Volunteer Student Support Liason
Email:
tiya_dzilankhulani@dpsk12.net
Department(s):
Thrive Student Support Team
, Support Staff
Tiyanjane M. Dzilankhulani, better known as Ms. Tiya, serves as the volunteer Student Support Liaison at Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment. She brings extensive experience as an educator, school leader, mentor, and advocate for student success. Tiyanjane is currently a third-year doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver, where she is preparing to defend her dissertation which will address whole child student support, removing barriers for historically marginalized students, and Ubuntu Leadership Framework in spring 2027. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to supporting students’ academic growth, well-being, and sense of belonging. As the founder and director of Girls Shine Christian Academy in Malawi, she led a school serving more than 200 students and worked closely with students, families, and staff to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through culturally responsive, relationship-centered approaches.
Guided by the Ubuntu philosophy, “I am because we are,” Ms. Tiya believes that strong relationships, accountability, and community are essential to helping students thrive. Her experience includes counseling students and families, facilitating conflict resolution, supporting restorative practices, and working with students navigating trauma, displacement, and major life transitions. At Montclair, she is committed to partnering with students, families, and staff to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow and succeed.
Tiyanjane M. Dzilankhulani, mejor conocida como la Sra. Tiya, se desempeña como Enlace de Apoyo Estudiantil en Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment. Cuenta con amplia experiencia como educadora, líder escolar, mentora y defensora del éxito estudiantil. Actualmente cursa su tercer año de doctorado en Liderazgo Educativo y Estudios de Políticas Públicas en la Universidad de Denver, donde se está preparando para defender su disertación sobre el Marco de Liderazgo Ubuntu en la primavera de 2027. A lo largo de su carrera, ha mantenido un profundo compromiso con el crecimiento académico, el bienestar y el sentido de pertenencia de los estudiantes. Como fundadora y directora de Girls Shine Christian Academy en Malawi, dirigió una escuela que atendía a más de 200 estudiantes y trabajó estrechamente con estudiantes, familias y personal para abordar necesidades académicas, conductuales y socioemocionales mediante enfoques culturalmente receptivos y centrados en las relaciones.
Guiada por la filosofía Ubuntu, “Yo soy porque nosotros somos”, la Sra. Tiya cree que las relaciones sólidas, la responsabilidad y la comunidad son esenciales para ayudar a los estudiantes a prosperar. Su experiencia incluye brindar orientación a estudiantes y familias, facilitar la resolución de conflictos, apoyar prácticas restaurativas y trabajar con estudiantes que atraviesan situaciones de trauma, desplazamiento y transiciones importantes en sus vidas. En Montclair, está comprometida con colaborar con estudiantes, familias y personal para fomentar un ambiente escolar seguro, inclusivo y de apoyo, donde cada estudiante se sienta valorado, acompañado y capaz de crecer y alcanzar el éxito.