Leadership Team

Principal

Anika Buster-Singleton was named the acting principal at Francis C. Hammond Middle School (FCH) during the 2022-23 academic year. Mrs. Buster-Singleton previously served as an academic principal at FCH. She joined the leadership team as a dean of students during the 2018-2019 academic school year.  Prior to entering school administration, Mrs. Buster-Singleton served as an instructional coach, language arts teacher, department chair, and team leader at George Washington Middle School (GW).

Mrs. Buster-Singleton is a proud graduate of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), having attended Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, FCH and T. C. Williams High School now Alexandria City High School. 

Mrs. Buster-Singleton earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in English and history and a Master of Science in education from Old Dominion University. She has also earned a Master of Science in educational leadership from George Mason University.

Mrs. Buster-Singleton was a GW Teacher of the Year nominee for The Washington Post Outstanding Teacher Award in 2016, highlighted as a Portrait of Success for The Scholarship of Alexandria in 2007, and received the Alexandria Education Partnership:  Excellence in Education award during the 2005-2006 academic year. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

Email: anika.buster-singleton@acps.k12.va.us

International Academy Academic Principal

Mr. Brannon was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. He has spent his entire career in education at Hammond, beginning as a teacher in 2007. He taught social studies for 7 years at Hammond, while adding National Board, NETS*T, ELL and Administration certification. In 2015, he led the opening of the International Academy at Hammond, the 1st middle school International Academy in the U.S., and has served as the Academic Principal since that time. His passion lies in ensuring that all students and families feel welcome in our school and that all students receive a world-class, equitable education.

Mr. Brannon has a B.A. in History from Loyola University in Chicago, a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a Post-Master's Certificate in Education Leadership and Administration from George Washington University.

8th Grade Academic Principal

Tenicka Strown Frye is academic principal of Francis C. Hammond Middle School. In Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), Ms. Strown has also served as dean of students, MTSS liaison, student resource coordinator and instructional coach.

Serving as an educator for more than 20 years, Ms. Strown began her career as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools where she taught math and science. She also served in leadership roles such as team leader, science department chair, summer school principal, and academic dean/assistant principal and principal, while serving in DC Public Schools and in Maryland. 

Ms. Strown earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Mississippi Valley State University. She also earned a Master of Arts in secondary education from Johns Hopkins University and Master of Arts in education administration from Trinity Washington University.

Email: tenicka.strown@acps.k12.va.us

7th Grade Academic Principal

Quanda Fudd is the 6th Grade Academic Principal at Francis C. Hammond Middle School (FCH) for the 2025-26 academic year. Ms. Fudd previously served as instructional coach at FCH. She began her tenure in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in 2012. She joined the school division as a seventh grade language arts teacher at FCH and then became the instructional coach from 2020-2022.

Ms. Fudd earned a bachelor’s degree in English language arts from Virginia Union University, a master’s in educational leadership/administration and supervision from Virginia State University and a second masters in special education from Grand Canyon University. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

Email: quanda.fudd@acps.k12.va.us

6th Grade Academic Principal

Dr. Miyoshi Byrd has been appointed as the Academic Principal to Francis C. Hammond Middle School. She joined Alexandria City Public Schools as a previous school administrator. Dr. Byrd brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has led and served as teacher and teacher leader having been honored as Teacher of the Year and County Teacher of the Year nominee during her teaching tenure. As her career advanced, she led as a middle and high school administrator as well as an acting principal. In addition, she worked on many district projects that included tasks with secondary schools to obtain full accreditation from the Virginia Department of Education.

In her dedication to education, Dr. Byrd sought to gain collegiate experience by preparing future educators for the profession as an adjunct professor as well as a student teacher supervisor with Marymount University prior to joining Prince William County Schools. She provided middle level instruction as well as held several supervisory roles as an administrative intern, collaborative learning team lead, grade level content lead, formal lead mentor, and membered various teams. Dr. Byrd also served as an adult basic education and community based instructor for PWCS. In addition, she led as summer school assistant principal at Rippon Middle School and summer school principal at The Nokesville School K-8.

Her formal preparation began with Virginia State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She continued her education with Old Dominion University by obtaining a Master of Science in Elementary/Middle Education and returned for an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership. Overall, she aspired to earn a Doctorate of Education in K-12 Education Leadership with Jones International University which culminated her formal preparation. In sum, she holds professional educator certifications in Middle Grades 6-8 and K-12 Administration and Supervision.

Dr. Byrd brings an abundance of energy, excitement and expertise to Francis C. Hammond Middle School. She believes in the advancement of students and staff given the appropriate opportunities, resources and support to attain and sustain success. Her belief is that all students can learn where they are chosen, challenged and championed…every student, every day. In her spare time, Dr. Byrd enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is humbled and honored to serve the students, parents, staff and community of The Admirals. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

Email: miyoshi.byrd@acps.k12.va.us

Dean of Students

Julita Brown-Dunn serves as dean of students at Francis C. Hammond Middle School, as of the 2025-26 school year. In this role, her main goal is to cultivate a culturally responsive, restorative, and safe environment for students, their families, teachers and staff.

First joining Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in 2013, Brown-Dunn served as a classroom teacher, an Equity Advisory Committee member, a reading interventionist PreK - 8, Summer Learning principal for middle school and dean of students at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School. She has been in the field of education for more than 30 years. 

Brown-Dunn earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama and received a Master of Education in Educational Supervision and Administration Prekindergarten - 12th Grade from Regent University.

Email: julita.brown-dunn@acps.k12.va.us

Dean of Students

Emily Uosseph serves as dean of students at Francis C. Hammond Middle School, as of the 2025-26 school year. 

Ms. Uosseph is a dedicated educator and advocate for creating welcoming, inclusive school communities. Her passion is helping students, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

She began her career in Albemarle County Public Schools as a special education teaching assistant, an experience that shaped her commitment to supporting all learners. She went on to serve as a middle school science teacher, biology teacher, diversity resource teacher, and administrator for a 6-12 restorative alternative school. 

Ms. Uosseph holds two degrees from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Teaching Science. In addition, she holds a post-master’s certificate in Educational Leadership from James Madison University. 

email: emily.uosseph@acp.k12.va.us