Spotlight on Mrs. Breland

Tonya D. Breland

Principal

Evergreen Avenue School







•Name:
Tonya D. Breland

• College(s) and degrees(s):
Howard University, Washington, DC – B.S. Psychology
Nova Southeastern University – Ft. Lauerdale, FL – M.S. Administration

• Work experience:
Social services in various programs, providing advocacy for children, parents and families (North Jersey); Teacher of grades 7, Kindergarten (North Jersey), and 4th grade, Vice Principal (Burlington Twp.), and now Principal

• Favorite books
o fiction: The Left Behind series by Tim Lehaye and Jerry Jenkins
o nonfiction: The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkenson

• Favorite television show:
American Idol

• Last movie I loved:
Seldom get to the movies, but recently rented The Devil Wears Prada - it was a fun movie.

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
A gospel artist, Maurette Brown-Clark

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
My deceased paternal grandparents. They were both my greatest champions in life and I’d love to talk to them again about my journey.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
The beach. It’s a great place to read and relax.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
Painting a few rooms in my house.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Our dog, Buddy (Bison/Shih Tzu)

Favorite sports team:
In the 80’s and early 90’s – Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bears. Now, by default, the Philadelphia Eagles

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
European tour with my family.

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: Mrs. Clark, my 1st grade teacher. She made me feel like I was the only child in the classroom. She was one of three African American teachers in the school, where I was also in the small minority. She made me feel special and invited me to her home for dinner. I'll never forget how she made me feel. She was one who truly made a difference in my life and made me feel that I could do/be anything. That is what I want to do for others.


Other facts:
• Mother of a sophomore, Gianya & 7th grader, Daniel
o I am a huge fan of my children & enjoy supporting their endeavors
o It is my priority to encourage them to be anything they want to be

• Married to Gerard for 17 years.