Leadership

Craig Bednarovsky

Chief Operating Officer

Craig brings over twenty years of leadership experience in sales, marketing, operations, and product management, as well as a strong background in entrepreneurship and consulting. He has a proven track record of building businesses from the ground up, managing budgets and finances, shaping organizational culture, and implementing processes and structures in rapidly growing companies.

Before joining Creative Minds, Craig served as the COO of an IT consulting and staffing firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in 2013, 2014, and 2015. During his tenure, he drove a 30% increase in top-line revenue. Craig began his career at General Electric and later worked in management consulting on a project at the Defense Logistics Agency.

Craig holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from American University and an MBA from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. He resides in Washington, DC, with his wife and two children. Passionate about education, Craig sees his role at Creative Minds as a natural progression in his career.

Favorite Quote

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” (Robert Frost)

Candice Bobo

Interim Head of School

Candice Bobo brings over 20 years of experience leading schools and networks in Washington, DC. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Rocketship Public Schools, overseeing a regional network of schools serving over 1,500 students and 200 staff. Prior to that, Candice played a key role in revitalizing Meridian Public Charter School, helping to improve academic outcomes and dramatically secure a 20-year charter renewal.

Throughout her career, Candice has demonstrated a deep commitment to students, families, and educators. She brings a strong track record of instructional leadership, school improvement, and building community — all of which make her well-suited to lead Creative Minds in this important moment.

During our search process, we heard from many families who shared thoughtful feedback about our school’s needs: strong communication, consistency, a focus on academics, and leadership that listens and follows through. These priorities directly shaped our decision, and Candice brings the vision and steadiness to move the work forward while staying grounded in the community.

Welcome to our Chameleon Community, Ms. Bobo!

Nayamka Long

Chief Academic Officer

Nayamka Long was a founding teacher of Creative Minds and the first member of our school’s instructional leadership team. Before stepping into the role of CAO, she directed CMI’s lower school program and served as interim director of teaching & learning.

Nayamka has extensive experience in general and special education curriculum and program implementation. She is an expert in designing instruction to meet a wide range of student abilities, maximizing students’ learning potential by addressing individual learning challenges and supporting exceptional talents. She is able to differentiate instruction to help a class of diverse learners reach standards-based curriculum objectives. She has trained as an International Primary Curriculum coordinator and has supported the CMI Leadership Team as an instructional coach.

Nayamka taught students from prekindergarten through the elementary grades for more than 12 years in various educational settings, including public, private, and charter schools. She holds an MA in education and human development from George Washington University and a BS in kinesiology from the College of William and Mary.