Catrina James

Ms. James is welcomed to QCA and to the network of charter schools as the 5th and 6th grade Science teacher. Ms James was born and raised in Newark, NJ and is the product of Newark Public/Magnet Schools. As a first generation high school graduate from University High School of the humanities in Newark, NJ, Ms. James went on to become a first generation college graduate; earning her dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology from Kean University and Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Rutgers University with high honors. Furthering, her education Ms. James is now enrolled at the Grand Canyon University working toward a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

For the past 11 years, Ms James has been of service to the Newark and East Orange Public School districts; serving in capacity as Teachers Assistant, Substitute Teacher, after school program Mindfulness facilitator, F.U.T.U.R.E Ready facilitator, and Teachers Assistant lead. For the last two summers Ms. James has also worked with the Metropolitan YMCA’s Summer Camp Program as the STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Specialist II, which inspired a readiness to teach complex subjects to children of color.

As a new educator with innovative strategies and ideologies, Reiki practitioner, crystal healer, holistic business owner, and holistic teacher, Ms. James aspires to teach our scholars the magic in the Science field, while also teaching the importance of mental health and spirituality, and the importance they play in being college ready as well as a contributing member in society.