Witness Tree Institute cohort members of 2025
Ain Heath Drew
School Drew Charter Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
Subject: Reading Intervention (Phonics & Comprehension
Teaching Experience: 15 years
“To build a better world, we must see ourselves as global citizens. I am in a constant state of learning and growing, which includes taking advantage of every opportunity I’m given to connect with others to challenge and build my perspectives.
As an educator, my foundation has and will always be that to nurture the whole child, we must promote global citizenship and nurture empathy, while also teaching in a way that honors who they are.
I’m looking forward to engaging in the WTIG opportunity, which I hope will allow me to blend my joy of educating children, my passion for anti-racist pedagogy, culture, and storytelling.”
Asante Proverb-
“Ti korɔ nkɔ agyina”
One head or person does not hold council
Tricia writer
School: Fenn School, Concord, MA
Subject: English/Social Studies Grades 4/5
Teaching Experience: 24 years
“This experiential trip will contribute to my teaching in many ways.
In David Brook’s book, The Second Mountain, he likens climbing the first mountain to achieving personal success. Whereas the second mountain is about living a life of meaning and service—committing to others and making a difference in the world. Real freedom, he believes, comes not from doing whatever we want, but from choosing what’s worth giving our lives to. Hard times and suffering can push us off the first mountain and towards a more meaningful life on the second one. The "valley" of suffering is often what drives people to seek something deeper. Brooks emphasizes that suffering, if faced well, can lead to wisdom, humility, and transformation. Simply stated, it is on the rising precipices of the second mountain where I find myself.
After being diagnosed with a late stage malignant, invasive cancer and working my way through treatment, I was often told I would not emerge the same person. I didn’t quite know what they meant until recently. Instead of pouting about all that has been lost, what truly matters in life has been coming into sharp focus. I am so truly grateful that WTIG is part of this journey and joy.”
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TETE COBBLAH
Organization: WTIG team, (USA, Ghana)
Director and Founder of Witness Tree Institute. Retired Educator.
“This year’s program will be filled with personal stories and eventually a call to action: to cultivate the kind of wisdom that cannot be taught or tweeted but must be discovered in the depths of one’s own heart.
We hope to return from our summer’s experience with questions, with awe, with heartbreak, revelations, joy and with new insights- but never with indifference. That would be to turn away from your own becoming.
More than ever, we still believe that we can change the world for the better—one story, one classroom, one person at a time.
We hope to come away from this experience with questions, with awe, with heartbreak, with new insight, wisdom—but never with indifference. ”
Elsie Pontes
School: Ellison Parks Early Ed School, Boston, MA
Subject: Student teacher-Technical Studies
Teaching Experience: 2 years
“As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. I want to harness the power of education to make a positive impact on the world. To me, education is like a magic tool, capable of showing children that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. ”
“Wohu se wo yɔnko abodwese rehye a, na wasa nsuo asi wo dee ho”
If you see a neighbor’s beard burning, keep water beside you.
KWASI NTIM AGYEI
School: Kpohe D/A Basic, Kpohe -Prampram, Ghana
Subject: Mathematics, Creative Arts & Design
Teaching Experience: 5 years
“ Life is a complex mosaic shaped by our experiences and the lessons we learn along the way. I believe in treating others with respect, as everyone has a unique story that enriches our shared experience. By being open to different perspectives, we cultivate empathy and compassion in our world. As a teacher, I see learning as a lifelong adventure that extends beyond the classroom. I encourage my students to stay curious, embrace challenges, and see mistakes as opportunities for growth. Humility is essential as we journey together and learn from one another every step of the way. Together we create a vibrant community of learners ready to face the world with kindness and understanding..”
Yvette Mohbashi
School: Bright Minds Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon
Subject: Administrator and teacher
Teaching Experience: 2 years
“Education is a powerful tool that helps bridge societal gaps, especially in empowering women. Educated women contribute to healthier families and make more informed and impactful life choices, leading to a stronger and more resilient society.
I hope to use my experiences gained from this program to develop methods to incorporate Nigerian culture into our school curriculum. I hope my interactions and discussions with cohort experienced cohort members would provide me with guidelines on activities or projects that encourage students to engage with challenging topics in a more interactive way.”
idris abdul-aziz
School: Millbrook High School, Raleigh, NC
Subject: AP African American Studies, AP World History
Teaching Experience: 17 years
“Students often internalize the pressures of their own society or family which can result in them feeling trapped and as though there is only one way of doing things. Knowledge of other cultures, other options, and other approaches to work, behavior, and happiness, can help me provide evidence to my students that they have choices in their life.”
“Praye, se woyi baako a na ebu: wokabomu a emmu.”
A single broom stick will break easily but if you put broomsticks together, they won’t break easily.
kiyah chester
School: Central Park East 1 -Manhattan, New York
Subject: 4/5th grade general education
Teaching Experience: 2 years
“I believe that learning is a lifelong process that never really ends. Even as a teacher, there’s so much to learn from your students and the world around you. I
t’s important to value the voices of your students, center their ideas, and try to see the world through their eyes.
I believe learning should be hands-on, connected to real life, and rooted in students’ identities, cultures, and communities— even if the topics may be difficult to address.
When students see themselves reflected in the work they do, learning becomes more meaningful and lasting.
Continuing to nurture my inner child and curiosity is something I value deeply—it helps me stay open, present, and ready to grow alongside my students.”
DELA AWUTEY
School: Donyumu Basic School, Dodowa
Subjects: Computing. Creative Arts.
Teaching Experience: 5 years
“As a passionate teacher, my philosophy flows like the wisdom of “Eban” the Adinkra symbol of safety and security, echoing that education must be.
I believe the classroom is a sacred home where minds find freedom and hearts find purpose.
I create boundaries that protect, not confine; that nurture, not restrict. For in the spirit of Eban, I do not just teach minds, I shelter dreams.”
david duane
School: Fenn School, Concord, MA
Subject: Science- Head of dept. WTIG team leader (Ghana)
Teaching Experience: 31 years
“We will listen to African voices and learn from each other in order to script a new narrative. We will use resiliency and versatility to survive the twists and turns of the journey which will bring us to Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Manso, Kumasi, Tafo, Akuapem, and greater Accra. We will nurture a "gracious space" where spirit and strangers enter and learn. We will smile, listen, laugh, cry, hold hands, and share. And most importantly, we will bear witness and be transformed by each other and our community, and return with lessons to enlighten our schools and families. ”
Liz UPDIKE COBBLAH
Organization: WTIG team (USA, Ghana)
Subject: Art Education (retired)
Teaching Experience: Retired
“Visitors are welcomed with gracious gestures, and foreign visitors are thanked for making the journey to Ghana, the most welcoming place you may ever know, a place that cherishes and honors human beings in communion with other human beings.
Witness Tree institute participants will soon arrive from the US and from parts of Ghana. They will be given water and told “Akwaaba!”
In a few days they will set off in a bus together to search for Ghana- Cape Coast, Elmina, Ada, Akwapim and other places are ready to welcome what Ghana has to teach!”
phoebe nartey
School: Kpohe D/A Basic School. Tsopoli, Ghana
Subjects: Grade 5, Creative Arts and History
Teaching Experience: 4 years
“My teaching goals are to help my students become curious about learning and to enjoy it. I strive to nurture confidence and cultural pride in my students. I strive to model a spirit of collaboration and most of the above so that my students would do the same.
This experiential program will develop my essential life skills, communication, and problem solving skills and also contribute to my learning and that of my students.
I would be the happiest person if my students eventually grow up to become good, respectful, empathetic human beings who embrace difference and bring positivity to the world.”
regina detmmer
School: Bright Minds Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon
Subjects: School founder, administrator, teacher
Teaching Experience: 10 years
“My Cameroonian counterpart and I run a nonprofit with the mission of empowering girls in Cameroon and Nigeria. We hope to take what we learn through Witness Tree to create a curriculum for our schools that centers our students' culture and history, challenges the colonial and neocolonial narrative, and builds strong women ready to lead their communities. I can't wait to meet the Ghanaian educators and those from the U.S., to learn from them, to engage in challenging dialogue, to learn more about myself.”
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Katherine sorel
School: Brooklyn New School/PS 146
Subject: Student Teacher-Mathematics & ICT Grades 7 - 10
Teaching Experience: 27 years
“ "No one brings wisdom to the house of Anansi." (Asante proverb) I am so excited to be able to travel to Anansi's homeland to collect as much wisdom as I can and bring it back to share with my students!
I enjoy getting to know new people whose life experiences may be very different from mine. I would bring friendliness and curiosity to my interactions with others. I very much value being part of a community, and just as I try to build community within my classroom, I try to prioritize the community when I am part of a group.
Finding the Witness Tree Institute of Ghana was like discovering a door that I didn’t know was there. I know that if I could walk through that door, I would be able to open doors for my students as well.”
patience obeng
Organization: Asuboni Rails M/A Basic, Nkawkaw, Ghana
Subject: Teacher- all subjects
Teaching Experience: 3 years
“I believe that every child is unique and deserves a stimulating environment that nurtures their mental, emotional, and social growth. As a facilitator, my goal is to create a space where students feel empowered and safe to explore their interests and talents. I want to foster a love for learning through student-centered approaches, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.
It's important to me that we promote social responsibility, helping students understand their role in the community. I see life as a stage where we all can leave a positive mark, no matter how small. Each interaction and experience can make a difference, and I strive to inspire my students to recognize their potential to impact the world around them.
Ultimately, education is about more than just academics; it’s about shaping compassionate, responsible individuals who are ready to contribute to society. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
kristen jackson
School: Holly Springs High School, Holly Springs, NC
Subject: African American Studies, US History
Teaching Experience: 13 years
“ Perspective, gained from teaching multiple social studies curriculums has shown me that a huge portion of the entire secondary curriculum can be directly tied back to Ghana. For example, Ghana was the center of the British slave trade for 150 years. It was an instrumental player in the Pan-Africanism movement of the 20th century and is the final resting place of renowned American civil rights advocate WEB Dubois. It experienced its own vital independence movement in 1957, the first Sub-Saharan African country to do so. Each of these events serves as an important connection and lesson for American students. And yet the continent of Africa, with all its geographic, cultural, and historical diversity is as foreign to students as the moon. However, if we as educators are charged with growing lifelong learners and global collaborators, I feel a strong sense of purpose in illuminating important connections between places like Ghana and the United States.”
madeline vukson
School-Humboldt High School-Saint Paul Public Schools-St. Paul, MN
Subject: English Language Arts
Teaching Experience: 12 years
“ I hope this trip will allow me to grow as an educator. The more I learn about people the more skills I bring to the classroom.
When I think about the workshops that are provided, I can already envision myself being able to speak and share my experiences more clearly with my students.”
melissa Braxton
School: International High School at Prospect Heights - Brooklyn, NY
Subject: Special Ed, English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies.
Teaching Experience: 24 years
“ I believe education should be a transformative experience that empowers learners to see themselves as agents of change.
I often remind my students that learning is a lifelong journey and strive to model that by staying engaged in my own growth. Traveling to Ghana is an opportunity for me to continue that journey, and I hope to bring back stories, insights, and strategies that will enrich my teaching and deepen my students' connections to their learning.”
Nancy Flinchbaugh
Organization: Retired -Springfield, Ohio
Subject: Social Studies educator, Author,
Teaching Experience: 24 years
“ I see my life mission as serving God and people, and more specifically working for peace, justice and the Earth from a Christian contemplative heart space.
I've been writing books for over twenty years, now with seven books published. I like to say I write for change, for peace, justice and the Earth. Now retired, I continue writing, and am active in my church, stay active with exercise, playing fiddle and dulcimer in a few groups, love nature and taking photographs.
My interest in visiting Africa came while working on books about mixed roots. My husband and I visited Ghana two years ago and I want to go back, to get a deeper look as I continue to write Revelation in West Africa. “
seth akomeah
School: Battor Sr. High School, Ghana
Subjects: Music and Christian Religious Studies
Teaching Experience: 3 years
“Education has general purpose of revealing knowledge to everyone through diverse methods depending on the learners ability and strength. Education should have no restrictions; everyone must receive education according to ones capabilities.
There is a proverb in Akan language that says "Enam dua so na ahoma hunu soro-" It is through the strength and presence of a tree or branch that a rope or vine can get to the top of the tree". Every living human being in the world needs help to attain a good education, and that is the role of a teacher- to assist or guide. Every student has their strengths - the challenged student or the successful student, Guiding our children with patience can bring the best out of learners.”
ELISE MOTT
School: Fenn School, Concord, MA. WTIG team (USA)
Subject: Social Studies
Teaching Experience: 30 years
“I am happy to be working with WTIG this summer, albeit remotely. The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana is doing what education needs now- immersing teachers in meaningful experiences that translate into honest and useful classroom conversations and curriculum.
An important principle underlying all of the work is the concept of gracious space. This term was created by the Center for Ethical Leadership in Seattle. Tete explains that allowing for gracious space is about leaning into discomfort and being guided by humility. As we acknowledge the advantages and privilege of Americans, and how that stems directly from the past slave trade and its legacy, we allow for space. Another way of defining this is “I give you room to grow.” Gracious space is giving of yourself without expecting anything back. This concept is practiced through sensitivity and understanding as we navigate differences in languages, race and age. “
eric awuni
School: Ideal College
Subject: Mathematics, Head of School.
Teaching Experience: 10
“I am a young headmaster who prioritizes honesty and integrity in all my endeavors.
I am very intentional and always make sure results are achieved at stipulated timelines. I inculcate discipline in my dealings and a teamwork player in general.
In a technological era like this I'm open to innovative ideas and the best way to stay abreast with time and most importantly relevant to society.
I am honored to be a member of the 2025 cohort Witness Tree Institute of Ghana, and look forward to making the best of this opportunity.
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Barbara Jean Beachley
School: Charleston Day School, Charleston SC
Subject: Head of School
Teaching Experience: 2 years
“My personal-professional why, which is for all beings to be seen, heard, and valued, was shaped by early life experiences and travel. When I was 15, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a year of high school in France, living with a host family and attending a local school. I thought I was traveling to learn about other places and cultures—and I did, especially through language fluency — but the deeper impact was having my own perceptions challenged. Seeing America, and myself, from a completely different perspective changed me. It sparked a lifelong pursuit of language, unique cultural experiences, and self-discovery that shaped my path more than any classroom ever could. Now, as a teacher and school administrator, I wish everyone could experience what it’s like to live among people who are wholly different—I believe it would make the world a more peaceful, just, compassionate, and joyful place.
Vallis Ohene
School: Asoaso Presbyterian Primary School
Subject: Creative Arts
Teaching Experience: 1 year
“ "Learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination." I believe education is more than formal instruction. It’s the way we grow, adapt, and make sense of the world around us. To me, learning happens in the classroom, on the streets, through conversations, and in moments of silence. It shapes who we are and who we become.
A guiding proverb I live by is: “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” This reminds me that when we are grounded in knowledge, values, and purpose, not only academic growth we can face any challenge with confidence and grace.
As an educator and a learner, I strive to nurture not just academic growth but also resilience, empathy, and critical thinking in myself and others. Ultimately, I believe the true power of education lies in its ability to transform lives and build stronger, more compassionate communities..”