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.
Jozian Molina
Chief Operation Officer/ Lead Person
Matthew Steen
Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Velmina Rivera, MD, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer/School Medical Director
Yusein Durakov
Business Administrator
Jameelah Surgeon
Director of HR and Talent Acquisition
Charles Benito
District Assessment Coordinator
Diana Crespo
Director of Enrollment
Naas Yancey
Director 21st Century Leaning Center
Kia Gore
ELA Supervisor K-8
Samantha Rodriguez
Principal K-5
Nancy Torres
Vice Principal K-5
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
Dr. Dawn Fichera
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Amir Ayres
ELA Supervisor 9-12
Tamika Rice
Director of College Access
Theodore W. Johnson Jr.
College Access Associate K-5
Amanda Mercado
College Access Associate K-5
Maria Cruz
Director of Parent Engagement Center
Shameka Shoultz
College Access Coordinator 6-8
Lorna Quintana
Coordinator of Parental Engagement, Recruitment and Retention
Christine Skalka
Assistant Director of Early College
Rosa Ovalles-Vargas
Director of Transportation
Tugba Cinar Shapiro, M. Ed
Director of ESL and Special Services
Michele Pastorello
Executive Chef Metz
Jessica Rojas
Food Manager Metz
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
Naas Yancey
Director 21st Century Leaning CenterKia Gore
ELA Supervisor K-8Nancy Torres
Vice Principal K-5Dr. Damiso Josey
Instructional Principal 6-8Dr. Dawn Fichera
Director of Curriculum and InstructionTamika Rice
Director of College Access
Wellness and Family Support
Dr. Velmina Rivera, MD, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer/School Medical DirectorLorna Quintana
Coordinator of Parental Engagement, Recruitment and Retention