am one of three children raised by a hardworking mother, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of living in a community where resources and assistance to obtain help were scarce, or nonexistent. Yet, these experiences fueled my resilience, determination, and drive to overcome adversity. My life journey has been shaped by the knowledge I acquired and the adaptability that many young people from underrepresented communities develop, and I am proud of the person I’ve become. I am privileged in that I have had the opportunity to earn my Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from the City College of New York, and my Master of Education in Leadership and Policy from the University of Vermont (UVM). I am fluent in Spanish and this is one way I have been able to bridge gaps and strengthen relationships within my communities, particularly in my previous work with school districts. My linguistic abilities have helped me connect with diverse families, ensuring they receive the support and resources they deserve and need. It is through this lens of lived experience and professional education that I am committed to making a difference in our school district, and our local communities. We know that collectively we are stronger and we can overcome many things when we work together for a common goal. Email Maria to learn more about the community schools projects at BHS, Eagle Bay Academy and BTC
