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Our Legendary Staff
Abel Tillman
P.E. Teacher
Hello, My name is Abel Tillman. I'm the founding Physical Education teacher here at Laureate Academy Charter School. I am the head basketball coach for the girls and boys 6th-8th grade teams. I received my Bachelor's degree in Business from Salem International University, and am currently working on getting my Masters in Education at The University of Arkansas. This will be my 7th year teaching Physical Education, and it's been a great experience.
Alexandria Barnes
Special Education Case Manager
I am a proud Southern Alumna. My greatest passion is knowing I am part of change. I believe that each individual has the ability to learn regardless of their disability.
Amber North
Interventionist (6th-8th Grade)
Hello Everyone,
My name is Ms. North and I am the 6th-8th Interventionist. I am currently in school for Social Work with a minor in Theatre. I am a firm believer that if you can dream it, then you can believe it. If you can believe it, you can achieve it. You can achieve anything you put your mind to!
April Banks
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Greetings! My name is Ms.Banks. I have been working in education for 13 years and I am looking forward to working with my students and their families.
Aryianne Langs
Paraprofessional
Hello I'm Ms.Langs. I'm looking forward to working with, and getting to know your scholars. I'm also excited about helping your scholars grow academically and having a wonderful school year.
Ash Ureta
Special Education Case Manager
My goal as I enter my third year at Laureate is to provide opportunity for all scholars by meeting them where they are and growing together. Outside of work I enjoy cooking (mostly eating) and spending time at the gym and pool.
Ashleigh Colar
Paraprofessional
I look forward to working with the scholars, their families and everyone at Laureate Academy. I am dedicated to making every day great at Laureate.
Beth Cloy
School Counselor
Hello Laureate Families! I am Mrs. Cloy and I am pleased to announce that I will be continuing in the role of School Counselor. I am moving into my 6th year here at Laureate and I am so grateful to be able to grow with the Laureate family. I look forward to helping our students, staff, and families navigate through their social-emotional needs.
Bjorn Carter
Director of Finance & Operations
Coming soon
Brandlyn Hart
1st Grade Lead Teacher
My name is Brandalyn Hart. I’m a Westbank native born and raised in Marrero. I am a second year teacher and look forward to leaning and growing with our scholars.
Britnee Davis
In-House Substitute
Coming soon
Brittany Perrier
Kindergarten Long-Term Substitute
Hello, I’m Ms.Perrier. I have worked in education for the last 15 years and at Laureate for the last 3 years. I enjoy journaling, spending time with my family, and meditation. I look forward to making an impact on your scholar this school year.
Carla Sampson
2nd Grade STEM Teacher & 2nd grade Interventionist
Hi, my name is Mrs. Sampson. I'm a native of New Orleans. I graduated in 2014 from University of New Orleans with a B.S. in Health Education and Health Promotion. I’m passionate about helping and teaching others. Therefore, I am thrilled to be the new 2nd grade S.T.E.M teacher at Laureate Academy Charter School.
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead
Head of School
Mrs. Heckerman-Whitehead was the lead founder of Laureate Academy and has led Laureate's growth since 2013. Prior to Laureate she taught in Baton Rouge and graduated from the University of Miami (Go Canes!). She deeply believes in the potential of all students, teachers, and leaders and believes we can "prove what's possible" together.
Damian Morris
4th Grade Lead Teacher
I was born in Northern New Jersey (just 40 minutes outside of NYC). I started college in Virginia. I moved to New Orleans in 2017 and graduated from the University of New Orleans. I'm excited to be a part of the Laureate team this year!
Dane' Jeffery
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
My name is Dané Jeffery. I received my bachelors degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and my Master’s degree from Southern University of New Orleans. I am currently in school to receive my Doctorate in Social Work from Walden University. I have a passion for working with children and I look forward to doing that this year.
Daniel Slivjak
Spanish Teacher
Hola, my name is Mr. Slivjak, but everyone here just calls me "Profe". I am a proud alumnus of Temple University and the Universidad de Complutense. I teach Spanish to the whole school and English to our English Language Learners. I am always excited to make language learning fun and engaging!
Demetri Pentaris
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
My name is Demetri Pentaris and I am a 3rd grade lead teacher at Laureate! I am originally from New York and graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2016. I am excited to return for my second year at Laureate and continue to take part in helping our scholars achieve their full academic potential.
Demetria Henry
Special Education Paraprofessional
Hi, my name is Ms. Henry and I am new to the Laureate Academy Charter school family. I am the 3-5th grade SPED Case Manager. I am looking forward to helping your scholar achieve this year.
Elena Newby
Internal Substitute
Hello Laureate Family! My name is Elena Newby and I am excited to start my 2nd year at Laureate. I love helping grow our scholars and preparing them for college. I can't wait to get started.
Elise Henry
Paraprofessional
Hello Laureate family, my name is Ms.Henry. I am very excited to be a part of the Laureate family and build bonds with teachers, scholars, and families. I'm looking forward to helping our scholars achieve success this year.
Enos Bellanger
Facilities Manager
Hello Laureate family, I am Enos Bellanger and I am the facilities manager. I get to maintain and oversee our building and grounds maintenance. I look forward to working with you all this school year!
Erin Parham
Instructional Coach (3rd-5th)
Hey Laureate Families! It's Ms. Parham (formerly Ms. Johnson) and I am pleased to announce that I will be the Instructional Coach for grades 3-5 during the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. This is going to be my 7th year here at Laureate (Crazy, I know!) Louisiana has become my second home since moving from Virginia 6 years ago. I feel my purpose is to help grow your scholars' teachers so that your scholars excel in building both their strength of character and academics. I am excited about this opportunity to continue being a part of the Legendary Laureate Family and pushing our community towards excellence.
Ever Evans
8th Grade Math, ELA, & STEM Teacher
Hello, my name is Teacher Evans, and I will be teaching 8th grade math, ELA, and STEM this year. Ask me anything about Hip Hop, poetry, theater, and black history. Excited to join the team this year.
I'Jenae Turner
In-House Substitute
Coming soon
Ja'Aunta Parker
Development & Community Partnerships Coordinator
Hello Laureate family, my name is Mrs. Parker and I am excited to announce my role of Development and Community Partnerships Coordinator. I am in my 6th year here at Laureate and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to showcase our school while connecting with community partners. I am also fostering partnerships with high schools to ensure all scholars are set up for success after 8th grade.
Janyce Gutierrez
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Janyce Gutierrez, and I have a master's degree in social work from Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). I am very excited to provide scholars and their families with the best of what they need educationally and emotionally.
Jasmine Buckley
6th Grade Math & STEM Teacher
Hi I’m Ms. Buckley and I’m born and raised in New Orleans. I have beautiful daughter and my favorite thing to do is make sweet treats.
Jenneka Davis
Dean of Students
Hello Laureate families. My name is Mrs. Davis and I am excited to announce that I will be returning as the Dean of Culture K-8. This will be my 7th year at Laureate and I am excited to continue building relationships with our families, teachers, and scholars.
Jessica Evans
In-House Substitute
Coming soon
Jordan Smith
Behavior Interventionist
Hello Laureate families! I am Mr. Smith, behavior interventionist and basketball coach here at Laureate Academy. I am here to provide a safe and positive environment for scholars to learn and grow in. I am eager to motivate scholars to be the best they can be in school and in life. I am excited to be here to contribute to the success of Laureate and every scholar that is a part of our school.
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Juanita Bates
Paraprofessional
My name is Mrs. Juanita Bates. I am delighted to work with Scholar Support within the Special Education department here at Laureate. I am looking forward to supporting scholars with my several years of educational experience through love, patience, and supporting their overall developmental growth.
Julie Bieller
Special Education Case Manager
My name is Julie Bieller. I have been teaching for 16 years. I love to read and craft. I look forward to helping my scholars reach their academic goals.
June Sanchez
Special Education (3rd-5th)
I received my BA from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with a double major in English and Economics (Go Diplomats!) This year, I’m looking forward to fostering the relevant reading and writing skills necessary for students to succeed in high school and beyond.
Kate Daigle
Social Worker
Coming soon
Kerinn Tillman
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
I am Mrs. Tillman and I am excited to announce that I will be stepping into the role of Director of Curriculum Instruction for the 2022-2023 school year. I taught at Laureate for 3 years (5 years total) and then moved into the Assistant Head of School role for the last 3 years. I can’t wait to push our kiddos academically to the life of their dreams!
Michelle Spriggins
School Operations Manager
Coming soon
Marlon Sang
5th Grade Lead Teacher (Math & STEM)
My name is Marlon Sang. I have a passion for creative writing, reading and researching, gardening, cooking, making music, and reasoning/debating. I have a strong inclination towards being a humanitarian and find fulfillment in helping people/children through difficult times.
Mary Ellen Costello
Director of Scholar Support
My name is Mary Ellen and this is my second year at Laureate. Previously, I worked at a Middle/High School in Cambridge, MA and am excited to call New Orleans my new home. I have earned a Bachelor's at Allegheny College for History and Theatre and a Master's in Special Education. As the Director of Scholar Support for the 2022-2023 school year, my goal is to provide a strong continuum of services for diverse learners.
Natashia Cheatham
STEM Teacher (Kindergarten & 1st)
My name is Natashia Cheatham and I am originally from New Jersey. I graduated from the University of Kentucky Magna Cum Laude with a degree in general psychology. In my free time I enjoy watching documentaries, playing video games, and reading/writing non-fiction.
Nikohl McKinzy
4th & 5th STEM Teacher
Coming soon
Quiana Mitchell
Interventionist (4th-5th Grade)
My name is Ms. Quiana Mitchell and I have been working in the education field for over ten years . I’m super excited about helping your scholar reach their academic goals this school year .
Real Washington
Instructional Coach (K-2)
Hi. I am Ms. Washington and I am excited to announce that I will be the K-2 Instructional Coach for the 2022-2023 school year. I've taught at Laureate Academy Charter School for four years and I am excited to have the opportunity to impact our youngest scholars on a larger scale. My goal for the 2022-2023 school year is to ensure our scholars are not only learning rigorous academics, but are also learning to become confident and well-rounded human beings.
Rob Young
School Operations Coordinator
Coming soon
Ronald Schouest
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Coming soon
Ryley Bright
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Hello Laureate Family! My name is Ms. Bright, and I am a 4th Grade Lead Teacher here at Laureate. I'm super excited to be returning for my second year in this position, and I cannot wait to meet your scholars and see them grow throughout this school year!
Sterling Fleury
Behavioral Interventionist
Coming soon
Tiffany Moll
Instructional Coach (6th-8th)
Hi All! My name is Tiffany Moll and I am new to the Laureate family. I have been in education for nine years and am truly excited about this role as the Instructional Coach for Middle School. My goal is to continue to impact teachers and students towards their maximum potential. Looking forward to working with you all as well as learning from you all.
Tessa Horn
Virtual Assistant to The Head of School
Hello Laureate Families! I am Ms. Horn and I am so excited to announce that I will be Ms. Heckerman's Virtual Assistant. This will be my 6th year at Laureate and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue working with such dedicated teachers, families, and scholars. I can’t wait to see the impact on student growth and achievement we make this year!
Tyche' Crockett
Interventionist (K-1st)
My name is Tyche' Crockett, I am the K-1 ELA Interventionist. I have been working with children in early childhood for six years. I am very excited to assist your scholar in their academic journey.
Tess Proctor
6th & 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
I am Ms.Proctor and I have been teaching for 5 years now! In the last 3 years I have loved getting into my role of teaching social studies. I am so excited to step into my oldest grades yet in my career, 6th and 7th! We will be covering US history as well as world history. This allows scholars to get a taste of other cultures around the world and understand the history of our own cultures here in the US. I can't wait!
Tyaishia Campbell
Library Technician
Hi everyone my name is Tyaishia Campbell and I am our 2022/2023 Librarian Tech! I've been a part of the Laureate family for 6 years. I look forward to helping your scholar fall in LOVE with READING!
Zeke Bolden
7th Grade Math & STEM Teacher
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I love playing and watching sports and spending as much time as possible outside!
Vacant : Apply Today!
Special Education Case Manager
Coming soon
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School Operations Manager
Coming soon
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Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Coming soon
Vacant : Apply Today!
Special Education Case Manager
Coming soon