Shantel Sappleton is a native of Bloomfield Connecticut. Her journey in education began at the University of Connecticut where she received her master’s degree in education through the accelerated master’s program. She began her teaching career in Baltimore City Public Schools teaching fourth grade. She spent nine years there before transitioning to leadership roles. She is currently in her fourth year as School Leader of KIPP DC LEAP Academy in Washington DC. When Shantel is not working, she can be found restaurant hopping, traveling, and spending time with her family.