Our Legendary Staff

Aalyhia Thomas

Special Education Case Manager

Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

Brandalyn 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

1st Grade Interventionist

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

STEM Teacher (2nd & 3rd Grade)

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.

Cody Watson

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Coming soon

Damian Morris

4th Grade Lead Teacher (Math & STEM)

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!

Demetri Pentaris

4th Grade Lead Teacher (ELA & STEM)

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 Teacher (4th-8th)

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

Math Interventionist (6th-8th)

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

ELA Interventionist (6th-8th)

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 (4th & 5th) + STEM Specialist

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 Lead Teacher (Math & STEM)

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.

Haezel Palomo

Receptionist

Coming soon

I'Jenae Turner

In-House Substitute

Coming soon

Ja'Aunta Parker

Kindergarten Master Teacher

Coming soon

Janyce Gutierrez-Hall

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 Lead Teacher (Math & STEM)

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

Instructional Coach (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

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

Paraprofessional

Coming soon

Jordan Smith

Behavioral Interventionist (4th-8th)

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.

Joshua Smith

Art Teacher

Coming soon

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 Teacher (Kindergarten- 4th)

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 Teacher (5th-6th)

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

Licensed Social Worker

Hi! My name is Ms. Daigle and I am very excited to be joining the Laureate team as your social worker. I am passionate about mental health and look forward to helping everyone feel their feelings!

Kerinn Tillman

Assistant Head of School

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!

Keziah Speed

ELL Interventionist

Coming soon

Krishaun Williams

7th Grade Teacher (Math & Stem)

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.

MarQuita Burras-Johnson

Paraprofessional

Coming soon

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.

Maynard Chatters

6th Grade Teacher (ELA & Social Studies)

Coming soon

Melinda Davis-Parker

Nurse

Coming soon

Michelle Spriggins

School Operations Manager

Coming soon

Natashia Cheatham

3rd Grade Lead Teacher

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

Social Studies Teacher (4th & 5th)

Coming soon

Porscha Pratt

2nd Grade Lead 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 (2nd & 3rd)

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

Tess Proctor

Instructional Coach (6th-8th ELA & Social Studies)

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!

Tessa Horn

Virtual Operations Assistant

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!

Tiffany Moll

Instructional Coach (6th-8th Math & STEM)

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.

Trae Dozier

Behavioral Interventionist (K-5)

Coming soon

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!

Tyche' Crockett

Kindergarten Interventionist

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.