A critical part of Flamboyan’s work in Washington, DC is our Family Engagement Partnership (FEP), where our expert coaches work with Family Engagement Leadership Teams (FELT) at schools across the district to build sustainable family engagement practices. Coaches come to Flamboyan with years of experience as educators, non-profit staff, and school leaders, but there is one common thread: each of them is committed to ensuring that REAL Family Engagement becomes deeply embedded in school culture and practice.
We’re excited to introduce two of the newest members of our coaching team, joining Josh, Mamie, and Tenea. They are partnering with our newest cohort of FEP schools as well as returning partner schools over the coming year, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to this work.
Meet Nilaja McBeth, School Partnership Coach
Nilaja McBeth coaches Family Engagement Leadership Teams (FELTs) and develops training that helps schools build strong, effective family engagement practices.
She is committed to working in education because she believes it’s one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change and expanding opportunity in people’s lives. Nilaja combines expertise with personal investment in family engagement. Prior to coming to Flamboyan, she spent seven years at a DC charter school in roles ranging from classroom teacher to Resident Principal. She also served as the FELT lead—an experience that solidified her dedication to building authentic school-family partnerships. This year, Nilaja will be working with Cleveland Elementary School, Friendship PCS Woodridge Middle School, Garfield Elementary School, Takoma Elementary School, and Lorraine H. Whitlock Elementary School.
Nilaja’s work is grounded in understanding that students thrive when schools partner meaningfully with families.
What drew you to Flamboyan?
As a former FELT Lead, I saw firsthand how important a strong family engagement program was to our school. Being part of that work as an educator deepened my belief in the importance of building strong connections. I was excited by the opportunity to continue that commitment—this time as a coach—supporting other educators in building meaningful and lasting relationships with families.
Why does REAL Family Engagement matter to you?
REAL Family Engagement matters to me because it leads to better outcomes for students. Even though I am no longer working in a school setting, I will always be an educator at heart, and students will always be at the center of my work.
What are your hopes and dreams for the schools you’re coaching this year?
I hope to build up my FELT’s confidence and skills in leading REAL Family Engagement. I want to help them create systems and structures that feel manageable, sustainable, and rooted in their school communities—so the work continues to grow even after the partnership ends.
In your role as a coach, what are you most excited about in the coming School Year?
I am excited about getting to know new school communities and setting up Flamboyan for a successful multi-year partnership.
Our impact is powered by people. Learn more about our team here.