Alumni Advisors

Alumni Advisors are year-long mentor-coaches to our Fellows and Allies providing them with the support they need to successfully complete the program. The Advisor curriculum is aligned with session content and program requirements. A critical aspect of this role is providing the support needed to prepare and present Problem of Practice findings at our Annual Leadership Conference.

David M. Abbott
New York, NY

  • David Abbott is serving his 11th year as Principal of BELL Academy in Bayside, Queens. Prior to serving as Principal, David was the Director of Student Services for CFN 204 and an Assistant Principal in the South Bronx and Queens. With his prior experiences, David has cultivated a robust student-centered focus at BELL Academy, while integrating digital learning to enhance student achievement. BELL Academy follows Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model, and has been internationally recognized as one of the most successful examples of the model.

    David strongly believes in nurturing a culture of adult learners to ensure his staff continuously reflect on their teaching practices. These practices have been noted in his school’s most recent Quality Review, resulting in Well-Developed ratings in all ten components. David has served as a Model Principal for the Learning Partners Program, where he and his staff members engaged other school leaders in professional learning rounds on how to leverage technology in meaningful ways to increase student engagement. He was honored as Principal of the Year in 2019 and his school was named among the best in the City and State of New York in 2021.

    David holds an undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College. His graduate degrees include an M.S. in Education and an Advanced Certificate in School Counseling, both from Brooklyn College. He went on to complete his Professional Certificate in Educational Leadership at Queens College. David is a proud graduate of the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals, which he completed in 2017. He has been serving as a an alumni advisor for the program and welcomes the opportunity to support talented leaders through their Cahn Fellow experience.

Dorald Bastian
New York, NY

  • Dorald Bastian, a 2017 Cahn Fellow, is the Principal of the New Millennium Bronx Academy of the Arts in New York City. Dorald is an experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of building strong teacher teams. Skilled in Coaching, Supporting teacher development, and supporting students and families to pursue excellence with passion. He has been supporting Cahn Fellows as an Alumni Advisor since 2021.

Bud Bryant
Chicago, IL

  • Bud Bryant is a retired principal from Chicago Public Schools. He has over 30 years of leadership experience serving as a United States Army Officer and School Principal. Bud currently mentors school leaders and facilitates professional development nationwide.

Anna Cano Amato
New York, NY

  • Anna Cano Amato is a 2015 Fellow and a Cahn Alumni Advisor since 2016. Anna was the Principal of PS 110, The Monitor School, in Brooklyn and retired from New York City Public Schools in February 2020 after 36 years of service to the children and their families of the Greenpoint community, the home of The Monitor School where she began her career in 1984. During her tenure as Principal, a position she began in 2006, PS 110 received the “Educating the Whole Child in the 21st Century” award from the New York ASCD in 2011 for creating a healthy, safe, engaging, supportive, and challenging school environment, the first New York City public school to be recognized for its efforts in fulfilling its vision of “Growing Hearts and Minds.” Anna introduced a French Dual Language curriculum to the PS 110 school community in 2010 in response to community needs. As a result, she was a recipient of the Chevalier dans I’Ordre des Palmes Académiques in 2016 for her “... remarkable role in the development of French-English bilingual programs.” She has earned advanced degrees from Queens College and St. John’s University, as well as an administrative degree from the College of St. Rose. Ms. Cano Amato earned her certification as an Executive Leadership Coach from Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute in 2023.

Nidia Castro
Los Angeles, CA

  • Nidia Castro was born in Honduras in Central America and immigrated to the United States in 1985 at age of 17. In 1988, she graduated from high school and went on to obtain her B.A. Degree in Spanish Literature with a Minor in Linguistics from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She attended California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) where she completed her Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development/ Single Subject Professional Clear Credential. She taught Spanish Language and Spanish Literature at Los Angeles High School. She later obtained a Master’s in Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. Mrs. Castro wanted to make a difference in the personal lives of the students she served and left the classroom to become a counselor and later completed a Master’s in School Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University. After 15 years at Los Angeles High School she joined the brand new team of administrators at Samuel Gompers Middle School in Los Angeles and later transferred to Grover Cleveland High School. In 2009, she became Principal at Vista Middle School in Panorama City. In 2013, she was given the honor of becoming Northridge Academy High School’s new Principal. Mrs. Castro’s philosophy of education is simple; she believes that every child can learn, given the right circumstances and she strives to exemplify the motto of the school, “Inspire and Achieve.” She believes in fostering positive relationships with all the stakeholders in her community.

Sundy Chazares
Tampa, FL

Jodie Cohen
New York, NY

  • Jodie Cohen, a 2020 Cahn Fellow, is the Principal of James Madison High School in New York City. Jodie has been the Principal at James Madison for the past eleven years. Prior to becoming the Principal, she was the Assistant Principal and an English teacher there as well. She has worked in New York City Public schools since 1993. Her volunteerism and dedication to the neighborhood in which her school resides has helped to make it one of the largest growing high schools in New York City. She has been a mentor to principals throughout the city. Her energy and drive to motivate others to become the next best them is contagious. Jodie loves to motivate teens to grow and focus on strengthening their own talents. She was a Master Principal in New York City and recently became a certified leadership coach.

Juan Cordoba
Dallas, TX

  • Originally from Pasto, Colombia, Juan Cordoba holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Science from LeTourneau University (cum laude, 2003) and an M.Ed. in Education Administration from the University of North Texas (magna cum laude, 2010). A Dallas ISD educator for 14 years, they progressed from bilingual kindergarten teacher to instructional coach, academic coordinator, turnaround associate principal, and principal. At Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary (2013–2017), the campus earned five distinctions (2015–16) and rose from 85/145 to 13/145 in SEI, while partnerships and after-school programs expanded. Since 2017, as principal of Thomas J. Rusk Middle School (ACE), Rusk jumped from 33rd to 2nd in SEI in one year, shed its low-performing label, earned three distinctions, revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School, and increased advanced-course enrollment. Honors include Teacher of the Year (2007), Elementary Principal of the Year Finalist (2016), and Master Principal (2018).

Dr. Lisa Dachs-Ornelas
Los Angeles, CA

  • Dr. Lisa Dachs-Ornelas has 29 years of experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District and seventeen years as an elementary school principal. Her years of leadership experience working as a principal at two different school sites gives her the knowledge to effectively monitor and improve academic success for all students. Dr. Dachs-Ornelas earned her doctoral degree from California State University Northridge, which strengthened her belief that higher education is important for one’s own professional growth. More importantly, it provided an opportunity to engage with colleagues and researchers to critically examine policies, procedures, and methodologies. Learning and studying for her doctorate degree was both academically exhilarating and inspiring, while fulfilling her ambition to challenge herself intellectually. As a life-long learner, she believes it is important to model the way for students and teachers alike. She has shared her leadership experience as a coach through the Los Angeles New Administrator’s Program (LANALP) and as a mentor for new principals with her local district. She is also an elected representative serving on the Elementary Principal’s Organization (EPO) board. As the membership chairperson of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), she has strengthened membership as the membership chairperson, coordinated the Women in Leadership Summit as a co-chairperson, and led a follow-up book study. She also served in the position of ACSA Region 16 President where she promoted and brought to life her motto of “Leading with Excellence.” Her experience and success at diverse school populations have been proven both through her work as a school principal and in organizational leadership positions.

Georgia Davos-Vetas
Chicago, IL

  • A 2019 Fellow, Georgia Davos-Vetas is Principal of Bateman Elementary School, located on Chicago’s north side. As a former CPS student and 28 year employee of the Chicago Public Schools, she has served as a third grade teacher, Reading Specialist, District Administrator, Assistant Principal and Principal. Since becoming principal of Bateman in 2012, she has worked diligently to improve the quality of instruction and create a place where students are challenged, inspired, celebrated, and loved. Under Georgia’s leadership, Bateman has gone from a Level 2 rating to Level 1+, awarded as Exemplary for Social and Emotional Learning and granted as dual language from Chicago Public Schools.

    Georgia attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating with a B.A. in Elementary Education and acquired her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Lewis University.

Gabriel Duran
Los Angeles, CA

  • As a 2023 Cahn Fellow, Mr. Durán brings thirty years of progressive experience in educational administration within the Los Angeles Unified School District, covering Elementary, Middle, and Senior High School levels. His extensive career includes roles as an administrator, school operations specialist, categorical program coordinator, and teacher, with a notable emphasis on special education and intervention programs. Mr. Durán's leadership was honored by the Association of California School Administrators Region 16 in 2018 as Principal of the Year. His leadership style is characterized by open communication and collaboration with colleagues, students, and the community. He is recognized for developing and implementing policies that enhance academic achievement, school safety, and student well-being, thereby fostering a positive and productive school culture. His educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a high-quality education tailored to their unique needs. This is reflected in his support for academic counseling, school mental health services, peer mediation, and wellness centers. He is dedicated to creating an environment where students, staff, and the community can thrive through shared goals and effective communication. Since 2017, as the founding Principal of Maywood Center for Enriched Studies (MaCES), Mr. Durán has led this Title 1 Span School of Grades 6-12 with an enrollment of 1,100 students to notable achievements, including recognition as a California Exemplary Arts Education 2023 School, a California Civic Learning Award 2024 School, and maintaining a 99% high school graduation rate.

Sheila Durant
New York, NY

  • A 2014 Fellow, Sheila Durant entered the CUNY system following her NYC public education and earned a Master’s degree in special education from Hunter College and an Administrative Diploma in School Administration from the City College of New York. When Sheila became Assistant Principal in 2003, P.S. 69 had been designated a School in Need of Improvement by the State of New York and was in jeopardy of being taken over as a result of failing grades.

    She was fortunate to support an outstanding principal who became her mentor and collaborative partner. When this principal retired, Sheila took over the helm and continued the excellent work they began together. The cornerstone of P.S. 69’s dramatic progress is a strong working school community, which has created an environment for improved teaching and learning. Since 2003, P.S. 69 has been recognized by Advocates for Children as both a school of choice and one of the “top 100 schools” in New York City. Sheila retired from P.S. 69 in 2020.

Dr. Rose Engelbrecht
San Antonio, TX

  • Dr. Rose Engelbrecht is an educator with 29 years of experience, and is currently a Network Instructional Superintendent in San Antonio Independent School District. Her Journey in education started at Central Missouri State University where she graduated with a degree in special education. She later went on to graduate school, earning a master's in educational leadership at Kansas State University, and a doctorate in educational/org leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Engelbrecht has served as a School administrator for 18 years at both Elementary and Middle school levels in Title1 urban schools. As a former Cahn Fellow distinguished principal, Noteworthy 19th, Dr. Engelbrecht is thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the program by advising other distinguished principals this year.

Lisa Epstein
Chicago, IL

  • Lisa Epstein is the Principal of Richard Henry Lee Elementary, located on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Lisa holds a degree in psychology and two in education with a focus on reading and curriculum and instruction. Within her career in the field of education, she has served as a teacher, an instructional coach, an administrator within the Office of Literacy, a School Improvement Coordinator and Assistant Principal. In her current role as principal, she has worked collaboratively with educators to accelerate academics and social emotional learning through personalized learning.

    Lisa is a nationally recognized and award-winning leader. Lisa was selected for the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals in 2017 and was the recipient of the LEAP Innovator of Education Award. Lisa shares her expertise locally and nationally by presenting at national and Local conferences and is the author of “I’m A Principal Who Thinks Personalized Learning Shouldn’t Be A Debate.” Lisa serves on several boards and provides mentorship and advisory support to principals on a national level.

Traci Frey
New York, NY

  • Traci Frey is currently a consultant for the Center for Educational Innovation, and serves as the co-chair of the board at Bridge Preparatory Charter School on Staten Island, She retired as the Deputy Superintendent of District 31 on Staten Island in July 2021. Prior to that, she was the Director of the Academic Response Team for District 31 from September 2019 until November 2019. Mrs. Frey was the Principal of the Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning High School, a New York City Outward Bound School, following the tenets of EL Education, on Staten Island from July 2009 until September 2019. She served as a Cahn Fellow in the 2015 cohort. Prior to becoming Principal, Mrs. Frey was the Assistant Principal of the Science Department at Edward R. Murrow High School, where she began her education career as a physics teacher in 1996. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Hamilton College, Masters in Secondary Science Education from the College of Staten Island, and Administration and Supervision Certificate from the College of St. Rose. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Community Based Leadership at the College of Staten Island.

Raul Garcia
Miami, FL

  • Raul Garcia, District Director, Leadership Development has been working in Miami-Dade County Public Schools since 1995. Mr. Garcia graduated from the University of Miami, with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Education in 1995. In 2001, he earned a Master’s degree in the Science of Education from Florida State University, followed by his Certificate in Educational Leadership from Florida International University. In 1998, as a District Eisenhower Math and Science Resource teacher, he provided professional development to teachers District-wide. From 2000-2006, as the Literacy Coach at Christina M Eve Elem., he developed a school-wide writing curriculum that resulted in the highest average FCAT Writing Assessment scores in Florida for multiple years. Mr. Garcia was promoted to the Principal of Goulds Elem. in 2009, and worked diligently to increase the school’s accountability grade from a “D” to an “A” in his first year. Throughout Mr. Garcia’s career, he has worked collaboratively with the Department of the Interior on the development of the “Hands on the Land Grant.” In addition, he has been a presenter at the 2017 Money Does Matter Support Program, 2016 District Synergy Conference, 2014 South Region SAIL Academy, 2002 Dade Reading Council Meeting, and the Florida Association of Science Teachers Conference. Mr. Garcia has been recognized with the 2017 Dade Arts Educators Association’s Outstanding Administrator Award, 2017 Office of the Secretary of Defense Patriotic Employer Award, the 2011 Cervantes Outstanding Educator Award, and Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year Award.

Shelly Gray
Chicago, IL

  • Shelly Gray is the proud principal of LaSalle-Backus Elementary School. Shelly began her career in Maryland before her journey took her to Tampa, Florida. Shelly joined D.C. Public Schools in 2013. Over her career, Shelly has served as a teacher, a resource teacher, language arts professional development writer and trainer. She has also served as an ELA Instructional Coach, Manager of Elementary Literacy Curriculum and Professional Development, an Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Shelly believes in creating a community that is built on trust, respect, integrity, love, and excellence. She is passionate about preparing all children to be successful in navigating a 21st century global community. In doing so, she established LaSalle as a Computer Science Education School in 2022 to prepare and empower all students to be creators and consumers of technology. By creating a strong foundation in computer science education, students will be prepared to bring their voices and experiences to the 21st century changing workforce. Shelly holds degrees from University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland University College. She is part of the inaugural Leadership and Innovation Program, Executive Leadership Certification for Assistant Principals, a DCPS partnership with Georgetown University McDonough School of Business.

Alice Hom
New York, NY

  • Alice Hom was a teacher and a math coach at PS 6 in Manhattan for 18 years. She then was assigned as an Assistant Principal to MS 131 in Manhattan’s Chinatown for 2 years before continuing on as Principal at PS 124 for 19 years. In 2007, Alice was announced as one of Time Warner Principals of Excellence and in 2009, she participated in the Cahn Fellows Program. She retired from the NYCPS in September, 2022. Currently, she is a Field Mentor supervising emerging teachers for the NYU Dept. of Teaching and Learning and an Alumni Advisor with Cahn Fellowship.

Erika Hurtado-Valentino
New York, NY

  • Erika Hurtado-Valentino is an esteemed graduate of Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy and has dedicated her entire educational career to the New York City Department of Education. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University, as well as a Master of Arts in Mathematics Secondary Education from Adelphi University. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at St. John’s University.

    Since 2021, Erika has been the Principal of Food and Finance High School in District 2, where she successfully secured the NYS Smart Scholars Early College Grant in 2024. Under her visionary leadership, students at Food and Finance High School have the opportunity to graduate with an Associate’s Degree from CUNY City Tech within one year, with all expenses covered, in addition to access to paid internships and alumni mentoring.

    Prior to her current role, Erika served as the Principal of Bronx Aerospace High School in District 11 from 2014 to 2021, where she initiated a New York State-approved Engineering Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program, increased the graduation rate by 24% during her tenure, and achieved Well Developed ratings in the NYC Quality Review.

    In her role as Principal, Erika brings forth a vision shaped by her extensive professional and academic experience in educational administration, focusing on supporting all stakeholders while dismantling barriers. As a Principal Facilitator Coach for the Assistant Principal Leadership Institute (APLI), she has mentored aspiring principals for three years and has been a Cahn Alumni Advisor since 2021. Since 2004, Erika has held various leadership positions, blending her commitment to service and youth development with a steadfast dedication to problem-solving, collaboration, and fostering academic excellence for all students.

Jamie Lofaro
Denver, CO

  • Jamie Lofaro, a 2018 Fellow, is the former principal of The Career Education Center Early College in Denver. CEC is the flagship Career and Technical Education institution in the Denver Public Schools, housing 22 career pathways, 9 of which grant concurrent enrollment credit.

    Prior to leading CEC, Jamie served for five years as the principal at PREP Academy, a school for high-risk and expelled youth. While at PREP, she re-designed the school structure by introducing a school-wide social-emotional curriculum and hired teachers that had the highest academic standards for students. The school was removed from the state’s academic watch list while under her leadership.

    Jamie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College. She earned two Master’s degrees, one from the University of Northern Colorado, the other from the University of Phoenix. Jamie also serves on the Cahn Fellows Colorado Advisory Council.

Jennifer Logan
Staten Island, New York

  • Inspired by a family of educators, Jennifer Logan has served as a classroom teacher, Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal in the New York City Department of Education for nearly twenty years. Seeing each child as a unique gift and humbled by the privilege of serving a community of learners, Jennifer Logan has availed herself of numerous opportunities to engage in professional learning to deepen her knowledge and practice. As an instructional leader, Jennifer Logan is committed to strengthening core instruction, engaging students in a shared and inclusive curriculum, knowing all students well, and advancing equity and excellence. As Principal of P.S. 41, Stephanie A. Vierno School, Jennifer Logan has worked collectively with the community and through the support of multiple partners to develop a shared vision for learning with the belief that advancing equity and excellence for all children is critical in developing thoughtful members of society who embody self-awareness, kindness, respect, and appreciation for themselves and one another. These tenets are collectively at the forefront of the school community and serve as lenses in the continuous professional learning and quest for improved outcomes for children.

Alene Mason
Chicago, IL

  • Alene Mason is a highly skilled, passionate, motivated, driven leader who works tirelessly to make a positive impact inside and outside of the school community. Her legacy of excellence in education spans over twenty-four years with Chicago Public Schools. She was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois and is a proud product of Chicago Public Schools. She has devoted her entire educational career as a principal, assistant principal, Network Math and Science Coach, teacher leader, Deputy Chief of Schools for Network 9 and currently Chief of Schools for Network 9.

Gina Mautschke-Mitchell
New York, NY

  • Coming Soon

Dahlia McGregor
New York, NY

  • Dahlia McGregor, a 2017 Cahn Fellow, is the Principal of Science Skills Center High School for Science, Technology and Creative Arts in Brooklyn, NY. Dahlia has been an Alumni Advisor since 2021.

Marisa Miranda
Prince William County, VA

  • Marisa Miranda is the Supervisor of Elementary Language Arts and Literacy at Prince William County Schools. Miranda is a student-focused leader whose educational philosophy is “every student, every day.” Miranda was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. A proud military spouse, she has lived with her husband and son in several areas of the United States and overseas. In 2003, Miranda began her educational career in Darmstadt Germany where she learned the meaning of how integral the school is to the community when faced with adversity. Miranda taught in Fairfax County Public Schools and continued her teaching career, and ultimate transition into leadership, in Prince William County Public Schools. Miranda has taught grades first through fifth in her career and served in Prince William as an Assistant Principal and Principal. In 2017, Miranda became principal at Glenkirk Elementary School, and over the course of the last six years, made it a place where students and staff can collaborate and find new and innovative ways to accomplish all things. Eager to share her knowledge and experience with others, Miranda has presented at several conferences, with the most recent on the topic, “Current Practices in Evidence Based Literacy Instruction from the Field.”

Ailene Mitchell
New York, NY

  • Ailene Mitchell, a 2012 Fellow, has been principal of The Park Slope Education Complex at Middle School 88 in NYC since 2005. Ailene’s core belief is that students learn best in an intimate setting with personalized, blended learning attuned to their needs and strengths. Her passion for educating all students transformed M.S. 88 from one of the most challenged New York City Public Schools into one of the most prominent middle schools in the United States.

    As a foundational member of Chancellor Carmen Fariña’s signature instructional initiative, Learning Partners Program, Ailene’s school was spotlighted as an innovator host model school. M.S. 88’s innovative practices have attracted prominent visitors such as Bill Gates, Hadi Partovi, Fred Wilson, and education ministers from countries as far as Denmark and Turkey. In recognition of her work Ailene was named Master Principal from 2015 to 2017, serving as a mentor to NYC public school principals. As a definitive voice on personalized learning to raise student achievement, she has presented at Discovery Education’s Future Now Conference, ASCD conference, International Conference on Education, Discovery Education Leadership Summit, ISTE Conference on Blended Learning, and the NYC DOE Chancellor’s Conferences.

    Ailene has been serving as an alumni advisor to the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals since 2017. She previously served on the advisory board of Columbia University’s Center for Environmental Research and Conservation Graduate Program from 2008-2015, and is a member of the Leaders on Innovation’s Digital Promise League of Schools. Ailene attributes M.S. 88’s success to her investment in professional learning, both personally and professionally. Her participation in the Institute for Learning at the University of Pittsburgh has been an integral part of her learning journey.

Nishira Mitchell
New York, NY

  • Nishira Mitchell, Principal of Memorial Middle School since 2024, started her educational career in 2006 as a high school teacher in Leon County. Shortly thereafter, Nishira relocated to Tampa where she began her career with Hillsborough County in 2008. From 2019-2024, she led Adams Middle School through turnaround with a 192 point gain. In 2024, she was selected to be the Earl Lennard School Administrator of the Year. She is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.A. Degree in Social Science and Teacher Education (2005). While teaching full-time and serving as Senior Class Sponsor, Mrs. Mitchell earned her M.Ed. from University of South Florida in 2010 as well as promotion to Assistant Principal for Student Affairs. A short time later, she earned a promotion to Assistant Principal for Magnet Curriculum. In 2016, she was the first leader from her school district to have her proposal titled “Diversity and Achievement in an International Baccalaureate Program in an Urban Area” presented at an IB Conference. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, she believes in uplifting the community through service. Nishira is dedicated to disrupting barriers that interfere with equity in education. Nishira believes that restorative practices in schools can increase positive relationships while increasing access to a culture for learning focused upon equity. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and children.

Chrissy Moore
Los Angeles

  • Chrissy Moore is the proud principal of Luther Burbank Middle School, serving grades 6-8 in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles. She started her career in education 24 years ago, teaching 5th grade in East Palo Alto, California, after completing her undergraduate degree at Stanford University. After relocating to Los Angeles, CA, she began teaching at the middle school level for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She served as a Literacy Coach, supporting teachers in implementation of literacy practices through all disciplines. It was during these years that she found her passion for curriculum design, planning and facilitation of professional development, and working with adolescents at the middle school level. These interests along with her desire to create systemic change, led to the pursuit of her Master’s and in administrative leadership at UCLA.

    In 2007, as an Assistant Principal, she helped to open a new middle school in the Pico Union neighborhood of Los Angeles; an incredible opportunity to build a program from the ground up. In 2010 she began her work at Luther Burbank Middle School as Assistant Principal where she worked alongside colleagues in a reform process, from staffing, designing a student centered master and bell schedule, to creating an effective professional learning plan for educators, the focus remained on serving adolescence in the middle grades with a clear connection between theory, our beliefs and our practice. In 2014 she assumed the Principal position. In 2015, 2018 and 2021 LBMS was named a School to Watch by the California League of Middle Schools. Chrissy was named 2023 Middle Grades Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators(ACSA). She also serves as the President of the Middle Grades Education Council for ACSA.

    Chrissy loves reading, writing, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and children, ages 14,11, and 10.

Moses Ojeda
New York, NY

  • Moses Ojeda, a 2017 Fellow, is Principal of Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education (CTE) High School, has dedicated nearly 30 years at Thomas Edison as a student, teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal. Currently, the school offers 12 CTE programs, the latest Medical Assisting program as the only one of its kind in NYC. Under his leadership, Thomas Edison will be serving as a Learning Partner host school for CTE in 2017-18. Moses currently serves as a CSA Executive Board member, the educational representative of the Jamaica Now Initiative and is part of the NYSED School Principal Preparation Project Study. He is a graduate of NYC College of Technology (B.S in CTE) and Adelphi University (M.S in Educational Leadership and Technology). Moses serves as a Cahn Fellows Alumni Advisor and is also a member of the Cahn Fellows Board of Directors. In 2021 he was a recipient of an Ernest Logan Unionists of the Year Award.

Dr. Cory Overstreet
Chicago, IL

  • Dr. Cory Overstreet has served the students of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for the past twenty years as a high school teacher, high school and K-8 school assistant principal, mentor principal, and K-8 principal. He is currently in his eighth year as the principal of Kate Starr Kellogg. Kellogg has earned and maintained a Level 1+ school quality rating; is recognized by CPS as an established supportive school; and was ranked among the top 25 CPS schools by Chicago Magazine. Cory is a Chicago Principal Fellow and participated in executive leadership development through Northwestern University. He is an elected member of the CPS CEO’s Principal Advisory Council; has served as a mentor for five first year principals; and is a principal eligibility assessor. Cory was recently recognized as an Outstanding Restorative Administrator in the district and honored with a “Movers & Shakers Leadership Award” by the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. Cory holds master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and School Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Doctorate of School Leadership and superintendent license from Loyola University Chicago. Cory is very proud to lead a neighborhood school where his three children are students.

Rachel Payne
Denver, Colorado

  • Rachel Payne, a 2018 Fellow, is one of the Operational Superintendents for Denver Public Schools. She has previously served in the role of principal of a K-8, as an instructional coach, and as an elementary and secondary classroom teacher. One of the most proud roles she has assumed over the last ten years has been that of mentor for Denver principal residents and interns. Through this program, she has been able to support new leaders through coaching and mentoring.   Leadership development is her passion as she knows it is closely tied to the success of student learning and achievement.

Jake Russell
Tampa, FL

  • Jake Russell began his career in 1994 as a Social Studies teacher in Hillsborough County. In 2000, after 6 years in the classroom, he moved into administration as an Assistant Principal. Jake was named the Principal at Sickles High School in 2005. Under his leadership, Sickles earned an A grade 10 out of the 12 years he was principal. In June of 2017, Mr. Russell was offered the principalship at Chamberlain High School. Chamberlain was a D-rated school in 2016 and 2017 and the lowest-performing school in Hillsborough County. Chamberlain serves a diverse population where 87% of the students receive free and reduced lunch. In 2018, after Mr. Russell’s first year, Chamberlain improved to a C, growing from 368 earned points to 509. Turn around leadership has become his passion, and he looks forward to continued professional growth. Jake Russell has been selected as Principal of the Year of Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Scott Saperstein
Miami, FL

  • A proud 2019 Fellow, Scott Saperstein is the Principal of Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, which has repeatedly earned an “A” rating from the State of Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Long Island University and an Educational Specialist Degree from Argosy University in Educational Leadership.

    Mr. Saperstein previously served as the Principal of Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary (VABHOE) from 2013 until 2017. During his tenure, VABHOE was awarded an A rating from the Florida Department of Education three out of four years. Prior to his work at VABHOE, he served as the Assistant Principal at Aventura Waterways K-8 Center, helping the school maintain an A rating for 5 years. Prior to serving as an administrator, he served as a guidance counselor and social studies teacher at several schools in Miami and Los Angeles, CA.

Tara Shelton
Chicago, IL

  • Tara Shelton began her administrative career in 2006 to focus on teacher development. A product of Chicago Public Schools, Tara began her teaching career at Benjamin Banneker Elementary school in the Englewood neighborhood where she felt there wasn't enough guidance for professional growth. This led her to the UIC EdD in Urban Education Leadership program. The program is designed to prepare and develop principals to be able to lead school improvement at the district level. This experience has led her to many other great opportunities: Principal of South Loop Elementary for the past 17 years, being accepted into the Cahn Fellows Program in New York, Principal mentor with Chicago Leadership Collaborative, CPS Principal Fellowship program, 2016 Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership nominee and serving on a variety of district level committees. Tara earned a Bachelors Degree from Southern University A&M College and Master Degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Administration from Chicago State University.

Dr. Femi Skanes
Chicago, IL

  • Dr. Femi Skanes is a passionate leader who believes that all students should have access to a quality and equitable education. Dr. Skanes is the founder of Leadership EDGE, LLC., an educational consulting firm committed to making education spaces successful by focusing on students as individuals, equitable structures, and solutions for innovation.

    Dr. Skanes has served in many educational and academic capacities, most recently a high school principal for ten years, Dr. Skanes is well known for her commitment to revitalizing schools through goal driven leadership and by fostering positive community relationships. Through the use of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Dr. Skanes has successfully helped two schools improve academic performance. She is highly regarded as an MTSS expert.

    Dr. Skanes is a recipient of numerous civic, community, and religious awards and accolades. Dr. Skanes is an accomplished mentor, speaker, writer, school leader, and author of Encouragement for the School Leader’s Soul.

Lynn Smith
Dallas/Arlington, TX

  • Dr. Lynn Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in special education from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1983. In 1995, she earned her Master of Science degree in human development and early childhood disorders from the same institution. She later earned her principal certification in 2006 and her superintendent certification in 2023. She then received her Doctor of Education in educational leadership in 2024 from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dr. Smith is an experienced public-school administrator with a proven track record of leading a diverse team of educators through difficult situations to increasing levels of personal and professional success. She describes herself as a self-initiated worker and campus leader who believes all children can learn and all teachers can become masters at their craft with the right strategies and tools. In her numerous roles over the years, she has helped teachers capitalize on their strengths and hone their skills through collaboration and effective professional development. She has numerous core competencies, including organization and planning, project management, data-driven instruction, and innovation. Her experience in education dates back to 1983 and covers a variety of districts and roles. She prides herself on staying up to date on issues in education and she is passionate about issues related to social justice.

Stacy Stewart
Chicago, IL

  • Stacy Stewart is a distinguished educational leader with over three decades of experience, currently serving as the Senior Director of Networks at Leading Educators in Harlem. She has significantly enhanced educational practices through the integration of AI technologies and spearheaded literacy initiatives across multiple schools. As a former Deputy Chief of Schools at Chicago Public Schools, she founded the first Dual Language School on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Additionally, Stacy is a Golden Apple mentor, actively contributes to the Cahn Fellows program as an advisor and serves on the board of the Illinois ASCD.

Christina Tettonis
New York, NY

  • Christina Tettonis, a 2007 Fellow, was honored to be Principal of the Hellenic Classical Charter School (HCCS) from 2007 to 2019. The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education designated her school as a Reward School for four consecutive years in recognition of her students’ high academic achievement. In addition, the State Department recognized HCCS as one of the top 155 schools in all of New York State. HCCS was also featured in the book, New York City’s Best Public Pre-K and Elementary Schools, A Parents’ Guide by Clara Hemphill. She was also a member of the New York City Deputy Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Group. She served as a Board of Trustee for the Brooklyn Public Library, The Literacy Trust, The Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, and The Bay Ridge Federal Union. Christina was Principal of Public School 170 for the NYC Department of Education from 2002-2007 and Director of The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program for Community School District 20 from 1997-2002. She began her public school career as a teacher at Public School 186 and Public School 105 in Brooklyn, New York. Her first teaching position was at Holy Cross Parochial School. Christina was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is the eldest daughter of Greek-American immigrants who ingrained in her a deep sense of pride for her Hellenic heritage. She is honored to share this heritage with her students each and every day. In 2019 Christina was promoted to Superintendent of Hellenic Classical Charter Schools.

Christina Villavicencio
New York, NY

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