We’re keeping the celebration going for School Leader Appreciation Week with part two of our Years of Service series! Today, we’re honoring the incredible leaders who have been part of Achievement First for 10 years or more. Your dedication over the past decade has made a lasting impact, thank you!

Celebrating 10 Years at AF!

Jennifer Andrade, Principal at AF Promesa K-5 Jen, your impact from your days as a SPED ICT Teacher in Iluminar ES a decade ago to now your leadership of Promesa K-5 as Principal, you are unapologetic in centering what's best for students - and especially our exceptional learners - in your decisions and actions every single day. You are an incredible teacher and, therefore, focus on growing the teaching and learning of others in service of equity and student outcomes. All that you do is grounded in your deep belief about the brilliance and potential of our students and it shines through in your leadership. Congrats on 10 years of service in AF. Keep shining! - Kevin Lohela, Regional Superintendent Robert Augustine, Dean at AF Bridgeport ES Rob, for 12 years, you have been a consistent and joyful presence at Achievement First. Your time at Elm City was marked by a legacy of strong third-grade literacy instruction, where your students showed growth year after year. You build deep, lasting relationships—with students, families, and colleagues—creating a sense of community wherever you go. Since joining BPES and stepping into a leadership role, your reliability and perspective have strengthened our team. You bring warmth and humor while also having the courage to hold high standards and engage in the tough conversations when needed. You embody what it means to be stronger together. Thank you for your leadership, and congratulations on this milestone! - Shalia Garnett, AF Bridgeport ES Principal   Melissa Baez Calderon, Dean at AF Providence HS Melissa has been with Achievement First since her freshman year of college. Her journey includes supporting the Hartford community through the founding of Hartford Elementary where she Roared with the Dragons; Buzzing with the Bumblebees at Providence Elementary, and know, Flying with the Falcons at Providence High. From elementary math to finding your passion in special education and stepping into a school leader position at our Rhode Island High School- there was never a doubt that you do/did this work for the kids and families in your community. Thank you for the work you have done with Achievement First! - Aja Davis, AF Providence HS Principal Jenna Bicierro, Dean at AF Bushwick ES Despite being out of the classroom for two years, when anyone asks for exemplars of math discourse or authentic kid investment in learning, your name is the unequivocal response. You considered the dean role with deep thought and discernment because you will only bring your best self to your work with kids and for kids. And so, it is no surprise that you have brought the same care, intensity, belief, and relentless push to K-2 math as a dean. You are a driving force behind teacher and student growth, and I know you are still unsatisfied because you know our kids are infinitely capable of math growth, achievement, and confidence. Thank you for 10 incredibly impactful years! - Courtney Saretzky, AF Bushwick ES Principal Codara Bracy, Dean at AF East New York ES Congratulations on 10 years of service at Achievement First. Your unwavering dedication over the past 10 years has left an incredible mark on our school community. From your early days as a TIR to your leadership as dean, you have impacted hundreds of scholars, staff, and families with your passion, reflection, and relentless support. You are more than an educator—you are a pillar of East New York, a mentor, a champion, and a constant source of encouragement for everyone around you. The relationships you have built and the lives you have touched make our school the special place it is today. Thank you for 10 amazing years of service at ENY. You are a true legend, and we cannot wait to see what the next ten years hold!! With Love, Meryl Senter, AF East New York ES Principal JeQuese Bruce, Dean at AF North BK Prep MS JeQuese has made an immeasurable impact in his 10 years at AF. JeQuese started his journey first at Brownsville Elementary and then North Brooklyn Prep Middle doing transformative work and shaping what strong Science instruction looks, feels and sounds like. JeQuese has the ability to influence students to LOVE science in a way no one else can. His humor, creativity and excitement is palpable as he delivers content. As a current Dean of Science, JeQuese is the model for what it looks like to have strong and engaging instruction and high expectations while being your authentic self and supports our teachers in doing the same. JeQuese – you are a DYNAMIC educator and leader. Your care for others and your belief in their potential shines through in your actions. You are a fierce advocate for our students and staff and we are so lucky to have you! - Trina Russell, AF North BK Prep MS DSO Chanee Cameron, Dean at AF Bridgeport ES Chanee, your leadership radiates warmth and dedication. Since transitioning from New York to join our team, you have been an invaluable asset to our kindergarten team and now to our leadership team. Your ability to deeply listen, foster trust, and build strong relationships has elevated our school culture. You set a high bar for excellence, ensuring that every scholar receives the best possible start to their education. Your self-awareness and commitment to personal growth inspire those around you. We are so grateful for the passion, care, and expertise you bring to our community each day. Thank you for your belief in our students and our team! Congratulations on 12 YEARS! - Shalia Garnett, AF Bridgeport ES Principal Chris Cruz, Dean at AF Providence ES Chris – from the moment you joined our team you had an immediate impact on our community that has only grown over these last ten years. Few people can transition from the favorite P.E. teacher to the admin team and STILL be kids’ favorite. Everyone knows if you need something done in the BEST way, you’re the first person to call. You continuously raise the bar and have redefined what exceptional student experience can be for our school. But the thing I value the most is your selflessness – while you absolutely want the best for our kids and staff at PRES you are always willing to collaborate, share ideas, lead PD sessions for everyone across our region. You’ve built youth programs, brought partnerships from our community and provide every kid in AF RI with access to incredible opportunities. Thank you for always raising the bar and making sure our kids have the best chances possible – we are so grateful to be able to celebrate everything you’ve done these past ten years and continue to look forward to what’s next for you (maybe a 3-peat bowling championship?)! – Breonna Hudgins, AF Providence ES Principal Dana Dixon, Dean at AF Bridgeport MS Dana Dixon is one of a kind! She joined my team during arguably the most tumultuous year Bridgeport Middle has ever seen. She grabbed the bull by the horns and dove right in. I truly appreciate her fire, her wisdom, her passion and her dedication to the AF community. Dana has held all types of roles within AF, and the experience in all those spaces has been one of positivity. If you know Dana, you know she is here for the kids and the love of learning. Since joining the team, we have created clear systems in STEM and seen academic growth! She has added so much joy – we are so lucky to have her at BPMS. - Stephanie Fox, AF Bridgeport MS Principal Nana Effah, Principal at AF Ujima HS Celebrating Nana Effah's remarkable decade of achievement and dedicated service to education! From Director of School Operations to Academic Dean, Nana's leadership has been invaluable. Her commitment to building global leaders shone brightly during her time as Principal in Residence, culminating in her current role as Founding Principal of Ujima, which she launched in July 2021. Ujima, meaning "collective responsibility" in Swahili, perfectly reflects Nana's vision. For over three years, she has expertly guided Ujima's vision, fostering a culture of restorative practice and building a strong foundation for future success. Nana's passion for educational leadership, particularly her focus on global citizenship and restorative justice, has positively impacted countless students and staff, leaving an enduring legacy. Congratulations on this milestone! - Kiersten Gibson-Cooper, Regional Superintendent Tanesha Forman, Principal at Elm City MS Tanesha! Congratulations on 10 years of service! We’ve been lucky to have your talent, commitment, resilience, and #makeawayorfindone mindset. You’ve created something special - a community where kids, families, and staff are heard, seen, loved, and can bring their authentic self. This is the strength of your leadership - the fact that you lead by example, celebrate growth, and pay attention to results. You should be extremely proud of the legacy you've created, and I am grateful to have worked alongside you these past three years. We've benefited from every ounce of #BlackGirlMagic that you have sprinkled around New Haven. Congratulations to a decade of servant leadership and love! - Charmayne Joseph, Regional Superintendent Desiree Halaka, Dean at AF Iluminar ES Congrats, Des, on 10 years at AF! You are such a great teacher and person and lead with such enthusiasm and connection. You hold kids to a rigorous bar while also showing them love and belief. The littlest Iluminar Fireflies flock to “Ms. Ha-la-ka” because you show such EXCITEMENT for their learning, and they want to be celebrated. You are an excellent real-time coach, an excellent mom, leader, and teammate. The whole Iluminar community is so lucky to have you, and we are so grateful for your impact. - Joey Fink, AF Iluminar ES Principal Steffi Harford, Dean at AF Apollo ES Steffi Harford’s decade of service at Apollo is marked by her steadfast leadership and commitment to student success. Known for her keen attention to detail and ability to bring out the best in others, Steffi has played a vital role in strengthening school systems and ensuring that scholars thrive. Her passion for excellence and unwavering support for both staff and students make her an essential part of the AF community. - Jessica McDonald, AF Apollo ES Principal Medina Hodzic, Dean at AF Brownsville ES Medina, from the moment I met you on my first day at Brownsville, I knew that you were a pillar of the Brownsville community. Whether it’s been as a TIR, teacher, Resident Advisor, or Dean, teaching Science or Math, in-person or remote, 3rd grade or 4th grade, wherever and whenever we’ve asked you to step up, it has been with certainty that you will give not only your best, but your heart, to whatever you do. While many in education say that they put kids above everything, Medina, you truly walk the walk. You are unafraid to make the hard decisions or to get in the trenches if it means giving our scholars not only what they need but what we believe they deserve, and for that I am deeply grateful. There is no end to the lengths that you will go to if it means supporting our scholars, our families, and your teammates, and our school wouldn’t be what it is without you. - Ana Samper, AF Brownsville ES Principal Mycah Hogan, Dean at AF Providence HS Mycah exemplifies the idea that just because our work is important doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. As an Elementary Drama Teacher, A weekend warrior known as Captain Hoggie Bear, or a Secondary School Teacher and School Leader; He brings smiles across the school to students and staff alike with his jokes and with his clear care and concern for people. He is also intent on improving his craft and knowledge, modeling for others how to never stop growing. And in the past two years, your work to build the foundations for the future of performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Secondary Elective programming as deeply impacted the ability for our students to explore and engage in through those various forms. Mycah-thanks for making school a more joyful and authentic place for people. - Aja Davis, AF Providence HS Principal Khrystal Jones, Dean at AF Brownsville ES Khrystal, getting a front row seat to your growth for so many years has been such a privilege. I have gotten a front row seat to you driving tremendous year over year results as a teacher and producing resources that are used in professional development across the country. I have watched you grow from grade team leader, to upper school leader, to Academic Dean. Our team and families respect your experience and credibility, appreciate your high expectations for scholars, and love how you love our kids as if they were your own. You’ve given so much to our school community over the past ten years—our scholars are lucky to have been taught by you, our team is lucky to have been led by you, and I am lucky to have coached you. I can’t imagine our school without you, and I wouldn’t want to. - Ana Samper, AF Brownsville ES Principal   Stephanie Kotnik, DSO at AF Bushwick MS BIG STEPH! Stage 5 Master Writing Teacher, Curriculum Fellow, 6th Grade Level Chair, ELA Associate Dean, ELA Academic Dean, and now Director of School Operations. Your contributions to the Bushwick Middle School Community have been tremendous! For 10 years- your work, values, and dedication to BWMS shines through in ways that fosters joy (taking 100 6th graders to hike Bear Mountain), academic excellence and learning by putting the needs of our kids FIRST. You have turned innovative ideas into a reality, secure additional physical space in a collocated building, and support in establishing strong partnerships with key stakeholders so that our school can function AND maintain our bar. PERIODT. Thank you for showing up, having my back and being a true partner in this work. We love and appreciate you, Steph. Congratulations on 10 years! - Samantha J. Jones, AF Bushwick MS Principal Akil Lambert, DSO at AF Aspire ES Akil, I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your ten years of outstanding service and dedication to our school community here at Aspire. Reaching this incredible milestone is a testament to your hard work, commitment, and the invaluable impact. Your leadership, problem-solving skills, and tireless efforts behind the scenes have ensured that our school runs smoothly every single day. From managing logistics and facilities to creating an environment where students and staff can thrive, your contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. Your dedication to excellence and your unwavering support for our mission have helped shape Aspire into the vibrant and successful institution it is today. Beyond your operational expertise, your kindness, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have made you a truly invaluable member of our team. Your ability to anticipate challenges, find solutions, and keep everything running seamlessly does not go unnoticed, and we are beyond grateful for all that you do. As you celebrate this milestone, I want to recognize and honor the impact you have made over the past decade. Thank you for your commitment, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication to our school community. Thanks a million times Lambert! With deepest appreciation, Shané Ramos, AF Aspire ES Principal Cynthia Louis-Dale, Principal at AF Envision ES Cynthia, from the moment of your interview at Iluminar ES ten years ago (a fun memory indeed!) to having the honor of seeing your impact over the past decade, you are truly an exceptional leader in our community. From dance teacher and BI to Dean of Student Experience to now Principal the past three years, your commitment and vision inspire so many. You are bold in your leadership - and truly unafraid to lead with your values and honesty in making decisions - and yet you also bring a laughter and joy that is simply infectious. Thank you for your dedication and leadership in our Providence community for 10 years! - Kevin Lohela, Regional Superintendent Randi Moses-Rodgers, Dean at AF North BK Prep MS Randi – you are the epitome of what it looks like to be a whole school leader. Randi has done transformative music education work on both the elementary and middle school levels and cares deeply about students picking a craft and honing in on it. She has been integral in helping students access opportunities that further their craft not just in music, but in all disciplines. She is our school’s biggest cheerleader and shouts NBPMS out whenever she gets an opportunity. As a Dean of School Culture, Randi holds the highest expectations for our students, staff members and families and really leans on community. Randi thank you so much for all the ways you have served AF in these past 10 years. Our gratitude is endless! - Trina Russell, AF North BK Prep MS DSO Lindsey Niehoff, Dean at AF Iluminar ES Lindsey is a founding member of the Iluminar Fireflies and we are grateful she is still with us! She has taught 10 years’ worth of kids who are more successful and love learning because of your insistence, silliness, and high expectations for ALL students. You believe that all students can learn and have built and continued systems of equity so that the entire state knows that Achievement First Iluminar Elementary is a place that takes all kids and that you will work hard to give all kids the support they deserve. Thank you, Lindsey, for all of the kids you have served and all the amazing work yet to come! - Joey Fink, AF Iluminar ES Principal Amanda Nixa Mercado, Dean at AF Apollo ES For 10 years, Amanda Mercado has been a driving force at Apollo, dedicated to creating a nurturing and high-achieving school environment. With her strong leadership and deep care for scholars and staff, Amanda has helped shape a culture where students feel seen, supported, and set up for success. Her impact goes beyond the classroom, as she continuously works to uplift the entire school community. Apollo is stronger because of her leadership and commitment. - Jessica McDonald, AF Apollo ES Principal Damen Scott, Principal at AF Brooklyn HS Damen Scott is Mr. Achievement First, a true personification of all of our values. His journey from Talent Partner on Team Recruit to leading BHS as Principal has been marked by excellence, dedication, and transformative impact. His time in the classroom as a 9th grade Literature and AP Language teacher set a high bar, earning him Stage 4 Distinguished Teacher status. As Dean of School Culture, he fostered a safer, more trusting environment, cutting suspensions by over 50%. As Principal, his leadership propelled BHS forward, tripling national AP pass rate and ensuring lasting academic success. Damen’s legacy at AF is undeniable. Wishing him peace and blessings for reaching a decade at AF. - Dumar Paden, Regional Superintendent Jonathan Stafford, Dean at AF Voyager MS JJ- you are one of the kindest, most thoughtful and funniest leaders I’ve come to know. You are the ROCK of our team. I truly consider myself blessed to be on your team. Throughout the years your leadership has not only grown but so has our friendship. Voyager has been so lucky to have the opportunity to experience your teaching, your love for history (with you well-manicured very long monologues about some battle at some point in time) and your coaching techniques. To stamp: THERE IS NO ONE ELSE I RATHER DO THIS WORK WITH, THAN YOU! Love you like cooked food 😊 - Leisel Renaud, AF Voyager MS Director of Operations Fenix Suero, Dean at AF Bushwick ES You are the epitome of the quote, “Growth must be chosen again and again…” Over your decade at AF, you have held every Operations role that exists, and you have consistently stepped into new roles remembering lessons learned so that you can support, coach and develop your team. On top of your expertise, your care, passion, and commitment to the community we serve is felt by families, kids, and staff. You remind us all that by showing up every day as our authentic selves, we give space to others to do the same, which makes our team stronger and richer. Here’s to a decade of growth and impact. - Courtney Saretzky, AF Bushwick ES Principal Emily Travers, Dean at AF Envision ES Emily Travers is the kind of person who can turn even the most stressful times into moments of laughter. Travers has faced setbacks with unwavering determination, always learning from challenges and adapting to better support those they coach. Over the years, she has transformed into a skilled academic coach, mastering new strategies, refining her approach, and finding innovative ways to inspire teachers. Through patience and dedication, Travers has grown into a mentor who not only helps teachers improve their skill but also empowers them with confidence. I am grateful everyday to have Travers on my team and excited to see how she continues to grow! - Cynthia Louis-Dale, AF Envision ES Principal Jasmine Watts, Principal at Amistad MS Jasmine, many things have changed in the decade since we first met -- we moved from NYC to New Haven, we graduated from ES to MS, and we traded roles. No matter what has changed, some things have remained true since day 1. You're a fierce, unapologetic advocate for our kids, especially those who are often voiceless. You put yourself last, and the needs of others first. You say what must be said, even when no one else will say it. You set a goal, and you will do whatever it takes to win. You've influenced so many lives, from young people to adults in their 19th year at AF. In fact, let's hear from some of them: I appreciate Ms. Watts for her dedication to AAMS, she is an incredible leader that leads from her heart. Congratulations on 10 years! (SK) Jasmine Watts has the hand on the shoulder locked down tight. When she does that, she is releasing the tension that was once felt and allowing it to leave your body. She will then nod and say, I got you. That is the warmth that Jasmine has continued to bring for me while I have been under her leadership. (QD) Jasmine is a passionate leader who desires to be the standard. (KS) Jasmine, you've not only been my colleague for 10 years, but you've been my biggest champion and my closest friend. Congratulations on pushing through obstacles, proving naysayers wrong, and staying true to your core values. I know you always claim it's your last year at AF, but I am confident our next 10 will be even better than our first 10! - Rosie Basile, Amistad MS Dean Jessie-Ann Wellington, Dean at AF Apollo ES For the past 10 years, Jessie-Ann Wellington has been a cornerstone of the Apollo community, bringing unwavering dedication and passion to her work. Her leadership has shaped countless scholars, fostering a culture of excellence and joy. Whether guiding s with vision or supporting students with care, Jessie-Ann’s impact is deeply felt by all who work alongside her. Her commitment to growth and success continues to inspire, making her an invaluable part of the AF family. - Jessica McDonald, AF Apollo ES Principal Tamika Woodbridge, Dean at Elm City MS Tamika, for the past ten years, you have graciously served and fiercely advocated for the children of New Haven. Your unwavering care, focus, and belief in every student are truly unmatched. It has been an absolute honor to work alongside you on two different campuses and witness your incredible growth as both a teacher and a leader. You are a quiet force—an impactful leader who moves with purpose, figures things out, and makes it all work in service of students. You lead with care, consistency, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. Your presence transforms classrooms, teams, and communities, leaving a lasting impact on all who are fortunate enough to work with you. From Elm City Middle Greenfield to Amistad Elementary and now back at Elm City Middle, your dedication to the community has never wavered. Your team sees you, celebrates you, and honors all that you have poured into your students and colleagues. Today and always, we uplift you and your efforts! - Tanesha Forman, Elm City MS Principal Kirsten Wunn, DSO at AF Apollo MS Kirsten, your dedication and leadership have left an undeniable mark on the Hawks community and beyond. From your time as a PEA, to your role as DSO, and now as a Senior DSO supporting multiple schools, you have consistently shown an unwavering commitment to excellence. Your ability to build strong systems, support leaders, and create an environment where both staff and scholars thrive has been truly inspiring. The impact you've had on Apollo Middle and the schools you now support is a testament to your hard work, expertise, and passion. Thank you for your leadership and the lasting impact you continue to make across the AF community! - D’Asia Adger, AF Apollo MS Principal