African American Student Services Staff

Kamilah K Johnson, program specialist. Mother of one, wife of Cholla High School alumni. I obtained an MBA from Dominican University's Brennen School of Business. My role is to culturally inspire, uplift and advocate for African American Scholars within TUSD. 

Hi my name is Haley and I am so excited to be working with African American Student Services! I was born in Long Beach, California and raised right here in Tucson. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in Global Studies with an emphasis in Human Rights and Social Justice and a minor in Africana Studies. My education provided me opportunity to learn more about the history of my people throughout the African Diaspora, and birthed a hunger in me to see equity and justice actualized for people of color. As a child growing up in Tucson, I did not see much representation of black history, culture, or success. I know firsthand the consequences of lack of representation within one’s formative years, which is why I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mentor to black students in TUSD. As a Program Specialist I will be working with students on an individual level, helping to problem solve, and offering encouragement as students work to achieve their goals. I also look forward to planning events and providing enriching experiences for our students to participate in. 

My name is Chantal Tatum and I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I attended elementary, middle and high school in the Tucson Unified School District then attended the University of Arizona where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Policy. It has always been my passion to advocate for children and I am excited to join the African American Student Services Department as a Program Specialist to continue to advocate for children within the Tucson Unified School District. I can remember receiving rewards and meeting with the African American Student Services Department in school and I am excited to continue the legacy of this department.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Daniel Palmore, a Program Specialist with the African American Student Services Department. Because of my father’s military service, I was born in Heidelberg, Germany. I lived between Panama and Germany over the next 9 years before moving stateside in 1980. I have primarily lived in Arizona since then. I grew up in Sierra Vista, AZ and moved up to Tucson after high school to attend the University of Arizona. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and African American Studies. I then went on to earn my Master’s degree at ASU through a component campus here in Tucson. Since graduating with my Master’s degree, I have primarily worked in the behavioral health field, which was definitely fulfilling. With that being said, I’m always looking for new challenges to help me grow and facilitate my desire to positively impact others. I feel this opportunity with the AASSD is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

I have had the pleasure of imparting knowledge into scholars for over 24 years. As a passionate educator that has been committed to nurturing a love of lifelong learning in scholars from kindergarten through 12th grade. A proud native of Tucson, I have had the pleasure of spending my career inspiring and guiding vibrant scholars, fostering their academic and personal growth.

Additionally, I have earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree to further enhance my expertise. My background in business management complements my educational practice, bringing a strategic and innovative approach to supporting student learning.

Currently, I am delighted to contribute my extensive experience and enthusiasm, as an active participant in this profound movement in the African American Student Services Department. My dedication to educational excellence and my unwavering commitment to student success continue to drive my efforts in this impactful role.

Born in Chicago, I moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and my teacher certification. I have 26 years of teaching and assessment experience. During this time, I earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Technology and became a National Board-Certified teacher. My core values are love, wisdom, truth, and compassion. My mission is to help students use their strengths to find their voice. I am honored to help promote equity working with African American students to help them develop skills to be successful in whatever areas they may choose.

My name is Stephanie Harrison, I am native to Tucson. I am passionate about mental health, social issues and education. I am entering the department with seven years of teaching experience. A product of TUSD, I attended Blenman Elementary, Doolen Middle School and Catalina High. I went on to graduate from Northern Arizona University with a bachelors in general and special education. I’ve taught third, fourth and fifth grade general education and kinder/first grade inclusion as a special education teacher. I am excited to be a part of the African American Student Services department; one because growing up I did not have much representation in educators and that is an important part to our school environment. Also, I am passionate about growth and this role will allow me to work with students at their level, promote success and see the difference we as educators make in the lives of our students. 

Hello, my name is Tusamba Nefwani, I have taught over twenty years, teaching 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. I am currently the RTI focusing on reading, but I have had the title of Reading Interventionist for over 6 years. I hold a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading, as well as a Master’s in Administration and TESOL.

I am excited to work with students to support them in their reading journey. I will encourage students to be the best readers no matter their abilities.

Marissa Bell
I serve as a Behavior Specialist in AASSD. I was born near Seattle, WA but call Southern California home. I come from a large multiethnic family and grew up as a military brat which has allowed me to experience many different cultures. I have been working with youth in different capacities for the past 8 years and chose to work in this department because I have a passion for social justice and mental wellness; I believe behavior is a form of communication and so I want to be the advocate and support that I never had when I was in school. I have a bachelor's in psychology & Sociology and I am currently finishing up my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I look forward to supporting your student!

Julian Gomez
Having been born and raised in Tucson, Az, I am the product of the Tucson Unified School District and an example that it takes a village to raise a child. I proudly hold degrees from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona. As a Behavioral Specialist in the department, I have dedicated my career to advocating for our students and their families. I firmly believe in providing inclusiveness and a supportive environment that nurtures the growth and well-being of our students. It is an honor to contribute to the African American Student Services Department’s mission of empowering every student for success in life. 

My name is Dionté, I’m a Tucson native. I have a bachelor’s degree in communication, and I minored in psychology and graduated from the University of Arizona. I like sports and in my free time I like to relax, play with my dog.

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio.  In 1985, I graduated from the Ohio State University with a BA in Sociology.  I have lived in Arizona for 26 years with my husband. We have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law and 2 grandpuppies!  In my free time i enjoy biking, watching sports, reading, and spending time with my family.  I am very passionate about the work that we do in AASS. I love empowering students to be the best version of themselves. Challenging them to know who they are, identify their passions and ultimately understand their purpose for which they were created.

I have worked for TUSD for 23 years. In my role as a Student Success Coach, I help to support students who have unique challenges mitigating their academic and personal success. I help identify student barriers to academic success and assist schools in creating and applying action plans for overcoming challenges. 

I am a Tucson native.  I attended college in California and Texas and earned a BA degree in Psychology.  I returned to Arizona after college and have over 25 years of experience working in social services and the education system.  I have been employed by TUSD since 2008 and have been with the African American Student Services Department for 9 years.  I enjoy supporting students and helping them to achieve their academic goals of graduation and beyond.  Outside of work, I am blessed with the busy life of being a "sports mom." 

Mrs. Rosalind Longmire is a native of Tucson, where she attended school in the TUSD. Rosalind is a graduate of Grand Canyon University. She is a non-profit community leader and a business owner for 20 years. Rosalind is married and the mother of two adult children.She is passionate about helping others, especially children and youth, reach their full potential.

Andrea was born in New York and moved to Arizona 27 years ago and fell in love with the Southwest. I've worked in education for 20 years and have loved working in many capacities throughout that time. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's in business administration.