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Our Team

Success Preparatory Academy (SPA) is a high performing "transformation" charter school that opened its doors in August 2009. Each year, we grow by one grade, and will eventually serve over 600 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. We are a team of result driven educators who offer a world class education to this great city's children.

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Leadership

St. Claire Adriaan, Co-Principal/Co-Founder

Prior to co-founding Success Preparatory Academy, St. Claire Adriaan has had a seventeen-year career in education. Growing up under the apartheid regime in South Africa, St. Claire attended Dower College of Education where he received his diploma in Elementary Education. He then enrolled at the University of Port Elizabeth where he obtained his Bachelor's of Arts in Secondary Education.

St. Claire trained teachers at Kagisanong College of Education in South Africa before coming to the United States in 1999. He was also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Dominican University, River Forest. St. Claire came to the United States in 1999 through the Visiting International Faculty Program and began teaching in North Carolina. Afterward, he moved to Chicago to teach at Noble Street Charter School. He then moved to San Diego to teach at the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) school, Adelante. Following KIPP, he moved to Cleveland to become the founding principal of Villaview Lighthouse Community School. During his teaching career in the United States he has been recognized for his tremendous achievements: Disney Teacher Award Honoree – 2006, San Diego CW5 Dream Classroom winner- 2006, University of Kentucky, Teacher who made a difference – 2006 and 2007, North Carolina Wal-Mart teacher of the year (Fayetteville)-2002, VIF Cultural Educator of the year -2002.  He is also on the board of the Rhodes University Trust (USA).

Contact St. Claire Adriaan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (504) 289-9692.

 

Niloy Gangopadhyay, Co-Principal/Co-Founder

Prior to co-founding Success Preparatory Academy, Niloy Gangopadhyay was the founding principal of Cleveland Lighthouse Community School where he served as the instructional and operational leader of kindergarten through 6th grade. Before that he served as the Director of Special Projects at Excellence Charter School of the Uncommon Schools network in Brooklyn, New York. His initial entry into urban education was as a 2002 Teach For America (TFA) corps member in San Jose, California where he taught 4th grade and made tremendous gains with his students on state tests. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master's in Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Contact Niloy Gangopadhyay at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (504) 388-0208.

 

Kendall Wolfson, Director of Finance

Prior to joining Success Preparatory Academy, Kendall Wolfson worked as a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington DC. At Booz Allen, she provided economic and business analysis to military clients for several years, before she moved to Spain to work as a consultant for a culinary tour company. After a summer internship supporting the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in Washington DC, she moved to New Orleans to join Success Preparatory Academy. Kendall holds a Bachelor's of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia, and a Master's in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Virginia. She is thrilled to join SPA in the education reform movement in New Orleans.

Contact Kendall Wolfson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (504) 941-1600.

 

Tom McPherson, Academic Director

Thomas McPherson is the K - 3rd Academic Director at Success Preparatory Academy. Tom was a Teach For America '05 corps member in Brooklyn, NY and has been on the founding staff of two high-performing charter schools. He graduated with high honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in History, and received a Masters Degree in the Science of Teaching from Pace University. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Tom is an avid runner and cook. He is relentless in the pursuit of academic achievement for all students through continual teacher development and targeted, data driven instruction.

Contact Tom McPherson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Erik Kelt, Upper School Dean

Erik was a founding teacher at Success Preparatory Academy in 2009, and now serves as the Upper School Dean, Testing Coordinator, and is also a member of the Academic Excellence Team at SPA.  He graduated with honors from Springfield College with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and earned his Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College, with high honors in 2005.  Prior to joining the Success Prep Team he taught at PS 59 in Brooklyn, NY and Indian Pines Elementary School in Lake Worth, FL.  Erik is a member of Leading Educators cohort 2012, and has recently been admitted to the Greater New Orleans inaugural cohort of Emerging Leaders, both of which are high quality leadership development programs.  Mr. Kelt enjoys grant writing, and last year was awarded the Target Field Trip Grant which provided all of the 4^th grade students with a tour of the State Capitol Building and of the LSU campus.

Contact Erik Kelt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Elizabeth Sullivan, Special Education Coordinator

Beth is excited to be a part of the Success Preparatory Academy team. She has a passion for closing the achievement gap and for serving the unique needs of all students. She began her teaching career at Boston University, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education and was also able to complete her teaching practicum in a urban elementary school in London, UK. She later received her Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Prior to joining SPA, Beth taught middle school for three years and created a program for individualized student support at Nativity School of Worcester, an urban, independent middle school serving low-income families. Beth is so excited to be in the community of New Orleans and to work with such wonderful students, parents, and colleagues at SPA.

Contact Beth Sullivan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

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Faculty & Staff

Daniel O'Connell, FOMP Fellow, moved to New Orleans as a 2008 Teach For America corps member and quickly fell in love with the Crescent City. Dan worked as a middle school science teacher at Booker T. Washington and KIPP: McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts. He joined the SPA team as a summer intern, where he led the expansion of the school's Classroom Sponsorship Program. Dan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Political Science. As a member of the Father Theodore Hesburgh Program for Public Service, he focused on finding policy solutions to education inequality. He is a member of the Education Entrepreneurship Cohort through TFA and the Idea Village, helping to develop new and innovative solutions to issues in education. Dan is also an avid sports fan, especially in his constantly heartbreaking dedication to Notre Dame football. He loves cooking, music, trivia, and non-fiction books. He's extremely excited to be a part of a dedicated team that will do anything to make sure all students get the education they deserve.

 

Kathryn Coneybear, Family Coordinator, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Sociology and minored in Linguistics. While at Penn, she served as a resident advisor and as technical director of Bloomers, an all-female sketch comedy group. After spending four years in Philadelphia, she returned to her native New Orleans to live and work in the city she loves most. Kathryn is excited to build relationships with SPA students and their families through her role as Family Coordinator.

 

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Kindergarten

Erin Oliver, Kindergarten Lead Teacher, taught at Albert Wicker Literacy Academy for two years as a Teach For America Corps member. She graduated with honors from Middlebury College with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology where she also played soccer and ran track. She loves teaching the kids of New Orleans and places emphasis on literacy and helping her students love reading.

 

 

Allegra Bergdahl, Kindergarten Team Teacher, worked as a health educator for several years prior to joining Teach for America and Success Preparatory Academy. She graduated with honors from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and  a minor in Spanish. She loves the city of New Orleans and adores teaching Kindergarten at Success Preparatory Academy; it is a honor and an enormous privilege to be part of this hardworking and inspiring community of families, teachers, and scholars.

 

Jarvis Lundy, Kindergarten Team Teacher, is a graduate of the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies with an emphasis in Sociology and History. While at the University of Miami he developed a deep connection to education while working with middle school students as a teaching intern with the Breakthrough Collaborative for three years. Jarvis was attracted to the great city of New Orleans as a Teach For America Corps member because of the unique challenges and pressing need of the reemerging city. Jarvis was drawn to SPA by the unrelenting drive to ensure that every student, instilled with respect, achievement, service, enthusiasm, and teamwork, will be a college graduate. The unwavering sense of urgency amongst the staff, parents, and students will serve as a prime example of the great work that can be done in the education reform movement by a driven and passionate team.

 

Nick Harper, Kindergarten Team Teacher, joined the teaching profession as a Teach For America corp member. Prior to teaching, he completed a masters in social work program at Columbia University. He also holds a B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Harper has always enjoyed singing and sings whenever he gets the chance to. He is so excited about teaching fresh young minds how to read and learning all the amazing talents each scholar has to offer.

 

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First Grade

Rebecca Cooper, 1st Grade Teacher, graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor's Degree in History with a specific focus on African American history. While at Yale, she played trumpet in the Concert Band and the Precision Marching Band. She developed an interest in improving education through her experience attending an at-risk high school in Jefferson, TX and she is now excited to be in New Orleans serving our youth.

 

 

Avery Himes, 1st Grade Teacher, was a founding Kindergarten teacher at Akili Academy of New Orleans and taught there for two years. He is also a teachNOLA fellow of the 2008 cohort. He graduated with honors from Morehouse College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology where he interned under the former college President Dr. Walter E. Massey '58 and current president Dr. Robert M. Franklin '75. He also ran cross-country, track&field and sang in the Morehouse College Glee. He is proud to teach at Success Preparatory Academy under the leadership of a reflective administration team and learn from some of the best teachers in the country. Teaching is Avery's passion and everyday he looks forward to instructing, impacting, and dynamically improving the achievement of all his students to ensure their future college degrees.

 

Katharine Needham, 1st Grade Teacher, completed her Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology at Wesleyan University. After college, Katharine was guided toward her passion for education by her work on TFA’s recruitment team. While at her TFA placement school for three years, Katharine raised her student’s average reading and math achievement by 1.5 years. Katharine is excited to work alongside the diverse teachers and school leaders at SPA who are united by an unwavering commitment to student achievement and professional development.

 

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Second Grade

Noeleen Hay, 2nd Grade Teacher, brings ten years of teaching experience with her to Success Preparatory Academy. She graduated from Queensland University of Technology in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia with a Bachelor's of Education in Early Childhood. Noeleen is very excited to be here in New Orleans to serve the children and families at SPA and is committed to providing the highest possible quality of education she for all children.

 

Christy Ivie, 2nd Grade Teacher, taught 1st grade in Greenwood, Mississippi prior to joining the SPA team. She graduated with honors from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she studied abroad in India and China before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and being outdoors. She is thrilled to be part of a hardworking, talented staff that shares her dedication to the students of this beautiful city.

 

Holley Beaumont, 2nd Grade Teacher, worked as a teacher in both Las Vegas and New Orleans prior to joining Success Preparatory Academy. Holley enjoys painting, reading, and hiking. Holley graduated with high honors and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from UNLV. She is excited to become part of a school where the students and staff are dedicated to making sure everyone goes to college.

 

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Third Grade

Conrad Hendrickson, 3rd Grade Teacher, is a recent graduate of Northwestern University in Chicago Illinois where he studied Social Policy and Political Science. While at Northwestern, he grew interested in education reform and desired to give students the opportunities they deserve in the classroom. He could not be more excited to be in New Orleans and feels blessed to be a part of such a welcoming community that cares so deeply about the lives of our Success Prep scholars. Ke Nako, it's time!

 

Jillian Amrich, 3rd Grade Teacher, worked in the RSD since 2008 and received her certification through TeachNOLA.  Last year, she was also a 3^rd grade teacher at Pierre A. Capdau.  She loves exploring New Orleans, finding new places in the city and enjoying festivals. In 2007, Jillian graduated from the University of Connecticut with a major in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. Jillian is passionate about our students in New Orleans and excited to see student growth and achievement here at Success.

 

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Fourth Grade

Hedaayah Abdol, 4th Grade Math Teacher, has over twenty years of teaching experience and has taught on three different continents. She taught for five years in Georgia before joining us at Success Preparatory Academy as a founding teacher. She is a native South African and came to America in 2003. She graduated from Dower Teaching College with a Diploma in Education and also graduated from The University Of Port Elizabeth with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She swam competitively until she graduated from high school and also played college volleyball, she is now an avid walker. She believes that all students have the potential to learn and deserve the same respect that she expects from them.  For the past two years her main area of teaching was Fourth Grade Math. She currently serves as the Grade Level Manager of the Fourth Grade team. She is also a member of the ANET leadership team. She is very excited about her opportunity to serve as a member of the Academic Excellence team at SPA. She believes that all her students have the potential to compete for entrance into the best colleges.

 

Heidi Jones, 4^th Grade ELA Teacher, taught 4^th grade at Union Academy Charter School, in Monroe, NC for three years before joining Success Preparatory Academy in July 2011.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor’s of Art in Elementary Education.  Ms. Jones is part of the 2011 teachNOLA cohort.  She believes in and is dedicated to doing her part to develop college-bound learners for leadership and life-long learning here at Success Preparatory Academy.  In her spare time, Ms. Jones enjoys reading, playing tennis, jogging, and spending time with friends.

 

Jeanell Rhodes, 4th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher taught at Chesney Elementary in Gwinnett County, Georgia for three years as a 4th grade teacher and Northside Elementary in Houston County, Georgia for one year as a 2nd grade teacher before joining SPA in 2010. She loves to read, write poetry, and cook. Jeanell graduated from Mercer University in Georgia with both a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and a Master's of Education in Holistic Education. She loves being a part of the effort to push education in New Orleans in a stronger, more positive direction.

 

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5th Grade

Robert Ackerman, 5th Grade Teacher, is a new member of the Success team, serving our children in the areas of writing, math and science. He is joining us all the way from sunny California where he had taught for five years. Before starting his teaching career, Robert was an executive in the business world helping to run a Fortune 500 company. Before earning his teaching credential he had graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Business Management. Robert has two children, who both attend Success, and is excited to have his son in his class.

 

Ashley Kushner, 5th Grade Teacher, graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in English and Social Studies. She taught 4th grade in Atlanta, Georgia for three years and received her Gifted Certification in 2008.  Ms. Kushner is proud to be a member of the Success Preparatory Academy team. She is dedicated to providing her students with a top quality education through differentiated instruction and instilling a love for learning in the classroom.

 

Nicole Kusmirek, 5th Grade Teacher, graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. She was accepted to Teach for America's 2007 corps and moved to New Orleans to begin teaching. She earned her teaching certification in Middle School Mathematics and is entering her 5th year of teaching in New Orleans. Ms. Kusmirek is proud to be teaching for her third year at Success Preparatory Academy. This year she is excited to teach 5th grade Math and Science.

 

 

Marissa Lyons, 5th Grade Teacher, is a native Texan and is in her first year on the SPA Team. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Texas and working for a few years in news broadcasting, she recognized an internal passion for something greater.  She hung up her corporate hat and enrolled in the University of Texas to pursue a career in education. She spent her last three years teaching in charter schools throughout Southern Arizona where she discovered that teaching was something that she was called to do.  She is now serving as a fifth grade ELA and Social Studies teacher for Success Preparatory Academy. "Every day is a beautiful challenge. New Orleans is full of amazing culture and beautiful people. I am honored to call it home."

 

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Enrichment

Matthew Frost, Physical Education Teacher, taught for three years in Baltimore City, Maryland and is into his second year at Success Prep. His undergraduate studies were from Springfield College and has completed the TEACH Program at Louisiana College. He enjoys the outdoors and exploring New Orleans knowing there is something new to see each time he walks out the door. Sports are important in his life and nothing is more fun when his students defeat him in class. He loves teaching the children of New Orleans and gets excited seeing each child build healthy and playful lives.

 

LeAnn Cassidy, Music Teacher, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento and her Master of Music Education from Boston University. In her spare time, she loves to read and do crafts. LeAnn is excited to be in New Orleans because it is one of the most musical cities in the United States, and she wants to share her love of music with the students at Success!

 

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Special Education and Academic Support

Dorian Browder, Director of Discipline

 

 

 

Joycelyn Poole, Discipline Assistant, worked in the printing industry for 26 years before deciding to change careers and enter into education. She attended Southern University of New Orleans and studied Business Management. She has been working with charter schools for two years and has a passion for seeing our students excel in school.

 

Jennifer Garrett, Americorps/Communities in Schools Resource Coordinator, recently moved to New Orleans from Sudbury, Massachusetts to work with CIS. While at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Jen majored in psychology and minored in sociology. She plans to pursue a career in guidance counseling and is excited to work at Success this year.

 

Monica Cador, Reading Interventionist, taught second grade and third grade for four years in Texas and one year at Frances Gaudet Elementary School in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina. She graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and from the University of Houston with a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She enjoys teaching students how to read.

 

Helena Grove, Special Education Teacher, taught at Chesney Elementary in Duluth for two years as a VIF teacher from South Africa. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching the kids at Success Preparatory Academy so they can have a better future after graduating from college.

 

 

Erlinda Carrone, Special Education Teacher, was a Special Education Teacher at St. Bernard Parish School System; Duval County Public Schools; and Capdau Charter School; an RTI Facilitator for Orleans Parish School System; and a Regular Education Teacher in the Philippines prior to working at SPA. Her hobbies include growing tropical vegetables and fruit trees in her backyard and sometimes shopping. She earned her Masters of Education in Special Education Mild/Moderate from the University of New Orleans and her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the Philippines. She is extremely excited about working at SPA because of the very receptive/eager-to-learn students she works with; the refreshingly radical, revolutionary, upbeat, and results-oriented instructional culture; the academic-driven, visionary, relentless but cool principals; the dedicated and committed teaching staff; the professionally and personally sound relationships amongs the SPA personnel; and the nurturing, consistent, and effective schoolwide discipline for the student body!

 

Christopher Dennis, Special Education Paraprofessional, graduated from Middletown High School with honors in 2003.  He attended Southampton College of Long Island University and later the State University of New York at Stony Brook.  He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Marine Science in May, 2008.  Since then, he has moved to the city of New Orleans and began earning his teaching certification at Tulane University.  Though he is active, an avid sports fan and dog lover, his real passion is teaching and working with young people.  He first discovered this passion while working at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center, and later at Hope Academy and Joseph A. Craig Elementary in New Orleans.  He is proud and excited to be a part of the SPA team and do everything he can for each child, everyday.

 

Michael Marzelli, Special Education Paraprofessional, graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and minors in Psychology and Online Journalism. After spending five years working as a newspaper reporter and editor, he moved to New Orleans in 2010 with his wife and two dogs to give a year of service rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. An avid sports fan, brass band enthusiast and passionate supporter of all things New Orleans, he couldn't be more excited to be working with SPA's second grade scholars and to have found a career he truly loves working in education.

 

Cara McCall-Hurd, Special Education Teacher and Section 504 Coordinator, graduated with honors from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.  Cara is a native of Philadelphia, where she worked in Cardiology and Orthopedics for many years, servicing and educating patients in pre & post surgical care. She is excited to embark on a new career path and feels SPA focuses on values and goals that align with her belief that all children can learn.

 

Kerri Clarkin, Teaching Assistant (K-3rd Grade), worked with young people in various leadership capacities with the YMCA in the areas of youth programs and camp prior to coming to Success Preparatory Academy. During the school's first year, she was a teacher’s assistant through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps program working with all grade levels. A 2006 graduate of Springfield College, she earned a degree in Youth Development and Sociology.  Kerri looks forward to continuing her work as a teacher’s assistant with our dedicated group of educators and help to close the achievement gap of the children in New Orleans.

 

Rachel Laing, Teaching Assistant (K-3rd Grade), Rachel Laing graduated from Skidmore College with a Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs, focused on Latin America and Spanish. She loves to dance and was part of a Tap ensemble at Skidmore. Rachel joins the SPA family as an Avodah Fellow and is thrilled to be working with the wonderful students and staff alike. Rachel's students inspire her every day, and they inform her desire to continue teaching as every day she is learning alongside them.

 

Ellen Oshinsky, 2011-2012 AVODAH Jewish Service Corps Member, Teaching Assistant (K-3rd Grade), graduated with honors from the University of Miami, with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Communication Studies. Prior to working at SPA, she was a student employee at the University of Miami’s Study Abroad Office, encouraging students to study outside of the United States and mentoring students in this process. Ms. Oshinsky loves to lead an active lifestyle and enjoys running and dancing. She is excited to join the team at SPA as a corps member in the AVODAH Jewish Service Corps, and she loves to see scholars’ enthusiasm about learning.

 

Ana Roca, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Member, Teaching Assistant (4th-5th Grade) comes to Success from Los Angeles, California. She is a recent graduate from University of Oregon with a Bachelors of Science from the College of Education. She has played rugby for seven years but also enjoys yoga and cooking for her friends. She is very excited to be in New Orleans to experience the delicious food and the amazing people.

 

Kate Whelan, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Member, Teaching Assistant (2nd, 4th, & 5th Grade), graduated with high honors from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Global Development Studies. Most recently, she worked as a case intake manager for the Innocence Project in New Orleans. Kate enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her large (and rapidly growing) family. She is thrilled to begin teaching at Success Prep, and is excited to learn from her students and from the dedicated and passionate SPA staff.

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Photo Credits: N.Shikari, C.Habashy, T. O'Neill