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.

Robert Bhoolai
Tampa, FL

  • Robert Bhoolai, a 2019 Cahn Fellow, has joined our team as a Program Director to assist in the development of our expansion model. Robert is the former principal of T.R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida. Serving traditional and magnet students in grades 9-12, Robert led the school to obtain significant academic standing locally and nationally. He also coordinated the implementation of several academic and social initiatives that focused on the cultural and social-emotional perspectives of the schooling experience. His efforts led to record graduation rates, higher percentages of college acceptance, and higher rates of post-secondary industry placement for students. Robert began his career in Hillsborough County Public Schools in 2006. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Wittenberg University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of South Florida, and is currently working toward his doctoral degree in Educational Program Development with a focus in Educational Innovation. Robert has served as a substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal, principal, district trainer, and leadership mentor. He used his experiences and knowledge to identify and grow aspiring leaders, both at his school and within the district. Robert found his passion for leadership when he served in several key teacher-leader roles across several schools. In 2011 Robert was appointed assistant principal at a high needs high school. This experience helped him discover the power of building authentic relationships with students in an administrative role. The leadership team was proud to lead the school to its first and only A rating. As a 2019 fellow, Robert worked to establish an Executive Student Board at T.R. Robinson. The board works on behalf of all students to facilitate healthy and proactive communication between students and staff, aimed at creating opportunities for students to engage in school-level decisions that affect their schooling experience.

Bud C. Bryant
Chicago, IL

  • Bud Bryant is the Principal of Countee Cullen Elementary School. During his 12-year tenure, Bud has been recognized for closing achievement gaps and obtaining Chicago Public Schools’ highest school quality rating. Following his passion to transform lives of at-risk youth, he began his education career as a classroom teacher after operating as an infantry officer in the United States Army. Bud served as a mentor principal, assistant principal, lead teacher and head football and basketball coach. A graduate of Jackson State University, Bud earned a B.S. in Political Science and M.A. in School Administration and Supervision from Northeastern Illinois University. His philosophy of meeting the academic exigency of children and creating a safe and orderly environment, conducive to both teaching and learning, is directly aligned to Bud’s relentless pursuit for students to succeed in a nurturing environment. Leading from the “front” has become his mantra.

Anna Cano Amato
New York, NY

  • Anna Cano Amato, a 2015 Fellow, retired from her position as Principal of PS 110 in Brooklyn in February 2020 after having assumed the position in 2006. She joined the faculty of PS 110 in 1984 where she worked in the following positions: Assistant Principal, Literacy Coach, Teacher Trainer, Spanish and Classroom Teacher, 2nd through 5th grades. 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.

    During her tenure at the school she ensured that the school’s vision of Growing Hearts and Minds addressed the academic, social and emotional growth of its students. In recognition of the school’s efforts in fulfilling its vision, PS 110 was the first New York City public school to receive the “Educating the Whole Child in the 21st Century” award from the New York ASCD for creating a healthy, safe, engaging, supportive, and challenging school environment.

    Always exploring educational opportunities for her students, she recognized the value of bilingual programs and introduced a French Dual Language curriculum to the PS 110 school community in 2010. Anna 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.” This award was founded in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize devotion and accomplishment in the areas of teaching, scholarship and research. Her vision contributed to the success of bilingual education in New York City public schools, and she helped to offer hundreds of children the opportunity to learn in two languages.

    Upon retirement in 2020, she assumed the position of Program Coordinator for the Cahn Fellows Programs. She has now moved into the position of Alumni Program Manager. She has served as an Cahn Fellow Alumni Advisor since 2016.

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.

Juan Cordoba
Dallas, TX

  • Juan Cordoba, originally from Pasto, Colombia; graduated from LeTourneau University with a B.S in Aeronautical Science in 2003, Cum Laude, and received his master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Education Administration in 2010, Magna Cum Laude. His educational career has been in Dallas ISD having enrolled in the Dallas Alternative Certification program in 2004. Juan began as a bilingual kindergarten teacher. He was promoted to a math and science instructional coach position, academic coordinator, AP in a turn-around school, Elementary School Principal and then Middle School Principal. Under his leadership Rusk MS emerged from being 33 of 33 middle schools as rated by the Dallas ISD School Effectiveness Indices. His school was also revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School in November 2017. Rusk MS increased the enrollment of students in advanced courses and the number of courses offered providing high school credit to our students including, physics, algebra I, Spanish I and Spanish II. Juan’s strengths include providing opportunities for collaboration, building capacity and creating a positive and supportive working environment. In 2020 Juan was promoted to executive director in School Leadership for Dallas Independent School District.

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.

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.

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

  • I was born and raised in Kenya; a country located at the eastern part of Africa. My journey in education led me to Central Missouri State University, where I graduated with a degree in special education. I went on to graduate school where I earned a master's in educational leadership at Kansas State University and a doctorate in educational/org leadership at Nova Southeastern University. An educator with 29 years in the field, 18 of which have been in school leadership, I am currently the proud principal of Hot Wells Middle School, a school I was privileged to open in 2021 school year.

    As a former Cahn Fellow distinguished principal, Noteworthy 19th, I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the program by advising other distinguished principals this year.

Raul Garcia
Miami, FL

  • Raul Garcia, Principal of Southwood Middle School Center for the Arts, 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.

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 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.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.” She has earned Executive Principal status within the Chicago Public Schools through her work as a mentor. She serves on several boards and provides advisory and support to principals on a national level.

Stacey Gauthier
New York, NY

  • Stacey Gauthier is the Executive Director of The Renaissance Charter School (TRCS) and The Renaissance Charter School 2 (TRCS 2) and is also Principal of TRCS. She has been involved in education for over 25 years. She has served in many capacities including Founding Director of Operations, Co-Principal, Principal, and Board Member. She has been actively involved in New York’s Charter movement since 1999 and helped write and defend the schools’ charter applications. She has unique experience in leading both a conversion charter school and a State Education Department authorized school. Stacey has been extremely active in charter school advocacy on both the city and state levels.

    Prior to her work in PK-12 education, Stacey worked for a prominent labor union, an executive search firm, in museum education / administration and was a public relations’ consultant. During her career, she taught a graduate level Educational Finance Course and has facilitated various workshops on educational topics.

    She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and a Masters of Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts. She is also permanently certified in New York as a School Building Leader, School District Leader and School Business Manager.

    Stacey was a Cahn Fellow and is currently a Fellow in the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program after successfully completing a year-long fellowship program in Education Policy.

Joshua Long
Chicago, IL

  • Josh Long, a 2016 Fellow, is the principal of Southside Occupational Academy (SOA), a transition center for students with disabilities. Serving students who are 16-21 years old, Joshua has guided the creation of several vocational learning labs, a school-wide functional curriculum, a differentiated student assessment system, and community-based classrooms across the City of Chicago. Students enrolled at SOA participate in classes focused on vocational, independent functioning, social and emotional, and applied academic skills. Joshua has worked with all of the staff members to provide individualized instruction to each student allowing the students to become as independent as possible within their communities upon graduation.

    Joshua began his career with the Chicago Public Schools as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in 2000 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University and a Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Communication Disorders. Working across many neighborhoods in Chicago, he was confronted with the reality that some students needed more than a traditional education program in order to reach their full potential upon graduation. In 2009, after obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University, Joshua became a manager for over 100 SLPs within 200 schools. It was during this role that he realized the power of influence a school principal had on student learning and the school environment. Joshua decided that he wanted to effect change at a higher level and become a school principal for students with disabilities.

    Joshua firmly believes that all students are entitled to a coordinated, well-executed, tiered educational program. He also believes that schools have the responsibility to meet all of the students’ needs and serve as a resource for their families. As a 2016 Fellow, Joshua focused on the expanding needs of his students and worked with the school community to open a branch location focused on integrated community education. The best part of Joshua’s day is standing outside and greeting the students in the morning. He has the best students in Chicago and they are always happy to come to school!

Alene Mason
Chicago, IL

  • Alene Mason, a 2018 Fellow, served as principal of Scott Joplin Elementary School in Chicago, IL from 2008 to 2021 when she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Schools. The following year she was promoted again to Chief of Schools. Her career in education is fueled by her vision to help transform and change the lives of others. Mason received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Actuary Science from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana. She received a Masters of Arts from both from Saint Xavier University in Elementary Education and Concordia University in School Leadership.

    Her unique background in computer engineering sparks her creativity and innovation, which can be seen in her collaborative leadership. She served as a principal leader for both the Chief Education Officer Principal Advisory Council (PAC) and the Chicago Public School District Principal Procurement Advisory Council (PPAC). Mason believes that ALL children can learn given the proper resources and the opportunity.

Nicholas Mazzarella
New York, NY

  • A 2016 Fellow, Nicholas Mazzarella was principal of the Brooklyn College Academy. Mazzarella secured a $300,000 grant from The Middle College National Consortium, sponsored by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to fund the redesign Brooklyn College Academy into an Early College High School. His first school was Park East High School in East Harlem, New York.

    Nick sits on the Executive Board of the Middle College National Consortium and he is the Past President of the New York City High School Principals Association where he also is a member of the Executive Board.

    Mazzarella earned his BS and MS from Long Island University and his MS in Educational Leadership from Pace University.

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.

Erika Hurtado-Valentino
New York, NY

  • Erika Hurtado-Valentino is a graduate of Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy and has spent her entire educational career in the New York City Department of Education. Her academic accomplishments also include a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Secondary Ed. from Adelphi University. She is currently a St. John’s University student and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

    Erika has been the Principal of Food and Finance High School in District 2 since 2021. She helped create the innovative “Game Changer” program, which allows her students to graduate with an Associate’s Degree from CUNY City Tech in one year with all expenses covered, paid internships and alumni mentoring. Erika was also the Principal of Bronx Aerospace High School in District 11 from 2014-2021, where she started a NYS approved Engineering CTE Program, raised the graduation rate by 24% during her tenure and earned Well Developed ratings in the NYC Quality Review. In the role of Principal, she brings to her community a vision formed by her professional and academic experience in educational administration that supports all stakeholders while tearing down boundaries.

    Erika has been in leadership roles since 2004 combining her commitment to service and youth development with a dedication to problem solving, teamwork, and academic achievement for all. As a Principal Facilitator Coach for the Assistant Principal Leadership Institute (APLI) she coached aspiring Principals for three years and has served as a Cahn Alumni Advisor since 2021.

Gina Mautschke-Mitchell
New York, NY

  • Coming Soon

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.

Alice Hom
New York, NY

  • Alice Hom is a Retired Principal.

Dr. Moises Ortiz
San Antonio, TX

  • Dr. Moises Ortiz is a life-long educator committed to developing PK-12 socially just public schools. His tenure has earned him the moniker, The Fixer, after successfully uniting the professional learning communities of the three middle schools and three high schools he has led as principal, while guiding them out of state and federal unacceptable accountability status within one school year. His perspective on education is simple and stems from what his parents ingrained in both his brother and him, “La educacion abre puertas y reautoriza vidas.” (Education opens doors and reauthors lives). He earned his B.A. and M.Ed. from Trinity University and completed his doctoral studies in Educational Policy and Planning from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Ortiz is a 2019 Columbia Teachers College Cahn Fellow and a member of the International Association of Educational Leaders researcher network. Currently he principals both Sidney Lanier High School and Fidel L. Tafolla Middle School in the San Antonio Independent School District as well as serves as a mentor to educational leadership candidates from Trinity University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Lamar University. He is currently serving as an Alumni Advisor to his second cohort of Cahn Fellows.

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.

Rachel Payne
Denver, CO

  • 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, an instructional coach, and an elementary and secondary classroom teacher.

    One of the proudest 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.

Stacey Perot
Atlanta, GA

  • A 2021 Cahn Fellow, Stacey W. Abbott has been a principal since 2012 and has been the principal of Garden Hills Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia since 2016. Garden Hills is an IB:PYP certified school that is also a dual language immersion school. During her tenure as principal, Stacey has worked in Title I schools with diverse populations, with a focus on language and literacy development. She has served as an adjunct professor for Kennesaw State University and Casenex while teaching masters and undergraduate level classes in methods for language acquisition, linguistics and gifted instruction. While attending Texas A&M University, Stacey earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and her Master of Education, Curriculum, and Instruction with an emphasis in Bilingual Instruction. In addition, she earned her Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Stacey prides herself on being a collaborative, strategic leader who is continually growing and refining her own leadership repertoire.

Ailene Altman 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.

Christine 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.

Scott Saperstein
Miami, FL

  • A 2019 Fellow, Scott Saperstein is the Principal of Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center in Bay Harbor, 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.

    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.

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.

Rebecca Sargable
Tampa, FL

  • Rebecca Sargable, a 2018 Fellow, served as principal of Lanier Elementary School from 2012-2015 and has served as the principal of Collins Elementary School in Tampa, Florida since 2015.

    Sargable earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.

    She serves in multiple leadership roles with Hillsborough County Public Schools, including being a principal mentor and a lead trainer for the Preparing New Principals Leadership Pipeline Program. As a transformational leader, Sargable makes all decisions through the lens of student learning. She integrates building the empathetic and inclusive child with core instruction on a daily basis. The students that attend the schools that she has led are true learners, not only in content but also in character.

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 to many other great opportunities: Principal of South Loop Elementary for the past 12 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

  • Femi Skanes, a 2016 Fellow, was the Principal of Al Raby School for Community & Environment and Morgan Park High School in Chicago from 2012 to 2022. As an educator who has taught at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary level, Femi firmly believes in fostering educational excellence for urban students in underserved communities. To achieve this success, she believes in a model that supports collaboration and teacher leadership development. Dr. Skanes holds several degrees including an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. In 2022 Femi left Chicago Public Schools and now leads Leadership Edge, LLC, an education consulting firm in Mt. Greenwood, Illinois that she founded in 2018.

Stacy Stewart
Chicago, IL

  • A 2016 Fellow, Stacy Stewart was the Principal of Belmont-Cragin School, located on Chicago’s Northwest side. As a former CPS student and 25-year employee of the Chicago Public Schools, she has served as a middle school teacher, Induction Coach for the New Teacher Center, and a principal. After becoming principal of Belmont-Cragin in 2010, she has worked diligently to improve the quality of teaching and learning, by utilizing a personalized approach with dual language education, SEL and personalized learning. She advanced the school’s designation from a Level 3 rating, in 2010, to a Level 1+ in 2017. In addition, Belmont-Cragin is currently recognized nationally as an “Ashoka Change Maker” school with a Gold Circle NAEYC Accredited Early Childhood Center. Notably, her school was awarded, in 2016, an “Exemplary Award” for Social and Emotional Learning from the Chicago Public Schools. She has been awarded the leading educator scholarship for innovative principals, from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, which hosted 500 of the nation’s most successful superintendents and school leaders. In addition, she was awarded the Stanley Golder Leadership Award from the Golden Apple Foundation for exemplary performance in school leadership and a multi-million dollar capital project for a new innovative school from the city of Chicago. In 2021 Stacy was promoted to Deputy Chief of School for CPS Network 13.

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.

Lynn Smith
Dallas, TX

  • Coming Soon

Codi Van Duzee
Arlington/Dallas

  • Coming Soon

Christina Villavicencio
New York, NY

  • Coming Soon