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Name: Nia Nunn Makepeace |
| If you don't know, Dr. Nia, you are can't imagine what you're missing. A force of nature, with a lightning quick brain, unbelievable vision and energy, amazing positivity, grace and unbelievable talent, Nia, whose name means "Purpose" and is the fifth day of Kwanzaa, lives up to the origin of her name-and then some. The eldest child of the amazing duo: Schelley Michell-Nunn and Fe Nunn, Nia grew up in a home that valued justice, peace, human rights, and creative expression through the arts. s a wonderful mother of three, a school psychologist in the District, a talented dancer and artist, she brings her love of young people and the belief of empowering youth to recognize their talent to all that she does, Nia, among numerous other projects, just started a free program, "Fit to Fabulous" that helps women, particularly moms find time to meet their mind, body and spiritual goals through mentorship, a circle of trust and a Nia-Ied exercise program. Free childcare is provided for this monthly program, run through the sorority Delta Sigma Theta. In addition to this work, Nia has children CUMEP (Community Unity Education Program), travel around the community performing throughout the year, not just in the summer when formal CUMEP sessions are held at Southside Community Center. Nia ensures that the program is more than a music camp. CUMEP's goal to foster performing arts education, music and language literacy is met through her great leadership, love of children, and partnership with her father, Fe Nunn. The program serves children ages three and a half to 11 and it is truly the highlight of my daughter Nina's summer each year. I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing Nia since she was a child. It's amazing that she's now a member of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and that she's now teaching MY child about music, dance and the arts. It's astounding how life just comes full circle. Watch Nia here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joljAh5F1kc Nominated by Michelle Courtney Berry Dr. Nia Nunn-Makepeace shares exemplary educational practice with students, staff, families and community partners. Her ability to link academics, culture, social justice and personal development is like no other that I have seen in my 29 years in education. Anyone in her care and teaching thrives. She is intelligent, innovative, talented and understands the human and cognitive aspects of growth and change and the world in which the children live. Her depth in terms of equity and excellence for all is contagious. I highly recommend her for this recognition. Nominated by Denise Gomber Bio: Nia Nunn Makepeace is a native of Ithaca, New York. She has served as a school psychologist at her alma mater Beverly J. Martin (BJM) Elementary School since 2007. Nia’s responsibilities as a school psychologist involve data-based decision-making assessment, prevention, social/academic interventions, crisis intervention, social skills education, family consultation, curriculum development, and school-wide initiatives. In 2003 Nia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. Nia will be graduating from the School Psychology program at Michigan State University (MSU) in May 2011 with a Doctorate of Philosophy. Her dissertation was titled The Special Education of Black boys: An ecological examination. After completing her coursework at MSU, Nia returned home to Ithaca in 2007 to complete her dissertation, internship, begin her career as a school psychologist, and be with family. During the 2008-2009 school year, Nia also worked as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Ithaca College. Nia has served as a director and performing arts coordinator for the Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP) summer camp since 2007. She volunteers her time to teach CUMEP dance workshops and have participants perform throughout the year. After completing the Human Rights Education training through the Dorothy Cotton Institute, Nia continues to be inspired to research, implement/develop curriculum, and teach peace/coexistence (egalitarianism) in her leadership roles at BJM and CUMEP. Through dance education and other leadership opportunities, Nia was raised in a culture dedicated to strengthening community. She is committed to serving as an agent of social transformation. Nia’s parents, Alan Fe Nunn and Schelley Michell-Nunn, continue to model a love for life-long learning and advocacy. Nia lives in Ithaca, New York with her husband Liam and their three sons Eamon (7 years), Rohan (4 years), and Lochlan (1 year) Makepeace. Family and community are Nia’s heartbeat and inspiration. |
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