Leadership Lab Practitioners

Gicel Adon

International School for Liberal Arts
The Bronx, NY

  • Gicel Adon is a dedicated instructional leader serving as the Principal at the International School for Liberal Arts (ISLA) since 2020. With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Adon embarked on her teaching career in 2003 as a substitute teacher in the elementary school where her mother taught. In 2004, she transitioned to Bronx Prep Charter School and in 2010 she joined the Bronx Collegiate Academy community, where she excelled as a teacher leader and then Assistant Principal. Born in the Bronx, Ms. Adon's unique educational journey includes studying in the Dominican Republic before completing middle/high school in NYC, providing her with a profound understanding of the immigrant experience and resilience needed to thrive in a foreign city. As a dedicated leader, Ms. Adon emphasizes data-driven instruction, tailoring teaching strategies to meet each student's needs. She prioritizes family engagement, acknowledging its crucial role in students' journeys. Holding degrees from SUNY Albany, Touro College, and Mercy University, Ms. Adon's educational and cultural background, coupled with her achievements, underscores her well-rounded leadership. An advocate for transformative opportunities, Ms. Adon is committed to positively impacting the ISLA community, fostering a lasting legacy through her dynamic and forward-thinking approach.

Shomari Akil

John Jay School for Law
Brooklyn, NY

  • Shomari Akil is a dedicated restorative educational leader who has over two decades of experience working with students and families in underserved communities. Shomari discovered his “why” as an undergraduate student while attending Hofstra Universities NOAH program. The NOAH program provided him with a strong sense of cultural awareness and commitment to community, which he took with him through his career as a group home director, social studies teacher, youth director, restorative justice coordinator, assistant principal and now principal for the NYC department of education. Since 2014, Shomari has presented at numerous national conferences and trained dozens of school leaders and professionals in restorative practices, culturally relevant pedagogy, implicit bias and racial equity. Shomari earned his bachelor’s degree in African History and master’s degree in liberal arts education from the City University of New York at Queens College. He is currently the Principal of John Jay School for Law in Brooklyn, New York.

Teneka Brooks

National Teachers Elementary Academy
Chicago, IL

  • Teneka Brooks has been the proud principal of National Teachers Academy since 2021. Prior to this, she served in various roles, including classroom teacher (2001-2003); instructional coach (2013-2016) and assistant principal (2016 to 2021). Teneka grounds her leadership in the philosophy that all students are deserving of a high-quality and anti-racist educational experience; she firmly and adamantly believes in distributed leadership and centering student voices. She believes that in order to have the greatest positive impact on students, all teachers must learn, believe and lead professional development as it relates to high-quality instruction and anti-racist work themselves. She also truly values and recognizes the importance of joy in the classroom and knows that joy fosters community, sustain students, parents, and teachers feel a greater sense of belonging. Teneka Brooks has double majored as an undergraduate earning a B.S. in Education with a focus in Elementary Education and Communication from Seton Hall University (2001). She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University (2006) and obtained her master's in Educational Leadership from DePaul University (2016).

W. Terrell Burgess

George Westinghouse College Prep
Chicago, IL

  • Mr. W. Terrell Burgess has served as the principal of George Westinghouse College Prep since July of 2021. Principal Burgess served as the assistant principal of Westinghouse from October of 2015 until his transition to principalship. Since 1999, Principal Burgess has served Chicago Public Schools in various capacities as a mathematics educator, programmer, and administrator. Principal Burgess enthusiastically joined the Westinghouse Community having grown up in the West Garfield Park neighborhood and having deep familial ties with the school community. Principal Burgess is excited to now lead Westinghouse College Prep while serving the community and district responsible for his success. Principal Burgess’ passion for Warrior Nation is evident in how he leads from his heart. He fundamentally believes all students possess brilliance that must be cultivated by skilled educators. Under his leadership, Westinghouse has fully adopted Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s Historically Responsive Literacy Framework to ensure educators embrace culturally sustaining pedagogy. As a result, 100% of teachers are fully engaged in professional learning cycles to improve instructional practices and improve student outcomes. Principal Burgess holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from DePaul University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University. He is a husband and proud father of three children.

Dr. Jenai Choi

Olympic View K-8
Seattle, WA

  • Dr. Jenai Choi graduated from and served Federal Way Public Schools, one of the most linguistically diverse districts in Washington State, as the principal of Olympic View K-8 since 2021. Before this role, she held positions as a classroom teacher, academic interventionist, and Assistant Principal. Dr. Choi believes in the power of the classroom to create a more equitable and just world. She has led Olympic View in transitioning from an elementary school to a K-8. She works daily to build a culture of learning and high expectations for all students, staff, and families in the community. Dr. Choi impacted the school community by building systems to partner with families, decrease discipline referrals, and improve student academic outcomes. Dr. Choi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Family Studies and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington. She earned her Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership from Seattle University.

Ronald Garlington

Jean Childs Young Middle School
Atlanta, GA

  • Ronald Garlington has enthusiastically served as an educator in the Atlanta Public School District since 1992. He is a graduate of Benjamin Mays High School and a long-time resident of Southwest Atlanta. He has three children, all of which attended Mays Cluster schools. His hobbies include running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His passion for education began at Hampton University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He later received a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling and his Educational Leadership Certification, both from Georgia State University. During his tenure with Atlanta Public Schools, he has served in various capacities including Student Assistance Program Counselor, Liaison Specialist, School Counselor, the district’s K-8 Coordinator of Counseling, and Assistant Principal. In May 2021, he was named as the principal of Jean Childs Young Middle School, the middle school that feeds into his high school alma mater. This appointment has truly been the proudest professional moment of his career. His favorite quote is “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” He works diligently to help his students make this quote a reality.

Kimberly Gibbs

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
Atlanta, GA

  • Kimberly Gibbs, an accomplished professional educator and leader with over 21 years of experience, currently serves as the Principal of M. L. King Middle School in Atlanta, GA. With a wealth of expertise, Kimberly is a certified Learning Focused Trainer and Crisis Prevention Intervention Trainer. Her skills encompass the implementation and monitoring of the Amplify platform, proficiency in school data and evaluation, school operations and supervision, infusion of International Baccalaureate (IB) principles in daily instruction, and creating a positive school culture using the Leader in Me Process. In her role, Kimberly oversees a diverse student body, including 90 gifted students and 130 students with disabilities. She has successfully led the school through IB World Authorization, implemented a school-wide instructional focus, and fostered a positive framework. Committed to professional development, Kimberly provides learning opportunities for teachers, offers weekly feedback on classroom instruction, and promotes staff development to strengthen the school culture and community. Previously, as the Principal of P.S. duPont Middle School in Wilmington, DE, Kimberly managed budgets, supervised a large staff, and actively contributed to district-level committees, including the District Equity Committee. Kimberly holds a Master's in Elementary and Middle School Leadership.

Claudia Guerrero-Oberlin

Franz Peter Schubert Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Claudia Guerrero is the proud principal of Schubert Elementary, a Dual Langauge School in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood in Chicago. As a first generation college graduate, she knows first-hand the impact that a teacher can have on students. Claudia has a Bachelors from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, a Masters in Bilingual Bicultural Education from Depaul University and a Masters in Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. This is her thirteenth year in in education and in 2021 she became a principal in Chicago Public Schools. Claudia has held positions as a a bilingual teacher in CPS, and an English Learner Specialist in District 46 before going into leadership. In 2017 she was selected as a Resident Principal through the CLC program in CPS. As an English learner, Claudia uses her expertise in bilingual education to create a school climate that values the culture and languages in the Belmont Cragin commuunity. Claudia leads with students at the heart of decisions to create equitable opportunities for all students in her school through being partners with all stakeholders. Claudia is a proud mom to two children, her oldest is preparing for preschool in CPS. Claudia is a Great Expectactions Fellow Cohort four.

Walter Hall

Leisure City K-8 Center
Miami, FL

  • Mr. Walter C. Hall has been with the District of Miami-Dade County Public Schools since 2003 and is the Proud Principal of Leisure City K-8 Center which provides educational opportunities to Early Head Start/ Head Start, Elementary and Middle School Students. He oversees a team of over 125 employees to include Administrators, Teachers, Psychologists and Therapists, Computer Technicians, Security Monitors, Custodians and Volunteers. Besides being a Principal with MDCPS, Mr. Hall is the President and CEO of The Coleman Foundation of West Perrine Inc and serves on the Board of Directors for The Raising A Village Foundation, a grassroots organization which provides intervention, instructional support, mentoring and academic pathways for underprivileged youth. He enjoys community outreach, mentoring youth and volunteering at local parks.

Vernon Johnson

I.S. 229 Roland Patterson
The Bronx, NY

  • Vernon Johnson, is an accomplished instructional leader with extensive experience in NYC Public Schools. As the principal at I.S. 229, he successfully transformed the school's culture and instructional practices, moving it from a New York State persistently dangerous school to good standing within two years. He has moved his Middle School from the lowest academic proficiency in ELA and math in NYC to number 2 in his district for ELA and math proficiency. As the first NYC principal hired when schools were closing due to the pandemic, Vernon achieved remarkable results in instruction, school culture, and climate. His earlier roles as Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass Academy and Eastside Community High School reflect his commitment to overall school operations, instruction, and positive culture. With a proven track record, Vernon is a transformative leader fostering growth and success for both students and educators. He actively cultivates relationships with community-based organizations to provide programming for underserved students in the South Bronx and excels in communicating a vision of high expectations and academic excellence. With a comprehensive skill set and proven commitment to educational excellence, Vernon is a transformative leader dedicated to nurturing the growth and success of students and educators alike.

Dr. Jeremy Klein

Brandon High School
Tampa, FL

  • Dr. Klein attended the University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 2003 and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership in 2010. Additionally, Dr. Klein earned a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University (2020). Dr. Klein held teaching positions at Robles Elementary, Monroe Middle School, and Robinson High School. In 2012, he was appointed as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Hillsborough High School. In 2014, he was appointed as the Supervisor of Charter Schools and in 2015, he joined Jefferson High School as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum. In 2017, Dr. Klein transferred to Leto High School and in 2020, he was appointed Principal of Brandon High School. Dr. Klein is a Master Trainer, having taught classes on classroom management, coaching, and pedagogy. Additionally, he has been a guest lecturer at USF, Henderson State University, and New Mexico University. Dr. Klein’s awards include the Tom Bishop Award from the Florida Band Association for his impact on the Band Program at Robinson High School, a Commendation from the Tampa City Council, the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year for Robinson High School, and the 2018 Hillsborough Counselors Association Administrator of the Year.

JaMonica Marion

Henry R Clissold Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • JaMonica J. Marion earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Technology Education and Administration and a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision (pending defense). JaMonica began her professional career in education as a classroom teacher at her alma mater, Chicago High School for Agricultural Science. She began her leadership journey as the Master Agricultural Sciences Lead Teacher and Head FFA Advisor. JaMonica become the Resident Principal at Matthew Gallistel Language Academy. JaMonica became the Principal at Henry R. Clissold Elementary School, (Clissold) in 2019 where she provides students with a rich learning environment that allows them to have access to experiences and opportunities in order to “Climb Higher!” JaMonica’s second love is humanitarian acts. She prides herself on helping young people grow mentally, physically and spiritually. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. JaMonica’s education experience spans agricultural science, STEM, CTE, early childhood education, special education, magnet elementary and high school level work. She lives her life by the quote: “Children are like light bulbs: they come in different shapes, sizes and wattages, but need the same kind of outside source to illuminate. Educators turn on a light bulb!”

Rebecca Mercer

Isabella Bird Community School
Denver, CO

  • Rebecca has served as the proud principal of Isabella Bird Community School since 2021 when she successfully led the school through a leadership transition during COVID19. Prior to this role, she served the Isabella Bird community as assistant principal, teacher leader, literacy interventionist, and gifted and talented teacher. Rebecca’s career in public education began in 2001 as a special education teacher in Florida. Her values lie in ensuring the academic success of all children – elevating the learning capacity of students by developing their habits of mind and critical thinking to become lifelong independent learners. In service of her vision, she successfully led the implementation of an inclusive, school-wide cluster grouping model. Rebecca also led the successful passage of the innovation renewal process. This quote resonates deeply with Rebecca: “Education is a practice of freedom – teaching and learning that connects the will to know with the will to become.” Bell Hooks. Rebecca holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction- Gifted Education. She completed her administrative licensure through the Denver Lead program. Prior to teaching, she attended St. Leo college and studied Counseling Psychology.

Dr. Lisette Olivo

P.S. 181 Brookfield
Queens, NY

  • Dr. Lisette Olivo began her educational career in 2009 as a special education teacher in New York City. Her experience in the classroom ranged from early childhood, elementary, and middle school education. In 2016, she was selected to become an Assistant Principal in District 29 before accepting her current position as Principal of an elementary school in 2021. Before her Principalship, Dr. Olivo received her doctorate in educational leadership in 2020. She focused on principal-teacher trust practices and their correlation to student achievement in Grades 3-5. The research-based strategies discovered in her dissertation led to the development of her four-year plan as principal. In two years, her schools’ student achievement levels rose 16% in Math and 13% in ELA through the critical work of building teacher efficacy and teams.

Joyce Pae

Chicago Academy Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Joyce Pae is the Principal of The Chicago Academy Elementary School in Chicago, where she has worked since 2016. She holds a Master of the Arts in Teaching from National Louis University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Dominican University. Born and raised in Chicago, Joyce attended and graduated from Chicago Public Schools and began teaching high school students in 2006 on the south side of Chicago in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. During her time as a high school teacher, she saw first hand the need for strong instructional leadership and support for educators. In 2011, she transitioned from teacher to the Assistant Principal where her primary responsibility was coaching and developing teachers. During her time as an Assistant Principal, she became passionate about instructional coaching and the immediate impact it had on teacher retention and student learning. In 2020, Joyce transitioned to the Principal role at Chicago Academy Elementary and continues to coach teachers as well as collaborating with her veteran staff to create a supportive learning environment for all students.

Raven Patterson-Talley

Emmett Till Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Raven Talley has worked as an educator since 2007 within Chicago Public Schools. She holds degrees in journalism, media arts, and educational administration. She has worked within the district as an intermediate and primary teacher, CPS teaching framework specialist, coach to new teachers, district workshop presenter, assistant principal and principal. Raven is very fortunate to have received great CPS leadership training and brings a wealth of experience with a specialty in social emotional learning for all stakeholders. Principal Talley believes that all students deserve a high quality education with both academic and social emotional support. She understands and is attentive to the different ages and stages of children. She is driven by the need to create dynamic learning environments for all students with a plethora of resources. Principal Talley is a Surge Alumni (BPN) and Courageous Principals past participant. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America. Finally, she is most proud to be a wife and mother of three beautiful children.

Luis Quan

P.S. 126 Dr Marjorie H Dunbar
The Bronx, NY

  • Luis is devoted to ensuring that all students receive the highest quality education within a rigorous and culturally responsive setting. He has dedicated his career to educational equity, particularly for bilingual children and their families. After graduating from Yale University in 2000, Luis started his career in the NYCDOE as a bilingual teacher with Teach for America. In 2007, he graduated from Bank Street Teacher Leader Academy and served as an instructional coach. After graduating from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2010, Luis became Director of Multilingual Learners and Family Engagement for a majority of schools in Districts 6 and 11. In this capacity, he provided coaching and supervisory support to a network of 35 schools. In 2015, Luis joined the Bronx Field Center as an MLL Administrator for District 9. From 2015-17, he was responsible for addressing the instructional needs of District 9 MLL teachers as well as district- and school-level goals. In 2017, he served as Assistant Principal at Public School 73X. Since 2017, he's also worked as an adjunct professor of bilingual education at City and Hunter College. Since 2020, Luis has been the Principal at P.S.126X and continues to lead for equity and systemic change.

Kelly Sutton

Silver Lake Elementary
Seattle, WA

  • Kelly Sutton was born in Gary, Indiana and moved to Seattle, Washington in high school. With her cross-country experience in the public school system, she became passionate about educational justice, specifically in regards to racial disproportionality in Special Education and discipline. She studied Special and Elementary Education at Western Washington University. Kelly served as a special education teacher for behavior disorders and also a general education teacher in the primary grades. Further developing her passion for family partnership, she attended Harvard University to learn how to work with and engage families as partners in education. In her tenth year in education, she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Washington University. She started as the assistant principal at Silver Lake Elementary and by the following school year, she became the principal, totaling four years as a consistent administrator at Silver Lake. In addition to Kelly's passion for educational justice, her biggest inspirations are her own children. Being a mom is her greatest joy and fuels her life motto to "be MORE than expected".

Alfred Torossian

Miami Beach SHS
Miami, FL

  • Alfred Torossian is currently the Principal at Miami Beach Senior High School in Miami Beach, Florida. He has been serving the Miami Dade County Public School District since 2000, the last four as a principal. Alfred contributes to the academic and social tone of his school through the consistent demonstration of professionalism and enthusiasm within the school community. He upholds a commitment to educational excellence, establishing and promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust while taking on the responsibility of creating, refining, and maintaining a structured system which allows for successful student achievement. Alfred is an alumnus of Florida International University where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. After serving as a department chair at numerous schools he found his calling, school administration. He received his specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. He has spent the past decade and a half serving in various leadership positions, such as department chairperson, test chairperson, assistant principal, vice principal and most recently principal, since 2020. Alfred strives daily to establish a transformational school culture and educational program conducive to student learning and socialization.

Jenny Trainer

DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School
Denver, CO

  • Jenny Trainer has been a proud member of Denver's DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School since its 2014 inception. Currently holding the position of School Director since 2021, Jenny's journey has woven through teaching social studies, being the Dean of Students, and leading as Associate School Director. Beyond the school's bustling halls, Jenny navigates life's adventures with her husband, Jim, and their daughters, Penelope and Katie Rose. She thrives on exploring new horizons, whether it's the calming shores of a beach or the majestic Colorado mountains. Jenny's love for adventure, evident in her daily encounters in a middle school, seamlessly translates into her family life. Each day is a new chapter, and Jenny approaches it with the same passion that defines her commitment to education. Life for her is a perpetual expedition, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and a keen sense of discovery.

Pamela Trincado

M.S. 137 America's School of Heroes
Queens, NY

  • Principal Trincado's deep roots in Ozone Park, NY have shaped her commitment to education across the nation. With over 21 years within the New York City Department of Education in District 27, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From teaching fifth grade at P.S. 108 to leading Technology at M.S. 137 and triumphing in city-wide competitions, her dedication shines through. As the Assistant Principal at MS 137, a Title I school with over 1,600 students, she introduced the successful Dual Language program. Witnessing the Class of 2020 graduate into Forest Hills High School’s esteemed Dual Language Program was a monumental achievement, reflecting her unique understanding of challenges faced by ENL students. Her ascent to Principal of MS 137 stands as a testament to her unwavering belief in overcoming barriers. Her educational philosophy prioritizes students' voices and champions equity, epitomizing the school’s motto, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Her dedication to celebrating student achievements and addressing community needs remains steadfast. Outside education, she cherishes moments with loved ones in Chile and embraces her passion for travel. Her affection for her dogs, Angel and Moana, matches her boundless enthusiasm for meeting new people. #Everyonehasavoice

Marisa Vasquez

Denver Center for International Studies
Denver, CO

  • Marisa Vasquez is a product of the Denver Public Schools and has been the principal at Denver Center for International Studies since 2020. As a multiracial child, she grew up valuing the diversity shown by her parents: Her father an orphan, a Marine veteran, and a police detective – Her mother, the daughter of a Mennonite doctor, a war protester, and an elementary principal. Marisa's career began at Lincoln HS as an English teacher. She continued as an Assistant Principal in 2016 and worked closely with the refugee population at Denver South HS. Marisa is a wife to Brian, mother to Mateo (8), Mia (6) and daughter to Gretchen Vasquez (75). Her celebrations include: Five consecutive years of exceeds-expectations growth by her students, coaching the Lincoln girls' soccer program to their most winning season ever. At DCIS, she is most proud to see the community lead a change in school rating from red turnaround status in 2019, to two years of green rating in 2023 and 2022. She is also thrilled that this is accomplished the same year that DCIS receives the Whole Child Distinguished rating for providing exceptional mental health and wellness supports for students.

Tawana Vasquez

Riverdale Avenue Community School
New York, NY

  • Tawana Vasquez has served as principal of the Riverdale Avenue Community School since 2020. She is fortunate to have been a founding member of the school since 2012, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. She is an instructional leader who has not only incorporated the idea of “equity” in the vision and mission of her work but creates a culture where educators engage in the introspective work necessary to examine personal experiences with race, power, and privilege as a prerequisite for the work of educating children of color. Ms. Vasquez’s leadership practices have been showcased at district and citywide levels. The Riverdale Avenue Community School was a “Lighthouse” School during the 2022-2023 school year. Ms. Vasquez is a 2018 LEAP alumnus and was a CAHN ally from 2016 to 2017. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate at Russell Sage.

Robert Williams

M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
Atlanta, GA

  • Robert Williams began his appointment as principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in 2021 in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Robert has a commitment to collaboration and service, with a belief that all students will be successful with perseverance and a nurturing environment. In APS, Robert has served as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school level. He began his education journey in the New York City Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) program in 2002, where he taught elementary school. As a Teaching Fellow, he earned a Master of Science for Teachers degree in Elementary Education from Pace University. In 2004 he helped develop a proposal for a small school and opened the doors of Young Scholars Academy (YSA) in the Bronx. He continued his journey of professional and personal growth by earning a Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from Teachers College. At YSA, Robert led the math department as a math lead teacher and coach. In 2007, Robert transitioned from New York to Georgia to not only begin a family but to also work at Marietta Middle School (MMS) as an 8th grade math teacher and advisement team leader. Robert is married and has three children.