2022-23 Cahn Fellows & Their Allies

Luqman Abdur-Rahman

Luther J. Price Middle School
Atlanta, Georgia
Ally: Natasha Hogan-Mahan

  • Luqman Abdur-Rahman is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. After attending Morehouse College and Georgia Tech in the Dual Degree program, he began his professional career as a mechanical engineer and by working for and leading a non-profit organization focused on providing educational opportunities for youth in the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods of Atlanta.

    While in graduate school at Georgia Tech, Mr. Abdur-Rahman worked as a student teacher and soccer coach at Westlake High School. The experience led Mr. Abdur-Rahman to transition to teaching full-time. He began as a math and physics teacher at South Atlanta High School, then taught middle school math at KIPP WAYS Academy. After attending Columbia University and receiving a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership, Mr. Abdur-Rahman worked as an Assistant Principal at Sutton Middle School and an Academy Leader at BEST Academy High School. Mr. Abdur-Rahman then joined Fulton County Schools as the principal of Ronald E. McNair MS, where he focused on personalized learning. He then returned to Atlanta Public Schools (APS) as principal of Luther Judson Price Middle School with Purpose Built Schools to operate some of the most challenging schools in the district. Purpose Built Schools has a holistic approach to student success. There is a focus on social and emotional learning, rigorous curriculum based in project-based learning, and culturally relevant science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) offerings. Mr. Abdur-Rahman continues this work with his wife Lauren and their beautiful daughter Lailah.

Dr. Noah Angeles

York Early College Academy
Queens, New York
Ally: Dr. Amina Gordon

  • Dr. Noah Angeles currently serves as the Principal of York Early College Academy, a Title I Early College public school. Through collaboration with the City University of New York’s York College and the Early College Initiative, Noah successfully developed an accelerated academic program that provides students with an opportunity to earn 60 college credits by the time they graduate from high school. York Early College Academy was recognized as a New York State Rewards School for two consecutive years and currently holds a 98% graduation rate. Noah’s leadership extends beyond his role as Principal, He co-founded the Gray Fellowship for Principal Excellence which provides professional development for NYC Principals in Transformative Leadership practices. He also served on the NYC School Diversity Advisory Group where he worked collaboratively with community stakeholders to develop and provide recommendations to the NYC Department of Education on how to best integrate schools.

    Noah’s commitment to equity is also reflected in his academic research. Noah’s article,“Formative Assessment: Disrupting Inequities During the COVID-19 Pandemic” was published in the New York Academy of Public Education Journal and was used in schools throughout New York City to support teacher practice in a remote environment. Noah is also a Military Veteran and successfully served his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a Sergeant assigned to the 595th Transportation Group, Noah participated in one of the largest transportation movements since World War II. He is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

William Aristide

Law Enforcement Officers Sr. High School
Miami, Florida
Ally: Constance Robinson

  • William Aristide graduated from Florida State University in 1990. He then worked at Golden Glades Elementary, where he was selected Rookie Teacher of the Year (1991) and Teacher of the Year (1994). William graduated with a Masters Degree from the University of Miami in 1994. William completed his Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University in 2002. In 2002, William began his career as an administrator, working as an Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy Middle School. In 2008, he was selected Assistant Principal of the Year for Miami Dade County Public Schools. In 2008, William became Vice Principal of both Miami Carol City Sr. High School and then at Miami Edison Sr. High School. In November of 2010, he was appointed Principal of Booker T. Washington Sr. High School where he remained for ten years. While at BTW he helped transform one of the most challenging urban schools to one of the most improved schools in the State. In 2014, he was recognized by Legacy Magazine as one of “The 50 Most Powerful and Influential Black Professionals in Business and Industry. In 2014, he was the Central Region Principal of the Year. The Urban League of Miami Dade County recognized Mr. Aristide as Principal of the Year for 2015-2016 school year. Presently, he is the principal of the high-performing Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Sr. High School. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and is the proud husband of Allison and their son William.

Pearl Arredondo

San Fernando Institute for Applied Media
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Erin Fitzgerald-Haddad

  • Pearl Arredondo was part of a teacher-led team that founded the San Fernando Institute for Applied Media (SFiAM), the first pilot middle school established in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She taught for 10 years and became National Board Certified before becoming the Instructional Specialist and now Principal of SFiAM. She has led in many situations of ambiguity and complexity for the last 8 years. Pearl is passionate about increasing student access to quality education in the neediest of areas. She was featured on TED Talks Education and is a frequent speaker and panelist related to those key issues.

    She was also featured in People Magazine’s My American Dream: Great Success Against All Odds campaign sponsored by Milk Life. As a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, she met with President Obama’s senior advisors to discuss teacher tenure and elevating the teaching profession. As part of Educators for Excellence, she helped write a series of recommendations entitled Reimaging Tenure: Protecting Our Students and Our Profession. In 2014, she received the “Inspirational Teacher Award” from United Way of Greater Los Angeles and was named California Woman of the Year from California Assembly District 39.

    Pearl is a tireless advocate for public education and STEAM-based curriculum. She is also a role model for young Latinas seeking to make a difference in their communities. Her goal is to make SFiAM a model of educational reform by preparing all students to be effective communicators in the 21st century.

Michael Atkins

Stedman Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Adrienne Lopez

  • Michael Atkins is the proud Principal of Stedman Elementary in Denver, CO. Denver's prevailing students walk the same halls that carved the path which allows him to lead in Denver Public Schools (DPS) today. Michael has been part of DPS since he was four years old. His experiences as a student, custodian, paraprofessional (teacher assistant), teacher, assistant principal, and principal has given him a unique look into education.

    Michael uses that lens to guide his work and journey today. Michael leads to ensure the students under his care have a different experience than he did. Michael leads to grab educators by the hand and walk with them step-by-step and side-by-side on a journey of intercultural development to ensure ALL students can interact with our diverse world differently. He wants to be the sweeping change our communities need in this world.

Laura Avakians

P.S. 94 – David D. Porter School
Queens, New York
Ally: Danielle Quartarone

  • Laura Avakians is starting her ninth year as principal of the David D. Porter School in Queens, New York. Prior to becoming principal, she has worked as a teacher and Assistant Principal supporting students, staff, and families in various NYC schools. Since 2014, as principal, Laura has devoted her energy working towards 21st Century learning opportunities for all students. She prides herself in establishing a culturally responsive teaching ecosystem by creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for all learners. At her helm, the David D. Porter School became the recipient of the 2020 National Blue Ribbon School Award, and has been ranked among the highest performing elementary schools in NYC. Laura's passion lies in always exploring “what else is possible”. This has led the school to be recognized as a NYC Computer Science for All school. Her students enjoy hands-on experiences in the school’s Maker Space and the hydroponics lab and partnerships with various organizations to connect in class learning with real world experiences. As a result of her belief in teaching the whole child, there are ample enrichment opportunities from musical theater for all grades, to clubs, and many residencies during the school day. Laura values collaboration, exchange of creative ideas and encourages everyone to become leaders within their own school and beyond. Her pledge to her community is to continue to be persistent in her efforts to ensure all children receive the best education possible and share her passion for the profession through collaboration.

    Under Laura's leadership P.S. 094 received a New York State School of Character designation. The only school in NYC to receive this award for the 2022-2023 school year.

Dr. Olimpia Bahena

Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Elva Bahena

  • Twenty-eight years ago, Dr. Olimpia Bahena’s first position in the United States was as a bilingual educator in Chicago. As a well-educated immigrant, her work in a low-income community opened her eyes to the importance of high-quality instruction for historically underserved students. It became a calling. Adult learning is the cornerstone of Olimpia's professional growth. She was one of the first Latino educators in Chicago to be Nationally Board Certified. She has taught graduate courses. Olimpia has also presented nationally and at international conferences. As a participant in a Fulbright Exchange Program, she visited Argentina to extend her knowledge of international education. She is continually involved in professional learning and leadership projects with the school district. Olimpia is a strong proponent of dual language education for emergent bilinguals. For 13 years, she has served as Principal of Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy, one of the Chicago Public Schools with a recognized high-quality Dual Language Program. Talcott is known for its innovative, well-rounded, high-quality curriculum, dedicated and hard-working families, and learning-focused staff. She attributes her development as a leader to caring and disciplined mentors. As an immigrant and Latina, Olimpia is a proud role model for students, staff, and the broader school community. She deeply values opportunities to collaborate with others to improve her professional practice and strengthen student learning at Talcott. Her passion, persistence, and determination as an adult learner continue to inspire and enrich her commitment to world-class learning for every child.

Gregory Beckford

Frank C. Martin K-8 Center
Miami, Florida
Ally: Joanne Kraus

  • There are some people who live to help and their lives bear witness to this testimony; Gregory Arlington Beckford is one of these “heroes”. Gregory is the ninth child of the late Eugene and Ethel Beckford. Raised in West Perrine, Gregory understands that it is a village that raises the children. Gregory has been a drum major for the less fortunate. He has a thirst for knowledge, which began with his education at Robert Russa Elementary and the South Region schools. He continued his education at Defiance College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. At Defiance, he also received his Masters of Science in Teacher Leadership. He later received his Educational Specialist from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership. There are many things that could be said about Gregory. He is an entrepreneur and an administrator with Miami-Dade Public Schools. He’s not only partial to children gaining their education, but to their parents, grandparents and to the community at large. He is a champion for “Community Schools”, and worked tirelessly with the Miami-Dade County Public School District alongside his mother, to ensure that there are ample community schools to facilitate the needs of the community. He served countless civic organizations. These organizations included the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the Black Male Explorers at Florida Memorial College, volunteer athletic coach, and mentor for Men Molding Men to name a few.

Jennifer Benavides

Fox Tech High School
San Antonio, Texas
Ally: Veronica Valdovinos

  • Jennifer D. Benavides, is the Principal of Fox Tech High School for Health and Law Professions in San Antonio Independent School District and has spent the past 5 years enhancing the original design of magnet programs to create excellent educational experiences for students. In 2019, Fox Tech received an “A-Rating” from the Texas Education Agency and received 7/7 Distinction Designations. Jennifer is the founding principal of the H-TECH Program in which students can earn an Associate of Science Degree from San Antonio College within 4-5 years. Students can also continue their path in nursing to receive a BSN degree from SAC. She led the in-district charter school process at Fox Tech and has worked to expand a partnership with UTSA for a politics and law academy in which students can receive 2 years of a bachelor program in high school. She has 20 years of experience in education, 15 of those years spent in the Dallas area, and she is passionate about creating enriching and engaging opportunities for students who come from low socio-economic families. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Bilingual Education from Southern Methodist University with an emphasis in Gifted and Talented and a Master of Education in Administration from The University of North Texas.

Robert Bonilla

P.S. 217 – Colonel David Marcus School
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Danielle Descarfino

  • Robert Bonilla is the proud principal of PS 217, in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Robert earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Houston, Downtown, with a major in Political Science. Originally from Texas, Robert was eager to make a difference in the New York City public school system where he was accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows program. He began his teaching career in District 79, working with students with learning disabilities. During his time as a classroom teacher, Robert worked in community districts in Manhattan and the Bronx. Robert holds a master's degree in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education from Pace University. He is also a graduate of New York University where he obtained a master's degree in Educational Leadership. He served as an assistant principal at PS 94 in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn for four years. In 2016, Robert was chosen to lead PS 217, one of the most diverse elementary schools in Brooklyn. He is aware of the enormous responsibility that he has been given of shaping and inspiring our future leaders. He ensures his community of his commitment to them on a daily basis. Over the last six years, Robert has worked diligently in creating an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for students, staff, and parents.

Kyle Brillante

The Highbridge Green School
The Bronx, New York
Ally: Kehmay Khahaifa-Valdez

  • Kyle Brillante is the founding principal of The Highbridge Green School, the first public middle school in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. Since its founding in 2013, The Highbridge Green School has been recognized by the New York City Department of Education for its innovative and promising practices. It was an inaugural Showcase School and Learning Partners Program Host school for middle school literacy. In 2019, he received the prestigious Equity in Leadership Award from the New York City Office of Leadership, citing his leadership in ending disproportionate literacy outcomes for students of color. He's an avid runner and completed five marathons.

Andrew Brown

The Judith S. Kaye School
Manhattan, New York
Ally: Sara Brown

  • Andrew Brown began his teaching career as a special educator at Passages Academy in Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn. While working at Passages he served New York City's incarcerated and most vulnerable youth at the Crossroads, Bridges (formerly Spofford), and Horizon Juvenile Centers. Subsequently, he was director of special education services for District 79, NYC alternative schools and programs before becoming a founding assistant principal at East River Academy, which provided all educational services on Rikers Island. In 2012, he became principal of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, a transfer high school in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where he served for 5 school years. In 2016 he was asked to design the new, Judith S. Kaye High School, to continue the mission started by the late Chief Justice of the New York Court of Appeals, Judith Kaye, who strived to "keep kids in school and out of court". Judith S. Kaye High School allows students to earn the diploma most appropriate for them (High School or GED) while earning one or more trade certifications. Despite considerable pressure to make JSK a program, rather than a school, in order to avoid the risk of state closure due to poor performance, JSK opened its doors as a transfer high school in September 2017. In the last five years JSK has outperformed most transfer high schools and attained the highest 6-year graduation rate in the City of New York.

Tamela Brown

Whispering Pines Elementary School
Miami, Florida
Ally: Surama Flores

  • Tamela Brown, Principal of Whispering Pines Elementary School, started her educational career in 1996 as an elementary school teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Ms. Brown graduated from Florida A&M University with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 1996. In 1999, she earned a M.S. Degree in Mathematics from Florida State University followed by a second M.S. Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from The University of Miami in 2001. After teaching full-time while attending graduate school, Ms. Brown earned an Ed. S. Degree in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in 2002. Ms. Brown utilized her talents throughout her career to lead and support others. She held various leadership roles prior to becoming an assistant principal in 2003. As an assistant principal, Ms. Brown was instrumental in maintaining the high-quality educational experience at Hammocks Middle School. In 2007, Ms. Brown was promoted to Principal of Pine Villa Elementary School. Under Ms. Brown’s leadership as a first- year principal, PVE’s accountability grade increased from an “F” to “C”. In her current position, one of her major accomplishments is the establishment of the GOLDEN Geckos Mentoring Program. This program ensures all targeted students are assigned a mentor throughout the school year that assists students in setting goals, monitoring progress, and celebrating successes. Ms. Brown’s ultimate goal is to expand the program and include all students at her school. She believes in the importance of building positive relationships with all students to meet their individual educational needs.

Rhonda Butler

Robert A. Black Magnet School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Marla Broy

  • Rhonda Butler is serving her 7th year as the proud Principal of Robert A. Black Magnet School, a level 1+ School. She has 25 years of experience as an educator with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In 2020, Ms. Butler was named Chicago Public School’s “Game Changer of the Year,” recognizing distinguished leaders who have done an exceptional job realizing the vision for their school, promoting equity and inclusion, and closing the achievement gap. Ms. Butler holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology and Curriculum and Instruction. She also successfully completed the New Leaders Aspiring Principals Program. She has served in several key leadership roles that impacted student achievement, which led to steady academic growth, including assistant principal, resident principal, data specialist, gifted program coordinator, academic interventionist, Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) lead teacher, instructional coach, technology teacher, grant writing chairperson, and mentor teacher. In addition to her many leadership hats, Ms. Butler has raised over 2.2 million dollars in grants and donations to help provide equitable opportunities to the underserved students of the southside of Chicago.

Tim Castanza

Bridge Preparatory Charter School
Staten Island, New York
Ally: Cheryl Otterbeck

  • Tim Castanza is the founder and Executive Director at Staten Island’s Bridge Prep Charter School, the first and only public school in New York, and one of only a few nationwide, dedicated to serving students with dyslexia and other language- based reading needs in inclusive classrooms alongside their peers. Tim believes a caring, supportive and inclusive school community is critical for the success of public education and he is committed to ensuring that Bridge Prep provides an educational experience where students, families and staff feel valued, safe and respected. Under Tim’s leadership, Bridge Prep continues to expand, evolve and find ways to increase its impact. Tim has worked alongside NYSED’s Office of Special Education as a part of a team tasked with helping to develop guidance for districts to promote improved outcomes for students with learning disabilities resulting from dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. He is a Teach for America alumnus and has served as guest speaker and panelist for several literacy-based and school development panels across New York State. Tim previously worked for the NYCDOE leading teams responsible for evaluating access to high-quality schools, the demand for educational programming for at-risk students, and the assessment of space available for those services. Tim’s work enabled him to support the DOE in developing strategies to improve engagement with and between NYC’s many diverse communities. Tim received his Bachelor's Degree from Saint Joseph's University, and his Master's Degree from the prestigious Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

Aracelis Castellano-Folkes

P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon
Manhattan, New York
Ally: Jessica Scanlon

  • Aracelis Castellano-Folkes is the Principal of PS 165 in Manhattan. What sets her apart from other principals and truly makes her unique is that Ms. Castellano did not enter PS 165 as a Principal, an Assistant Principal, Literacy Coach or Teacher, or Paraprofessional, although she has held all of those positions at PS 165 over the last 29 years, her first experience at PS 165 was actually as a child when she was only six year old. Little did she know on her very first day of school that years later she would be the one to lead PS 165, a school where all learners are valued, loved, and empowered. Ms. Castellano completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English Language Arts at Hunter College and her Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education at Columbia University Teachers College. Ms. Castellano used her knowledge of PS 165 as a student/ teacher to create effective systems & structures that have resulted in an increase in collaboration, positive community relationship, and effective instruction. During her time as a school leader, scores have drastically increased, teachers received professional development, students receive coding, guitar, and ceramics once per week, and are engaged in daily hands-on activities. PS 165 has been awarded Lighthouse Certification by the Leader in Me program. Under her guidance, PS 165 was a DOE Showcase School for Mathematics. Ms. Castellano has truly transformed PS 165 into an innovative community school where rigorous academics, the arts, and SEL provide a well-rounded education for all students.

    Under Aracelis’ leadership P.S. 165 was selected by the DOE as one of the first 9 Lighthouse Collaborative schools. They showcased their best practices in small group instruction for visitors across the city. They also had a visit from the Dutch Association for School Leaders (25 administrators from Holland ), who came to see their best practices in SEL & Student Leadership during their study trip to NYC.

Cleto Chazares

Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
Tampa, Florida
Ally: Shalini Rajpaul

  • Cleto "Sundy" Chazares grew up in Mexico, migrating to the US as a child. His family worked the fields providing for the family. Sundy grew up migrating from school to school throughout the US. In high school, his counselor helped guide his educational path by taking him in and giving him a permanent home whereby he could pursue his education. Prior to starting his career, Sundy was awarded a cross-country scholarship at St. Edward's University and qualified for the national cross-country championships four consecutive years. He graduated from St. Edward's University with a BA degree in 1992 and earned his Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida in 1998. After graduation from college, Sundy worked with the Dallas Cowboys for two years. However, he had a heart to return to his Florida roots. He landed a job in 1993, as a Migrant Advocate for Hillsborough County Schools. Sundy held various administrative positions in the district and was appointed Principal in July 2006, and is currently serving as Principal of Simmons Career Center since 2010. Some awards/distinctions include: *Tampa Hispanic Heritage Leadership in Education Award in 2010 *High School Principal of the Year by the Hillsborough Counselors Association in 2011-2012 *Principal of the Year by Hillsborough Technical & Career Education in 2018-2019 *His biggest achievement has been to successfully change the paradigm of a school that was negatively seen earning only a performance-based diploma, to becoming a more prestigious school where students earn a standard high school diploma.

John Clark

Denver School of Science & Technology Montview
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Jessica Galarza

  • John Clark is the School Director of Montview Middle School, the flagship campus of the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) charter network. He has been in education for 16 years as an English teacher and school administrator including eight of those as a School Director. A member of DSST for 12 years, he was the founding Director of the Conservatory Green campus before making the switch back to Montview. Clark believes that academic excellence, building a community of belonging, and centering that work in shared values are intertwined and are the foundation for creating the schools that our students deserve. All students no matter their circumstances will be successful if they are deeply known and affirmed for who they are, while also being pushed to be the best versions of themselves. As a result, both Conservatory Green and Montview have consistently been rated among the top middle schools in Denver. Clark earned a B.A. in English and M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame. As a member of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) through Notre Dame, he was taught not only the skills to be an effective teacher but instilled with a belief in the importance of working to create schools and classrooms that honor the dignity of each and every student. Clark was also a recipient of DSST's Core Value Award for Integrity in 2012.

Dr. Cadian Collman-Perez

Maritime & Science Technology Academy
Miami, Florida
Ally: Unethia Fox

  • Dr. Cadian Collman-Perez is the current Principal of Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy, a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence, a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Gold Apple School. In her role as principal, Dr. Collman-Perez is known for her student-centric approach, communication transparency and collaborating with all stakeholders to bring about positive outcomes. Dr. Collman-Perez enjoys supporting her staff and helping students realize their full potential with the understanding that education is truly the key to a better life and community. Dr. Collman-Perez is passionate about the power of education and is a major advocate of student voice, inclusion, mental health, and mindfulness. She is always ready and available to support and advocate for all students. Dr. Collman-Perez is an alumna of University of Houston and Nova Southeastern University where she earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Education Degrees. She has presented at numerous conferences and served on a wide range of panels and committees within Miami Dade County Public Schools, Florida Department of Education, The New Mexico Consortium of Schools, and for The Johns Hopkins University EWI Project to name a few. In her role as an Executive Lead Principal in M-DCPS, she supports and mentors several principals. Dr. Collman-Perez enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is happily married with two children.

Danielle Drayton

Oscar Mayer Magnet School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Sarah Roche

  • Danielle Drayton is the Principal of Oscar Mayer Magnet School, a Chicago Public School located in Lincoln Park. She has been in education for the past 20 years, 14 years as a classroom teacher and 6 years as a school administrator. During her tenure as a teacher, she had the opportunity to serve as the Math Lead leading curriculum work and as a facilitator of different professional development focused on Math instruction. She began her leadership journey in the New Leaders Emerging Leaders and Aspiring Principals program where she completed a year long residency at her current school. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Leadership, Equity, and Inquiry through Illinois State University where she anticipates using this knowledge to disrupt and dismantle many of the inequities that exist in education. She is a leader committed to changing the world, one student at a time.

Cindy Duong

Grover Cleveland Charter High School
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Janet Frnzyan

  • Cindy Duong was born in Saigon, Vietnam and immigrated to the United States as a refugee at the close of her country’s civil war. A product of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), she was a first-generation college student. While at UCLA, Ms. Duong earned a double major in Economics and English, and graduated with College Honors and Phi Beta Kappa recognitions. After briefly working in the food consulting industry, she began teaching English and ESL courses, having enrolled in the LAUSD District Intern program, where she obtained her single-subject credential and received the Golden Apple Award for distinguished intern. Two years later, Ms. Duong completed the UCLA Principal’s Leadership Institute, earning a Master of Education degree with a focus on Administration and Policy Studies and subsequently, finished the Certificated Program in College Counseling through the university. Recently, she began her 25th year at Grover Cleveland Charter High School, where Ms. Duong has taught and served as literacy coordinator, reading coach, college adviser, assistant principal, and since 2014, as principal. After introducing the course into the school’s instructional program in 2000, she also continues to teach AP English Language. Ms. Duong believes education involves nurturing creative and critical thinkers, and that all students have the desire, ability, and right to learn, to receive the appropriate resources and support systems to foster success. Educators must be willing to embrace the uniqueness of each learner and to provide the conditions to help students develop - academically, personally, and socially.

Gabriel Duran

Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Los Angeles, California
Ally: May Aung

  • Gabriel Duran has thirty years of progressive experience and accomplishments as an administrator at the Elementary, Middle and Senior High School Level in the Los Angeles Unified School District. With experience as an Elementary and Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, Categorical Program and Intervention Coordinator, Local District Operations Coordinator. He is the founding Principal and current site administrator of Maywood Center for Enriched Studies (MaCES) School serving grades 6-12th with a student population of 1,150 students. His work and leadership was recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 16 with the Span School Principal of the Year Award 2019. His commitment is ensuring a quality education for all students based on their unique social, emotional, physical and intellectual characteristics. He believes in a humanistic approach in providing leadership and communicating with administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students. He served for eleven years as the Principal of the largest Elementary and Severe Special Education campus in the school district. He worked closely with the local school district superintendent and division of special education to develop programs and timelines for the integration of both student populations. A dedicated, resourceful education professional with proven ability to create and monitor policies and practices that promote a safe learning environment; ensure a school culture that encourages open communication with colleagues, students, and the community. A change agent for education, demonstrating participative and supportive leadership style in the administration of district and school policies, procedures and activities.

Christine Fleming

Joe Shoemaker School
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Ashley Gilchrist

  • A self-described courageous leader, Chris Fleming is the founding principal of Joe Shoemaker School in Denver, Colorado. Chris is committed to equity, joyful classrooms and belonging. She has spent the last eight years establishing an innovative school model focused on project-based learning and environmental education. Chris is most passionate about leading her staff in social justice and culturally responsive teaching. Serving for over fifteen years as a principal in urban elementary schools and as an executive coach to school leaders, Chris places high value on relationships and is an expert at building culture and community. As a long-time partner with EL Education, Chris has developed a unique perspective when it comes to expanding the definition of student achievement to include mastery of knowledge and skills, character and high quality work grounded in authentic projects of service to the local community. For example, at a recent school-wide celebration of learning, students could be found using their locally-gathered data and environmental analyses to teach others how to care for a local urban waterway. Chris has been recognized for her leadership achievements with the following honors: Aurora Public Schools’ Principal of the Year, Colorado Legacy Foundation’s Effective Educator Award and the Colorado Department of Education’s Center of Excellence Award for Parent Involvement. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, she received her Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood College and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Chris loves exploring the Colorado outdoors and traveling any chance she gets.

Kathy Flores

Westwood Charter Elementary
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Stella D’Arceaux

  • Kathy Flores has been serving public schools in Los Angeles since 1988 and she has been the principal of Westwood Charter Elementary in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 2013. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education) and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from National University. Throughout her tenure with LAUSD, she has served as a Classroom Paraprofessional, Classroom Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Literacy Coach, English Learner Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, Intervention Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Kathy is the school leader of a large elementary school that enrolls students from the surrounding community and from communities across LAUSD. Westwood consistently exceeds District and State benchmarks across all metrics and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. Shared leadership and strong relationships are the foundation of Kathy’s work with all stakeholders which creates a collaborative community where students develop skills to become critical thinkers and responsible global citizens, where they are compassionate, inclusive, resilient, perseverant, resourceful, and ethical. She encourages students and staff to meet their fullest potential by providing an environment that is safe, values diversity, and encourages problem-solving collaboration. The positive school climate is directly linked to continued student achievement and the results are evident in her school achievement and climate data.

    Kathy’s school was recognized by the state as a 2023 California Distinguished School. Her school is 1 of 9 elementary schools in Los Angeles that received this recognition.

Leila Garza

Samuel A. Maverick Elementary School
San Antonio, Texas
Ally: Andrea Arispe

  • Leila Garza is starting her 21st year in education, all of which have transpired in San Antonio ISD. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2001 and began her career as a teacher at Rodriguez Elementary school. She also received her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio during this time. Her M.Ed. degree program was in partnership with SAISD and the UTSA Urban School Leaders Collaborative. In 2005, Mrs. Garza became the campus instructional coordinator at Highland Park Elementary, where she led the implementation of new programs and best practices for teaching and learning. In 2010, Mrs. Garza was honored to accept the assistant principal position at Will Rogers Elementary. These years were very formative in her growth as an educator as they provided a solid foundation of quality leadership in both elementary curriculum and decision-making. In 2016, Mrs. Garza transferred to Maverick Elementary school as the assistant principal. The following school year, Mrs. Garza had the privilege to lead Maverick Elementary and the many talented teachers and students as the principal. Mrs. Garza believes in shared leadership and builds strong relationships with her students, staff, and community.

Adriana Gonzalez

Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary
Dallas, Texas
Ally: Gretchen Dominguez Prieto

  • Adriana Gonzalez is the principal of Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary, a personalized learning school in Pleasant Grove devoted to educating children by tailoring to their interests, talents, and needs. She has served the children and families of Dallas for the past 17 years. Principal Gonzalez founded Solar Preparatory School for Boys, the first all-boys public elementary school in the state of Texas. Dedicated to nurturing boys' strengths, she established Solar Boys as a school that addresses boys’ needs and ensures educational equity. Prior to Solar Prep for Boys, Gonzalez led Lenore K. Hall Elementary, DISD's Title I school in Oak Cliff, to be rated Accomplished according to Dallas ISD's Performance Framework earning all six distinctions from the Texas Education Agency. As academic coordinator, she was part of the leadership team that led Dan D. Rogers Elementary from Academically Acceptable to Exemplary status. In 2016, the Teaching Trust recognized Gonzalez as one of the leaders transforming schools and having a significant impact on student achievement. Gonzalez was selected as a case study to be featured in Leverage Leadership 2.0 and Driven by Data 2.0 by Paul Bambrick, a book highlighting schools across the country that have used practices from these books to turn around schools. Adriana was born in Mexico and raised in South Texas. She is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Master's in Education Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Texas in Dallas.

Sarah Goodman

Hunters Point Community Middle School
Queens, New York
Ally: Trevina Nicholson

  • Sarah Goodman is a product of public schools, a mother of two NYC DOE students, and is married to the English teacher she met across the hall during her first year teaching. She received an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a Biology teaching certification from Brown University. Her graduate work in education took place at Lesley University, Baruch University, and Bank Street College. She began her career as a middle school science and math teacher in New York City in 1996 obsessed with getting students to learn on the shores of the Hudson and East Rivers. She has also been a teacher coach, leadership consultant, and Quality Review Director. She is a member of a variety of leadership advisory groups and an Adjunct Professor within the teacher preparation program at the American Museum of Natural History. Sarah is the proud Founding Principal of the Hunter’s Point Community Middle School in Long Island City, Queens. The incredible staff lead diverse and inclusive classrooms using a project based and data driven approach. The strong school culture and rigorous academics at HPCMS consistently lead to performance that goes beyond predicted attendance and test results creating a sought after public school option within the NYC DOE system.

Terry Harness

Springdale Park Elementary School
Atlanta, Georgia
Ally: Jessica Correa

  • Terry Harness was recently named Principal of the new Virginia-Highland Elementary School. Previously Terry was the principal at Springdale Park Elementary from 2016 to 2022. Originally from South Carolina, Terry attended the University of South Carolina & the College of Charleston. Terry began as a teacher in Florence, South Carolina in 2000, moving on to become an assistant principal at the high school level and then a world language curriculum coordinator for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta. Terry has also served as an elementary and middle school assistant principal in the Sandy Springs community. Terry has been a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council and the Georgia Department of Education Fine Arts Advisory Council. Terry is currently serving on the Midtown Cluster Advisory Team, School Leaders of Color Collective and SSF Budget Advisory Taskforce for the district. Springdale Park Elementary has been recognized with the Gold Award from the state of Georgia for Highest Performance on the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Springdale Park is a No Place for Hate School as well as a Green Ribbon school and was recently awarded STEM Certification. Terry’s favorite part about being a principal is being around kids and watching them learn and grow.

Marcos Hernandez

Ellen Ochoa Learning Center
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Soraya Ramos

  • Marcos Hernandez is a community leader and principal at Ochoa Learning Center with a passion for improving schools in Southeast Los Angeles. As an immigrant to Southeast Los Angeles, he experienced first-hand the challenges and pressures students and their families face every day and uses his story to teach what is possible when one overcomes these obstacles, and reaps the benefits of an excellent education. He creates a relational culture with the focus of building the leadership capacity of staff to accelerate learning. Under his leadership, Tweedy Elementary became a California Gold Ribbon School. Currently he leads the first PK-8th Dual Language span school to become WASC accredited in the area, one of the first community schools in the area, and has doubled the number of programs and partnerships for kids including: Robotics, Turnaround Arts, LA Football Club, LA Bicycle Coalition, Horizon Grand Prix, and Dr. Ellen Ochoa. As a result, the school offers one of the best Dual Language, Arts and Science educational programs in the area, including an outstanding orchestra program. He creates vital Parent Centers and builds a welcoming environment for parents by designing parent engagement academies that began with hundreds of home visits. During the pandemic his school became a beacon of hope for the community by helping to feed thousands of families and raising money to support students who lost a parent. He is committed to breaking the cycles of poverty and oppression by providing a high quality, transformative education for all students.

Dr. Anthony Jones

Sligh Middle Magnet School
Tampa, Florida
Ally: Brittnee Scott

  • Dr. Anthony Jones currently serves as Principal at Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa, Florida. This is his 12th year as a Principal in Hillsborough County Public Schools where he is also a proud product. Anthony holds a Doctorate of Education from his beloved University of South Florida, a masters degree in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University, and a degree in Social Science Education from USF. He followed his teacher parents into the "family business" of education as a social studies teacher in both middle and high schools to start his career. Anthony is passionate about school leadership that focuses on an appreciative approach where change comes from figuring out what is working, what are the ideal versions of the future, and how those can be leveraged to make the organization better. Anthony is honored to be a lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida. He is more honored to be husband to his wife Ashley and dad to their three children William, Annabelle, and Elsie. During his free time, Anthony spends time with his family, follows his beloved Tampa sports teams, and enjoys fellowship with his faith community.

Dr. Cherry-Ann Joseph-Hislop

P.S. 059 William Floyd
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Zachary Mack

  • Dr. Cherry-Ann Joseph-Hislop has been in the field of education for over twenty-five years and presently serves as a principal within the New York City Department of Education. She consistently shares a passion for improving the quality of lives for her students and is known for creating exemplary learning environments while chanting her mantra of “Excellence Always and Always Excellence!” Some of her most recent accomplishments include The Women of Distinction Awards in Brooklyn, where she received citations from the Brooklyn Borough President, The New York State Assembly and the City Comptroller’s office for her work in turning around failing schools. She has also been named as a finalist for the Bedford Stuyvesant’s Principal of the Year Award two consecutive years. Cherry-Ann specializes in Education Management and has also worked as an international educational consultant and special education master teacher. She has a sterling commitment to turning around failing schools and promoting educational excellence in students and staff. Cherry-Ann believes that failure is not an option and that all failing schools can be transformed into high performing schools with the correct supports embedded daily. Cherry-Ann balances her professional career with her love for music. She uses her musical talent to inspire audiences across the world. Cherry-Ann is married to Linden Hislop, a Private School Principal and Mathematics Instructional Specialist, together they have two daughters, Cheryssa – a college senior, and Lynessa – a college freshman.

Dr. Paul Karafiol

Lake View High School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Michelle Vale

  • Dr. Paul "P.J." Karafiol has been an educator since his first summer job as a counselor in the UChicago Young Scholars Mathematics Program in 1988. His full-time teaching career began at Phillips Academy, Andover, in 1995, continued at Providence-St. Mel School, and Walter Payton College Prep. Since 2016, Paul has served as the principal of Lake View High School in the Chicago Public Schools, and has participated in the CEO's Principal Advisory Committee and the Principals' Athletic Committee. While at Lake View, Paul led initiatives that doubled the number of students taking AP and Dual Credit classes and increased college enrollment by 20%. Outside of school, Paul coached the Chicago-Area All-Star Math Team, was a co-author of two textbooks in the UCSMP high school curriculum, and was the head author of the American Regions Math League Competition for over ten years. In 2010, Paul founded Payton Citywide Math Circles (now Math Circles of Chicago), an organization that provides free math enrichment to over 1000 students around the city every year. Throughout his work, Paul has been driven by a core belief that talent--mathematical or otherwise--is abundant, not scarce, and needs to be nurtured through a combination of challenge and support. A lifelong Chicagoan and Hyde Parker, Paul lives a mile from his childhood home with his wife, three children (two now in college, one in CPS), and two dogs.

Nivan Khosravi

Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Elizabeth Yates

  • Nivan Khosravi has served as the proud principal of Maxwell Elementary in Denver for the past nine years. Nivan was named First Year Teacher of the Year when he began his career teaching second grade in North Carolina. He has experience teaching and leading in different school models, and has collaborated with innovators in the field of literacy education to provide world-class professional learning to teachers from around the globe. After earning his Masters Degree from Teachers College, Nivan moved home to Colorado to pursue his passion for teaching, learning and leading. Under Nivan's leadership, Maxwell Elementary has grown in achievement, school culture, staff retention, and community impact. Maxwell has twice been awarded the CDE Center of Excellence Award for sustained achievement of historically underserved students and longitudinal growth. Maxwell is one of only three Denver schools to move up in status on the SPF and maintain a rating of "Meets Expectations" for the past four years. Throughout his career, Nivan has focused on empowering teachers and creating school environments where teachers can share their expertise, passion and love of teaching. He is passionate about intersectional justice and creating a community where people of all backgrounds are valued and feel a sense of belonging. Nivan has collaborated with his school team to implement fully inclusive programming where students of all ability levels are included in the general education classroom setting, with Universal Design for Learning principles, and innovative supports are present.

Esther Leon

Noble Avenue Elementary School
Los Angeles, California

  • Esther Leon has been a Los Angeles Unified School District Principal since 2012. She served four years at Chatsworth Park Elementary and is starting her ninth year at Noble Avenue Elementary School. Principal Leon strives to create a culture of trust, respect and vulnerability with the intent of creating genuine relationships with all stakeholders and empowering them with knowledge so they can hold one another accountable. She is committed to ensuring both students’ academic and social-emotional long-term success. For over 40 years, Principal Leon has been a member of Los Angeles Unified School District: Student, Teacher Assistant, Teacher, Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Parent. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching from Occidental College.

Dr. Andrew Lovett, Jr.

Frederick Wilson Benteen Elementary School
Atlanta, Georgia
Ally: Dr. Christian Padgett

  • Dr. Andrew Lovett, Jr. began his career 20 years ago in the Atlanta Public School System as a high school math teacher through Teach for America’s 2003 Atlanta Corps. During his career in Atlanta Public Schools, he has served as a teacher, district level instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Under his 6 years of transformational leadership, Benteen Elementary School has become an Authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the PYP Curriculum and a Spanish Dual Language Immersion School. Additionally, Benteen has earned honors as a Beating the Odds School for their achievement on Georgia’s standardized testing. He has been featured in the spring 2010 edition of the Atlanta Educator, on APS Today for his innovative teaching styles and ability to inspire his students towards greatness, on NPR for his efforts in turning around Benteen ES, and on numerous panels for his work in building a strong, positive school culture. Dr. Lovett is also a 2019 Winner of the Teach on Project and was awarded funds to implement his project, Building Brilliant Biliterate Reader, to increase schoolwide biliteracy and opportunities for parents to engage in reading activities within their child's classroom. He believes that children are our greatest resource and have the potential to change the world! Dr. Lovett is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Emory University, and Mercer University.

Dr. Michele Luard Charles

Ronald Edmonds Learning Center II
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Valenssa Chery

  • Dr. Michele Luard Charles is a transformational leader in New York City Department of Education. She is currently Principal of Ronald Edmonds Learning Center II, a Middle School in Ocean Hill Brownsville. Prior to becoming Principal, Michele served as the Achievement Director for 32 schools in Network 110, and as a High School Chemistry teacher within the New York City Department of Education. Michele prides herself in being a school leader who has developed many educators who are now outstanding leaders at varying levels within the NYCDOE. She has also had great success developing many scholars at both the Middle and High school level. Her love for learning and reflective practice is what she considers as the reason for her success. Michele is committed to student success through data driven instruction and the use of standards based curriculum. She believes that to be an influential educator you must have passion, grit, knowledge and commitment. To that end, the ability to do whatever it takes while making informed reflective decisions is her driving force. Her goal is to maintain and continuously improve the NYCDOE to become an educational institution that will inspire transformative leaders, academic excellence and true collaboration. Her belief is that the aforementioned will positively impact the students who attend school in New York City.

Dr. Jason Major

William E Dever Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Kellyann Martinez

  • Dr. Jason Major is in his 7th school year as principal of Dever Elementary School in Chicago. He leads with the guiding principle that strong relationships are key to building a positive school culture, as well as providing students experiences that are not traditionally found in public schools. He encourages risk-taking in his staff through inquiry, experiential "learning by living," and action projects. Dever was the elementary school winner of the inaugural Obama Foundation Award for Civic Action in 2019. He previously has been an assistant principal, math instructional coach, data strategist, and middle school mathematics teacher, and served on the board of the Math Circles of Chicago and the Illinois Association for Gifted Children. He also helped to start more than 20 math clubs in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois between 2010 and 2012 using high school students as lead teachers, some of which still operate today. Jason holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and recently completed the Chicago Principal Fellowship through Northwestern University. He also serves as a Lead Mentor for new principals in Chicago Public Schools. He is thrilled to be a part of Cahn as his passion is connecting and collaborating with fellow educators.

Regina Marquez-Martinez

Benjamin Franklin Senior High
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Carmen Juarez

  • Regina Marquez Martinez has served LAUSD for over 30 years. She is starting her 8th year as Principal for Benjamin Franklin. An interesting fact is that Ms. Marquez Martinez is an alumni of the same school she leads! She is a product of LAUSD and has experienced education through the lens of a student, Teacher Assistant, Coordinator, Dean, Assistant Principal and Principal. She understands that public education is the only choice for parents in some communities and therefore the schools must be innovative, rigorous and inclusive.

    In January of 2023, Regina's school was recognized as a School of Distinction, a national merit award by the Magnet Schools of America.

Amanda McDonald

Lake Middle School
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Dino Reyes Jr.

  • Amanda McDonald has been the principal at Lake Middle School in Denver Public Schools since 2018. She is honored and humbled to serve the Northwest Denver community! Prior to this role, Amanda served as a Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal and Principal Resident for a turnaround school in Northeast Denver. Through using intentional planning and coaching, she was able to collaborate with fellow leaders to turnaround a red school to a green school and achieve longitudinal high growth scores for 3 consecutive years. Additionally, they had the highest scores on ACCESS for our second language learners in the state of Colorado. After one year at Lake Middle School, our English Language Arts growth moved from “approaching” to “meets expectations”. Additionally, our Medium Growth Percentile within school gaps for English Language Learners moved from “approaching” to “exceeds” . She has worked in Denver Public Schools for 13 years and received an exemplary teaching award while she was an elementary teacher in Denver Public Schools. She studied History at the University of Colorado for her undergraduate degree. Additionally, she attained her principal licensure through the Ritchie Program for School Leaders: Executive Leadership for Successful Schools at the University of Denver. She was born and raised in Denver with 5 boys of her own, all still currently in elementary school in Denver Public Schools!

Kelly McMillan

Apollo Beach Elementary
Tampa, Florida
Ally: Lisa McDaniel

  • Kelly McMillan is honored to serve as the Principal of Apollo Beach Elementary School. Since starting her tenure there in 2015, her school has been a twice-recognized National School of Character and Character.org Promising Practice Award recipient. This fuels her passion for fostering a school culture that understands the vital need for developing social-emotional skills in children so they can thrive in school and life. Central to this work is her ability to build strong relationships within her school community that cultivate trust and create a safe, caring environment. Her efforts were recognized in 2015 when she was chosen as the Hillsborough County Public Schools School Counselors Association Principal of the Year. As a 28-year veteran of Hillsborough County Public Schools in the Tampa area, Kelly has served as a teacher, teacher mentor, instructional coach for writing, district trainer, Assistant Principal, and was formerly the Principal of Boyette Springs Elementary. She serves is several leadership roles within her school district, including being a principal mentor, a Lead Principal, and lead trainer for the Preparing New Principals Leadership Pipeline program. Kelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership form the University of South Florida. Outside of school, she loves to spend time with her family, read books, watch baseball, and boating in the beautiful waters of the Sunshine State.

Naiyma Moore-Allen

P.S. 156 Waverly
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Leanne Anderson

  • Naiyma Moore-Allen is a lifelong learner and mother of two small children. Born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, Naiyma developed a love for reading and learning at an early age. Her journey as an educator began in 2007 after leaving her job as a preventive caseworker. After entering the NYC Teaching Fellows, Naiyma began teaching at the middle school level and attained a master’s degree in Adolescent Mathematics 7-12 from St. John’s University. Eventually, she was offered a position as a Math Coach and went on to attend Hunter College School of Administration and the New York City Leadership Academy to hone her skills as an instructional leader. In 2015, Naiyma was appointed as an Assistant Principal at PS 156 in Brooklyn, NY. Just one year later, she was tapped to be the Principal of the school where she continues to work tirelessly to improve learning outcomes for the children within her school community.

Catherine Amy Moy-Davis

John Charles Haines School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Connie Lee

  • Catherine Amy Moy Davis, a proud product of Chicago Public Schools, has worked in education for 28 years as a teacher and an administrator. Amy is the first Asian American principal to serve Haines School, a neighborhood school located in Chicago’s Chinatown. Amy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University and later obtained a Master’s in Educational Leadership in Administration from Chicago State University. She also joined a cohort of colleagues to obtain her English as a Second Language endorsement. Under Amy’s leadership, Haines School was recognized as a Title 1 Distinguished School in 2016. She was also awarded the Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award from the Illinois Principals Association in 2020. Understanding first-hand the enormous impact of having—or not having—someone who actually looks, thinks, and feels like them to serve as a role model, Amy actively seeks out leadership and mentoring roles. She believes in helping others grow both professionally and personally. Amy served as a Mentor Principal who worked directly with a Resident Principal on day-to-day activities and responsibilities. She has been a member of CPS' Principal Eligibility Assessor team, and is currently a Peer Mentor Principal, where she supports new principals. Amy contributes her success as a leader to her highly effective staff, amazing students, and supportive community. She believes in having fun with her Haines family, as laughter is the best medicine. You can always catch her Tweeting about her school and shouting out others with her different hashtags. #ProudCahnFellows2022

Julie Nariman

High School of Language and Innovation
The Bronx, New York
Ally: Shira Wrightman

  • Julie Nariman has been an educator in New York City public schools since 2000, when she started as a middle school English teacher. Over the years she worked in middle school, high school, and transfer high schools for over-age, under-credited students across Brooklyn and Manhattan, ultimately becoming an assistant principal of English as a Second Language in Queens. In 2011, she founded the High School of Language and Innovation, a school for newcomer English Language Learners in the Bronx. She is passionate about building leadership in her staff and students, supporting other school leaders, and creating an environment in which Multilingual Learners thrive.

David Newman

Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Dr. Judith Jeremie

  • David Newman is the Principal of Brooklyn Technical High School. David is the past President of the Social Studies Supervisors Association of New York City (SSSA) and the 2014 recipient of the Bernard Cohen award for Assistant Principal of the Year for New York City. Brooklyn Technical High School is the largest specialized public high school for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the United States, as well as having the largest student population of any high school in the country at over 6,000 students. Brooklyn Tech has the largest college credit bearing Advanced Placement program in the world. The school has recently been recognized in U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd ranked High School in the nation, 2nd in New York State, and 2nd in New York City. The school has been awarded a distinction of being a “Respect For All” school based on David’s efforts and initiatives around equity and inclusion.

Khalid Oluewu

Daniel Webster Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Krissandra Taylor-Walker

  • Khalid Oluewu is the proud leader of Webster Elementary School/Hansberry CPC. In his 7th year as principal, he continues to foster community building; an all-hands-on-deck approach while centering the work on attaining these three commitments: 1. Developing proficient readers and writers by the end of 2nd grade (with a heightened focus on boys) 2. Guaranteed learning for every scholar; social-emotionally and academically 3. Best in the west side of Chicago and an elite school in the district A graduate of Wilberforce University with a degree in Computer Information Systems and two Masters degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University and the second in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. He is also an alumnus of the New Leaders Emerging Leader and Aspiring Principal Program. Khalid was a math and Algebra 1 teacher, middle school lead teacher, network teacher leader, assistant principal, and resident principal before becoming a principal. In these roles, he has always operated under the philosophy of “all students will learn.” He says, “as educators, we must acknowledge the challenges and obstacles our students face and embark relentlessly on a mission to provide a rigorous and well-rounded education that prepares students to be positive contributing members of society.” He reinforces, “however, this work cannot be done alone.” His greatest initiative is to foster a collaborative school environment. One inclusive of students, staff, parents, external partners, and the community, all working towards increasing academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and providing a rich learning experience for all students.

Dr. Michelle Penn

The High School for Global Citizenship
Brooklyn, New York

  • Dr. Michelle Penn has had the outstanding opportunity to provide visionary leadership across the education system in both elementary and secondary school environments as a Teacher, an Assistant Principal, and for the past 13 years as of 2022, as a High School Principal in New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). Her progression through the ranks of public education has honed her leadership and business acumen, which resulted in a record of accomplishments. § NYCDOE Tier 3 (within the top 9% of the district) Performance Incentive Award for work performed in the 2018-2019 SY § Turning around from an Underdeveloped high school to a Well-developed high school as indicated in past NYCDOE School Quality Review Reports § Removal from the NYS focus/priority school list because of significant improvements in ELA and Math § Increased graduation rate from 53% to 90% § Highly Effective Principal Rating for Measures of Leadership Practice § Highly Effective Rating for Measures of Student Learning § Co-creation of the Brooklyn STEAM Center at the Brooklyn Navy Yard § Developed a leadership development professional learning curriculum for school leaders focused on continuous school and leadership improvement § Collaboratively developed a pipeline program enabling high school students to achieve dual credits (high school and college transferable college credit) § Creation of a high school now program that resulted in approximately 25 middle school students earning 4 high school and regents credits § Co-created a reentry plan that focuses on physicality, social-emotional wellness, and academic learning in light of COVID19 § In-depth study of social network theory and educational reform

Joyce Pulphus

Bronx Design and Construction Academy
The Bronx, New York
Ally: Francisco Hicks

  • Joyce Pulphus, a native Chicagoan, has worked for the New York City Department of Education since 2006. She attended the University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate studies and joined Teach for America (TFA) upon graduation. TFA brought her to New York City, where she began her teaching career as a middle school math teacher in the Bronx. She has earned two Master’s degrees from Pace University (NYC Campus) and Teachers College at Columbia University, and an advanced certification from Hunter College School of Education. Joyce is also an alumna of the New York City Leadership Academy. Since joining the NYC Department of Education, Joyce has taught and held leadership positions throughout the Bronx in Districts 7, 8, and 9. Joyce is currently the proud principal of Bronx Design & Construction Academy, a CTE high school in the south Bronx. She is committed to expanding the school to allow middle school students to learn and engage in CTE coursework prior to high school. Joyce is also working to solidify a college partnership to enhance post-secondary collegiate success for Bronx Design students. She established an annual CTE Fair to empower her students and celebrate their academic achievements. Joyce is an avid traveler, music lover, and African diasporic enthusiast. She continues to seek opportunities to grow and develop her social-emotional conscientiousness, while also creating goals that will enhance the education and economic opportunities for people of color.

Shawn Raeke

Academy for Software Engineering
Manhattan, New York
Ally: Jaime Gionfriddo

  • Shawn Raeke is in his sixth year as Principal at the Academy for Software Engineering. He has worked exclusively in urban educational settings and is driven by a strong commitment to achieve equitable outcomes for all students. He began his educational career in Richmond, California before transitioning to Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, California, where he first served as a science teacher and later Assistant Principal. Shawn earned an M.A.in Educational Leadership from California State University East Bay, B.A (Biology) from the University of Virginia, and graduated from Plymouth North High School in Massachusetts.

Richard Ramos

Northridge Middle School
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Nerina Facio

  • Richard S. Ramos was born and raised in the Indigenous/Chicano communities of Los Angeles. Richard always felt like "a square peg in a round hole," resulting in run-ins with authorities, teachers, and police. He ended up in continuation school and later became wrapped up in juvenile hall. "I didn't like school," he would say. While at CSUN, he became keenly aware of the issues related to race, equity, power, and colorism. Richard's experiences culminated in his realization that "I could make a difference." So, in 1999, while working as a teacher, he decided to campaign for the city council. He was elected, and Richard was soon successful in bringing a world-class library and redeveloping blighted areas, further honing his organizing skills. Richard believes we need third-way solutions to pressing societal issues to create lasting empowerment for the communities of color we serve. "We can't continue to replicate what hasn't worked." In his first principalship, Richard held house meetings with stakeholders to lift Haddon Elementary; he rebranded the school and made academic gains earning media attention. Later, Richard led Northridge Medical Magnet toward the Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence. He believes schools of color deserve educational excellence at all costs. In March of 2022, Richard was featured in the book "Schools on the Move" by Jay Westover for his work on building coherence and developing leadership teams. Richard continues his activism in and outside the school for empowerment and social change to uplift the community.

    In January of 2023, Richard's school was recognized as a School of Distinction, a national merit award by the Magnet Schools of America.

Dr. Christina Ravelo

Palm Springs North Elementary School
Miami, Florida
Ally: Stefanie Berrios

  • Dr. Christina Ravelo has served as an educator for the Miami-Dade County Public School System for 27 years. Christina began her career as a teacher at Arcola Lake Elementary School where she taught for 9 years. She began her leadership journey in 2004 as the Technology Coordinator of Palm Springs North Elementary School. In 2011, she was honored with the opportunity to become the Assistant Principal in that very school, where she remained until 2016. In 2016, Christina was promoted to Principal of Norland Elementary where she led and sustained the school to an increased accountability grade of a B, the learning gains of the lowest 25% subgroup in reading and math exceeded in both the District and State measures, and overall learnings in math surpassed the State. Three years later, she was transferred to Palm Springs Elementary School as Principal where she led the school to overall learning gains in reading that exceeded the District. In 2021, she was awarded the opportunity to return home to Palm Springs North Elementary as the proud Principal, where she led the school in achieving the accountability grade of an A meeting adequate yearly progress requirements for all subgroups. Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University, a Master of Science degree in Educational Computing and Technology from Barry University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She has a passion for academic excellence and building positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Jennifer Rehn-Losquadro

J.H.S. 167 Robert F. Wagner
Manhattan, New York
Ally: Lisa Stefanick

  • Jennifer Rehn-Losquadro has served as the Principal of Wagner Middle School 167 since 2004. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Mathematical Economics from SUNY Oswego, a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from New York University and Advanced Certificates in School Administrator and Supervisor, as well as School District Leader, from Baruch College. Jennifer enjoys collaborating with her principal colleagues in District 2, setting a high standard for leadership and innovation. She served as Master Principal for the 2017-2018 school year, where she shared, disseminated and modeled best practices for three novice principals. Jennifer is a founding member of the District 2 Equity Team and a member of the District 2 Superintendent Advisory Board. In her 26 years as a New York City educator, Jennifer has held the following positions: Mathematics Teacher, Mathematics Coach, Assistant Principal and Principal. She lives with her husband and daughter in New York City.

Henry Renelus

John F. Kennedy Jr. School
Queens, New York
Ally: Luciana Romanini

  • Henry Renelus, Sr. has been Principal at 75Q721-The John F. Kennedy Jr. School since 2015. 75Q721 is a highly specialized Alternative Assessment High School in District 75. The school provides instructional support for students with significant challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), significant cognitive delays, sensory impairments, multiple disabilities, and speech and language delays. Mr. Renelus holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education-Special Education from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Renelus also holds Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Administration from Queens College, City University of New York. Prior to joining 721Q, Mr. Renelus served as Assistant Principal for ten years at 75Q721 in Brooklyn and before that as teacher and Dean of Students at 369K in Brooklyn. Mr. Renelus began his educational journey as an elementary teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Renelus is passionate about education and is committed to creating and sustaining vibrant educational communities that honor student dignity, creativity, and wellness. Mr. Renelus has created an indelible and positive climate within and across the school organization of 721Q. He is conscientious and focuses on students' academic and social-emotional learning outcomes. This focus significantly contributes to the acceleration of student learning and a school climate where all staff place students at the center of their decisions. Mr. Renelus believes in empowering students and providing them with the tools necessary to reach their full potential for independence at school, home, and community.

Joseph Salley

Lucas Oliver Kimberly Elementary School
Atlanta, Georgia
Ally: Kristy Reese

  • Joseph Salley is an experienced Turnaround Principal in his 26th year in Education. Under his leadership, Kimberly Elementary, where he has led for the last 10yrs, was recognized for “Beating the Odds” and consequently removed from Georgia’s Failing Schools List. Joseph was nominated and a finalist for Principal of the Year and has received numerous recognitions for his instructional leadership during his time as a principal and assistant principal. He also presented at the 2019 Learning Forward Conference. Joseph is a graduate of the University of Dayton (BS Elementary Education), State University of West Georgia (M.Ed. & Ed.S in Administration and Supervision), and a graduate of “Harvard’s Turnaround Principal Academy”. Joseph is a husband and father of two beautiful daughters who attend school in Cobb County where he resides. He has a passion for children and supporting the adults that work with them. He migrated to Atlanta from Chicago in 1998.

Jessica Saratovsky

P.S. 770 New American Academy
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Jamie Ganzhorn

  • Jessica Saratovsky is currently in her 10th year as principal at P.S. 770-The New American Academy in Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Saratovsky received her B.A. in English from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She started her teaching career in 2003 in District 9 in the Bronx at P.S. 170 where she taught for four years. She then went to teach for five years at P.S. 33 in District 2 in Manhattan. During this time, she received her M.S. in Literacy from Hunter College and her Masters in Education in School Leadership through the Summer Principals Academy at Columbia University. In 2012, she started teaching at P.S. 770 and was promoted to principal in September of 2013. While principal at P.S. 770, the school has been awarded a Respect for All School for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years and an insideschool.org staff pick. She is proud that P.S. 770 is a diverse elementary school that prioritizes social emotional learning, courageous conversations around race and equity in the classroom, and social justice. While not being a principal, Ms. Saratovsky spends time with her husband, Mike, two children, Kaylie and Ryan, and two dogs, Lana and Sanders. Ms. Saratovsky is a die-hard NY Mets fan, loves to travel, and spends her summers on the beach where she lives in Rockaway, NY.

Andrew Schutz

Place Bridge Academy
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Esther Mathoka

  • Andrew "Drew" Schutz has served in public education with Denver Public Schools for almost 20 years. The bulk of his teaching career was spent at McMeen Elementary, where he helped the school receive a multi-year Distinguished rating on the district School Performance Framework. After a three year stint as an assistant principal, Drew became the principal at Valverde Elementary. At Valverde, Drew led a successful turnaround effort in which the school moved from red to green on the district SPF and was recognized as a Top Mover two years in a row. During this time, Drew was a member of Cohort 13 in the University of Virginia Partners for Leadership in Education Program. Currently, Drew is the principal at Place Bridge Academy. PBA houses the district’s K-8 Newcomer Center, which provides specialized programming for the city’s refugee students. This coming year, it will also serve as a regional Community Outreach Hub, providing various wrap-around services, adult education, and health care for families. In addition to an Undergraduate Degree from the University of Colorado, Drew has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Denver and was a member of Cohort 10 in the school’s Ritchie Program for School Leaders. Drew has spent his entire career serving in schools with an FRL percentage over 90, and the majority of students being English Language Learners. He aspires to always lead with a focus on building a strong school culture through the development of meaningful relationships and authentic community connections.

Renard Simmons

Denver Center for 21st Century Learning
Denver, Colorado
Ally: Nicholas Lopez

  • Renard Simmons has been an administrator of the Denver Center for 21st Century Learning (DC21) in Denver, Colorado for 11 years: 8 as principal and the previous 3 as AP. DC21 is a 6-12 school that strives to re-involve and accelerate at-promise students and prepare them for careers in the 21st century. A product of Denver Public Schools himself, Renard is passionately committed to the concept of education as the great equalizer and is relentless in his quest to energize his DC21 scholars with this same belief. After graduating from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee (BS in Communication), Renard first worked with teens at Denver Health Department, and it was there that he realized his calling to become an educator. In 2003 he began a career as a special education teacher, taking on various leadership roles before embarking on his MA and principal certification. A life-long learner, he is a Catapult Fellow, a Relay Fellow and has most recently served on the advisory board to the new superintendent of Denver Public Schools. As a 'servant leader', he inspires students every day with his favorite quote: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of a true education." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Angela Sims

Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center
Chicago, Illinois
Ally: Kimberly Henderson

  • Angela Sims has been the principal of Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center since 2012. She believes school should not only challenge students academically, but also meet their social/emotional needs to equip them to make critical decisions as they progress through college and into careers. At Lenart, students are taught that great leaders are not only smart, but also caring and empathetic. Angela is a proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools, and has worked for CPS as teacher and administrator for almost 20 years. She discovered her love of teaching while serving as a substitute teacher during a break from her job as a clinical researcher. Angela decided to return to school to pursue her teaching degree, allowing her the opportunity to share her love of Science with many middle school students on the south and west side of Chicago. An administrator who recognized her natural ability to lead and influence instruction encouraged Angela into school leadership. Despite being a good student, Angela did not like school and often felt unchallenged and disinterested. Angela’s main goal as an educator is to create a different learning experience than her own that is both challenging and relevant to her students’ lives. Angela is an Independent School Principal, Chicago Principal Fellow Alumna, and 2020 National Blue Ribbon School Principal. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, and Master’s degrees in teaching and school administration from National Louis University. She is currently pursuing her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.

Lynn Smith

CityLab High School
Dallas, Texas
Ally: Angela Williams

  • Lynn Smith is excited and honored to be an Urban High School Principal. She has been a Dallas ISD Principal for 10 years and brings 20 years of administrative experiences from various school districts in Texas. She is currently in her 5th year as Principal of Citylab, a transformation and innovative school for students interested in Architecture, Environmental Sustainability, and Urban Planning all with the City of Dallas as the backdrop and classroom. The schools education models are project based learning and personalized learning. One of the fundamental purposes of CityLab High School is to affect change by using the city of Dallas as an extension of the traditional classroom. Some of her most recent principalships were at Maya Angelou High School, that serves as a safe place for pregnant teens as they transition into motherhood and Multiple Careers Center in Dallas ISD which offers technical job training to differently-abled high school students as well as life skills training to 18+ year-old adults seeking more independence. Under her leadership both schools became personalized learning schools and provided a powerful blended learning experience for the students. Ms. Smith's vision is to continue to establish a campus-and-beyond community that develops students who value problem solving and are ambitious to achieve their very best for the betterment of their community.

Barbara Tremblay

P.S. K721 - Brooklyn Occupational Training Center
Brooklyn, New York
Ally: Tess Millares

  • Barbara Tremblay, Principal of P721K in District 7, began her journey in the NYC DOE thirty-two years ago as a paraprofessional and has held many roles in the Department of Education, including teacher, District Administrator, Assistant Principal, and for the last seven years as a Principal. During her Principalship, the arts and vocational opportunities have been a high-priority area for her school. She believes in and strives for students to experience and participate in quality arts programming. The Arts are vital to supporting the school's mission to enable young adults with developmental disabilities to utilize their talents, strengths, and capabilities to live and work in our community. P721K was one of the first schools to open a Project Search Class in New York City. To ensure students receive the highest quality of instruction, she has continued to seek the best teachers, curriculum, instructional methodologies, and partnerships to meet the needs of all students. P721K strives to create a school culture where active participation and first-hand experiences are the means for her students to reach new levels of learning. She accomplishes this through strategic planning, collaboration, and open communication. Ms. Tremblay will always ask students and staff, "Where are you going?" as a catchphrase to provide an open dialogue about her student's future and ensure they are set up for success.

Codi Van Duzee

Boles Junior High
Arlington, Texas
Ally: Kelly Hunt

  • Codi Van Duzee currently serves as principal of Boles Junior High in Arlington, TX. She has spent her 21 year career as a champion for kids with individual learning needs and continually seeks innovative ways to improve outcomes for all students. She started out as a special education teacher before taking on campus leadership roles including Instructional Consultation and Teams Manager, Instructional Data Specialist, and SCE Teacher Support Interventionist. Codi earned her master's degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University in 2015, and was promoted from assistant principal to principal of Pearcy Elementary in 2016. With the steadfast desire to create the best learning opportunities for kids, she and her staff transformed the school to Pearcy STEM Academy, the first and only elementary STEM school in Arlington ISD. Her school was the 9th in Texas (19th nationally) to earn a national STEM certification from the National Institute of STEM Education. Throughout her 6 years there as principal, the Title 1 school consistently performed in the top 10%, earning multiple distinctions and recognition. Codi values the diverse experience and perspectives of those around her and is committed to developing leadership skills for herself and her team. She led a team through the 2 year Holdsworth Campus Leadership program, and is an adjunct professor for SMU to coach and mentor aspiring leaders. In her spare time, she loves traveling, camping with her husband and 4 sons, and singing Disney karaoke.

Jason Wagner

Pelham Lab High School
The Bronx, New York
Ally: Melinda Atkinson

  • Jason Wagner is the Principal of Pelham Lab High School, District 8, Bronx, New York. Since 2002 Jason Wagner has been an educator with the New York City Department of Education and taught high school English in District 8 in the Bronx for ten years, becoming a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certified teacher as well as a lead teacher and the school UFT chapter leader. He has an A.B. in English from Duke University, an MSTE in Adolescent English Education from Fordham University and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. In 2013, he wrote a proposal and was approved to found Pelham Lab High School on the Lehman Educational Campus in the Bronx. As founding Principal of Pelham Lab he has led it into its eighth year of existence and the school currently has almost 300 students and a staff of 50 adults dedicated to the mission that all students can learn and can achieve at high levels through rigorous questioning and engagement in project-based learning. From the beginning, he has led Pelham Lab to grow and develop through its core values of equity, communication, collaboration, character and connections.

Karen Ward

Manchester Avenue Elementary
Los Angeles, California
Ally: Elizabeth Medina

  • Karen Ward is a proud product of the Los Angeles Unified School District where she returned to serve after earning a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA. It was during her time in college that she discovered her passion for teaching while tutoring students at the local Boys and Girls Club. She began her career as a 5th grade teacher and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Karen has over 30 years of experience and has served in various educational roles, including teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal. She was recently appointed principal at Manchester Avenue Elementary School. Prior to this appointment, Karen served as the founding principal of Dr. Owen L. Knox Elementary School, then accepted a principalship at Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Primary Center where she developed a passion for early literacy. Karen considers herself a lifelong learner and prides herself on sitting “shoulder to shoulder” with her teachers as they learn together. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three adult children.

Scott Weiner

Miami Coral Park Senior High School
Miami, Florida
Ally: Yasel Ferrer

  • Scott Weiner was born and raised in Miami-Dade County. He attended and graduated from the Miami-Dade County Public School system, where he started his career in 1994 as a Physical Science teacher at Miami Southridge Senior High School. He is beginning his 17th year as an Urban School Principal and is currently the Principal at Miami Coral Park Senior High School which serves over 2100 students. Previously he was the Principal at Kinloch Park Middle School for 13 years, and prior to that he has been an assistant principal at the following school sites; North Miami Middle School, Miami Norland Senior High School, and Miami Coral Park Senior High School. These different school site experiences have given him a vast amount of knowledge and experience working with the many different cultures that live and attend the public schools within the District. Mr. Weiner believes that every child has an ability that will lead them to success in life. It is our responsibility as educators to find that special ability and build it to its highest potential. His methods of teaching are also applied to his leadership style, real life. Mr. Weiner has always believed that we learn by presenting material with real life situations attached to them. He believes that if students, staff, and community members can relate to what is being presented and how it affects them personally, they will be more engaged, which will result in better results.

Dr. Baretta Wilson

Stewart Middle Magnet School
Tampa, Florida
Ally: Anne Marie McNamara

  • Dr. Baretta Wilson has been the principal of Stewart Middle Magnet in Hillsborough County Schools, Florida for the last 15 years. Stewart is a Title I school that has consistently outperformed schools with similar demographics. She has an extensive background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Magnet Program and Title- One Schools. She has worked with all socioeconomic groups. Prior to becoming principal of Stewart, she taught mathematics for four years in South Carolina, and six years teaching acting department head in mathematics for Hillsborough School District. She also was Lead Teacher for three years for the first STEM magnet in the County. She has also worked as an Assistant Principal and principal of K-8 high needs schools. Dr. Wilson earned a BS and MS in Mathematics Education from South Carolina State University, Certification for Education Leadership from the University of South Florida and Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern.

Allies

Natasha Hogan-Mahan

Luther J. Price Middle School
Atlanta, Georgia
Fellow: Luqman Abdur-Rahman

  • Natasha Hogan-Mahan, Ed.D has served in a variety of educational roles since 2001. As a K-12 instructor, her passion was enriching and empowering her students as individuals. In addition to serving as a classroom instructor, Dr. Mahan has held the titles of Curriculum Writer, Instructional Coach, Title I Specialist, Master Scheduler, and Assistant Principal. Her primary focus is to provide professional development and training that assist educators in developing classroom experiences that lead their students to develop 21st-century skills and maximize student achievement through a loving and liberating environment.

Danielle Quartarone

P.S. 094 David D. Porter
Queens, New York
Fellow: Laura Avakians

  • Danielle Quartarone has served as an assistant principal for eight years with experience ranging from the elementary to middle school level. Over her 16 years in education, Danielle believes her servant leadership approach coupled with her involvement in a variety of communities has leveraged her to support parents, students and staff with a unique lens. Leading with empathy, encouragement and by example, Danielle feels these three principles need to be in place for any successful and healthy school community. Some of Danielle’s passions in education are instructional coaching, development of people and creating sustainable structures and systems to support staff and students in an ongoing way. Outside her professional life, Danielle enjoys decorating her home for the seasons, serving on her church’s TV team, but most of all, creating beautiful memories with her two-and-a-half year old daughter, Milana and husband, Dave.

Kehmay Khahaifa-Valdez

The Highbridge Green School
The Bronx, New York
Fellow: Kyle Brillante

  • Kehmay Khahaifa has taught for six years as a mathematics teacher in District 9 in the Bronx. As Chair of the Mathematics Department, Kehmay helps to supervise math instruction and coach emerging math teachers. In the 2023 school year, Kehmay led instructional change in the Five Practices for Orchestrating Mathematical Discussions.

Jessica Scanlon

P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon
Manhattan, New York
Fellow: Aracelis Castellano-Folkes

  • Jessica Scanlon is the Assistant Principal of PS 165 in Manhattan and has been an educator in New York for the past 16 years. Throughout her career she has been committed to making sure that all students receive high quality, rigorous instruction with an emphasis on social emotional learning and student leadership. Before becoming Assistant Principal in 2019, she served as the Literacy Instructional Coach at PS 165 for seven years during which time she coached teachers, developed and planned professional development, and served on the Instructional Leadership Team which drives the schoolwide vision. Ms. Scanlon previously taught for seven years in positions spanning from 2nd - 8th grade in general education and special education roles. Ms. Scanlon completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Elementary and Special Education at Marist College. She also holds a Masters Degrees in Literacy Education from The College of New Rochelle and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Hunter College. Ms. Scanlon believes in impacting student learning by integrating social emotional learning with academic curriculum and building students’ leadership skills. She believes that all kids can and will succeed and has positively impacted student learning through data analysis and action planning. In 2015 she co-authored a grant to bring the Leader in Me social emotional program to the school and in 2022, PS 165 was awarded Lighthouse Certification which means PS 165 is a beacon for other schools not only in New York City, but worldwide.

Unethia Fox

Maritime and Science Technology Academy
Miami, Florida
Fellow: Cadian Collman-Perez

  • Ms. Unethia "Nikki" Fox is a graduate of South Miami Senior High. After attending Nova Southeastern University on an Athletic Scholarship and graduating with honors in 2002, she began her career as an educator at South Miami Senior High School. Over the course of 20 years, she has had the opportunity to work in many capacities such as special education math teacher, a coach, mentor, teacher leader, member of the PLST team, and currently as a CAP Advisor at MAST Academy. Ms. Fox coaches several sports and takes great pride in sharing in the success of the young ladies over the course of their time as student athletes and in their current professional careers. As she grew over the years, she continued on her educational path and completed a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Nova Southeastern in 2006 and a specialist degree in Special Education from Florida Memorial University in 2017. As Ms. Fox moves forward on her journey, she hopes it continues to be memorable and impactful in the lives of students.

Stella D’Arceaux

Westwood Charter Elementary
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Kathy Flores

  • Stella Nagac D’Arceaux teaches upper elementary students at Westwood Charter School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and then received her credential and masters in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. Stella is passionate about Social Studies education and promotes inquiry, dialogue, analysis of historical concepts, and experiential learning with her students. She has participated in several Social Studies fellowships across the United States and is inspired when collaborating with teachers and educational leaders.

Soraya Ramos

Ellen Ochoa Learning Center
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Marcos Hernandez

  • Soraya Ramos was born and raised in Los Angeles where she has been an educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 25 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Long Beach in Political Science and earned her Master’s Degree from California State University, Northridge in Educational Leadership. Soraya has served as both the Assistant Principal and Categorical Program Advisor at Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, a TK-8 Dual Language Span School in Southeast Los Angeles. Prior to taking on those roles, she was a general and special education teacher for twelve years. As an educational leader her focus has been to build teacher capacity in providing students opportunities to engage in meaningful academic discourse. Soraya is a staunch believer in biliteracy and was an integral part in bringing the Dual Language Spanish Program to her previous school where she also co-authored the plan that earned them The California Distinguished School recognition. As an educator who grew up in the community she serves, she values the work it takes to plan and design an enriched academic program that motivates and is culturally and linguistically relevant to students. She understands the importance of parent involvement and thrives in developing opportunities for parent engagement by providing training to parents and community members through various academic workshops and presentations. Soraya is a proud advocate for English Learners success and is determined to help narrow the achievement gap for all students by diminishing the inequities in education that surround her community.

Dino Reyes Jr.

Lake Middle School
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Amanda McDonald

  • Dino Reyes Jr. is serving his 5th year as the Dean of Culture at Lake Middle School and is working his 13th year in Title I settings for Denver Public Schools. Dino was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and is honored to serve the same school community that he attended as a middle school student. Dino has worked at three turnaround schools in Northwest Denver starting at Trevista K-8 moving from turnaround state status to distinguished on the school performance framework. Additionally, West Early College moved from red to yellow on the school performance framework. Lastly, Lake Middle School started as the lowest performing school in DPS and was able to move from red to yellow in one year on the state performance framework from 2018 to 2019. Dino was featured for his culture work on NPR and CPR during the pandemic and is highlighted as a district example throughout DPS to train and mentor leaders in establishing a culture that celebrates and empowers culture. Dino's entire family is committed to the Northwest community. His wife is a Dean of Operations and all of Dino's children are products of Denver Public Schools, three of them are Lake Knights.

Dr. Judith Jeremie

Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: David Newman

  • Dr. Judith Jeremie is the Interim Acting Assistant Principal of Social Studies at Brooklyn Technical High School. She has taught at the high school level for over 12 years, specializing in World History and US History courses. In addition, she is a Social Studies Curriculum Writer for the New York City Department of Education. Judith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and French at The College of New Rochelle, her Masters of Arts in History at Minnesota State University, Mankato, her Masters of Science in Education at Long Island University, Brooklyn, and her Doctorate in Education at St. John's University. Her goal is to foster a love of history, collaboration, and active citizenship.

Nerina Facio

Northridge Middle School
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Richard Ramos

  • Nerina Facio is a "kids first" school improvement leader. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she witnessed first-hand the lack of resources impeding the Latino experience in Los Angeles. Emboldened by her parents' lives, Nerina dedicated herself to “challenging the false narratives" that BIPOC experiences in society. As a means to improving students’ educational experiences, Nerina turned her values into a career in education confronting resource inequities and achievement gaps among student subgroups. Her journey began as a teacher of SWD and after 11 years, she served as bridge coordinator over special education, questioning antiquated practices and retooling systems to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines. She continued to develop her instructional leadership skills as the Title I and English Learner advisor, she created a reclassification academy resulting in a 30% RFEP rate. More recently, she coalesced staff in adopting a school-wide commitment to the implementation of Hattie’s influencers, teacher clarity, formative assessments, and classroom discussions, proven to have the most impact on student learning. Currently, Nerina is the Assistant Principal of Instruction. She has been instrumental in implementing a school-wide cycle of inquiry sharpened through her participation and professional development with InnovateED. Nerina created a "coherence" framework around lesson planning and learning rounds for continuous improvement across grade levels. Nerina says, "Regardless of language classification, race, or cognitive abilities, students are resilient, rising to and above the high expectations we set." She is a servant-leader; resolute in her mission to cultivate “collective efficacy” and empower all students.

Jamie Ganzhorn

P.S. 770 New American Academy
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Jessica Saratovsky

  • Jamie Ganzhorn started her educational career as a NYC Teaching Fellow in the Bronx in 2003 and was immediately excited about the positive impact she could have on children’s lives. After 3 years, she broadened her personal and professional experiences by teaching abroad in China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates for seven years. When she returned to New York, Ms. Ganzhorn worked with Uncommon Schools in Brownsville, where she supported both students and teachers as a Grade Team Instructional Leader. In 2017, Ms. Ganzhorn began teaching at PS 770, which quickly became the best professional and personal match of her teaching career. This year Ms. Ganzhorn is excited to continue supporting students, staff, and families as PS 770’s founding Assistant Principal. Ms. Ganzhorn lives in Prospect Park South with her husband Greg and her twin boys, Aaron and Connor. She enjoys running, baking and family time outdoors.

Tess Millares

P.S. K721 - Brooklyn Occupational Training Center
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Barbara Tremblay

  • Tess Millares is an Assistant Principal at P721K Roy Campanella School. Her career in education started after graduating from college in 1995. She taught Elementary and High School grade levels at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines. She took on the High School Outreach Coordinator role to foster school and community relationships while supporting the educational and basic needs of the public. In 2004, she was accepted by the Department of Education in the City of New York to be one of the few International Teachers. She started as a teacher at her current school, P721K, and became an Assistant Principal in 2014. As a multilingual learner, she supervises Multilingual learners with the belief that language is an expression of self, a sharing of the person’s culture, and diversity with one common goal - acceptance and respect of individual differences.

Anne Marie McNamara

Stewart Middle Magnet School
Tampa, Florida
Fellow: Baretta Wilson

  • Anne Marie McNamara has been in education since 2008 after working in the private sector. She became a teacher because she wanted to challenge students whilst managing and motivating them to become passionate learners, the purpose of her educational journey. Enriching and encouraging her students to reach deep within themselves by providing various opportunities to become critical consumers of knowledge is her role as an educational guide and facilitator. Anne is currently attending George Mason University for her Masters Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Transformative Teaching. During the 2019/2020 school year, she was part of an Equity Liaison project in Hillsborough County. Anne recognizes that students can be agents of change and seek to raise their awareness of issues of inequity.

Dr. Amina Gordon

York Early College Academy
Queens, New York
Fellow: Dr. Noah Angeles

  • Dr. Amina Gordon is the Assistant Principal of College Supervision at York Early College Academy in South Jamaica, Queens. Amina has 21 years dedicated to the field of education and plans to continue for years to come. She started her teaching career in Jamaica in 2001 as a mathematics teacher and an assistant grade supervisor. Amina migrated to the United States in 2005 to complete her postsecondary education. During her tenure as an educator in New York, she worked as a mathematics teacher, special education teacher, grade supervisor, content supervisor, peer tutoring program founder, and assistant principal. She earned her undergraduate degree from York College, City University of New York, and her graduate degree from Touro College in Manhattan. New York. Amina currently holds a Doctorate in Instructional and Administrative Leadership from St. John’s University, where she received the Dr. Gene Geisert Outstanding Dissertation Award for the Class of 2022. Amina is passionate about the access first-generation college students have to social and cultural capital, which helps to form achievable college goals and aspirations. She is convinced that historically disadvantaged students can succeed in their college aspirations if they can leverage cultural wealth from their lived experiences. Her goal is to support a successful school-family-community partnership which is integral in framing students’ academic expectations and aspirations.

Elva Bahena

Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Dr. Olimpia Bahena

  • Elva Bahena was born and raised in Chicago by immigrant parents in the Little Village Community. Elva is blessed with a blended family of four boys and two girls who keep her on her toes. Elva received her degrees from the University of Illinois, Columbia College, and Concordia University. Her 27-year career in education started as an elementary school teacher, which eventually led her to utilize her science degree as a high school science teacher. In addition to teaching, she was a department chairperson, where she realized that she truly enjoyed working with and supporting teachers to create a nurturing and rigorous learning environment. This was her segway into school leadership. Her servant leadership has always brought her to neighborhood schools in communities of great need. Both her personal, classroom and leadership experiences have instilled in her a passion for serving all students to ensure they receive the high-quality education they deserve, as well as to take pride in their cultural diversity. Elva understands the importance of bringing teachers, staff, parents, and students to the table to develop a unified vision for the school. She also believes that we are lifelong learners, and through reflective practices, together, we can refine and enrich our community with new knowledge. This year, she is very excited about her new leadership role as Assistant Principal at Talcott FAMA. She is confident that this will provide excellent opportunities for personal growth while simultaneously allowing her to serve the school community.

Sara Brown

The Judith S. Kaye School
Manhattan, New York
Fellow: Andrew Brown

  • Sara Brown began her career in education on Rikers Island where she served as an English teacher for incarcerated youth. Here, Sara saw first hand the detrimental impact of the school to prison pipeline. She became determined to provide New York City's most vulnerable students with a comprehensive education that encouraged youth to become agents of change in their own lives and communities. Following teaching on Rikers Island Sara taught at a Career and Technical Education high school in the South Bronx where she fell in love with the possibilities that were afforded to students through CTE. In 2017, Sara joined the Judith S. Kaye High School as one of its founding teachers. JSK is a transfer high school in New York City where students can earn either a high school diploma or a GED and are enrolled in a trade. JSK was founded to further the mission of the late Justice Judith S. Kaye who spent her career fighting to keep students in schools and not courtrooms. Sara worked as a teacher, programmer and is now an Assistant Principal at Judith S. Kaye High School. JSK perfectly married her passion for working with at-risk youth and career and technical education.

Shalini Rajpaul

Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
Tampa, Florida
Fellow: Cleto Chazares

  • Shalini Rajpaul is currently a High School teacher for Mathematics at Simmons Career Center, she earned her bachelor’s degree from one of The City Universities of New York, Herbert H Lehman College, and her master’s degree from American College of Education. She worked over the past 16 years in the public school system in New York City and Florida. She took on various roles and responsibilities during her career in education such as Department Head for Mathematics, Math League Coach, Team Leader and Coach for new teachers. She’s also known for opening her classroom to students from University of South Florida to assist with their internship in education. Prior to her teaching career, Shalini worked as a college advisor at Evander Child High School, in Bronx, New York, She was also a part of the Peer Teaching Academy, GEAR UP and Aspire of NYC, that bridge the gap between students entering High School and College. One of her passions has always been in working with students in low-income families to show that every child can learn if they are in an environment that is tailored to their needs. Her hope is to take on a Principal role at a school within the district. She strongly believes that students can succeed when you develop a culture where they can be empowered to believe in themselves.

Sarah Roche

Oscar Mayer Magnet School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Danielle Drayton

  • Sarah Roche serves as the Assistant Principal of Mayer Magnet Elementary School in the heart of Lincoln Park. Immediately after graduate school Sarah began teaching abroad and for nearly nine years worked as a teacher in Thailand, Haiti and the Dominican Republic to develop her cultural humility and the skills required to serve diverse populations of students found in Chicago Public schools. While working abroad, she saw the need for educators to learn about serving neurodiverse students in the classroom and went back to school for special education and developed her understanding of multi-sensory approaches to learning. Sarah began her career as a bilingual special education teacher in Chicago serving students who were both struggling with disabilities and learning English. She worked as a teacher leader on the Instructional Leadership Team, coached her peers in both literacy and math practices, as well as lead the Diverse Learner team at her schools. After over ten years of service in American Public Schools, Sarah was accepted to the UIC, served as a resident in the Chicago Leadership Collaborative and is finishing her doctoral work in Urban Education Leadership. Her passions lie in meeting students where they are to push them to the next level, using culturally responsive and differentiated instruction, as well as considering the whole child to inform instructional decisions.

Andrea Arispe

Samuel A. Maverick Elementary School
San Antonio, Texas
Fellow: Leila Garza

  • Andrea Arispe was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning her Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development. She began her teaching career as a Special Education Inclusion and Resource Teacher at Maverick Elementary, a Dual Language School in San Antonio Independent School District. After her first two years, she was invited to join the Instructional Leadership Team as chair of the Special Education team. Andrea served as a bilingual Special Education teacher and attended Emergent Bilingual Focus Groups for the advancement of students in bilingual special education. After four years in special education, she was accepted into the first San Antonio ISD/UT Austin M. Ed. partnership cohort for Educational Leadership.

Brittnee Scott

Sligh Middle Magnet School
Tampa, Florida
Fellow: Anthony Jones

  • Brittnee D. Scott, M.Ed., a product of Hillsborough County Public Schools, has dedicated her career to the advancement of students implementing her transformational leadership skills at her site. To decrease the inequity within schools by providing one-on-one coaching and professional development to assist educators in addressing “The Whole Child”. Brittnee is currently serving as the Resource Interventionist at Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa, FL. In which she works closely with her administrative staff to identify trends in attendance, behavior, and curriculum. In doing so, her work includes creating action steps to decrease the number of students identified on the MTSS tiers. Through interventions and support along with the Student Success team. Brittnee was recognized as the “Transformation School Spotlight” May 2021, for returning to the very school she attended in Hillsborough County as a change agent .Brittnee spearheads the school’s Positive Interventions by ensuring students are recognized and celebrated frequently through the school’s 5 Culture initiatives. Outside of dedicating her career to being a change agent in the lives of students, she is most importantly a devoted wife and proud mother.

Dr. Christian Padgett

Frederick Wilson Benteen Elementary School
Atlanta, Georgia
Fellow: Dr. Andrew Lovett

  • Dr. Christian S. L. Padgett is an assistant principal with Atlanta Public Schools. In his four years as an assistant principal, he has helped to lead Benteen Elementary School to grow its Dual Language Immersion program as well as the authorization of the International Baccalaureate Programme Primary Years Program. Dr. Padgett believes every student can learn and it is our duty as educators to help them believe and demonstrate their brilliance. Dr. Padgett is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He has worked in a variety of roles before becoming an assistant principal including, teacher and school improvement coach. He has his bachelor's degree from Georgia State University (Go Panthers) in Early Childhood Education. Based on his great experience, he decided to go back to GSU and earn his master's in Elementary Education. Working with others and helping to lead his team and as a school instructional lead, saw the need to learn more about educational leadership. Padgett holds his educational specialist and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University! In his spare time, Dr. Padgett loves to run and try new restaurants.

Lisa McDaniel

Apollo Beach Elementary School
Tampa, Florida
Fellow: Kelly McMillan

  • Lisa McDaniel is an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Apollo Beach Elementary in Hillsborough County and a proud mother of two wonderful sons, Dylan and Luke. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology from Walden University. Lisa has over 14 years of teaching experience, twelve of which have been with Hillsborough County Public Schools. She has experience in elementary, middle, and high school settings where she has taught Varying Exceptionalities (VE) through self-contained, co-teach, resource, and support facilitation models. Lisa was also a full-time ESE Specialist at Young Middle Magnet School, overseeing multiple Behavior Support and Autism Spectrum Disorder self-contained and mainstream classrooms. She was part of the District E.F.A.D. Project Team from 2012-2014, which developed a new Individual Education Plan (IEP) program. Lisa is a District Training Developer and Trainer who is passionate about behavioral issues. She has served on many committees at both the district and school level. As a two-time Ida S. Baker Award recipient and an Excellence in Action Award Nominee, Lisa is dedicated to using her education, teaching experience, developmental expertise, and invaluable experience as a mother to improve the educational experiences of every learner.

Krissandra Taylor-Walker

Daniel Webster Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Khalid Oluewu

  • Krissandra Taylor-Walker serves as the assistant principal at Webster Elementary School. She is honored to have been a part of this school community for over two decades serving as an intermediate/upper-grade lead teacher, literacy coach, literacy intervention teacher, LSC secretary, and ILT member. She is excited to continue to serve our learning community in every way she can. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner. On this path of learning, she attended St. Francis de Sales high school. She received an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Olive Harvey College. She also holds the following advanced degrees: Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading Specialist) from Loyola University, and Masters in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. When not at school, she enjoys dining out, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Stefanie Berrios

Palm Springs North Elementary School
Miami, Florida
Fellow: Dr. Christina Ravelo

  • Stefanie Berrios began her teaching journey in Lee County, Florida in 2007. After teaching 3rd grade for three years, she transferred to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Stefanie had the opportunity to work at Miami Lakes K-8 Center and Bunche Park, prior to being part of Palm Springs North Elementary in 2014. Throughout the eight years at Palm Springs North Elementary, she has been given the opportunity to serve as Math Department chairperson, grade level chairperson, Cambridge coordinator, Safety Patrol sponsor, Digital Leader Network (DLN), and became part of the Professional Learning Support Team. She recently became the STEAM Liaison and PD Liaison. These professional experiences have allowed Stefanie to strengthen her leadership skills. This past summer, she was accepted into the Building Excellence in Novice Leaders through Challenges and High Expectations Program (BENCH), where she will have the opportunity to partake in a scaffolded system of support that will include mentoring, coaching, professional development, and field experience opportunities for aspiring Assistant Principals. Stefanie obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-6 with ESOL endorsement from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Masters in Curriculum Instruction and Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Stefanie is an instructional leader committed to increasing student achievement and meeting the individualized needs of all learners. She is committed to establishing a safe learning environment that supports diversity, equality, and inclusion. Devoted to a shared vision of enriching the lives of all students by striving for excellences, while cultivating positive relations with all stakeholders.

Esther Mathoka

Place Bridge Academy
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Andrew Schutz

  • Esther Mathoka has been in public education for 19 years. She has served in both high and elementary schools in Denver Public School in Colorado. After one year at Manual High School, she moved to McGlone elementary school, where she had 80% of students' growth in state assessments for multiple years. Esther then transferred to Place Bridge Academy, a magnet school for newcomer students new to the country. The school has more than 40 languages spoken. She taught Newcomer and ELA-E classrooms and has had multiple Distinguished ratings according to Denver Public School Leading Effective Academic Practice. She has served as a Senior Team Lead for three years. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Principal at the same school, where she has supported the planning and implementation of instructional practices. Having a Bachelor's in Education and a Master's Degree in Linguistically and Diverse Education, Esther is currently working on a Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado in Denver. She has also won the Denver Public Schools Asian Education 2021-2022 Administrator Award. Esther believes education is a fundamental human right because every student is entitled to high-quality education. She ensures students have access to effective instruction, engage in grade-level work, and that educators set high expectations for all students in a conducive learning environment. She continues to advocate for equitable education for all students because it reshapes their lives and can break the cycle of poverty. She believes all students can learn with equal opportunities and resources.

Kelly Hunt

Boles Junior High
Arlington, Texas
Fellow: Codi Van Duzee

  • Kelly Hunt has 19 years of educational experience at the junior high level as an English teacher, athletic coach, and instructional coach. Her passion for education was instilled by a family of educators, and a dedication for helping students and educators find their own pathway to success. As a teacher of the year, PBIS teacher of the year, AWARE nominee, and Kiwanis club special recognition award winner, she found that an educator’s success can be marked more by impact than awards. With the birth of her twins, she found a bigger mission in life. Her work with special education students, policies, and programs became a crucial commitment for her own child and others that lack a voice and advocate in their educational journey. Coming back full circle, Kelly found that all students and educators need a proponent ready to stand in their corner with solidarity and understanding, and she hopes she can lead others to find their inner warrior of education.

Constance Robinson

Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Sr. High School
Miami, Florida
Fellow: William Aristide

  • Constance B. Robinson is currently a Student Services Support Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Fashion Merchandising and a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy with a minor in Guidance and Counseling from St.Thomas University. Constance worked for 2 years as a therapist for the Institute for Child and Family Health, an organization that provides emotional health and prevention services to children, adolescents and families. At ICFH, she counseled children and their families appointed by the juvenile court system. She served two years as a Student Services Department Chairperson in both middle and high school. In that capacity, she assisted counselors with student mental health and academic concerns. Constance also worked with parents, teachers, and administration on policies, procedures, and data related to student achievement. Constance was born and raised in Miami Florida by a single parent. Her mother instilled in her the importance of education and good work ethics. As a result, she enjoys working in the school system sharing her words of wisdom, teaching life skills and mentoring students towards a healthy mind set and career goals. It is her intent as a lifelong learner and facilitator to continue motivating and inspiring young people in reaching their fullest potential.

Joanne Kraus

Frank C. Martin K-8 Center
Miami, Florida
Fellow: Gregory Beckford

  • Joanne Kraus has taught various grade levels at Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center as an International Baccalaureate Practitioner since August 2006. She has also served as Gifted Department Chair since August 2010. As an advocate for gifted students, she maintains the Educational Plans for the school and meets regularly with her team to suggest strategies for the gifted classroom. Prior teaching experience in Massachusetts, Broward County, and Palm Beach County add up to thirty years of experience. Mrs. Kraus earned her Masters of Education at the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a concentration in critical thinking, and is currently working on her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Florida. As the Doctoral Program in the Teachers, Schools, and Societies Department is designed for practicing educators, she hopes to continue to contribute to gifted education, with a focus on equity.

Surama Flores

Whispering Pines Elementary School
Miami, Florida
Fellow: Tamela Brown

  • Surama "Sury" Flores, School Counselor of Whispering Pines Elementary, has been a school counselor with Miami-Dade County Public Schools since 2003. Ms. Flores graduated from Florida International University with a B.S. Degree in Psychology in 1998. In 2001, she earned a M.S. Degree in School Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. In 2014, Ms. Flores earned an Ed. S. Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Aside from her counseling responsibilities, Ms. Flores works cohesively with administration in the areas of curriculum implementation, scheduling, disaggregating data, truancy intervention and daily operations. Ms. Flores also serves as the Professional Development Liaison and assists with coordination of the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) for all English Language Learners (ELL) and facilitates the process of writing and implementation of the School Improvement Plan.

Jessica Galarza

Denver School of Science and Technology Montview
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: John Clark

  • Jessica Galarza earned her B.A. degree in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, Ms. Galarza started her educational career as a middle school History teacher at Lake Travis Middle School in Lakeway, TX in 2012. During this time, she earned her Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in Austin, TX. In her last two years at Lake Travis, she co-created the middle school Humanities program for the district. This program brought together English and Social Studies into a combined course where students proved to enhance their academic writing skills and analytical reading. After 8 years in the classroom developing students, Ms. Galarza became a Curriculum Coordinator for Region 13, an Educational Service Center in Texas. She oversaw 78 school districts in Central Texas, and provided professional development training and curriculum audits for each of these campuses; holding high stake leaders accountable to academic results. Currently, Ms. Galarza is Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Montview Middle School, where she works with teachers in planning standards-aligned lessons accessible to all learners. She has dedicated her career to being an advocate of equitable and rigorous education for all students. Ms. Galarza’s philosophy on education is that every child, regardless of socio-economic background should be provided every opportunity to succeed.

Janet Frnzyan

Grover Cleveland Charter High School
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Cindy Duong

  • Janet Frnzyan earned her B.A. Degree in English Literature from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She remained at CSUN where she completed her Special Education Clear Credential and earned a Master’s in Special Education. Ms. Frnzyan’s tenure in education started at Grover Cleveland Charter High School as a Special Education teacher. She taught students of various academic levels in the Special Day Program for ten years. Later, she moved out of the classroom and became the Special Education Coordinator where she served as a liaison for students and parents to obtain resources needed to access education and gain success. Currently, Ms. Frnzyan is the Instructional Coach, where she consults with teachers in planning lessons to accommodate all learners. She has dedicated her career to being an advocate for the most marginalized groups. Ms. Frnzyan’s philosophy on education is that every child, regardless of their socio economic background and educational history be provided with every opportunity to succeed.

Gretchen Dominguez Prieto

Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary
Dallas, Texas
Fellow: Adriana Gonzalez

  • Gretchen Dominguez began her education journey 22 years ago. She earned a BA in Elementary School Education with an emphasis in Literature as a first generation college graduate. For the first 13 years of her teaching career, she taught Spanish/English Language Arts in Puerto Rico. In 2014, she relocated to Dallas, Texas and began teaching in John Quincy Adams Elementary, a Title 1 school in Pleasant Grove. Dominguez was an integral part of the JQA Team which helped the school earn all six distinctions from the Texas Education Agency in 2015. Her leadership roles at JQA included directing grade levels, coaching teachers, and facilitating school-wide professional development. This new leadership path motivated her to pursue a master's degree in urban school leadership from Southern Western University. As a passionate educator, she believes in the transformational power of learning and the positive influence educators and staff have on students, families, and communities. Currently, Dominguez serves as assistant principal at Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary. A campus values education, social responsibility, and the belief that every student can reach their full potential and purpose when provided with a nurturing, challenging, and personalized learning environment.

Zachary Mack

P.S. 059 William Floyd
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Dr. Cherry-Ann Joseph-Hislop

  • Zachary Mack began his career with the New York City Department of Education in 2009. He is currently a tenured assistant principal, proudly serving the P.S. 59 - William Floyd Elementary School community since 2017. Mr. Mack earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating summa cum laude while specializing in Spanish, political science, international affairs, and anthropology. He achieved his masters through the Relay Graduate School of Education, with advanced certifications from the Leadership Academy in partnership with Baruch College. He is also a recent graduate of the NYC DOE Office of Leadership, Development, and Empowerment’s Assistant Principal Leadership Institute. Mr. Mack was drawn to education as an act of service in the name of civil rights. He staunchly believes all children deserve access to a world class education. His commitment to this ideal is reflected in his ongoing work at Title I schools, where he uses research and data-based supports to create structures to ensure achievement for all students. Mr. Mack lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY. He enjoys gardening and traveling, and regularly takes advantage of New York City’s many cultural offerings.

Valenssa Chery

Ronald Edmonds Learning Center II
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Dr. Michele Luard Charles

  • Valenssa Chery comes with a wealth of knowledge and over thirteen years of experience as an educator. She has served as an ELA classroom teacher and most recently as school counselor in District 23. Ms. Chery firmly believes that children must be taught in ways that promote creativity, innovation, joy, and a passion for learning. This is a belief that she continues to carry with me throughout all of my educational experiences. She is extremely excited to join the Ronald Edmond Learning Center II community and Assistant Principal, Interim Acting and I’m committed to working closely with Dr. Luard to continue building upon the great work that has already begun. You will often hear her say “Community breeds success”, this is a mantra that she lives by. The work of an educator is one of heart, passion, knowledge, commitment and teamwork; it cannot be done alone. Throughout the coming months she is committed to working to identify each student’s social-emotional and academic needs in order to develop individualized roadmaps to success. It is her goal to create and maintain an educational institution that inspires academic excellence, leadership, collaboration, confidence and a world-class education for our scholars.

Leanne Anderson

P.S. 156 Waverly
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Naiyma Moore-Allen

  • Leanne Anderson is an Educator, an Author, a Chaplin, a mother, a daughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend, and all the hats she wears, makes her the woman she is today. Leanne presently holds a Master's of Science in Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Management, and has been teaching in the NY Public schools since 2011. She is passionate about empowering herself and others to greater success.

Lisa Stefanick

J.H.S. 167 Robert F. Wagner
Manhattan, New York
Fellow: Jennifer Rehn-Losquadro

  • Lisa Stefanick has been working as an Assistant Principal at Wagner Middle School since 2012 after working as a mathematics classroom teacher in the school four years prior. Lisa started her teaching career in 1996 at a small Catholic Middle School in New Jersey then moved to New York City where she began her career with the New York City Department of Education in 1997. Lisa has worked as a Mathematics Teacher, Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, and a Mentor before transitioning to Wagner Middle School. Currently, she is working with staff to infuse SEL and Restorative Practices to enhance school culture and climate. Lisa is committed to building strong relationships to support students and their families to reach their goals and become positive members of the community. Lisa lives with her husband and two daughters in New York City.

Nicholas Lopez

Denver Center for 21st Century Learning at Wyman
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Renard Simmons

  • Nick Lopez is an Assistant Principal at DC21, an alternative, public high school in downtown Denver, Colorado, where he uses his many talents as a leader of a team effort, transforming the lives of at-risk students, leading them to high school graduation and beyond. In 2001 he earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado where he played college football and won a National Championship. He found his calling in 2003 when he began working with youth: counseling, coaching, teaching, and leading. In 2012 he earned his MA along with his principal license as a RELAY graduate. Nick loves his work and is passionate about serving his students and helping them create plans for productive futures.

Melinda Atkinson

Pelham Lab High School
The Bronx, New York
Fellow: Jason Wagner

  • Since 2017 Melinda Atkinson has been an educator with the New York City Department of Education. She taught High School English in District 8 before transitioning to her current role as Assistant Principal of Pelham Lab High School. Ms. Atkinson received her B.A. in English and her M.S. in Adolescence and Special Education from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. She then went on to receive a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. Ms. Atkinson has spent the last 5 years at Pelham Lab High School in the Bronx where she is dedicated to helping students and staff achieve their full potential, while contributing to the diverse, mission - driven culture of the school.

Erin Fitzgerald-Haddad

San Fernando Institute for Applied Media
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Pearl Arredondo

  • Erin Fitzgerald-Haddad began her teaching career in 2016. She co-founded the San Fernando Institute for Applied Media (SFIAM) in 2010, a middle school, where she teaches mathematics. Erin is dedicated to promoting learning that empowers her students. Guiding students to discover patterns and order in the world of mathematics is her driving force. In addition to teaching she has served in many leadership roles at SFIAM including math department chair, grade-level lead, governing council president, instructional leadership committee, and STEAM certification team lead. She has represented her teachers as United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) Chapter Chair and was elected to the UTLA House of Representatives. Erin was a 2017 recipient of the UTLA Platinum Apple award for excellence in teaching and in 2019 was awarded Educator of the Year by Educators for Excellence with the Rebel Award. She served on the LAUSD Teacher Advisory Cabinet, which focused on making policy recommendations to the Los Angeles Unified School Board, for hybrid leadership roles for teachers. Erin has also worked on education policy with Educators for Excellence, co-authoring a policy paper, Reimagining Tenure, which led to state legislative campaign work for the Teacher and Student Success Act in 2017. In 2019 she was awarded a Teach Plus Education Policy Fellowship where her work focused on school funding, again leading to state legislative campaign work. Erin is committed to working on multiple levels to better the educational opportunities for all students, but especially for the underserved students in the San Fernando community.

Veronica Valdovinos

Fox Tech High School
San Antonio, Texas
Fellow: Jennifer Benavides

  • Veronica Valdovinos began her career in education in 2008 for San Antonio ISD. Since then, she has taught first, fourth and has served two campuses as an Instructional Coach. Today she continues to support the students of SAISD as an Assistant School Leader at Fox Tech High School. To keep herself well equipped, Veronica has participated in the Trinity University Assistant Principal Cohort, engaged in transformational planning in collaboration with AUSL, Academy for School Leadership training, to help plan professional development for the future school year. She has also attended RULER training at Yale University and Project Based Learning training at the Buck Institute. These experiences deeply influence Veronica’s ability to drive academic gains from a leadership position while maintaining a focus on social emotional and authentic learning. One of the most impactful trainings Veronica advocated to attend was Solution Tree’s PLC Institute. At the PLC Institute, Veronica was provided opportunities to hone her skills of facilitating, planning, and leading PLC’s, which is an integral part of professional learning for the campus. The varied trainings have supported her continued development as a leader while feeding her need to learn on an ongoing basis. Veronica earned a Master of Educational Leadership from Trinity University and has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Veronica has a true passion for serving the students and teachers of San Antonio’s urban core and looks forward to continuing to grow in her practice.

Marla Broy

Robert A. Black Magnet School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Rhonda Butler

  • Marla Broy began her educational leadership journey as a 1990 Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois where she committed to become a highly effective teacher in Illinois schools-of-need. Marla has been the proud assistant principal of Robert A. Black Magnet School since 2019. She also has 5 years as a STEM Coach and 21 years as a teacher. Marla Broy believes that all students are capable of learning and leads this work by building the capacity of teachers, teacher teams, and focusing on student and parent engagement. Marla was born and raised on the southside of Chicago and is a proud product of Chicago Public Schools. She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University in Chicago and a Masters of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University in School Leadership. Some of her proudest accomplishments include student achievement, parent engagement, MTSS, magnet school focus, advancement of school leaders, and strong partnerships to educate and support the whole child.

May Aung

Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Gabriel Duran

  • May Myo Aung is a twenty-four year experienced educator, currently serving in the capacity of Assistant Principal at Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, a 6-12 grade campus in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has also served in leadership roles as an Intervention Coordinator and Math Coach at the elementary level on various campuses. As an Intervention Coordinator, she collaborated with all stakeholders to develop a Tier 2 intervention program to institute and provide targeted academic support for students who needed small group individualized support. During this tenure, she also instituted the Apple 1:1 program. Under her care and direction, the Apple 1:1 program blossomed into an Apple Distinguished School in its first year of implementation. As a Math Coach, she has facilitated grade level backwards planning meetings to support Professional Learning Communities in unwrapping state standards, identifying power standards, data analysis, and creation of common formative assessments and S.M.A.R.T. goals. This resulted in high academic excellence and achievement. In her capacity as a classroom teacher, she served as a WASC accreditation member, Department Chair, and Equitable Grading and Instruction (EGI) formerly Mastery Learning and Grading (MLG) pioneer at MaCES to ensure all students had access to a guaranteed and viable curriculum. MaCES earned a 6-year accreditation status. EGI adoption allowed students to remain focused on learning and developing a growth mindset. In her current role as assistant principal, she conducts formal evaluations and informal classroom observations. These observations provide teachers with actionable feedback around the district’s Teaching and Learning Framework focus elements.

Trevina Nicholson

Hunters Point Community Middle School
Queens, New York
Fellow: Sarah Goodman

  • Trevina Nicholson is an educator that works for Hunters Point Community Middle School. She was born in Jamaica, West Indies. At the age of eight she migrated to the United States. They planted their feet in the borough of Brooklyn, where she truly learned the meaning of community. As the oldest of her four siblings and the only girl, Trevina has always felt the need to be more and be a success for everyone that looked like her. Trevina is a true product of New York City’s Public Schools, she learned about the world in elementary school, she was shown the magic of reading in middle school, and learned valuable leadership skills in high school. Being the go-getter she is, Trevina enrolled herself at CUNY, York College. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. A few years after she graduated she received her master’s degree in teaching from Manhattanville College. Her career began as a paraprofessional, where she learned that she embodied a gift for children. Trevina later went on to become a Special Education teacher.

Michelle Vale

Lake View High School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Dr. Paul Karafiol

  • Michelle Vale, a proud Chicago Public Schools alumna, is a new assistant principal at Lake View High School, accepting the position in July of 2022. She is a passionate educator, who has dedicated her life to ensuring that all students feel valued, respected, and heard. Her decision to pursue educational leadership was inspired by prior experiences as a leader; she served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Literacy, English Department Chair, ILT member, Equity Team member, Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee Chair, and Head Soccer Coach. In these roles, Michelle worked with students, staff, and families to further students’ growth and strengthen teachers’ professional practice; some of her work included leading teachers in examining student data to target skills for growth and providing professional learning around skill building and instructional practice. Michelle began teaching in 2005, and, early in her career, she achieved Nationally Board Certified Teacher status; her lifelong work with students and teachers demonstrates the program’s values of inclusivity and representation. In her current role as assistant principal, Michelle has been working with her departments to ensure that their unit plans and instruction provide equitable access for all students, as well as providing staff with support in their efforts to better understand their students’ needs. As a bilingual administrator, Michelle looks forward to persevering in her work with the Lake View community and strengthening communication with the predominantly Spanish-speaking families, and she aspires to continue building collaborative relationships with staff that offer students opportunities, empowerment, and empathy.

Kellyann Martinez

William E. Dever Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Dr. Jason Major

  • Kelly Martinez is entering her third year as assistant principal at William E. Dever Elementary School on Chicago’s Northwest side, where she taught for 20 years. Prior to becoming assistant principal, Kelly was the lead math teacher, problem solving teacher and taught all grades from third to seventh. As lead math teacher, she and her math colleagues developed goals for each grade level that aligned with the standards. In their classrooms, they engaged in tasks to allow students the opportunities to engage in activities that deepened their understanding of math concepts. When she became the problem solving teacher for Dever, she had to develop her own curriculum that enhanced the students’ understanding of concepts as well as built their confidence in approaching problems with an open mind. Students discovered different ways to solve problems that could result in multiple solutions by defending their results with their math reasoning skills. Kelly’s teaching philosophy is to build relationships with students and guardians by creating a safe learning environment. Kelly believes a student learns best in a positive, trusting classroom that provides students with multiple opportunities to grow, reflect and develop leadership skills. She leads Dever with this same philosophy. Building opportunities for teachers to reflect and develop their teaching abilities in a safe, trusting environment.

Connie Lee

John Charles Haines School
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Catherine Moy-Davis

  • Connie Lee is an assistant principal at John C. Haines School located in the Chinatown Community. She is a proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and has worked for CPS as teacher and administrator for over 20 years. Connie graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign, Urbana with an Elementary Education degree and a minor in Mathematics. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership. During her years as assistant principal at Lenart Regional Gifted Center, Connie served on the Board for the Illinois Association of Gifted Children and Lenart was honored with the National Blue Ribbon School 2020 Award for astounding achievement in student success. Her passion is to continue to serve students in an urban school setting. With a growth mindset, Connie knows that she still has a lot to learn, to grow, and to accomplish. She strongly believes in the importance of collaborating with other educators and parents to advocate and support the academic, equity, and social and emotional needs of all students.

Francisco Hicks

Bronx Design and Construction Academy
The Bronx, New York
Fellow: Joyce Pulphus

  • Francisco "Frankie" Hicks began his career in education when he was only 19 years old. As a Bronx native, and New York City public school student, he has always shared an invested interest to serve his community. With parents who are both educators, Frankie was exposed to the injustices that exist in society, and sought early on to make an impact. Throughout his career, Frankie has worked throughout multiple Bronx area schools as a social aide, community coordinator, CBO program director, and teacher. He is currently a high school guidance counselor at Bronx Design & Construction Academy. Throughout his tenure, he has established enrichment programs to nurture the social emotional development of students. Such programs include the Male Empowerment Club and Rappoetics. In his current position at Bronx Design, Frankie works diligently to ensure students meet graduation requirements, while also supporting schoolwide programming. Frankie takes most pride in assisting students with fulfilling their post-secondary goals. He is proud to be a part of a school community that allows students to have post-secondary options that expand beyond college. Francisco is driven by the work to empower and strengthen the minds of young black and brown students, and he is committed to raising young leaders within the Bronx community.

Luciana Romanini

John F. Kennedy Jr. School
Queens, New York
Fellow: Henry Renelus

  • Luciana Romanini has been an Assistant Principal at P721Q - John F. Kennedy Jr. School for five years. Prior to that, she was an Instructional Coach, IEP Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at that same school. Luciana is passionate about educating students with special needs and committed to help them achieve their highest potential while making an impact in their lives and the lives of their families. Luciana has been involved in professional activities in District 75. She was a member of the Alternate Assessment Curriculum Framework team, a participant of the Teach American History Federal Grant, a Teacher Effectiveness Lead Teacher, and was selected to be a NYSAA Panelist. Luciana graduated with a SBL (School Building Leader) from LEAP (The Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program), a graduate program that prepares teacher leaders to become assistant principals and principals in NYC public schools. Luciana believes that family engagement is a key component in student success and she has supported families to prepare students for transition. Luciana was born and raised in Brazil and speaks three languages. In her free time, Luciana enjoys traveling to warm locations and exploring different cultures.

Kimberly Henderson

Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center
Chicago, Illinois
Fellow: Angela Sims

  • Kimberly Henderson is entering her 17th year in administration with Chicago Public Schools. Prior to becoming the assistant principal at Lenart Regional Gifted Center in 2021, Kimberly was the proud parent of a Lenart Lion for 9 years! Kimberly began her career with Chicago Public Schools as a teacher in the Teach for Chicago program. After over 14 years in the classroom, she decided that she could have an even greater impact as an administrator supporting students across all grade levels. She was accepted into Cohort 9 of the New Leaders for New Schools program and has led two different schools including being a welcoming school principal after the 2013 school closures. Kimberly takes immense pleasure in working with teachers to improve their instructional practices and also remaining hands on with students. She is excited about this opportunity to be an ally and work even more closely with her principal while deepening her own knowledge around current educational issues. Kimberly believes that being a lifelong learner helps make her a stronger administrator.

Elizabeth Medina

Manchester Avenue Elementary
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Karen Ward

  • Elizabeth Magallanes Medina currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Manchester Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, California. For the past 23 years, she has been a dedicated educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She began her work in education as a teacher assistant, and has served as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher, English Learner Designee, Title 1 Coordinator and most recently Assistant Principal. She earned her undergraduate degree, teaching credential and Master’s in Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She strongly believes that when students are provided with the right tools and their assets are valued and appreciated, students can achieve their fullest potential. She also believes that it is important to create a safe learning environment where students are encouraged to express themselves freely while embracing the differences of others. Her goal is to make sure students, regardless of the obstacles they face, receive a high quality education provided by educators who demonstrate dedication, perseverance and hard work.

Adrienne Lopez

Stedman Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Michael Atkins

  • Adrienne Lopez has worked as a public educator in both New York City and Denver for over 18 years with experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, Dean and Assistant Principal. She holds a Literacy Specialist degree from Columbia University's Teachers College and a School Leadership degree from the University of Denver. Adrienne loves exploring Colorado and the outdoors with her family through skiing, hiking, camping and biking.

Danielle Descarfino

P.S. 217 Colonel David Marcus School
Brooklyn, New York
Fellow: Robert Bonilla

  • Danielle Descarfino is a fifth grade teacher at PS 217 in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. She grew up in Tappan, New York, and now resides in Brooklyn. Danielle graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and Writing. She was inspired to become a teacher after spending two months as a volunteer teaching English at an orphanage and community center in Salvador, Brazil. She attended Fordham University and earned a Master’s of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. In addition to nine years in the classroom, Danielle has participated in many other teaching and support roles such as summer Teaching Fellows Lead Instructor and Teacher Development Coach. For several years, she has served as a Grade Leader by planning curriculum, facilitating meetings, and supporting teachers in the school community. For many years, Danielle has designed and implemented an extra-curricular Mock Trial program for 4th and 5th grade students. She is also a founding member of the PS 217 Equity Team, collaborating with administration, teachers, and parents. Danielle is currently a student in the Curriculum and Teaching EdM program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is passionate about teaching and designing exciting curriculum for diverse learners.

Cheryl Otterbeck

Bridge Preparatory Charter School
Staten Island, New York
Fellow: Tim Castanza

  • Cheryl Otterbeck currently serves as the Director of Specialized Instruction at Bridge Prep Charter School on Staten Island. In her role as the DSI, Cheryl serves on the School's Leadership Team and is responsible for overseeing the school's Special Education programming and assuring that the school's high percentage of differing learners are having their special education mandates met. A key part of Cheryl's role is as supporting the school's special education teachers in the classroom with strategies, coaching and modeling and working alongside the school's Orton Gillingham Fellow during specialized trainings. In this role, Cheryl also manages all related services providers and serves as the school's liaison to the Committee on Special Education. Cheryl is a member of the Bridge Prep founding staff, and has served as a teacher and grade team leader in her time at the school. She is a native Staten Islanders and is a graduate of St. John’s University Education program, earning her degree in Childhood and Special Education. In her time at Bridge Prep, Cheryl has made immense contributions to her students as well as the school community and has been identified as a rising leader by Bridge Prep's Executive Director Tim Castanza. She was awarded the Shield of Bridge Prep in 2020, the school's highest honor and award presented to a community member that exemplifies and models Bridge Prep’s core values and commitments through actions, mindsets and their impact on the larger community.

Ashley Gilchrist

Joe Shoemaker School
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Christine Fleming

  • Ashley Gilchrist currently serves as a mild / moderate special education teacher leader at Joe Shoemaker School. Ashley began her teaching career in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was a special education teacher for six years before moving to Denver, Colorado. During her career, Ashley has worked with students with mild and moderate disabilities with a strong passion for inclusion. Ashley currently serves as the Special Education Team Specialist where she leads the special education team to work collaboratively with general education teachers to develop and implement systems to support all students within their least restrictive environment. As a leader at Shoemaker, Ashley is committed to advocating for students with disabilities. Ashley is eager to build a school wide community amongst all students. One example of Ashley’s passion for inclusion and building a school wide community is when she co-founded school wide “families”. Students and staff across grade levels were placed into “families” where they would engage in ongoing challenges, initiatives and team building opportunities. Ashley was named an Armstrong Teacher Educator for the 2019-2020 school year where she was able to support the development of educator preparation programs. Ashley holds a B.S. from Indiana University in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ashley enjoys coaching, swimming and exploring all of the outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer.

Jessica Correa

Virginia-Highland Elementary
Atlanta, Georgia
Fellow: Terry Harness

  • Jessica Correa is an experienced educator for Atlanta Public Schools. Ms. Correa grew up in Northeast Georgia and went on to graduate from the University of West Georgia with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 2014. In 2018, she earned her M.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia. Jessica started her teaching career in 2014 as a 2nd grade teacher at Fair Street International Academy in Gainesville, GA. After moving to Atlanta in 2015, she worked as a 3rd grade STEM teacher at Woodland Elementary in Fulton County. In 2018 she transitioned over to Springdale Park Elementary in Atlanta Public schools. Throughout her education career, Jessica has taught many grade levels, all content areas, and served in a variety of leadership roles. She has worked as an instructional team lead, Vanguard Technology Integration Coach, and Atlanta Public Schools Math Ambassador, along with completing her leadership endorsement through Metro Resa. Jessica's current role as a STEM Instructional Coach will allow her to assist teachers in implementing high-quality interdisciplinary instructional units for all grades. Jessica believes all young scholars have the potential to grow and learn at high levels. She looks forward to growing and learning new and innovative ways to elevate her students' and teachers' success!

Elizabeth Yates

Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Fellow: Nivan Khosravi

  • Elizabeth "Beth" Yates currently serves as Assistant Principal at Maxwell Elementary in Denver, Colorado. Beth is passionate about students having choice and ownership over their learning experience. Beth is a veteran teacher, leader and former special educator with over 36 years of experience in public education. Beth has served students from Pre-K through 12th grade, and has built positive relationships and systems that support student learning in each school she's worked in. Beth has extensive experience in elementary literacy, supporting teachers and students with best practices, and coaching teachers and leaders in multiple schools. When she's not working on supporting student achievement, Beth loves biking, the outdoors, her three dogs, and getting outside in the garden.

Carmen Juarez

Benjamin Franklin High School
Los Angeles, California
Fellow: Regina Marquez-Martinez

  • Carmen Juarez is a former LAUSD student, teacher assistant, teacher, mentor, and coach who has been with the district for over 21 years. In her role as an assistant principal, she is committed to fostering, supporting and promoting a learning environment for all students regardless of their background. She has a keen interest in ensuring that all students have equity and access to learning opportunities. As a former English Learner, she is particularly attuned to this group of students. She understands that acknowledging students’ differences and providing them with the right tools to reach their full potential in society is key. She wants to be able challenge conditions in schools that hinder students from thriving by removing the barriers that limit success for all students.

Shira Wrightman

High School of Language and Innovation
The Bronx, New York
Fellow: Julie Nariman

  • Shira Wrightman is an Assistant Principal at the High School of Language and Innovation, a school for newcomer English Language Learners in the Bronx, NY. She was on the founding team of the school in 2011, and has had a leadership role in collaboratively developing and scaling the school’s mission, instructional vision, and culture. In line with her holistic approach to schooling, including a robust vision for student activities and after school programming, she founded the Columbus Campus Girls’ Lacrosse program in 2012. This program has since served over 210 athletes, led to three college scholarships, and yielded five playoff berths. Before she made the transition to high school, Shira was an ENL teacher and ELL Coordinator at P.S. 230, an elementary school in the Bronx. Shira deeply values multiculturalism, and brings this value to the forefront of her work as a leader. She believes that the many forms of diversity in her school community are a treasured resource that fuels powerful learning and relationship building. Shira sees the cross-cultural understandings and friendships that are built in her school as a lever for creating a more tolerant, cooperative, and just society in New York City and beyond.

Jaime Gionfriddo

Academy for Software Engineering
Manhattan, New York
Fellow: Shawn Raeke

  • Jaime Gionfriddo has served as the Assistant Principal of the Lower Academy at the Academy of Software Engineering (AFSE) since February 2022. Throughout her time at AFSE, Jaime has served numerous leadership roles such as the Mathematics Department Chair, the 10th Grade Lead, as well as the Testing Coordinator. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, a Masters in Art in Secondary Mathematics Education from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Masters Degree of Science in Educational Leadership from Hunter College. Mrs. Gionfriddo is the recipient of an Early Career Fellowship and Master Fellowship from Math for America and has had the opportunity to participate in the Teacher Leadership Program at the Park City Math Institute.

Kristy Reese

Lucas Oliver Kimberly Elementary School
Atlanta, Georgia
Fellow: Joseph Salley

  • Kristy Reese is in her 22th year in Education. Her educational experiences include 11 years of being a classroom teacher, 4 years as an instructional coach and curriculum support teacher, and 6 years as an assistant principal. Under her shared leadership, Kimberly Elementary School was recognized for "Beating the Odds" and consequently removed from Georgia's Failing Schools list. Kristy is a graduate of Georgia State University (BS & M.Ed Early Childhood Education & Leadership and Administration) and Valdosta State University (Ed.S Teacher Leadership). Kristy is a wife and mother of four children (1 college graduate, 1 college student, and 2 in middle school). She grew up in the Atlanta area and attended Atlanta Public Schools (2nd-12th grade). She believes that the use of rigorous instructional materials, effective teaching strategies, and a positive learning environment are the keys to ensuring that students reach their highest potential.

Angela Williams

CityLab High School
Dallas, Texas
Fellow: Lynn Smith

  • Angela Williams is entering her 11th year in education. Angela currently serves as Assistant Principal at CityLab High School. She grew up in the Oak Cliff area and is a proud Dallas ISD alumni. She has served as an elementary and middle school Distinguished Teacher, Campus Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal all within Dallas Independent School District. Williams graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a General Business Minor. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Ms. Williams began her administrative career at Young Women’s STEAM Academy where she served for 4 years. Assistant Principal Williams is a servant leader who is grateful to serve families and their scholars. She believes in equity and excellence for all!

Yasel Ferrer

Miami Coral Park Senior High School
Miami, Florida
Fellow: Scott Weiner

  • Yasel Ferrer graduated Miami Coral Park Senior High School, and decided to join the United States Marine Corps. His attraction was the challenge in every aspect of the corps, which came from all angles: psychological, physical, and emotional. He signed in as a rifleman (infantry), the most difficult and at the same time rewarding job in the Marine Corps. He climbed through the ranks with the right attitude and motivation and within two years, made Corporal, and soon after was a proud Grunt Sergeant. Yasel attended various military schools including, Stone Bay Scout Sniper School, Nuclear Biological and Chemical school, Special Operation School, and Leadership SGT/Corporal’s School. The Marine Corps changed his life, and it continues to guide him through mutual core beliefs which are, honor, courage, and commitment. At the end of active duty, he went back to school earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Yasel continued to follow his passion to serve his community, first as a military man and then as a law enforcement officer, but once his son was born he knew that he wanted to become an educator. He is now in his 5th year serving the very same school he graduated from, Miami Coral Park Senior High School, working as a school counselor (Master of Science in Counselor Education), and his mission remains committed and strong and that is to continue to lead, support, and advocate for his students.