2026 Leadership Lab
Practitioners

Dr. Rasheed Bility

The Early College High School of Emergency Medicine
New York City, NY

  • Dr. Rasheed Bility is the Principal of The Early College High School of Emergency Medicine (EChem) in New York City, an innovative Career and Technical Education high school focused on healthcare and emergency medicine pathways. He has served as principal since 2021, leading a comprehensive transformation centered on equity, academic rigor, and career-connected learning for historically underserved students. Under Dr. Bility’s leadership, EChem secured a $2.46 million NYSED P-TECH grant in partnership with Northwell Health and Borough of Manhattan Community College, creating a cost-free grades 9–14 pathway through which students can earn an Applied Associate degree in Paramedicine, Public Health, or Science. He expanded Advanced Placement offerings from two to ten courses, tripled student enrollment, and led a sustained increase in graduation rates to 98 percent. EChem is designated as a FutureReadyNYC pathway school, offering Pre-Nursing and Certified Medical Assistant tracks that integrate early college coursework, industry credentials, and workforce preparation. Dr. Bility has also secured significant philanthropic and capital investments, including funding for NYCPS’s first high school ambulance simulator outside of Queens and the launch of the Nurse L.E.A.D. mentorship program in partnership with the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association.

Susana Boyko

PS/MS 37 Multiple Intelligence School
The Bronx, NY

  • Principal Susana Boyko is a compassionate and visionary instructional leader whose leadership promotes the success of all students and embodies the balance between academics and social-emotional well-being. Her tenacious spirit has allowed her to lead gracefully despite the difficulties her school community may face. Susie has been an educator since 2003 when she began her career as a speech and language teacher at New York City Public Schools, (NYCPS). Since then, she has worked as a Speech Supervisor, Assistant Principal, and Principal of public schools in NYC and Westchester, NY. Mrs. Boyko has earned degrees from Mercy College and Teachers College, Columbia University. As a first-generation college graduate, she places a high value on education. Susana engages and networks outside her school by sharing best practices with colleagues. She is very active in local and national organizations with educators that function in high capacities, such as the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and the New York Academy of Public Educators (NYAPE). She enjoys listening to music and spending quality time with her three children.

Joseph Campbell

Lovett Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Joseph Campbell is a proud Chicago native, born and raised in the city he now serves as an educational leader. He has been a principal since 2022 and currently serves as principal of Joseph Lovett Elementary School, the same school he attended as a child—an experience that fuels both pride and responsibility. His passion for education was inspired by his mother, whose influence instilled in him a belief in the transformative power of education. Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, where his appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and leadership first developed. He later earned two master’s degrees from Concordia University Chicago: a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Principal Preparation, equipping him to lead with both instructional expertise and strategic vision. Throughout his career, Joseph has served students and families on both the West and South Sides of Chicago, grounding his leadership in equity, community partnership, and high expectations. Known for balancing excellence with approachability, he fosters a school culture rooted in joy and collaboration. Joseph is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a devoted father to his son Nathan, and an avid football fan.

Jeffrey Cooley

Kenly Elementary
Tampa, FL

  • Jeffrey Cooley is the principal of Kenly Elementary School (Title I) in Tampa, Florida, serving since 2022. He leads with a servant-leadership philosophy centered on strong relationships, clear expectations, accountability, and building capacity in teachers and leaders. Since becoming principal, he guided Kenly to its first “A” school grade in school history (2024–25), achieved full ESSA subgroup compliance, and delivered significant one-year gains in ELA, math, and science proficiency. His work emphasizes data-driven PLC cycles, aligned coaching and feedback, and a Tier 1 behavior and attendance campaign integrating PBIS/ROAR expectations with MTSS systems. Before Kenly, Jeffrey served as assistant principal of elementary instruction at James Elementary (Transformation Network) from 2020–2022 and at Ippolito Elementary from 2018–2020. He began his career at James Elementary as a teacher from 2007–2013 and later as a math coach from 2013–2018. Jeffrey also expands opportunities through partnerships and family engagement initiatives, including a school food pantry and literacy and enrichment programs. He holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida.

DeShaun Harris

Ashford Elementary School
Houston, TX

  • DeShaun Harris is the proud principal of Ashford Elementary School in Houston, Texas, part of the Houston Independent School District. A product of Houston ISD, Mr. Harris graduated from Jack Yates High School in 2009 and later earned his degree from Prairie View A&M University. Before assuming his current role as principal, he served in various capacities, including hourly lecturer, mathematics teacher, elementary assistant principal, and middle school Dean of Instruction. In addition to his campus leadership experience, Mr. Harris has worked as a program manager and consultant for organizations focused on teacher quality and retention among HBCU graduates, scholarship programs, and SAT/ACT preparation initiatives. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Mr. Harris’ core values—faith, discipline, happiness, growth, and effectiveness—guide his work and leadership. His passion for teaching and learning was instilled early, growing up in a family of educators. His lifelong mission is to strengthen education by building teacher and leadership capacity, shaping education policy, and fostering partnerships between PK–12 schools and higher education institutions to create thriving learning communities.

Tenesha Hatter

Theophilus Schmid School
Chicago, IL

  • Tenesha Hatter brings 35 years of experience in education, including fifteen as an assistant principal and five years as a school principal, and leads with confidence, clarity, and a deep commitment to relationships and scholar success. She believes strong schools are built when adults work together within clear systems so that every scholar experiences consistent, high-quality instruction, care, and opportunity. As a principal, Mrs. Hatter prioritizes relationship-building as the foundation for distributive leadership and systems change. She invests time in knowing her staff and scholars, building trust, and creating shared responsibility for academic growth, behavior, and wellbeing. She has led the development of structures and routines that strengthen instructional practice, support adult learning, and ensure scholars receive the support they need across classrooms—not just in isolated spaces. Mrs. Hatter leads with the belief that confident adults create confident scholars. Her work focuses on building systems that reduce fragmentation, increase coherence, and keep scholars at the center of every decision. Through participation in the Cahn Leadership Lab, she seeks to continue refining her leadership practice, learning alongside other principals, and strengthening people-centered systems that improve outcomes and experiences for all scholars.

Angelique Hewlett

PS 129Q Patricia Larkin Elementary School
Queens, NY

  • Angelique has dedicated twenty years to serving New York City Public Schools as a passionate and committed educator. Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership roles at the school, district, and borough levels, including special education teacher, literacy coach, mentor, assistant principal, and education administrator. Across every role, Angelique has led with a deep commitment to equity, academic excellence, and strong family and community partnerships, always centering students’ culture and unique abilities as their greatest assets. Since 2023, Angelique proudly leads a large, vibrant, multicultural, and multilingual elementary school in College Point, Queens. She is especially proud to both live and work in the same district where she herself attended NYC Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. When she is not engaged in conversations about instruction and learning. Angelique, alongside her husband, can be found on the baseball field or at dance competitions, cheering on their 10th-grade son and 6th-grade daughter, or spending quality time playing with their beloved American Bully.

Araceli Ibarra

Walsh Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Araceli Ibarra is the Principal of Walsh Math & Science Elementary and a dedicated advocate for educational equity within the Chicago Public Schools. A proud CPS alumna and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Ms. Ibarra’s deep roots in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood inform her mission-driven approach to school leadership. With a career spanning various instructional and administrative roles across the district, Ms. Ibarra has distinguished herself as an expert in inclusive education. She is committed to a holistic, school wide model that prioritizes the success of students with diverse learning needs, ensuring every child has the support necessary to thrive. Under her leadership, Walsh Elementary has expanded its horizons through strategic community partnerships. By collaborating with organizations such as The Resurrection Project, Kid Spark, Ravinia, Leadership EDGE and Ingenuity, Ms. Ibarra has integrated innovative programming and creative resources directly into the student experience. Her collaborative vision and unwavering dedication to excellence continue to empower the Walsh community and shape a bright future for its students.

Angela Jones

P17X
The Bronx, NY

  • Angela Jones is a proud New Yorker who grew up in the city and attended NYC Public Schools, experiences that deeply shape her commitment to serving students and families. She began her work in education in 2008 and stepped into school leadership in 2017 as an Assistant Principal. In 2021, Angela became a Principal, a role in which she leads with compassion, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child As a mother of two young boys, Angela brings both a parent’s heart and an educator’s lens to her work. She understands the hopes families hold for their children and strives to create a school community where students feel safe, loved, and empowered to grow. Angela has a special passion for working with children with diverse learning needs. She is especially committed to ensuring that students with special needs experience meaningful learning, joy, and dignity each day. Her leadership centers on strong relationships, culturally responsive practices, and creating opportunities for students to shine in their own ways. Warm, collaborative, and student‑centered, Angela continues to champion environments where every child—and every educator—feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Rebecca Kijek

Peace and Educ Coalition HS
Chicago, IL

  • Rebecca Kijek, EdD, has served as the Principal of Peace and Education Coalition High School (PECHS) on the South Side of Chicago since 2022. Under her leadership, PECHS provides an accelerated graduation route for students aged 16–21 who are under-credited. Dr. Kijek is a 2025 recipient of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Award of Excellence, recognizing her commitment to equity and community-connected leadership. A specialist in navigating rapid demographic shifts, Dr. Kijek has led her campus through a significant influx of Newcomer students, driving academic growth for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). Her leadership approach focuses on distributed leadership and building teacher capacity to sustain student-centered environments. Dr. Kijek remains dedicated to balancing instructional excellence with staff and student well-being, ensuring that every learner at PECHS has a transformative path to success. She is honored to continue her professional growth and impact through her participation in the Cahn Leadership Lab.

Dr. Hazel-Ann Lewis

William Sidney Mount
Queens, NY

  • Dr. Hazel-Ann Lewis is an accomplished educational leader dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community engagement. She began her career in education as a New York City Public School teacher in 2002, where she developed a passion for creating inclusive learning environments that empower students to thrive. In 2010, Dr. Lewis transitioned into an instructional leadership role, focusing on curriculum development and teacher mentorship to improve student outcomes. Her commitment to innovation and equity in education led her to assume the role of Assistant Principal in 2015, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance school culture and strengthen family partnerships. Since 2023, Dr. Lewis has served as Principal, guiding her school with a vision centered on collaboration, student achievement, and holistic development. Under her leadership, the school has implemented transformative programs that integrate technology, social-emotional learning, and community resources. Dr. Lewis is recognized for her ability to inspire educators and cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders. She continues to advocate for educational practices that prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. Her leadership reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities.

Amy Metzler

Tampa Heights Elementary
Tampa, FL

  • Amy Metzler began her public education career in 2006. She taught in Cobb County, Georgia from 2006-2010. During this time, she taught 3rd grade. She moved to teach in Hilsborough County, Florida in 2010. She taught 5th grade, 2010-2011, and then 3rd grade, 2011-2012. In 2012, she became a site-based math coach. During this time, she supported teachers with planning, data analysis, and math instruction. In 2015, she became a district-based math coach and supported 10 schools with growing math instruction. In 2017, while participating in a master's degree program that was a partnership between Hillsborough County and University of Tampa, she returned as a site-based math coach. In 2019, Amy became an assistant principal at Sulphur Springs K8, where she supported the K5 side of the school. In 2022, she became the principal of Tampa Heights Elementary School. She, currently, remains the principal of Tampa Heights Elementary School.

Soledad Montañes

MS 419Q The Tommie L. Agee Ed. Campus
New York City, NY

  • Soledad Montañes is a proud product of the New York City public school system. Raised in District 24, where she later began her career as an English teacher in the district’s largest middle school, her lived experience as an immigrant shaped her understanding of both the power and the gaps within public education. After working at the World Trade Center while attending college, the events of September 11, 2001 deeply influenced her desire to pursue meaningful change through education. She earned two master’s degrees in Education and School Building Leadership and served as an Assistant Principal in Brooklyn, where she focused on building socially and emotionally responsive learning communities. In 2022, she returned home as the Founding Principal of a new middle school in District 24, leading with a BRAVE philosophy—Bright, Resilient, Adaptable, Virtuous, and Empowered—grounded in equity, opportunity, and purpose.

Heidy Moran

Schurz High School
Chicago, IL

  • Principal Heidy Moran began her career as a middle school teacher on Chicago’s South Side before co-leading an English-immersion K-12 school in rural Cambodia. After working with a turnaround network in Philadelphia, she returned to Chicago to earn her Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from UIC. Since joining Carl Schurz High School in August 2022, Principal Moran has launched the first high school dual-language program in Chicago Public Schools. Her leadership focuses on academic rigor and inclusivity, efforts that earned Schurz a “Commendable” designation on the 2025 ISBE Illinois School Report Card. Principal Moran attributes this growth to several key initiatives including: restorative practices that create affirming, engaged classroom communities and tiered support systems that provide early academic and social-emotional intervention. She is particularly proud of the Sustainable Community School initiatives, which strengthen school-home collaboration through parent workshops and essential wraparound supports. She is dedicated to equipping every student with the tools necessary to thrive in a global environment. Principal Moran loves learning new languages and traveling with her husband, her two-year old and her five-year old.

Kai Murray

Shoesmith Elementary School
Chicago, IL

  • Kai Murray has served as the Principal of Beulah Shoesmith Elementary since 2022, prioritizing data-driven instructional leadership and the creation of unique, enriching student opportunities. She actively fosters collaborative partnerships with the local community and external organizations to supplement student learning and support school-wide equity initiatives. Mentoring new teachers is a cornerstone of her career; since 2012, Kai has served as an instructional coach for turnaround schools and district specialty programs, providing real-time coaching, modeling, and actionable feedback to accelerate educator development. In these roles, she has focused on building teaching capacity across multiple school sites. Kai holds Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction.

Bathsheba Nash

Wesley Elementary School
Houston, TX

  • Bathsheba Nash began her career in education fifteen years ago, earning her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston–Downtown. She spent her first six years as a classroom teacher in the Houston Independent School District, laying a strong foundation for her future in instructional leadership. After completing a Master of Education in Advanced Literacy from Concordia University and earning her Principal Certification from Lamar University, she transitioned into roles that expanded her impact beyond the classroom. In 2016, she became a Teacher Specialist, and in 2018 she advanced to Assistant Principal. Mrs. Nash was appointed Principal in 2022 and later served as a New Education System Director, supporting twenty-eight schools engaged in districtwide transformation efforts. In 2024, she returned to campus leadership as Principal of Wesley Elementary School, where she has served for the past two years. She leads with purpose, passion, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every student receives high quality instruction daily. Mrs. Nash is intentional in her mission to ensure that no student is left behind and has cultivated a collaborative environment where students, teachers, families, and the community work together to create a school where all children can thrive.

Eber Perla

Chrysalis Middle School
Houston, TX

  • Mr. Eber Perla is the principal of Project Chrysalis Middle School, recently designated a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest honors awarded to public schools in the United States. This recognition reflects the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and equitable outcomes for learners. Mr. Perla holds a Master of Education in Urban Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University and began his career in education in 2010 in Irving ISD, where he served as a teacher and administrator. He joined Dallas ISD in 2014, serving as an Academic Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Collegiate Administrator. At Pinkston High School, he helped launch one of Texas’s first P-TECH campuses, earning national recognition for expanding postsecondary access and closing achievement gaps for historically underserved students. In 2020, Mr. Perla returned to Irving as the Bilingual Programs Lead, supporting the launch of a dual language program. He later became the founding principal of South Irving Collegiate Academy, Irving ISD’s first P-TECH campus, which earned an A rating and achieved the district’s highest assessment scores. Mr. Perla believes education transforms lives and is committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education through clear expectations, strong instruction, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

Wendy Pineda

Southmayd Elementary School
Houston, TX

  • Wendy Pineda is a dedicated educational leader committed to ensuring that every student reaches their full potential through individualized and intentional support. A first‑generation college graduate, she brings a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Pineda has served as Principal of Southmayd Elementary since 2023, where she has led a strategic campus transformation grounded in data-driven instruction, high-impact professional learning communities, and a culture of excellence. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Principal at Seguin Elementary beginning in 2021, supporting instructional quality, coaching teachers, and strengthening services for English Learners and students with disabilities. Her leadership journey began in 2018 at Kenneth E. Little Elementary as a Bilingual Instructional Coach, LPAC Coordinator, and Parent Engagement Coordinator, following her earlier experience as a Dual Language teacher in Clear Creek and Pasadena ISDs starting in 2011. Pineda holds a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, along with certifications in Bilingual Education, Special Education, and Principal Leadership. She remains committed to fostering inclusive, high-performing school communities where all students thrive.

Nathaniel Reaven

Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST): Conservatory Green High School
Denver, CO

  • Nate Reaven is the School Director of DSST: Conservatory Green High School, one of the highest performing high schools in Denver, Colorado. He has been in education since 2011 as both a teacher and school administrator in DSST Public Schools where he helped found two schools - both DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School and his current campus DSST: Conservatory Green High School. Nate earned his B.A. in English and certification in leadership from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his M.A. from the University of Colombia Teacher’s College as a member of the Summer Principal Academy graduate program. Nate believes that when schools have high expectations paired with deep support that students can achieve their fullest potential; when students of all different backgrounds and socioeconomic classes show up in the same space, they learn how to celebrate what makes us all unique; and when students and staff members are committed to fostering deep and meaningful relationships, that communities are born. Nate loves exploring the outdoors with his wife Laura and his puppy, Murphy.

Iliana Rzodkiewicz

Disney II Magnet School
Chicago, IL

  • Iliana Marcano Rzodkiewicz, a Chicago native and graduate of Chicago Public Schools with roots in Puerto Rico, is an accomplished Latina educational leader known for driving student and school growth through data-driven implementation and inclusive practices. She leverages her bilingual skills and cultural competency to build strong relationships with diverse communities, especially Spanish-speaking families. As the current Principal of Disney II Magnet School since August 2022, Iliana skillfully manages complex pre-K-12 school operations and budgets. She has secured essential instructional positions, expanded AP and elective class offerings to ensure a more rigorous, culturally relevant education, and significantly increased elementary-to-high school matriculation from 60% to 75%. Before her principalship, Iliana was Assistant Principal at Disney II, where she pioneered anti-racist and trauma-informed pedagogical approaches. She dramatically increased student P/SAT (post-pandemic) participation to 87% through targeted mentoring and improved year-to-date attendance from 89% to 91% using a grant-funded attendance initiative. Iliana's leadership experience also includes a Resident Principal role at Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary, where she boosted writing proficiency and parent engagement. A graduate of New Leaders and holding an MA in Instructional Leadership and Bilingual Education from UIC, Iliana is dedicated to equity and empowering the Chicago school community.

Shawnette Singleton

Lamb Elementary School
Tampa, FL

  • Shawnette Singleton was born and raised in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, where early experiences shaped her belief in education as a powerful lever for equity and opportunity. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette in 2004 and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida in 2009. Singleton began her career teaching Health and Physical Education with the Lafayette Parish School System in 2004 and later with Hillsborough County Public Schools beginning in 2005. Grounded in whole-child development, her early work emphasized the connection between student wellness and academic success. In 2012, she served as an Administrative Resource Teacher, expanding her leadership through support of instructional systems. She currently serves as the principal of Lamb Elementary School, a Transformation Network elementary school in Tampa, Florida, where she has served since 2022. Previously, she served as Assistant Principal at Ruskin Elementary School beginning in 2014 and at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School beginning in 2019, an International Baccalaureate program. A 2018 Cahn Fellowship Ally, Singleton is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her leadership is guided by a commitment to breaking barriers, building brilliance, and expanding opportunity for students.

Alexa Trafficante

Westchase Elementary School
Tampa, FL

  • Alexa Trafficante is a dedicated educational leader serving elementary schools in Hillsborough County Public Schools since 2012. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, she continues to reside in the community she proudly serves. Alexa began her career as a classroom teacher, where she built a strong foundation in effective instruction, student engagement, and collaborative practices. Her passion for supporting both students and educators led her into school leadership, and she has served as a principal since 2022. In this role, she focuses on instructional leadership, teacher development, and fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. Alexa’s leadership is grounded in research-based practices, data-driven decision-making, and meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families. She is committed to continuous improvement and believes that strong systems, clear expectations, and supportive coaching empower educators to do their best work.