Monarch Academy Anne Arundel County, which consists of charter and contract schools with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, named Dr. Beverly “Sissy” Jimenez chair of the schools’ board of directors.

Jimenez is a pediatric dentist and owner of Annapolis Pediatric Dentistry LLC. She has held teaching positions at New York University College of Dentistry and University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has participated in dental missions around the world bringing dentistry to impoverished communities. Jimenez has worked with underserved populations throughout her career, particularly with Latino families. She holds a degree in dentistry from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She completed her pediatric dental residency at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital.

In addition, Monarch Academy Anne Arundel County elected Derek Matthews to the board.

Matthews works for the office of the Anne Arundel County executive and specializes in serving diverse communities and planning and organizing outreach to vulnerable populations and the county’s minority communities. Previously, he was president and CEO of Gemini Consulting LLC, a business consulting firm. He has also worked for the Federal Protective Service and Department of Homeland Security.

Monarch Academy public charter and contract schools are affiliate members of The Children’s Guild Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations and dedicated to transforming how America educates and cares for its children through education, behavioral health and national training and consultation services. Affiliates of The Children’s Guild Alliance include The Children’s Guild, Children’s Guild D.C. Public Charter School, The Academy for Working Students (TAWS), TranZed Apprenticeships, The Transformation Education Institute, National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN), and The National Children’s Guild Fund. (www.childrensguild.org)