Our Team
We’re a national network of career educators, designers, coaches, and strategists who are determined to help educators and communities find sustainable, people-powered solutions to stubborn challenges that affect students’ opportunities to learn. We know what’s at stake because we’ve lived it.
That’s why we strive to foster practices that allow every student to realize their brilliance.
About Chong-Hao Fu
Since joining Leading Educators 12 years ago as Chief Program Officer, Chong-Hao has led groundbreaking efforts to maximize the influence of our nation’s educators and accelerate instructional growth for students at the margins in some of the fastest-improving school systems in the country. He is a nationally recognized thought leader on teacher leadership and professional learning, equitable instructional practice, teacher diversity and pathways, and sustainable systems change.
Beyond Leading Educators, Chong-Hao is actively engaged in efforts to shape the future of teaching and learning as the co-chair of the Research Partnership for Professional Learning, an advisory board member for the ASU Next Education Workforce, and a steering committee member for the Coalition to Reimagine the Teaching Role. He also serves on the board of directors for the New Teacher Center and is a member of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC) and the Pahara Institute Fellowship.
Before his time at Leading Educators, Chong-Hao was the founding principal at KIPP Sharpstown in Houston, Texas. He began his teaching career as a middle and high school math teacher in Greenville, Mississippi. In 2016, Chong-Hao was a finalist for the Teach for America Peter Jennings Award for Civic Leadership. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from National Louis University.
Chong-Hao Fu in the news
About Dr. LaKimbre Brown
Dr. Brown began her career as a Teach for America corps member (Phoenix ‘99), later becoming a coach, principal, and chief of schools. Most recently, she served as Chief of Schools for Lorain City Schools in Ohio, where 12 out of 15 schools showed gains on the state assessment and access to high-quality Pre-K programs tripled under her leadership. Previously as an Instructional Superintendent at District of Columbia Public Schools, she managed and coached principals for all dual-language campuses.
Dr. Brown earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Mills College, writing her dissertation on developing teacher leadership. She is the 2010 Newark Unified Elementary Principal of the Year, a National Board Certified teacher and coach, and a two-time Fulbright Scholar.
Dr. LaKimbre Brown in the news
About Laura Meili
Previously, Laura led the redesign of Leading Educators’ programming focused on the Common Core State Standards, teaching and leading for equity, instructional leadership, and content cycles. Before joining Leading Educators, she worked in the Office of Professional Learning at the Chicago Public Schools. Laura started her career teaching reading and writing to middle school students on Chicago’s south side.
Laura graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Psychology and earned her M.Ed. in Literacy, Language, and Culture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She lives in Chicago where she spends her free time playing volleyball and pickleball, doing yoga, and reading too many books at once.
Laura Meili in the news
About Daniel Obregon
Through more than 20 years of work in strategic marketing and communications, Dan's leadership has created new paths to innovation and impact in education technology, college and career readiness, the future of work, and most crucially, equity and access to opportunity. Before joining Leading Educators, Daniel was the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the American workforce and education systems. There, he led cross-functional teams in brand marketing, project management, public relations, content strategy, editorial, digital, design, and events. Daniel also championed diversity and inclusion as the executive sponsor of JFF's employee resource group for Latinx/Latine-identifying employees.
Daniel's journey before JFF included pivotal roles at Common App, where he was instrumental in rebranding and launching several products that emphasize access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process.
Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in communications from American University. He lives in Washington D.C. with his wife and three children.
About Simone Senior
Before she joined Leading Educators, Simone was a principal in KIPP Texas (formerly KIPP Houston). Prior to that she was an assistant principal, a science teacher, and a Teach for America corps member. Before taking on her current role at Leading Educators, she served as a Program Director and a Managing Director of Program. She holds a Masters of Education Administration from National Louis University and an MBA from Tulane University.
As a first generation college student, Simone understands first hand the transformative impact of equitable educational access on individuals, families, and generations. She believes that all students- regardless of demographics - deserve access to high quality education to build the lives they desire. Having dedicated her career to working with and for students of color, her mission is to contribute to work that aims to make that a reality.
She currently lives in Sacramento, California with her husband and her dog, Penny. She spends her free time finding new dog parks, binge watching Netflix, and exploring the beauty of northern California.
About Javier Cortez Infantas
Javier holds an MBA from Duke University and an M.Ed from Yale University. Throughout his career, he has served as a private equity manager, head of finance for a motion unit of Intercorp, and most recently in financial leadership roles at KIPP New Orleans and Orleans Parish School Board. He was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and currently resides in Memphis, TN. In his free time enjoys watching and playing soccer with his son, exploring restaurants, going to heavy metal concerts, and playing the electric guitar.
About Dave Moniz
Before joining Leading Educators, David helped design and implement professional learning programs for public school teachers, counselors, and administrators. He has worked with school systems, state agencies, and philanthropy to increase access to high quality curriculum and culturally competent instruction. In Vice President roles at Unigo, Bottom Line, and Plexuss, David has led sales, marketing, and student success teams devoted to building equitable pathways to postsecondary opportunities.
David served as a member of the Senior Leadership team in the College Board’s Western Regional Office. His team managed state and district partnerships that included professional learning and adoptions of textbooks & digital curriculum. His cross-functional work included state government relations, contract negotiations, and training college admissions officers on the ethical use of assessments.
David holds bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern California, where he began tutoring students as a volunteer in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative. He parlayed that experience into early career success building large-scale tutoring operations and designing textbooks for Sylvan Learning and Compass Education Group.
About Marishka Winters
She began her teaching career in LAUSD schools in South LA and Southeast LA neighborhoods and continued serving in public schools for nine years as a K – 2 teacher, a school-based, intervention coach serving teachers and students across grades K – 5, and a middle school Assistant Principal.
She then served as the Director of Teacher Development at the Partnership for LA Schools serving seventeen urban public schools that ranged from grades K-12 and was a key member of PLAS' central support instructional team. In this capacity, she supported principals to drive teacher effectiveness and to grow and leverage teacher leaders to become strong members of Instructional Leadership Teams. She continued to focus on areas of school leadership, teacher development, teacher leadership, school transformation, and systems level change while at TNTP as a project director supporting principals and teachers to implement standards based instruction primarily in school turnaround settings.
Most recently at New Teacher Center, she served as a founding leader of a national school leadership program as a senior director and led the program strategy for the federally awarded Education Innovation and Research grant across 120 rural and urban schools.
A former school leader and instructional coach, Marishka attended Scripps College (undergrad), Harvard Graduate (Education policy and management), UCLA Graduate (school leadership). She currently lives in Shaker Heights, OH and enjoys spending time with her husband and 2-year old daughter, riding her Peloton bike, cooking, and gardening.
About Dr. Mitchell Brookins
Mitchell has taught on the Southside of Chicago, been a district leader of RtI and literacy in Chicago Public Schools, and served as a school administrator in Chicago Public Schools and New Orleans. Mitchell’s professional engagements include: Literacy Content Reviewer for EdReports, Professional Learning Facilitator for the National Board Professional Teaching Standards, Professional Development Facilitator for UnboundEd, and a member of the Board of Directors for The Reading League.
Mitchell's instructional leadership as a school administrator has yielded the following results: 19-point growth in the School Performance Score, which moved ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy from a “D” to a “C” in one year, an average of 24% growth in Math and 16% growth in Reading over two years at ARISE Academy, and finally, Dwight Eisenhower was recognized for having the greatest growth gains of all open-enrollment charters in New Orleans and the School Performance Score increased by 12 points which resulted in the school’s letter grade moving from a “D” to a “C” in one year.
Mitchell has a B.A. in Elementary Education and Religious Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, a M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University, and a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Mitchell Brookins in the news
About Dr. Erin Davis
Before joining Leading Educators, Erin worked to support teachers and students in a variety of roles throughout her career, including as an instructional coach, a senior district leader, a school building leader, and an associate professor. She began her career in education as a third grade teacher in Tulsa, and remains dedicated to serving students in Oklahoma and beyond.
Erin recently completed her PhD in Social Foundations of Education at Oklahoma State University. She holds an M.Ed in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
In addition to addressing inequities in education systems, Erin is also passionate about maternal health disparities after the premature birth and extended NICU stay of her daughter.
Dr. Erin Davis in the news
About Dr. Lakita D. McKinney
Before joining Leading Educators, Lakita was the Senior Director at Leading Elephants where she provided support for leaders through individual and group executive coaching, the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences, and customized organizational consulting. She previously served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Tennessee Department of Education in the Human Capital Division and redesigned the leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals. She also previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director for the Midwest Region where she provided strategic direction and program development input to support districts in addressing leadership development needs. Lakita began her career teaching in Chicago Public Schools and went on to successfully execute the start of a new contract school in Chicago.
Lakita holds a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum & Instruction and the other in Administration & Supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. Lakita enjoys spending quality time with her family in Naperville, IL. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
Dr. Lakita D. McKinney in the news
About Katie Murphy
Before joining Leading Educators, Katie worked alongside and coached school leaders in New Orleans and Baltimore. Most recently, she designed school review processes that provided school-wide data to identify challenges, illuminate solutions, and inform continuous improvement.
Katie holds an M.B.A. from Brandeis University. A Louisiana native, she recently moved to Indianapolis with her husband and three sons. She and her family love attending Louisiana festivals and taking beach trips on long weekends.
About Mary Kay Murphy
Before joining Leading Educators, Mary Kay held the roles of teacher, principal, instructional coach, and district consultant. Mary Kay also gained experience working at two other national non-profits, Partners in School Innovation and The Education Trust-Midwest.
Mary Kay holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Aquinas College and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.
Fun facts: One of her favorite simple joys in life is a good cup of coffee in the morning, and after dinner, She thinks out loud and talks with her hands, and sends Snapchats of the dogs to her three kids every day.
Mary Kay Murphy in the news
About Emily Schriber
Before joining Leading Educators, Emily worked as a coach and facilitator supporting district and school leaders and teachers to create systems and structures to transform teaching and learning to ensure equity for students. She has also designed experiences for online and social learning platforms and loves to think about different ways of supporting adult learning to deepen practice.
Emily started her career as an elementary teacher in San Jose, California, and her students continue to provide focus, inspiration and guidance for her work for equity, even though they’re all grown up. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of New Mexico.
About Amanda Silva
Previously, Amanda coached instructional leaders in District of Columbia Public Schools as a Leadership Coach through LEAP. Before joining Leading Educators, Amanda was a middle school special education teacher, English Language Arts instructional coach, and department chair.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Economics & Sociology from New York University & a MAT in Elementary Education from American University. She loves staying on top of the most current news and pop culture phenomena, road tripping while listening to podcasts, and finding the best places to visit in the new cities she passes through.
Amanda Silva in the news
About Stacy Stewart
Before her role at Leading Educators, Stacy Stewart's education journey encompassed 31 years at Chicago Public Schools, where she held the position of Deputy Chief of Schools for Network 13, overseeing 32 elementary schools and receiving acclaim as a Golden Apple Award-winning principal at Belmont-Cragin Elementary on Chicago’s Northwest side. She further contributes to education as a member of the Cahn Fellows program, where she serves as an alumni advisor, and she is also a member of the board of the Chicago Cahn Fellows and the Illinois ASCD.
About Dr. Keli Swearingen
For the past 12 years, Keli has directly supported charter schools and regions with two fervent beliefs: master educators are made through years of deliberate coaching and support; and educational equality requires teachers, coaches, and leaders to pivot our practices, adapt, and maintain the resilience needed to persevere through the work required to alter-reality and provide equitable opportunity. Throughout her work with KIPP Public Schools and Democracy Prep Public Schools, Keli supported K-12 alignment, assessment, teacher and instructional leader development and coaching. Keli has a background in assessment and measurement, which she used to lead the development of next generation assessments for ELA and math, as well as aligned data-driven instructional protocols that support implementation of standards aligned curriculum and strategic interventions.
Keli founded Ascend’s second elementary school in Brownsville (serving as school director) and later coached data and analytics for all schools in the Ascend Learning network. Keli was a research fellow at the Florida Center for Reading Research and an Ed Psych and Classroom Assessment instructor for FSU’s College of Education. She has a master’s in library science and a doctorate in educational psychology. Keli started this journey as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school ELA in New Orleans (CM ’02).
Keli is from Panama City, Florida and currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When not nerding out on instruction and assessment, Keli enjoys spending time with her wife, Norah. She also enjoys working on Jeeps, playing music (bass and kit), watching Florida State football (Go Noles!), and watching Saints football (Who Dat!).
Dr. Keli Swearingen in the news
About Alisha Watts Burr
Before joining Leading Educators, Alisha was a special education math teacher and academic dean at Washington, DC’s highest performing charter middle school.
Alisha holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University and a M.A. in Social Psychology from the University of Arizona. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, creating and enjoying good food, and traveling to sunny places.
About Naima Richardson
Before joining LE, Naima served public schools for 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal in New York City and the District of Columbia. In her most recent role as Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach, she provided professional development and weekly debriefs that led her teacher team through a curriculum restructuring, resulting in improved student performance on state assessments. Naima holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Baruch College and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from New York University.
Naima’s educational experiences in public schools, Prep for Prep 9 and boarding school showed her the importance of igniting students’ potential while providing strategic support. Naima’s support currently comes from her family and friends who encourage her to dance, travel and participate in the occasional thrill-seeking activity.
About Monique Wright
Before joining Leading Educators, Monique has worked for charter management and non-profit organizations as a teacher, school leader, and effectiveness coach.
Monique is a Teach For America alumna and has earned a B.A. from Temple University and a M.S. in Teaching and Early Childhood Leadership from Pace University and Bank Street College of Education. Monique lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children. In between family dance parties, Monique loves indoor cycling and cooking new recipes.
About Ana Luis
Ana began her teaching career working in state prisons in Michigan providing GED instruction to those incarcerated. She then shifted to teaching in youth detention centers and teaching GED classes at community centers in Lansing. Ana moved to Indianapolis in 2010 and taught traditional middle and high school math for a few years before becoming the lead teacher and instructional coach at the Excel Center; a high school diploma program for students who had previously discontinued high school and are returning to earn their diplomas.
Ana has also served as a program coordinator in the Indianapolis community focusing on building more equitable education systems for families experiencing homelessness. She is currently a PhD candidate in Indiana University's Urban Education Studies program. Her research focus is investigating how systemic racism impacts math education, the construction of learner identities in math classrooms, and high school attrition. In my free time, Ana loves to paint, podcast, cook, spend time with friends and family, play with her 3-year-old son, and travel to Lake Michigan as often as possible.
About Tori McGowan
Previously with Leading Educators, she coached instructional leaders across Chicago as an Instructional Leadership Coach. Before joining Leading Educators, Tori worked as an instructional coach with a charter school in Chicago. She has worked in education for over 26 years as a teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Math Coordinator, and Instructional Coach.
Tori holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University and a M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University. She lives in a suburb of Chicago where she enjoys exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
About Daniele Coplin
Before joining Leading Educators, Daniele supported the regional operations team of KIPP Capital region as an advisor.
Daniele holds B.A. in Spanish from Hampton University and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Daniele enjoys cross-stitching and traveling.
About Candice Johnson
Before joining Leading Educators, Candice worked with college students as she created and executed programs to retain students of color.
Candice holds an M.S. in Student Affairs/College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
About Kara Hayes
Kara was born and raised in the New Orleans area, attending and ultimately teaching in the city’s public schools. After a brief hiatus from the classroom to open a cafe geared toward families and children, Kara returned to teaching in 2020 just as schools were being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Witnessing firsthand the vast inequities in how students, schools, and families were supported to manage and facilitate online learning, she was drawn to Leading Educators’ work to change that reality. Kara loves travel and interior design, and is eager to begin exploring the world again once we are all able to venture further from our homes!
About Dave Moniz
Before joining Leading Educators, David helped design and implement professional learning programs for public school teachers, counselors, and administrators. He has worked with school systems, state agencies, and philanthropy to increase access to high quality curriculum and culturally competent instruction. In Vice President roles at Unigo, Bottom Line, and Plexuss, David has led sales, marketing, and student success teams devoted to building equitable pathways to postsecondary opportunities.
David served as a member of the Senior Leadership team in the College Board’s Western Regional Office. His team managed state and district partnerships that included professional learning and adoptions of textbooks & digital curriculum. His cross-functional work included state government relations, contract negotiations, and training college admissions officers on the ethical use of assessments.
David holds bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern California, where he began tutoring students as a volunteer in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative. He parlayed that experience into early career success building large-scale tutoring operations and designing textbooks for Sylvan Learning and Compass Education Group.
About Albert Kim
He most recently served as the program director for The Broad Residency, where he was responsible for the strategy, design, and execution of the learning experiences that developed K-12 leaders, ensuring they have the skills and mindsets necessary to lead effectively and equitably. Prior to The Broad Center, served as deputy director of operations and program expansion for Ramapo for Children, managing director of program design for iMentor, and national director of education for YouthBuild USA.
Albert holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in philosophy from Boston College and a Masters of Education in Education Leadership from Boston University with a graduate certificate in program planning, management, monitoring and evaluation. He is also a proud graduate of Los Angeles Unified School District.
About Adan Garcia
Adan has served in various external relations and programmatic roles at Leading Educators over 9.5 years, contributing to key frameworks including Teaching for Equity, Open Up Opportunity, and the Value Add of Technology on Teaching. Previously, he supported 30 open-enrollment public charter schools in Washington, D.C. to strengthen teacher leadership as a regional program manager and served on the steering committee for two national institutes. Before that, Adan developed evaluation strategies for educator voice programs in NY, CO, and MI at America Achieves. He has also coached young social entrepreneurs and co-instructed courses in public leadership with the College Park Scholars and Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows programs at the University of Maryland.
Adan holds a M.P.P in social policy and nonprofit management from the University of Maryland and a B.A. with Honors in political science from the University of Arizona. He lives in Washington, D.C. and spends his free time taking in the arts, playing intramural kickball, volunteering as an advisory board member for NewMexicoKidsCAN, and performing the occasional karaoke solo.
Adan Garcia in the news
About Tyler Nakatsu
He most recently served as director of communications at JFFLabs, the innovation lab of Jobs for the Future, where he was responsible for producing and executing strategic go-to-market campaigns for the insights, incubation, and investment innovations of the organization. Tyler was a founding member of JFFLabs and was instrumental in bringing new solutions and startups from ideation to national-scale social impact.
In previous roles, Tyler led digital campaigns with agencies, nonprofits, and startups, such as Getting Smart, YouthBuild USA, and Palazzo Creative. In these, he managed the development of digital storytelling projects for brand awareness and engagement for B2B marketing strategies. He also produced product, brand, and profile videos and project-managed the creation and launch of publications, websites, and social media assets.
Tyler is a graduate of The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. He served on the advisory council for the Digital Marketing Certificate Program at the George Washington University School of Business. He currently lives in NYC.
About Alexandra Magiera
Before joining Leading Educators Alex advised and coached district leaders on academic strategy, goals, and progress-monitoring approaches for early childhood education and early literacy. Alex began her career teaching in California and has since spent her time leading teams coaching and training both novice and veteran teachers and leaders.
When Alex was in college, one of her favorite professors had a sign on his door that read, “Students don’t interrupt my work; they are my work.” She tries to keep students, both those in the districts she currently works with and the ones she has taught, top of mind each day.
About Antoinette Melvin
Antoinette was most recently a senior associate at edCount, LLC, where she worked with federal, state, and district-level clients nationwide on projects related to ELA content development, assessments, and data. In addition, she worked to initiate the company’s equity mission as the Director of Antiracism and Equity. She spent several years as an ELA teacher, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach in southeast North Carolina.
She holds a B.S. in Secondary English Education and an M.A. in English with a focus on multicultural and transnational literatures, both from East Carolina University. Literacy is truly her life as she spends much of her time reading, writing, and keeping herself open to learning and growing through new experiences.
Antoinette Melvin in the news
About Lauren Mulcahy
Lauren came to Leading Educators following her post as the Academic Director of Bard Early College in New Orleans, where she recruited and supported students and faculty. Her work in teaching began with her 9th grade English students at New Orleans Charter Math and Science High School in 2007, but Lauren's interest in education has been with her from a young age as a student in New Orleans public schools.
Lauren holds a B.A. in English Literature from Smith College and an M.A. in Education Policy from Brown University.
Lauren Mulcahy in the news
About Araceli Flores
Previously with Leading Educators, Araceli supported design and facilitation for a series of statewide content-based learning sessions in Kentucky, also leading design of custom content cycles and providing coaching to district leaders. In support of Baltimore City Public Schools, she has designed Eureka Math-based content cycles, led internalization sessions with content leaders, and worked side-by-side with district staff to co-construct future professional learning.
Araceli taught elementary and middle school math in Washington, DC where she also served as the Deputy Director of Math Instruction for Friendship Public Charter Schools, as well as the Deputy Chief of Math Professional Development for DC Public Schools. Araceli loves applying ratios and proportional reasoning to her two main hobbies - baking and home improvement projects.
About Kelley Allenspach Ruyle
For over 6 years, Kelley worked in fund development and volunteer management, having most recently served as the Development Director with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans. Kelley’s experience as part of the inaugural class of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Emerging Leaders program was a driving force behind her passion to work with Leading Educators. The program, designed to develop the leadership skills of middle managers with non-profit organizations, was life changing.
Kelley holds a B.S. in Magazine Journalism from Boston University. She currently lives in New Orleans.
About Brielle Brewick
Previously, Brielle led strategic planning for partnerships in Baltimore, Oakland, Grand Rapids and Chicago as an Associate Director of Networks. As the National Delivery Manager at Leading Educators she managed logistics and operations for national events. Before joining Leading Educators, Brielle supported teacher leadership initiatives with the Partnership for Los Angeles schools and managed several large scale professional learning opportunities for educators across LAUSD. Prior to joining the non-profit sector, Brielle worked as an elementary special education teacher at a turnaround school in the Bronx, NY.
Brielle holds an M.A. in Elementary Special Education from Hunter College and a B.A. in Sociology from Fordham University. She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband, two kids and dog and spends her free time reading, hiking and traveling.
Brielle Brewick in the news
About Sandra Jin
Previously at Leading Educators, she designed ELA professional learning content for our partnership in Yakima, WA and coordinated national design of sessions and tools focused on literacy, numeracy, leadership, change management, and equity. Before joining Leading Educators, Sandra spent seven years teaching students from third through eighth grade in Washington, DC, serving as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and intervention coordinator.
Sandra holds an M.Ed from George Mason University and a B.A. in Sociology from Wheaton College (IL). She currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. She spends her free time trying to imitate creative play activities designed by Instagram-moms (with varying levels of failure and success).
Sandra Jin in the news
About Fernando Ayala Vaca
Before joining Leading Educators, Fernando was an Operations Manager for the Search Division at Stronger Consulting. He managed recruitment and selection processes and improved upon the organization’s systems and internal processes.
Fernando holds a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from Brown University. He currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and spends his free time playing board games and trying out new pizza places.
About Kami McDonald
She returns to Leading Educators after joining the organization in 2016 as executive assistant and special projects coordinator and supporting with fundraising on the Development Team.
Kami holds a B.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kami spends her free time putting a Southern twist on new recipes and adding her mixed genre "no skips" streaming music playlist.
About Laura Troxel
Laura joined Leading Educators after working in television production for 17 years. She has produced hundreds of hours of television for national cable and broadcast networks including CBS, Hallmark Channel, SyFy, and Destination America among others. She earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work on Home & Family on the Hallmark Channel.
Laura holds a B.A. with honors in Broadcast Journalism from UW-Milwaukee and a M.S. in Television Production from Boston University. She lives in Stevens Point, WI and spends her free time helping on her family’s sheep farm, spending time with her niece and nephew, and spoiling her rescue dogs, Alice & Charlie.
Laura Troxel in the news
About Tony Barrett
Before joining Leading Educators, Tony has held various positions within education in Detroit, including multiple positions at different non-profit organizations, being a program coordinator at The University of Michigan while assisting first generation students though matriculation, and teaching as well as being a Dean of Students in at-risk schools throughout the city. He also spent time as a research assistant and social media consultant at Wayne State University. He was introduced to serving the community after joining a fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Inc, during his time at UofM.
For fun, Tony likes to spend time with family and friends, listen to music and watch sports. He considers himself down to earth and welcoming to others. Tony is a Detroit native and holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. Go Blue!
About V. Châu
Coordinator here at LE. In this role, V will help craft digital storytelling pieces to elevate LE’s brand.
Before joining Leading Educators, V. consulted with education management organizations at a grassroot and national capacity, where they uplifted digital stories through the lens of D.E.I. Recently, they worked with a women-owned B2B consulting company as a marketing strategist.
V. Châu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. As a first-gen college grad and new American, V. is committed to racial justice, economic sustainability and social impact. In their spare time, they enjoy making globally-inspired comfort food, deep-diving into their favorite book, and recharging by the
sun and sea.
About Maxine Webb
Maxine received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from UW-Milwaukee. She is a member of various national professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Women of Color in Philanthropy. Maxine also has experience serving on the ad hoc community-based finance committee for a suburban Milwaukee school district.
Maxine is passionate about all things social justice, loves music, and is unabashedly obsessed with most reality television shows. She is happiest with her wife Shana raising their two sons Lincoln and Lucas not far from the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan.
About Karla Daniels Hooper
Before joining Leading Educators, Karla served as the Executive Director and Development Director at the Diabetes Association of Atlanta. Prior to that, she held development roles at Emory’s School of Public Health and CARE USA. For the past twenty years, her development career has created practices and standards for equity in healthcare and higher education.
Karla is an honors graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Mercer University with a Masters of Divinity. She lives in Atlanta, GA and spends her time reading historical fiction novels, outdoor DIY projects and traveling on beach getaways. Karla is an active member of her community and sits on several advisory groups. She’s also passionate about working with youth and women to live life with grace, ease and purpose. Having grown up in the south, equity for Karla is personal. She believes that education is the key to achieving equity in our country and is looking forward to using her skillset to contribute to that reality.
About Victoria Hom
Victoria holds an M.A. in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Anthropology from Cornell University. Based in Boston, Victoria is a proud mom of two humans and a dog, and loves to spend time with her family exploring cities and forests alike.
About Jayme Ironside
Before joining Leading Educators, Jayme worked for Clarke University in Dubuque, IA as a Major Gifts officer, and prior to that role she worked for Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
Jayme holds a BA from University of Northern Iowa in Leisure, Youth and Human Services, with a focus on Non-Profit Management. She lives in Dubuque, IA and spends her time reading, cooking, and enjoying life with her husband, two teenagers, and dog Dale (the true star of the Ironside family).
About Darren Thomas II
Before joining us, Darren served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Tennessee Charitable Care Network (TCCN), where he led fund development and partnership efforts for a statewide network of healthcare clinics. He has also held leadership roles with the National Civil Rights Museum and Communities In Schools of Memphis, and Porter-Leath.
Darren holds a B.A. in Commerce and Business from Rhodes College and an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. Based in Memphis, TN—one of his favorite cities—Darren enjoys Spartan races, community engagement, youth mentoring, and spending quality time with his family.
About Kali Wright
Before joining Leading Educators, Kali was the Development Relations Manager at the ACLU of Wisconsin, working with a portfolio of donors to increase philanthropic support, managing donor communications, and implementing stewardship activities. Prior to this role, she was the Development Coordinator for the ACLU of Wisconsin, providing frontline support for members and donors, and managing the organization’s grants and database.
Kali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Communications, from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and dog, Millie, and enjoys spending her free time exploring the city with her family.
About Katie Murphy
Before joining Leading Educators, Katie worked alongside and coached school leaders in New Orleans and Baltimore. Most recently, she designed school review processes that provided school-wide data to identify challenges, illuminate solutions, and inform continuous improvement.
Katie holds an M.B.A. from Brandeis University. A Louisiana native, she recently moved to Indianapolis with her husband and three sons. She and her family love attending Louisiana festivals and taking beach trips on long weekends.
About Dr. Mark Healy
Before joining Leading Educators, Mark was a teacher, curriculum developer, professional development facilitator, adjunct faculty member, school principal, instructional expert, and district leader across Canada and the United States. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Program and Partnerships with New Teacher Center, overseeing diverse partnerships, offering academic strategy leadership, and fostering adaptive change in school districts across the country.
Mark holds a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, Mark loves to travel around the world and attend HIIT classes at his local gym.
About Solona Hollis
Before joining Leading Educators, Solona worked with state, district, and school leaders to develop strategies and implement systems for increasing leader capacity and teacher effectiveness. Most recently, she supported the implementation of a state-wide coaching model.
Before pursuing a career in education, Solona worked as a chemist and co-invented a commercially sold adhesive.
Solona Hollis holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Dillard University and completed her education certification at Mercer University. An Atlanta native, she spends free time with her two sons and her dog, Layla. Solona works to promote autism awareness and advocacy in her local community.
About Amanda Drenth
Amanda is a former platelet research scientist who became an educator in 2008. Throughout her teaching career, Amanda has taught every grade level from K-8. Most recently, she was a 4th grade teacher. She was a teacher in her most recent district for 8 years where she served as the President of the South Berwyn Education Association (SBEA) for four years. During her time teaching in Berwyn, she worked in collaboration with the Illinois Safe School Alliance to adopt policies to protect transgender students’ rights at the elementary and middle school levels; making her district the first school district in Illinois to have such protections.
Amanda grew up in her hometown of Maywood, Illinois, the daughter of an Irish mother and an immigrant Mexican father. Involved in political activism since her childhood, she was the Co-chair of the original Women’s March for Illinois, bussing over 3,000 people to Washington, D.C. in 2017. She was the co-chair of the 2021 inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in her current hometown of Berwyn, Illinois.
As a lady living with ADD, Amanda is the proud mother of 3 neurodiverse children, and has been married for the past 22 years to her husband Chris, who is an art teacher.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys being the frontwoman and vocalist for her 90s cover band, and is also a singer and original songwriter with 1 album done, and one in progress.
About Jessica Jenkins
Previously, she supported Chicagoland partnership implementation across four unique projects. Before joining Leading Educators, Jessica worked as an education policy and management consultant, leading a cohort of districts in Arkansas to design new teacher leadership pathways to reach more students with excellent teaching. She began her career as a college advisor at a rural high school in Stokes County, North Carolina with the College Advising Corps.
Jessica holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MPP from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. She enjoys rooting for the Tar Heels, reality competition shows, and policy podcasts.
About Kristine Schipper
Previously, Kristine was a Director of Content and Coaching on the Grand Rapids partnerships and worked as an elementary teacher in the Grand Rapids Area. She also spent time as a School Innovation Partner working closely with building leaders in schools with historically underserved students to develop systems of improvement to foster sustainable building transformation. Kristine also held the role of Curriculum Director where she developed systems of professional learning, supported the district instructional vision and established coaching structures to support teachers.
Kristine holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Bethel University. She lives in Lake Odessa, Michigan, with her husband and three children. Kristine enjoys hiking, reading and being a parent cheerleader at her childrens’ events.
Kristine Schipper in the news
About Daniele Coplin
Before joining Leading Educators, Daniele supported the regional operations team of KIPP Capital region as an advisor.
Daniele holds B.A. in Spanish from Hampton University and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Daniele enjoys cross-stitching and traveling.
About Candice Johnson
Before joining Leading Educators, Candice worked with college students as she created and executed programs to retain students of color.
Candice holds an M.S. in Student Affairs/College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
About Dr. Mitchell Brookins
Mitchell has taught on the Southside of Chicago, been a district leader of RtI and literacy in Chicago Public Schools, and served as a school administrator in Chicago Public Schools and New Orleans. Mitchell’s professional engagements include: Literacy Content Reviewer for EdReports, Professional Learning Facilitator for the National Board Professional Teaching Standards, Professional Development Facilitator for UnboundEd, and a member of the Board of Directors for The Reading League.
Mitchell's instructional leadership as a school administrator has yielded the following results: 19-point growth in the School Performance Score, which moved ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy from a “D” to a “C” in one year, an average of 24% growth in Math and 16% growth in Reading over two years at ARISE Academy, and finally, Dwight Eisenhower was recognized for having the greatest growth gains of all open-enrollment charters in New Orleans and the School Performance Score increased by 12 points which resulted in the school’s letter grade moving from a “D” to a “C” in one year.
Mitchell has a B.A. in Elementary Education and Religious Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, a M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University, and a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Mitchell Brookins in the news
About Dr. Lakita D. McKinney
Before joining Leading Educators, Lakita was the Senior Director at Leading Elephants where she provided support for leaders through individual and group executive coaching, the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences, and customized organizational consulting. She previously served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Tennessee Department of Education in the Human Capital Division and redesigned the leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals. She also previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director for the Midwest Region where she provided strategic direction and program development input to support districts in addressing leadership development needs. Lakita began her career teaching in Chicago Public Schools and went on to successfully execute the start of a new contract school in Chicago.
Lakita holds a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum & Instruction and the other in Administration & Supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. Lakita enjoys spending quality time with her family in Naperville, IL. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
Dr. Lakita D. McKinney in the news
About Mary Kay Murphy
Before joining Leading Educators, Mary Kay held the roles of teacher, principal, instructional coach, and district consultant. Mary Kay also gained experience working at two other national non-profits, Partners in School Innovation and The Education Trust-Midwest.
Mary Kay holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Aquinas College and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.
Fun facts: One of her favorite simple joys in life is a good cup of coffee in the morning, and after dinner, She thinks out loud and talks with her hands, and sends Snapchats of the dogs to her three kids every day.
Mary Kay Murphy in the news
About Claudine Andrews
Before joining Leading Educators, Claudine provided targeted, individualized coaching support for new and experienced teachers in schools within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network of Chicago Public Schools. Prior to her work at AUSL, Claudine was a middle school teacher through the Inner City Teaching Corps, and a teacher and Math coach at the University of Chicago Charter School - Donoghue Campus.
Claudine holds a B.A in Sociology and French Literature from Boston College and a M.S.Ed in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University. She currently lives outside of Detroit with her husband and their two children. When not working, Claudine enjoys indoor cycling, watching college sports, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Claudine Andrews in the news
About Michael Freeland
Prior to joining Leading Educators, Michael served as a K-8 Common Core Math Subject Matter Expert for LearningList.com. Michael also worked in the DeKalb County Schools System, serving as a Coach and Curriculum Leader.
Michael earned his Master of Science in Education degree—majoring in Learning Design and Technology—at Purdue University, and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College. He is committed to providing opportunities for students in his community, leading college tours that have taken over 1700 students to tour local HBCUs. When not working, Michael enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and coaching youth football.
About Emily Schriber
Before joining Leading Educators, Emily worked as a coach and facilitator supporting district and school leaders and teachers to create systems and structures to transform teaching and learning to ensure equity for students. She has also designed experiences for online and social learning platforms and loves to think about different ways of supporting adult learning to deepen practice.
Emily started her career as an elementary teacher in San Jose, California, and her students continue to provide focus, inspiration and guidance for her work for equity, even though they’re all grown up. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of New Mexico.
About Amanda Silva
Previously, Amanda coached instructional leaders in District of Columbia Public Schools as a Leadership Coach through LEAP. Before joining Leading Educators, Amanda was a middle school special education teacher, English Language Arts instructional coach, and department chair.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Economics & Sociology from New York University & a MAT in Elementary Education from American University. She loves staying on top of the most current news and pop culture phenomena, road tripping while listening to podcasts, and finding the best places to visit in the new cities she passes through.
Amanda Silva in the news
About Stacy Stewart
Before her role at Leading Educators, Stacy Stewart's education journey encompassed 31 years at Chicago Public Schools, where she held the position of Deputy Chief of Schools for Network 13, overseeing 32 elementary schools and receiving acclaim as a Golden Apple Award-winning principal at Belmont-Cragin Elementary on Chicago’s Northwest side. She further contributes to education as a member of the Cahn Fellows program, where she serves as an alumni advisor, and she is also a member of the board of the Chicago Cahn Fellows and the Illinois ASCD.
About Dr. Keli Swearingen
For the past 12 years, Keli has directly supported charter schools and regions with two fervent beliefs: master educators are made through years of deliberate coaching and support; and educational equality requires teachers, coaches, and leaders to pivot our practices, adapt, and maintain the resilience needed to persevere through the work required to alter-reality and provide equitable opportunity. Throughout her work with KIPP Public Schools and Democracy Prep Public Schools, Keli supported K-12 alignment, assessment, teacher and instructional leader development and coaching. Keli has a background in assessment and measurement, which she used to lead the development of next generation assessments for ELA and math, as well as aligned data-driven instructional protocols that support implementation of standards aligned curriculum and strategic interventions.
Keli founded Ascend’s second elementary school in Brownsville (serving as school director) and later coached data and analytics for all schools in the Ascend Learning network. Keli was a research fellow at the Florida Center for Reading Research and an Ed Psych and Classroom Assessment instructor for FSU’s College of Education. She has a master’s in library science and a doctorate in educational psychology. Keli started this journey as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school ELA in New Orleans (CM ’02).
Keli is from Panama City, Florida and currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When not nerding out on instruction and assessment, Keli enjoys spending time with her wife, Norah. She also enjoys working on Jeeps, playing music (bass and kit), watching Florida State football (Go Noles!), and watching Saints football (Who Dat!).
Dr. Keli Swearingen in the news
About Chavon VanHooks
Born and raised in Flint, MI, Chavon discovered her passion for education at an early age. She would always “play school” with her family and friends. That passion drove her to earn her Education Specialist degree – emphasis in Educational Leadership and Master of Education degree - majoring in curriculum and instruction both from Union University and her Bachelor of Science in Education degree – majoring in mathematics from Central Michigan University.
When Chavon is not changing lives through her work in education, she enjoys spending time with family, decorating, and solving puzzles.
About Alisha Watts Burr
Before joining Leading Educators, Alisha was a special education math teacher and academic dean at Washington, DC’s highest performing charter middle school.
Alisha holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University and a M.A. in Social Psychology from the University of Arizona. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, creating and enjoying good food, and traveling to sunny places.
About Naima Richardson
Before joining LE, Naima served public schools for 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal in New York City and the District of Columbia. In her most recent role as Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach, she provided professional development and weekly debriefs that led her teacher team through a curriculum restructuring, resulting in improved student performance on state assessments. Naima holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Baruch College and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from New York University.
Naima’s educational experiences in public schools, Prep for Prep 9 and boarding school showed her the importance of igniting students’ potential while providing strategic support. Naima’s support currently comes from her family and friends who encourage her to dance, travel and participate in the occasional thrill-seeking activity.
About Monique Wright
Before joining Leading Educators, Monique has worked for charter management and non-profit organizations as a teacher, school leader, and effectiveness coach.
Monique is a Teach For America alumna and has earned a B.A. from Temple University and a M.S. in Teaching and Early Childhood Leadership from Pace University and Bank Street College of Education. Monique lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children. In between family dance parties, Monique loves indoor cycling and cooking new recipes.
About Olivia Bertucci
Prior to joining Leading Educators, Olivia spent the last decade as a kindergarten teacher, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach for New Orleans public schools. She also facilitates ELA and Leadership development centered on educational equity for UnboundEd. Her impact was most recently highlighted in supporting instructional initiatives that yielded Eisenhower Elementary's “highest gains” recognition for all open-enrollment charter schools in New Orleans.
Olivia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Louisiana State University and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Xavier University in New Orleans. Olivia lives just outside of the city with her husband and toddler. She enjoys festivals, boating, and makeup artistry.
About Alexandra Benjamin
Before joining Leading Educators, Alexandra served as a school principal in New York City.
Alexandra holds a BA from Iona University in English Literature, MA from The College of Notre Dame in School Leadership, and MS from Fordham University in Literacy 5-12. Alexandra lives in New York City and enjoys spending time reading, exercising, and traveling.
mindsets needed to realize their best selves.”
About Dr. Michelle Brown
Before joining Leading Educators, Michelle was the Vice Principal of Academics at the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, the same school where she learned that teaching is the best career in the world. She was previously a teacher educator at Southeastern Louisiana University and the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). She began her career in education as a high school English and reading teacher in New Orleans.
Michelle holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. Her graduate work focused on classroom observation and effective literacy practices in secondary ELA classrooms. She earned a B.A. from New College of Florida where she pursued a dual concentration in Literature and Hispanic Language and Literature.
About Aneka Bruce
Prior to joining Leading Educators, Aneka taught middle and high school level mathematics throughout her tenure in the NYC Department of Education in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY. She then transferred those skills outside of the classroom as a Math Intervention Manager, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal in middle and high schools in Southeast DC.
Aneka's passion for education also encompasses health & wellness. She is a graduate of Penn State University's Kinesiology, Movement Science Program B.S. and St. John University's Masters of Education in Secondary Mathematics Program. Blending both passions, Aneka is also a proud U.S. Army Soldier serving as an Army Medical Officer. She continuously strives to cultivate strong leaders and educators within both fields for hopes of a brighter future for America's youth. In her free time, Aneka enjoys exploring trails and hiking with her friends before indulging in a hearty brunch.
About Cori Cryer
Before joining Leading Educators, Cori served as a Manager of Elementary Math & Science with DC Public Schools, where she supported the implementation of high-quality instructional materials and coached school leaders to improve math instruction across the district. She has also worked in a variety of school leadership roles, helping educators translate data-driven insights into impactful teaching practices.
Cori earned her M.S. in Education with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University. Outside of work, she loves cooking, spending time with her dog, Milo, and supporting her favorite football teams, the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals.
About Ashley Davis
Ashley began her career as a 5th grade teacher in her hometown of Rockford, IL. She moved to pursue her graduate studies at Western Michigan University, where she served as a reading specialist in the university’s reading clinic and taught content area literacy upon graduation. Before joining Leading Educators, Ashley served as a Literacy Coach for two Chicago charter school campuses.
Ashley holds a M.A.Ed. in Literacy Studies from Western Michigan University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. Ashley lives in Chicago with her husband Daniel and her two sons Daniel Jr. and Dylan.
About Marvin English
Marvin has served in communities within New York City and Detroit as a school leader. Before joining Leading Educators, Marvin managed instructional programming, curriculum and assessments, teacher and leader coaching, strategic planning, and school level professional learning at Phalen Leadership Academies.
Marvin holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Michigan. Additionally he holds a M.Ed in Elementary Education from DePaul University and M.A. in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan. He lives in Detroit, Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his son, traveling, playing golf, reading, watching sports, and visiting museums.
About LeAnita Garner
Before joining Leading Educators, LeAnita provided targeted, individualized coaching to new teachers in schools within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network of Chicago Public Schools. That role evolved into a Network Instructional Coach where she supported teachers, teacher leaders, and school leaders in deepening their understanding of standards aligned instruction through coaching support and professional development. Prior to her work at AUSL, LeAnita was a primary and intermediate classroom teacher with Atlanta Public Schools and later with the University of Chicago Charter School-Donoghue Campus.
LeAnita holds a B.S in Early Childhood Development from Northern Illinois University and a M.A.Ed in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University.
LeAnita Garner in the news
About Sydney Jenkins
Before joining Leading Educators, Sydney worked with the Philips Brooks House Association, a university student- led nonprofit organization that provides academic support and recreational experiencers to underserved communities in Boston. After moving to New York, Sydney spent her professional time teaching ELA, developing curriculum, mentoring teachers, and fostering community throughout schools in Brooklyn.
Sydney holds a BA in Psychology from Harvard University and a Masters in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. During her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her baby nephew, cooking, and discovering new music.
About Michael Little
Before joining Leading Educators, Michael began his career in education in Charlotte, North Carolina as a Teach for America corps member committed to providing an impactful, just, and joyful academic experience as a middle school history teacher. After years of service in Charlotte, North Carolina, Michael relocated to New York City, where he continued to make a difference in the lives of students in the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, and Bushwick communities of Brooklyn, New York, as an ELA teacher and school leader- igniting his student’s personal passion and love of literacy. Michael has made a mark as a servant leader in the public school and public charter school sector, having served in various roles such as an Instructional Coach and mentor, Dean of Students, Academic Dean of Instruction, and Principal Fellow.
Michael holds a BA degree in Sociology from his beloved Alma Maters, Hampton University, and an M. Ed in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. In his personal time, Michael enjoys traveling, music, working on voiceover projects, brunch, and spending time with family and friends.
Michael Little in the news
About Ana Luis
Ana began her teaching career working in state prisons in Michigan providing GED instruction to those incarcerated. She then shifted to teaching in youth detention centers and teaching GED classes at community centers in Lansing. Ana moved to Indianapolis in 2010 and taught traditional middle and high school math for a few years before becoming the lead teacher and instructional coach at the Excel Center; a high school diploma program for students who had previously discontinued high school and are returning to earn their diplomas.
Ana has also served as a program coordinator in the Indianapolis community focusing on building more equitable education systems for families experiencing homelessness. She is currently a PhD candidate in Indiana University's Urban Education Studies program. Her research focus is investigating how systemic racism impacts math education, the construction of learner identities in math classrooms, and high school attrition. In my free time, Ana loves to paint, podcast, cook, spend time with friends and family, play with her 3-year-old son, and travel to Lake Michigan as often as possible.
About Tori McGowan
Previously with Leading Educators, she coached instructional leaders across Chicago as an Instructional Leadership Coach. Before joining Leading Educators, Tori worked as an instructional coach with a charter school in Chicago. She has worked in education for over 26 years as a teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Math Coordinator, and Instructional Coach.
Tori holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University and a M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University. She lives in a suburb of Chicago where she enjoys exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
About Reanna Patterson
Before joining Leading Educators, Reanna partnered with districts across the country to implement strong ELA practices. She was a contributing author of the EL Education K-2 curriculum and taught in schools in several different states.
Reanna holds an M.A. from Columbia Teachers College. She currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and dog and enjoys spending time at festivals and fairs as often as possible.
About Chae D’Ann Ray
Before joining Leading Educators, Chae served as a teacher, instructional coach, and Assistant Principal in Houston and Austin, TX. Chae is a National Board Certified Teacher and a 2019 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award winner. Most recently she served as a Director of ELA Curriculum and Achievement, serving teachers and leaders in improving literacy outcomes for K-12 students at a high-performing charter network.
Chae holds an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Sam Houston State University and a B.A. in English from University of Houston. Chae lives outside of Houston, TX with her husband and daughter. She loves making memories with her family, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
About Alexa Rowek
Before joining Leading Educators, Alexa was the Achievement Director of Special Education at KIPP New Jersey where she supported K-12 Principals and Assistant Principals through strategic planning, coaching, and professional development to implement strong special education programming. Prior to that at KIPP, Alexa was a Special Education math and ELA teacher as well as an Assistant Principal at TEAM Academy. She began her career in education as a high school Math and ELA teacher in New York City.
Alexa holds a M.Ed in Special Education from Pace University, and received a post-masters certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) from William Paterson University. She earned a B.A. from Dickinson College in Psychology and focused on studying the brain.
About Jennifer Sierra
Jen holds a B.S. in Child Development and an M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum, both from Michigan State University. Before joining Leading Educators, she was a classroom teacher for 10 years in Godwin Heights Public Schools and worked as a coach for a non-profit focused on supporting school transformation. She is honored to be able to serve the students and educators in the districts that she both attended and taught in.
Jen lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her teenage twins. She loves traveling, baking, surfing, going to concerts and comedy shows, spending time outside, and cooking.
About Ikecia Sigh
Before joining Leading Educators, Ikecia served as Director of Math for Compass Community Schools in Memphis, TN. She also served as a professional development advisor for Shelby County Schools as well as a classroom teacher for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, TN..
Ikecia holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education: Math and Science from UT Chattanooga, a Masters’ in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix, and a leadership endorsement from Christian Brothers University. She lives in Huntsville, AL where she enjoys experiencing life with her husband, provides mentorship to high school senior girls through the AUM Foundation, and going for rides on her Peloton.
About Dr. Kate Ulrich
Before joining Leading Educators, Kate served for 16 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, and in various school leadership roles in the NYC and Atlanta communities. Recently, as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Assistant Principal at a school in south Atlanta, she enjoyed the opportunity to combine her passions for coaching and curriculum development in order to connect, empathize, and build relationships with teachers, school leaders, and external stakeholders.
Kate earned her doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Her research focused on examining how community-based organizations that utilize multi-stakeholder models can impact local education in rural communities. Kate also holds an MA from Columbia University Teachers College in Bilingual, Bicultural Education and a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in D.C.
When not at work, Kate is an avid nonfiction reader, she enjoys singing and making music with her friends and siblings, as well as spending time volunteering during local elections, hiking, swimming, going to the movies, and enjoying time with her niece, friends, and family.
About George Werres
Prior to joining the LE staff, he worked at Teach for America training and supporting instructional coaches and corps members. During his 12 years in the classroom, he spent the majority of his time teaching 3rd and 4th grade, and he spent multiple years as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction supporting grades 3-8. LE has a special place in his heart, as he was also a member of LE’s 2012 Cohort.
George has a Masters in Elementary Education and BS in Psychology from Indiana University. He lives in New Orleans and is active in multiple Stonewall Sports leagues. He enjoys playing video games and walking his dog, Rex, on the bayou.
George Werres in the news
About Dr. Brittany Whitby
Before joining Leading Educators, Brittany served as the Director of Mathematics for an ECE-8 charter school in Washington, D.C., where she designed effective math programming,
coaching, and support for teachers and leaders. Throughout her career, Brittany has served as a teacher, school leader, and coach across charter and public schools.
Brittany holds an Ed.D in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Her capstone focused on creating meaningful leadership support for Black educators who aspire to school leadership in urban communities. She also holds an M.Ed in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University. Brittany loves solo travel and running in her free time.
About Dr. Britney Wray
Prior to joining Leading Educators, Britney was a dedicated teacher turned school leader. Beginning her career as a high school math teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Britney enjoyed seeing the growth in both student success and student mindset. After 5 years, Britney became a founding teacher at Washington Leadership Academy, a Tier 1 public charter school in Washington, DC.
At WLA, Britney grew from founding math teacher to math instructional coach and assistant principal helping the school achieve its Tier 1 status through her development of the math program. Britney enjoys designing and facilitating professional developments and has partnered with organizations across the country to help educators achieve success in their classrooms. Britney enjoys vinyl crafting using her Silhouette Cameo machine and all things Virginia Tech! Go Hokies!
About Dr. Heather Zuerblis
Before joining Leading Educators, Heather spent over fifteen years as a classroom teacher, literacy instructional coach, and systems level leader in the DC area. While working at DC Public Schools, she served as an inaugural member of the LEAP team, working alongside LE partners to implement this groundbreaking initiative. In this role, she designed districtwide literacy professional development experiences, as well as provided leadership coaching to school-based instructional leaders. Most recently, she served as the Senior Manager of Literacy Professional Development Design at Amplify.
Heather earned her doctorate in Educational Policy & Leadership, with a concentration on Early Literacy Intervention, from American University. Her dissertation focused on centering the experiences of BIPOC school principals as they strategically implemented programing to align to Reading Science. She holds an M.Ed. from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Heather also serves on the board of The Reading League’s DC Chapter. She enjoys spending time with her husband, a career Special Educator, her son James, and their new puppy.
Dr. Heather Zuerblis in the news
About Rebecca Allen
As a first-generation college student herself, Rebecca is aware of the challenges students face when the path to college is not smoothly paved. Rebecca’s beliefs are centered around the philosophy that all students deserve a quality education and highly effective teachers make the most important impact on student learning.
When she is not working, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her teenage and young adult children and her husband. Family activities include playing sports, exercising, and shopping. She also enjoys reading and crocheting when time allows.
About Regina Atkins
Regina joined Leading Educators from Shelby County Schools. She has been an educator for 15 years, serving as a teacher leader for the majority of her career. Throughout her career, Regina has supported colleagues become effective teachers that implement best practices and data-driven instruction.
She holds a B.S. in Education, a Master’s of Education in Reading Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management.
About Andrea "Fitz" Fitzgerald
Fitz worked in the NBA for several years and entered the educational field thinking that it would just be "teaching math" but quickly learned that this work is truly about seeing students believe in themselves. Fitz earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Carson-Newman College, a M.S. in Sports Management from Slippery Rock, and a M.A. from Cambridge College.
About Rashay Foster
Before joining Leading Educators, Rashay supported the creation and implementation of a statewide coaching model strategy for the state of Kentucky, coached and supported facilitation for instructional coaches in St. Louis around high-quality instructional materials, supported facilitation around Learning Acceleration for district leaders in Iowa, and created a strategy around supporting black educators who are a part of the Black Educator Excellence Cohort during her time at TNTP. She has also supported the teacher preparation program through both a coaching lens and through a recruitment and retention lens. Before joining the education consultant world, she was a founding Kindergarten teacher at KIPP Indy Unite. She founded a new grade for five consecutive years and looped up with her students.
Rashay has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from The Ohio State University and an MA in Teaching from Marian University. She also completed Marian University’s Building Level Administrator program. In her free time, Rashay enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, planning themed events, going to concerts and movies, cheering on THE Buckeyes, and bringing the sunshine with her wherever she goes.
About Shondele Gillens-Vazquez
She enjoys creating spaces where educators share experiences and problems of practice in an effort to learn from one another and develop collegial relationships. She is rooted in the belief that teachers with an awareness of strengths and influence have a special set of leadership skills necessary to influence and support educational efforts to promote equity and advocacy for children of color.
Shondele is driven by her strong desire to be an advocate for students whose voices are not recognized as appropriately powerful. She is excited to be a part of a team that believes all kids deserve to be heard while being committed to the “dance” that empowers and liberates teachers to be leaders in this necessary work.
About Ginny James
Before joining Leading Educators, Ginny worked as the Special Education Manager for KIPP SoCal, supporting teachers to provide inclusive, strengths-based instruction for students in both general and special education settings. She started her career as a teacher at the University of Chicago Charter School serving students with various learning needs. She then worked as an Instructional Coach for the Academy of Urban School Leadership coaching and providing professional learning to teachers within the Chicago Public School district.
Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. She currently lives in Long Beach, CA where she and her husband share their love of travel, sports, and food with their 2 daughters.
About Morgan Qin
Over the last few years, Morgan worked as an Implementation Support Specialist for Great Minds, facilitating coaching conversations with teachers in their instruction of the Common Core math standards through Eureka math. Before working for Great Minds, Morgan was a third-grade teacher within Chicago Public Schools in the AUSL network.
Morgan currently lives in Chicago with her husband, Simon, and their dog, Roscoe. She enjoys reading, watching Liverpool soccer games, and spending time with friends and family.
About Rebecca Dill
Prior to joining Leading Educators, Rebecca worked at a large community foundation supporting grantmaking across the Chicago region and an environmental organization leading coalitions of nonprofits, businesses, and governmental entities to protect natural resources. Rebecca taught reading in Ghana for a semester as a volunteer and has also volunteered as a running coach and an adult literacy tutor. She is currently an associate board member of a workforce development organization.
Rebecca holds a Masters of Public Service Management from DePaul University and a B.S. in geology. She lives in Chicago and enjoys biking in and out of the city and travels abroad to hike, scuba dive, and eat new foods.
About Danielle Parker
Danielle taught in Kansas City, MO and Chicago for five years. In her free time, she enjoys listening to comedy shows, reading a good book, or spending time outdoors.
About Sabrina Ware
With a decade of event production experience, Sabrina has an extensive background in providing both in-person and virtual events with logistical support. In any work setting, Sabrina works to build and maintain relationships through collaboration with those around her, providing support to ensure the success of programs, and most importantly, our students.
About Kristina Rubio
Previously, Kristina served the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles on behalf of the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life events where she empowered volunteers to engage with their communities to continue the fight against cancer. Additionally, she led the planning and execution of special events for the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she can typically be found working on her yoga practice, trying to find the best breakfast burrito around, and planning which part of the world to explore next.
About Kenneth Jeffers
Kenneth is a New York City native, proud Morehouse College alumnus, and also completed his Master’s degree in Sports Product Management at the University of Oregon in 2018. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys reading, health & fitness, traveling, & trying new restaurants.
Kenneth is very excited to pivot into the education field, and has always been a huge supporter of transformative education. He is looking forward to creating engaging & enriching learning experiences for students. Joining Leading Educators perfectly aligns with his passion for uplifting the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
About Kemi Weston
Before joining Leading Educators, Kemi served as an administrative professional in postsecondary institutions for over 8 years, managing programs, advising students, and collaborating with cross-functional departments to examine metrics and develop plans for accomplishing institutional initiatives. She is enthusiastic about leveraging her experience and skills to create a meaningful impact in primary and secondary education.
Kemi holds an MA in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. In her free time she cohosts a podcast entitled “Your Advisors Will See You Now” which serves as a resource to aid families and students in career and college readiness.
About Tameka Ellzey
Before joining Leading Educators, Tameka served as a district Professional Learning Coach/Advisor and Instructional Support Advisor at Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS). Throughout her 15+ year career in education, Tameka has served in multiple capacities within MSCS as an educator, master teacher, new teacher mentor/coach, Professional Learning Community (PLC) Coach, district Professional Learning Coach/Advisor - literacy (6-12), 9th Grade Academy Principal, assistant principal, and district Instructional Support Advisor – literacy (K-12) supporting both traditional and alternative schools in her hometown Memphis, TN. As a district Advisor, she served as an ELA content expert and provided K-12 literacy instructional coaching support, curriculum implementation, and professional learning to district leaders, school leaders, teacher leaders, and teachers improving literacy outcomes for K-12 scholars.
Tameka holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Memphis and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University with an endorsement in Administrator Prek-12. Tameka lives in Cordova, TN with her husband and children. She loves traveling, making memories with loved ones, and encouraging others to live life to the fullest.
About Marishka Winters
She began her teaching career in LAUSD schools in South LA and Southeast LA neighborhoods and continued serving in public schools for nine years as a K – 2 teacher, a school-based, intervention coach serving teachers and students across grades K – 5, and a middle school Assistant Principal.
She then served as the Director of Teacher Development at the Partnership for LA Schools serving seventeen urban public schools that ranged from grades K-12 and was a key member of PLAS' central support instructional team. In this capacity, she supported principals to drive teacher effectiveness and to grow and leverage teacher leaders to become strong members of Instructional Leadership Teams. She continued to focus on areas of school leadership, teacher development, teacher leadership, school transformation, and systems level change while at TNTP as a project director supporting principals and teachers to implement standards based instruction primarily in school turnaround settings.
Most recently at New Teacher Center, she served as a founding leader of a national school leadership program as a senior director and led the program strategy for the federally awarded Education Innovation and Research grant across 120 rural and urban schools.
A former school leader and instructional coach, Marishka attended Scripps College (undergrad), Harvard Graduate (Education policy and management), UCLA Graduate (school leadership). She currently lives in Shaker Heights, OH and enjoys spending time with her husband and 2-year old daughter, riding her Peloton bike, cooking, and gardening.
About Bekki Sarradet
Bekki started her career in education as a classroom teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado before moving into instructional coaching and consulting roles with various national organizations. Bekki spent over a decade at TNTP where she served in multiple roles including Training and Resource Manager, Site Advisor, Director of Strategy and Operations, and Director of Academics. Most recently, Bekki worked as the Executive Director of Professional Learning at NIET.
Bekki holds a MAT, Integrated Natural Sciences from Colorado College and a BA in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. She lives in Mandeville, Louisiana with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, Bekki enjoys camping, riding bikes along Mandeville’s lakefront, attending concerts, and hosting get-togethers for her friends and family.
About Dr. Kendra Thurmond
Before joining Leading Educators, Dr. Kendra acquired 16 years of teaching and district leadership experience before transitioning to the edTech world via DreamBox Learning.
Dr. Kendra holds an Ed.D. of Professional Leadership in Mathematics Education from the University of Houston. She currently resides in the Houston metroplex with her husband, son, and two fur babies. Dr. Kendra enjoys spending time with her immediate family, going to the movies, and socializing with friends.
About Nicholas Cains
Previously, Nick coached 1st and 2nd year elementary teachers as a Manager of Teacher Leadership Development at Teach For America Greater Tulsa. His passion for supporting teachers came from his experience teaching 2nd grade in Tulsa Public Schools, coaching teachers at Summer Institutes, and facilitating content sessions for multiple grade levels.
Nick holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration: Curriculum and Supervision from Oklahoma University-Tulsa. He also holds a BFA in Theater and a minor in Broadcast Journalism from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his fiance and their lovable cats Harvey and Oscar. If you’re in Tulsa you can likely find Nick performing in local productions, enjoying the food or a beverage in Tulsa, Crossfitting, or enjoying a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Nicholas Cains in the news
About Cristle Moorer
Before joining Leading Educators, Cristle worked as a Lead ELA and Social Studies Middle School Teacher at school in a rural community in Scott, Arkansas. Her very first lead teaching experience was at Celia Clinton Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Throughout her career as a teacher she has had the opportunity to develop and facilitate professional development for staff members and administration.
Cristle holds BA. in Studio Art with a Minor in Marketing from Florida State University, and a M.Ed from Arkansas State University. Cristle is a Florida girl through and through and nothing excites her more than a trip to the beach. During her free time you can find her creating in an array of mediums or just spending time in nature.
About Rebecca Taylor-Perryman
Over the past nine years, Rebecca has worked to increase the rigor and usefulness of data at Leading Educators, by building internal capacity to complete regular research studies using quasi-experimental methods, engaging students, teachers. and leaders in action research and qualitative research designs, and leading the team to develop and implement tools for measurement and data storytelling.
Rebecca holds an M.A. in Anthropology from Tulane University and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Rebecca Taylor-Perryman in the news
About Dr. Tim Tasker
Before joining Leading Educators, Tim served as Project Director for a three-year, collaborative grant focused on bullying prevention and school climate improvement. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade conducting research and evaluation within the education and mental health fields.
Tim holds a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University and later earned his Ph.D. in Community and Prevention Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a former Fellow with the Strategic Data Project at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University.
Dr. Tim Tasker in the news
About Ariana Audisio
Before joining Leading Educators, Ariana worked as a Pre-K-6 Spanish teacher and was an advocate and volunteer at her childrens’ schools. She also worked as a research assistant on rural development and poverty issues at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research.
Ariana holds an M.S. in Government Analytics from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Economics from the Andrés Bello Catholic University. She lives in Rockville and spends her free time enjoying the company of her three children, husband, and dog.
Ariana Audisio in the news
About Dr. Cassandra Cross
Before joining Leading Educators, Cassandra worked as an analyst at TNTP supporting educational organizations across the country with understanding their data and making it actionable.
Cassandra holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She resides in St. Louis, MO, where she spends her free time on her favorite hobbies – photography and sewing.
About Alexandra Dakin
As a student, Alexandra found belonging through theater. After college she became a theater teaching artist to cultivate environments where all students could find community and share their stories. Struck by the disparity in access to arts programs that she saw, Alexandra was driven to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to thrive. She is excited to support Leading Educators’ staff as they partner with schools across the nation.
Previously, Alexandra was a member of the LEAP D.C. team as a Program Coordinator at Leading Educators. Alexandra holds a degree from Mount Holyoke College. She lives in Washington, D.C.
About Carlton J. Nichols
Carlton’s extensive background spans critical HR functions, including talent acquisition, operations, workforce planning, employee relations, and compensation. In his previous role as a Managing Director of Talent Technology at Teach for America, he increased HR system adoption through comprehensive training and implemented agile frameworks to improve project delivery and workflows. His efforts in a previous role as a Talent Acquisition Manager saved the company six figures by bringing executive search processes in-house and increased diversity through strategic sourcing initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Carlton demonstrated his operational and strategic expertise in roles such as Director of People & Operations, where he provided strategic consultation on department redesigns, introduced competency and career pathways frameworks, managed budgets, and handled complex employee relations cases. Before the start of his HR career he led program delivery teams that aligned organizational initiatives with school improvement strategies, empowering teams to drive student and teacher success.
An Eagle Scout and a champion of equity, Carlton is committed to dismantling barriers and building pathways for everyone to succeed. His innovative and people-centered approach to HR ensures alignment between organizational goals and the growth of every team member, creating lasting positive impact.
About Saya Powell
Previously, Saya led COVID-19 preparedness, internal communications and emergency response, manager development, and internal culture initiatives as the Director of People and Culture. Before that, Saya worked on the LEAP project with DC Public Schools, also overseeing operations and event management of LE national and DC’s LEAP summer training conferences.
Before joining LE, Saya served in various roles at Teach for America for eleven years, including Managing Director of Talent, Strategy and Operations for the South Carolina region, Director of Operations Training, Director of Institute Operations for the Philadelphia Summer Institute, and Operations Coordinator. She also worked as an English teacher at a junior high school in Hitachiomiya, Japan.
Saya graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with a degree in International Studies and Spanish. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and is working toward Diversity Coach Certification through the Coach Diversity Institute. Saya also supports Lead4Liberation as a BIPOC Advisory Council Member and facilitator. She grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and currently lives in Washington, DC.
In her free time, Saya enjoys running and cycling and is an avid sports fan. She is also a dog mom to Clipper, a baker of vegan desserts, and an adoring aunt to four amazing nephews.
About Richard Fahnestock
Before joining Leading Educators, Rich was employed by Your Part Time Controller, LLC, providing outsourced Controller and CFO services to a variety of non-profit clients.
Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University with concentrations in Accounting and Business Information Systems.
Rich is passionate about animal rescue, serving as Treasurer of the Better Days Animal League, a no-kill animal rescue that has saved and found loving homes for more than 5,000 companion animals since its inception. Rich also enjoys reading, hiking and working out.
About Yaa Hargrove
Yaa holds a J.D and an MBA (finance) from Howard University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Morgans State University.
Yaa loves to be in the outdoors learning, hiking and preserving the environment. She is a novice gardener and enjoys traveling near and far to new and favorite places.
About Ty Despenza
Before joining Leading Educators, Ty worked with undergraduate and graduate students as a tutor in the Writing Resource Center at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Ty received her B.A. in English from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and attended public, private, and charter schools throughout Orleans Parish. As a poet and New Orleans native, her primary influences have been jazz, superstition, and local colloquialisms. Ty now lives in the Lower 9th Ward with her labradors, Parish and DeLille, and takes some promising amateur photographs.
About Mimi Chen
Mimi first joined Leading Educators as an undergraduate intern with the Data and Evaluation team. After graduating, she transitioned to being a part-time People coordinator and temporary executive support coordinator. She did not anticipate starting her career off in the education field but was motivated to learn more about education equity after joining LE.
Mimi graduated with a BA in Applied Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She was raised in Chicago, where she still resides. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and trying new baking recipes.
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