
Adierah Berger
Principal,
International High School of New Orleans
Adierah Berger is a graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of New Orleans, and her Master of Science in Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She is currently the principal of International High School, where she began working as Chief of Staff and Director of Curriculum and Instruction in 2016, before becoming principal in 2017. Ms. Berger is also currently enrolled in Xavier University of Louisiana’s doctoral program in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Melanie Askew Clark
Founder and Head of School,
Élan Academy Charter School
Dr. Melanie Askew Clark began her career in education as a research assistant in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. She has worked as a founding teacher, instructional coach, curriculum content specialist, adjunct professor, and educational consultant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development, a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership, and a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

Jolene Galpin
Chief Executive Officer,
ARISE Schools
Jolene Galpin has worked almost two decades in education, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, school leader, and network leader. During her tenure as principal of Mildred Osborne Charter School, the school earned an A Progress Rating in 2018 and 2019.

Dr. Rulonda Green
Principal,
Dwight D. Eisenhower Charter School
Before serving as principal of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Rulonda Green worked as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She is a 2021 graduate from the University of Holy Cross, where she earned a Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program (DIELP).

Stephanie Jackson
Chief Academic Officer,
Community Academies of New Orleans
Stephanie Jackson’s career began as a middle school teacher, cheerleader coach, and instructional coach in Mississippi. She then worked in New Orleans, where she was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and interim principal with Capital One-New Beginnings Charter School Network, as well as the Director of Schools for the Recovery School District. Mrs. Jackson transitioned into the role of principal of W.L. Abney Elementary in the Saint Tammany Parish School District, where she was named Elementary Principal of the Year in 2021.

Anne Kramer
Chief Academic Officer,
Edward Hynes Charter Schools
Anne Kramer began her career in institutional banking with First Commerce Corporation for nine years. After obtaining her teaching certification from the University of New Orleans, she taught intermediate grades. She has also served as grade level leader and an instructional coach. Ms. Kramer worked as the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for Hynes Charter School Lakeview, and she eventually served as principal of Hynes Charter School.

Brionne Marcelle
Chief Academic Officer,
Young Audiences Charter Schools
Brionne Janee-Stewart Marcelle serves as the Chief Academic Officer at Young Audiences Charter Schools. Ms. Marcelle has served in various instructional leadership capacities, including but not limited to, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, assistant school leader, and principal.

Vasy McCoy
School Director,
Schaumburg Elementary School
After a decade as an architect, Vasy McCoy started his teaching career as a high school science teacher and was awarded district high school teacher of the year in 2009. Shortly thereafter, he was named the founding school director of ReNEW Accelerated High School. For the last 6 years, Vasy has been the Chief of School Leadership at ReNEW, and then the school director at Schaumburg Elementary.

Ryan Ruyle
Middle School Principal,
Morris Jeff Community School
Ryan Ruyle is the middle school principal at Morris Jeff Community School. Ryan earned teacher of the year as an eighth grade special education teacher in his second year of teaching in 2009. In 2010, he became the founding Special Education Coordinator at Morris Jeff Community School. He has served as the founding Dean of Students, Middle Year Programme (MYP) Coordinator, and middle school principal.

Sophia Scott
Sophia Scott is the executive director of Opportunities Academy (OA). Prior to her current role, Sophia served as the Principal in Residence at OA and the Director of College Access Programs for Collegiate Academies (CA). Before going to work as a Manager of College Completion at CA in 2016, Sophia worked in alternative schools as a special education professional.