Our Team
Leadership
Meet Our Leadership Team
LEAP Academy University School is administered by a management team led by our Chief Officers, each overseeing specific strategic performance components. Together, they work to lead the execution of Board mandates and strategic priorities and the implementation of the LEAP Charter.
Nicole Kessler
Chief of Teaching & Learning
Stephanie Weaver-Rogers
Chief Operation Officer/ Lead Person
Jozian Molina
Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Velmina Rivera, MD, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer/School Medical Director
Yusein Durakov
Business Administrator
Charles Benito
District Assessment Coordinator
Samantha Rodriguez
Principal K-5
Dr. Dawn Fichera
Chief of STEAM
Nancy Torres
Vice Principal K-5
Tamika Rice
Director of Climate and Culture
Jameelah Surgeon
Director of HR and Talent Acquisition
Dr. Damiso Josey
Instructional Principal 6-8
Dr. Kamika Dixon
Vice Principal 6-8
Dr. Kwanza Cogdell
Principal 9-12
Angiana Thompson
Vice Principal 9-12
Matthew Steen
Math Supervisor K-12
Amir Ayres
ELA Supervisor 9-12
Theodore W. Johnson Jr.
Director of College Access
Diana Crespo
Director of Enrollment
Maria Cruz
Director of Parent Engagement Center
Lorna Quintana
Coordinator of Parental Engagement, Recruitment and Retention
Christine Skalka
ELA Supervisor K-8
Dennis Rivera
Chief of Safety and Security
Tugba Hoguet
Director of ESL and Special Services
Michele Pastorello
Executive Chef Metz
Jessica Rojas
Food Manager Metz
Rosa Ovalles-Vargas
Director of Transportation
Steve Pierre-Jacques
Director, Information Technology
Rafael Miranda
Director Fabrication Lab
Staff
Meet Our Central Services Staff
LEAP Academy is supported by an administration and service structure that allows for efficient and quality services. Meet our key personnel.
Operations
Finance
Enrollment
Curriculum & Instruction
Nicole Kessler
Chief of Teaching & LearningDr. Dawn Fichera
Chief of STEAMNancy Torres
Vice Principal K-5Tamika Rice
Director of Climate and CultureDr. Damiso Josey
Instructional Principal 6-8
Wellness and Family Support
Dr. Velmina Rivera, MD, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer/School Medical DirectorLorna Quintana
Coordinator of Parental Engagement, Recruitment and Retention