MEET OUR STAFF
Resident Director - Marquise Taylor
As Resident Director, Marquise supervises the daily operation of the house and all aspects of student life. She provides social guidance and support to the RABC Scholars by establishing and maintaining high standards of conduct and achievement in accordance with the RABC Board of Directors.
Marquise previously served as the Assistant Resident Director for RABC from Spring of 2020 - Spring of 2022. In addition to her position as Resident Director, she is also a third grade school teacher in Danbury, where she has been teaching third grade for almost seven years. In her spare time, Marquise likes to sing, write, draw and bake. She is a jack of all trades who loves anything that allows her to be creative.
Resident Academic Director - Mayzie Potton
Mayzie works with the Resident Director to ensure the highest academic standards, oversees evening study hall and assists with the everyday life of the scholars. She also maintains relationships with the RABC Academic Advisor Co-Chairs, Ridgefield High School staff, scholar’s families, and the RABC Board. She likes “building relationships and helping teenagers through their high school years.”
Originally from Alaska, Mayzie earned a Bachelor's Degree and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Colgate University. She is a 9th and 10th grade English teacher at Ridgefield High School.
social worker - nehemie moïse Young
Nehemie visits the RABC house once a week, enjoying dinner with the girls and then engaging with the scholars through group discussions and activities, and also providing one-on-one support. She also provides all adult volunteers and staff with DEI training, highlighting our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive community.
Nehemie is the Founder and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of Restoratively Speaking. She has over a decade of experience working with nonprofits that focus on the intersection of racial equity, academia, and the social-emotional well-being of youth and families of color. Nehemie has a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, and BA in Psychology from University of Vermont.
COOK - Mary Wright
Mary has been the house cook for over 10 years after a long career as a professional cook. Her early passion for cooking took her to the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park graduating in 1983. Most of her career has been in corporate food services including Marriott Food Services and Greenwich Hospital. At RABC, she is responsible for menu planning and shopping in addition to the food prep. She asks the Scholars for their favorite recipes from their families and likes to include those in her planning.
The Scholars are expected to help Mary with the food preparation on a rotating schedule. "I like the girls and it's really nice getting to know them on a more personal level when they help me in the kitchen."