Students

Josie Achenbach is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana and has spent her career as an educator for Indianapolis Public Schools. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Valparaiso University. Following graduation, she was a Teach for America Corps Member, which provided her the opportunity to teach elementary special education while pursuing her Masters in Special Education from Marian University. Josie taught special education at a K-6 Elementary School for 5 years as both a co-teacher and a resource teacher. She is currently a Specially Designed Instructional Coach for 5 elementary schools in Indianapolis. She and her spouse have two young children and enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and engaging with their church community.

Anteria Gross is currently an Instructional Coach for Indianapolis Public Schools, school #43. Her role allows her to work with teachers in grades 5th - 8th on implementing best instructional practices and strategies for building culture and climate in the classroom and as a school. Anteria has had the privilege of working in education for 11 years. She graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where she began her teaching career. Starting as a PE teacher, moved into the third-grade classroom where she spent most of her career, creating and implementing a Fine Arts program to her current role as an instructional coach. Later, she continued her education journey pursuing curriculum and education, gaining her Master’s in Education.

Anteria was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana. Home is where she grew a love for music and performing. Music is her outlet, dancing, singing, listening, and teaching. It brings balance to the chaos of moments, energy to the low moments, and a soothing calm to the moments of anxiousness and overstimulation. Education is valuable, but for Anteria, family is everything. She is the mother of 5 beautiful children ages 16 - 3 years old. Anteria believes education is the key to the world. Knowledge is truly power. However that may look from person to person, education can unlock the doors of opportunity, and amazing experiences can be created. It is her passion to provide the best educational experience possible.

Isabelle is an educator with classroom experience in private, charter, and public schools, currently teaching middle school Social Studies at Roberts Academy in Cincinnati, OH. As an educator, Isabelle strives to elevate the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups while creating an environment where student voice is centered through Student Council and service learning. In the non-profit sector, she has served as senior coordinator for Cincinnati Museum Center’s Youth Programs. There, she focused on youth leadership and career development, diversity and inclusion by providing youth unique experiences while also guiding them through the college admission process. Isabelle’s family has called Cincinnati home since her parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 80s. Isabelle and her husband Calvin are proud parents to their son Trey. Outside of teaching, Isabelle shares her passion for the sport of track and field at her alma mater Seven Hills where she has been a Varsity Sprints and Jumps coach for 14 seasons.

Vanessa is a language educator with experience teaching French and ESL to learners of all ages from elementary to adults. Vanessa graduated from Tulane University, where she studied history and French. After graduation, she participated in a Fulbright teacher exchange program in Paris, France. Vanessa has a Master's of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Northeastern University, with an emphasis on second language acquisition. She currently teaches French at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Vanessa also spends her time as an advocate for children in foster care through the CASA program. 

My name is Claudia Teran (she/her). I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, one of the poorest cities in the US. Growing up, my parents instilled the value of an education, so somewhere along the way I equated this to wanting to be a teacher. As life went on, however, I developed other interests and hobbies, so in 2016 I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Radio Television and Film from The University of Texas at Austin. During my final semester, a Teach For America spokesperson gave a presentation during one of my classes. I was intrigued but not yet ready to start a career in education. At the time, I worked for a giant tech company, and in the summer of 2017, they hosted a camp for young children, where I had the opportunity to help teach coding. This experience affirmed my dream to be in education, so I moved back home, became a substitute teacher to figure out what grades I would like to work with, and I applied to Teach For America. I joined Teach For America as a corps member in the 2018-2019 school year, and I taught AP English Language to 11th graders at Idea San Benito College Prep in San Benito, Texas for two years. Since the 20-21 school year I have taught at Austin Achieve Public Schools as an English teacher. For the 22-23 academic school year, I will start a new chapter in my education career as a Dean of Instruction.

My name is Jessica Woody. I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently teach first grade at a K-8 charter school. I am a fourth-year teacher and have previously taught kindergarten and library. I graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a BS in Elementary Education and am elated to continue my education at SPA. I chose SPA because I am passionate about providing an inclusive and equitable education to all students. I am a strong advocate for social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and teaching the whole child. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, playing games, and trying new restaurants.

Katie Brown is a proud fifth-generation educator and Texas resident. After graduating from Baylor University with a BSED in elementary and gifted education, she joined Teach for America Dallas. Over the past two years, she has taught elementary and middle school math and science in Dallas Independent School District. Katie loves igniting a passion for problem-solving by creating authentic and memorable learning experiences for students. When she is not teaching, she enjoys exploring used bookstores, playing board games with friends, and spending time with her church family. 

My name is Shenee Monique Campbell . I am the proud daughter of Carolyn Wright-Campbell and Delroy Campbell of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Raised in Decatur, Ga. I am a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree with a concentration in Education Studies. My interests range widely from United States History and Politics to International Relations, Economics and intense interest in events here and around the world. I am passionate about researching the intersectionality of our country’s education system, politics, culture, and race. I am currently serving as a 7th grade English Teacher in the Dekalb County School System in Lithonia, Ga. My goal as an educator is to improve the academic achievement of low-performing schools. My greatest accomplishments as an educator include establishing a reading mentoring program and achieving 67% growth in reading and language proficiency from my scholars within 3 months of acquiring a teaching position. Within the years, I have participated in various service projects including tutoring and mentoring youths and volunteering at the “Wesley Walk for others” and “Hosea Feed the Hungry” projects. I also had the opportunity to register not only people of color to vote in low-income areas around Metro Atlanta, but my very own peers in the past local election. I also had the opportunity to intern for Representative Dewey Mcclain with the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus at the Georgia House of Representatives. Within these experiences I was also about to conduct research of the intersectionality of public and private policies and the effect it has on the public school system. I began to understand the lack of knowledge and trust many citizens have with their government officials and representatives and how the media plays a vital role with these relationships. Since then, I have made it my personal goal to repair the damaged relationship between diverse constituents and the government and inform others about events happening here and across the globe by volunteering consistently in my community. My philanthropic ventures proved to be not only an opportunity to augment the progress of my community, but they also empowered me to encourage others to become involved as well.

Stefanie is a high school World History teacher at St. John’s School in Houston, Texas where she strives to foster a culture of inquiry-based instruction and student- centered learning for all her students. She is passionate about culturally responsive historical education and teaching her students to build strong historical analysis skills. Stefanie has served in several formal and informal leadership roles throughout her career in education, including Academic Dean, Department Chair, Content Leader and Curriculum Developer, and Grade Level Chair. She has taught Social Studies in public, charter and private schools throughout her career in Houston, Texas. She is passionate about student success and building in quality instructional support for all students to achieve their goals. Prior to teaching, Stefanie received a B.A. in History from Michigan State University. She also earned a M.A. in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University. As a member of the 2022 SPA cohort, Stefanie hopes to develop the skills necessary to lead a collaborate, forward-thinking and inclusionary campus as 5a middle school and high school leader.

Franz Kenny, a native of New York City has been an elementary school educator for the past five years. He transitioned to education from the world finance where he served under numerous positions for over fifteen years. He served at such institutions as Citibank, Municipal Credit Union and Wells Fargo. However, finding himself at a stalemate within the industry Franz began to feel a lack of self satisfaction so he began considering other careers. With that sentiment in mind he began searching for a roll that not only served the basic needs of provision but also tapped into purpose he felt the need to fulfill. While this journey was full of many winding roads, he found himself interviewing for a fourth grade elementary school teacher position. One in which he was awarded. Upon walking through the elementary school doors and serving children that seemed to be a direct reflection from his childhood, Franz was hooked. Franz has immersed himself in the education experience and desires to be guiding light to the inner city students he serves. Along with his service in the classroom, Franz aspires to develop innovative ways to change how educators approach learning and leadership. He also strives to be an advocate for teachers to create better work-life balance and develop stronger networks to undergird the industry. His pursuit has led him to Columbia University where he looks to complete his Masters in Public School Building Leadership. Franz is married to Venetia his wife of sixteen years and has three children and currently resides in the Atlanta metropolitan area. He is a graduate of Morehouse college, an a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Franz is committed to serving his community and strives to be a beacon of hope the same way community members and teachers were to him.

I’m currently an Educational Consultant working with multiple companies. I was formerly the Director of Talent and Development for GEO Academies in Louisiana. This is my 14th year in education, and I’ve served in many different capacities and diverse environments ranging from Math teacher (6th and 7th grade), Mentor teacher (K-5 all content), Master Teacher( Pre-K-6 all content), Curriculum Specialist, Dean of Students, Assistant Director, and Middle School Associate Principal. I also volunteered as a mentor for various organizations in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a current board member of New Venture Theater and alumnus of New Schools for Baton Rouge Changemakers and InspireNola’s ADE program. I hold a bachelor's degree in Biology from Southern University, a Master's in Educational Psychology from the University of Alabama, and over 90 hours of additional graduate coursework from Louisiana State University.

I was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in the heart of the Acres Homes community. As a person taught to find importance in the community, I loved to be involved in school and community activities. In elementary and middle school, I learned the values of Cub and Boy Scouts and found joy in attending after-school extracurricular activities. I found my joy in creating relationships with diverse individuals and leading organizations towards a collective mission in high school. College was an environment for growth and stretching my comfort zone. I became president of various student organizations, worked in student departments, and made connections with managers and colleagues alike. In my fourth year of undergraduate, I interned for the Breakthrough Austin, where I taught students for the first time! I loved the mentorship and instruction of the profession. I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio before joining Americorps City Year Denver, where I welcomed the founding class of Compass Academy as a classroom student support. City Year Denver fired up my passion for mentorship and student development through mindfulness, love, and logic enough to apply and be accepted at Relay Graduate School of Education. Relay gave me my first genuine experience of leading a classroom and how community involvement made students' sense of belonging stronger and the school a joyous place.

During Relay, I created various student and staff organizations which pushed positivity and inclusivity throughout the school hallways. I had found my passion in teaching math and making giving students a safe and happy environment. Denver awakened my love of nature, hiking, chess, and so on, but home was calling my heart. So I moved back to Houston to be closer to family and teach in my neighborhood. With the opportunity to work in the middle school I attended as a teenager, I began my third year in the classroom at Yes Prep Public Schools for two years before moving to KIPP NEXUS Middle School. Leadership introduced me to staff at NEXUS as the new Grade Level Chair, which began my first record experience in school leadership. In 2022, I became a student in the Summer Principal Academy at the Teacher’s College of Columbia University. I desire to reach as many black and brown children as possible to empower their individualism and connection to the collective by founding a school district. I live to build community and safe spaces to allow children to achieve their definition of success.

Tiffany Young is a student in Columbia University’s 2022 cohort of the SPA NOLA program. She is a New Orleans native who grew up in and attended NOLA Public Schools. Tiffany has over 7 years of classroom experience as an educator and currently works as a manager in leadership development. Some of her role responsibilities include managing and coaching 30 teachers across 17 schools. Tiffany also works as an adjunct professor for select semesters, engaging and teaching adult learners. Her passion, resilience, and drive to be the change she wishes to see in the world are just a few of the things that give her energy. Tiffany is a Dillard University graduate (B.A. 2011), and a Southern University of New Orleans graduate (M.A. 2020). Upon completion of her graduate studies at Columbia, Tiffany intends to utilize her experiences and maximize the education gained to further impact and serve the community, teachers, and students.