Your NAEA Board
If you would like to contact any of our board members, please send them an email. They will respond as soon as possible.
Glen Hoffmann, President
president@the-naea.org
In 1997 Glen Hoffmann was recruited for a newly formed alternative program working with students who were there by choice, or as an alternative to suspensions and expulsions. In his first week on the job he worked with the staff to define the meaning of alternative. That team developed the first “Success Plan” in Illinois. Later the team worked with Illinois State legislators and was able to get the success plan added to the Illinois School Code. These early experiences with advocacy led to many years of and opportunities to work with legislators in Illinois to improve programming, funding, and awareness for our alternative students and their families.
Glen has his master’s degree in School Administration and Special Education Administration. He continues employment at the alternative program that recruited him in 1997, and like many in our field has served in various roles: Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, Building Coordinator, Technology Coordinator, Principal and Director.
For the last five years Glen has been elected to the board of directors for the Illinois Coalition for Educating “At-Risk” Youth (ICEARY). He has served as President Elect, President, and is currently serving as Past President. As he strives for work- life balance, Glen loves to travel with his wife Sandy and his rescue dog Gus.
president@the-naea.org
In 1997 Glen Hoffmann was recruited for a newly formed alternative program working with students who were there by choice, or as an alternative to suspensions and expulsions. In his first week on the job he worked with the staff to define the meaning of alternative. That team developed the first “Success Plan” in Illinois. Later the team worked with Illinois State legislators and was able to get the success plan added to the Illinois School Code. These early experiences with advocacy led to many years of and opportunities to work with legislators in Illinois to improve programming, funding, and awareness for our alternative students and their families.
Glen has his master’s degree in School Administration and Special Education Administration. He continues employment at the alternative program that recruited him in 1997, and like many in our field has served in various roles: Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, Building Coordinator, Technology Coordinator, Principal and Director.
For the last five years Glen has been elected to the board of directors for the Illinois Coalition for Educating “At-Risk” Youth (ICEARY). He has served as President Elect, President, and is currently serving as Past President. As he strives for work- life balance, Glen loves to travel with his wife Sandy and his rescue dog Gus.
Tim Morrow, President-Elect
presidentelect@the-naea.org
Tim Morrow is currently the Principal and Coordinator at Antietam Academy, which is the alternative program for Washington County Public Schools in Hagerstown, Maryland. He has been in education for 31 years. During that time, he has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.
Mr. Morrow’s passion is working with what he refers to as “at-promise” youth which others often term “at-risk” youth. He believes every child can learn and succeed but we must remember it may not be on the same day in the same way. As he shares in many of his presentations, relationships are fundamental and behavior is communication. Both in education and our society, we must stop treating the symptoms(behaviors) and start attending to the cause.
Mr. Morrow has presented at various local and national conference including the National Alternative Education Conference. He also serves as the National Alternative Education Association Region 2 Board of Director member and works closely with alternative educators and programs in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. He is also started the Maryland Alternative Education Association four years ago and is the current President/Chairperson of that group. Mr. Morrow is also a member of the first Maryland State Department of Education Alternative Education workgroup which recently developed the first ever Alternative Education Best Practice Guiding Document. Mr. Morrow provides consultation service and professional development to other alternative education groups, schools and associations regarding behavior, restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches.
In his spare time, Mr. Morrow simply enjoys going camping and spending time with family and friends.
presidentelect@the-naea.org
Tim Morrow is currently the Principal and Coordinator at Antietam Academy, which is the alternative program for Washington County Public Schools in Hagerstown, Maryland. He has been in education for 31 years. During that time, he has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.
Mr. Morrow’s passion is working with what he refers to as “at-promise” youth which others often term “at-risk” youth. He believes every child can learn and succeed but we must remember it may not be on the same day in the same way. As he shares in many of his presentations, relationships are fundamental and behavior is communication. Both in education and our society, we must stop treating the symptoms(behaviors) and start attending to the cause.
Mr. Morrow has presented at various local and national conference including the National Alternative Education Conference. He also serves as the National Alternative Education Association Region 2 Board of Director member and works closely with alternative educators and programs in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. He is also started the Maryland Alternative Education Association four years ago and is the current President/Chairperson of that group. Mr. Morrow is also a member of the first Maryland State Department of Education Alternative Education workgroup which recently developed the first ever Alternative Education Best Practice Guiding Document. Mr. Morrow provides consultation service and professional development to other alternative education groups, schools and associations regarding behavior, restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches.
In his spare time, Mr. Morrow simply enjoys going camping and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Coby Davis, Treasurer
treasurer@the-naea.org
Dr. Coby Davis currently serves as the assistant principal for Archer Learning Center, the sole alternative high school within the Springdale Arkansas School District, one of the largest districts in the state. He is a proven leader in education and a passionate and engaging educator with global perspective and inter-cultural savvy with demonstrated results in both adult and childhood learning forums.
Dr. Davis began his career nearly 20 years ago as a public school elementary teacher in Williamson County School district in Middle Tennessee. He later transitioned into higher education where he spent 9 years at Lipscomb University in Nashville before returning to public school as a middle school math teacher in the Springdale School District. Having taught in a traditional elementary and middle school setting, led in a teacher education program at the college level, and operated as a behavior interventionist in an alternative education setting has allowed Dr. Davis the opportunity to build his expertise in providing public school teachers with tools, experiences and confidence to support advancements and adoption of 21st century learning techniques and technologies.
Dr. Davis is community-focused and participates in several professional activities. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Arkansas NAACP chapter as the vice-president. Previously, Dr. Davis served as the Middle Tennessee Representative and Treasurer of TACTE (Tennessee Association of Colleges of Teacher Education), and he served on an accreditation review team. He routinely presents at various national conferences and has been requested to speak at numerous education workshops. Dr. Davis has served as a mentor for a struggling school and has worked with schools located in the Bronx, in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and in Nigeria.
Dr. Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., his M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., and his Ed.D in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
treasurer@the-naea.org
Dr. Coby Davis currently serves as the assistant principal for Archer Learning Center, the sole alternative high school within the Springdale Arkansas School District, one of the largest districts in the state. He is a proven leader in education and a passionate and engaging educator with global perspective and inter-cultural savvy with demonstrated results in both adult and childhood learning forums.
Dr. Davis began his career nearly 20 years ago as a public school elementary teacher in Williamson County School district in Middle Tennessee. He later transitioned into higher education where he spent 9 years at Lipscomb University in Nashville before returning to public school as a middle school math teacher in the Springdale School District. Having taught in a traditional elementary and middle school setting, led in a teacher education program at the college level, and operated as a behavior interventionist in an alternative education setting has allowed Dr. Davis the opportunity to build his expertise in providing public school teachers with tools, experiences and confidence to support advancements and adoption of 21st century learning techniques and technologies.
Dr. Davis is community-focused and participates in several professional activities. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Arkansas NAACP chapter as the vice-president. Previously, Dr. Davis served as the Middle Tennessee Representative and Treasurer of TACTE (Tennessee Association of Colleges of Teacher Education), and he served on an accreditation review team. He routinely presents at various national conferences and has been requested to speak at numerous education workshops. Dr. Davis has served as a mentor for a struggling school and has worked with schools located in the Bronx, in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and in Nigeria.
Dr. Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., his M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., and his Ed.D in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
Dr. Amy Schlessman, Secretary
secretary@the-naea.org
Amy Schlessman, PhD, has dedicated her professional and much of her personal life to education and human services in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Schlessman’s research and professional interests include alternative school accountability, organizational development, and the development of creative and innovative intelligence in learners of all ages from diverse cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Fortune 500 companies, as well as not-for-profit organizations including schools and community collaboratives, have benefitted from her contributions to their programs. Her publications and presentations illustrate a range of contributions from theory to practice.
Amy’s recent research, policy analysis, and advocacy focus on alternative education. She serves on the National Advisory Committee for a federal grant on accountability for alternative schools.
Dr. Schlessman’s peers have elected her to leadership positions internationally, nationally, and at the state level. She has served as President of an international education association, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); Chair of Research and Evaluation with the American Educational Research Association; and founding President, Arizona Alternative Education Consortium. She is honored to now serve as a Board member of the National Alternative Education Association.
secretary@the-naea.org
Amy Schlessman, PhD, has dedicated her professional and much of her personal life to education and human services in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Schlessman’s research and professional interests include alternative school accountability, organizational development, and the development of creative and innovative intelligence in learners of all ages from diverse cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Fortune 500 companies, as well as not-for-profit organizations including schools and community collaboratives, have benefitted from her contributions to their programs. Her publications and presentations illustrate a range of contributions from theory to practice.
Amy’s recent research, policy analysis, and advocacy focus on alternative education. She serves on the National Advisory Committee for a federal grant on accountability for alternative schools.
Dr. Schlessman’s peers have elected her to leadership positions internationally, nationally, and at the state level. She has served as President of an international education association, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); Chair of Research and Evaluation with the American Educational Research Association; and founding President, Arizona Alternative Education Consortium. She is honored to now serve as a Board member of the National Alternative Education Association.
Brian Tetreault, Board Member - Region 1
Region1@the-naea.org
Mr. Brian Tetreault currently serves as the Director of Alternative Learning Programs in the Chariho Regional School District in South County, Rhode Island. Chariho’s Alternative Learning Academy includes both an alternative learning program and a clinical day program. It is a comprehensive K-12 alternative school providing individualized instruction, social emotional learning and mental health support for youth who have not reached their full potential in traditional public schools. An academic focus on interdisciplinary, standards aligned, project based learning and high expectations of his staff to do whatever it takes to help each student find success are the hallmarks of his leadership at The Academy. Brian has over 25 years of experience in education, beginning his career as a program manager for a Clinical Day School with locations in Salem, Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island. He has been a special education teacher and dean of students at a traditional high school and was a middle school assistant principal before returning to the alternative education realm. These experiences have shaped him into an accomplished educational leader instilling confidence in his students, staff and fellow school administrators.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned a Master of Education degree from Providence College. Brian is married with twin boys and is active in the community volunteering on the local Little League board of Directors and coaching various sports for his children. He loves to travel and spend time on the beach with his family.
Region1@the-naea.org
Mr. Brian Tetreault currently serves as the Director of Alternative Learning Programs in the Chariho Regional School District in South County, Rhode Island. Chariho’s Alternative Learning Academy includes both an alternative learning program and a clinical day program. It is a comprehensive K-12 alternative school providing individualized instruction, social emotional learning and mental health support for youth who have not reached their full potential in traditional public schools. An academic focus on interdisciplinary, standards aligned, project based learning and high expectations of his staff to do whatever it takes to help each student find success are the hallmarks of his leadership at The Academy. Brian has over 25 years of experience in education, beginning his career as a program manager for a Clinical Day School with locations in Salem, Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island. He has been a special education teacher and dean of students at a traditional high school and was a middle school assistant principal before returning to the alternative education realm. These experiences have shaped him into an accomplished educational leader instilling confidence in his students, staff and fellow school administrators.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned a Master of Education degree from Providence College. Brian is married with twin boys and is active in the community volunteering on the local Little League board of Directors and coaching various sports for his children. He loves to travel and spend time on the beach with his family.
Dr. Mark Brown, Board Member - Region 2
Region2@the-naea.org
Dr. Mark Brown is the principal of Phoenix Academy, a K-12 public alternative school located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He has devoted considerable effort toward enriching his academic development and currently possesses a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) specializing in Urban Leadership from Morgan State University and has completed all but the dissertation for a second Doctor of Education degree (ABD) in Special Education with a focus on emotional behavioral disorders from the University of Maryland. In addition, he holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Coppin State University, a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Coppin State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. Complementing his academic achievements, Dr. Brown has over 24 years of experience in the field of education, with over 22 years of administrative leadership in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. He has been issued seven endorsements from the Maryland State Department of Education in areas including Superintendent of Schools, Administrator I, Administrator II, Special Education K-8, Special Education 6-Adult, Reading Teacher, and Supervisor of Special Education Facilities. Moreover, Dr. Brown is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Maryland Educational Policy Fellowship Program, a subset of the National Institute for Educational Leadership. He currently sits on the advisory board of the Maryland Out Of School Time Network and is an adjunct professor in the doctoral program in Morgan State University’s Urban Leadership program. In his recently elected position as the Region 2 Director of the National Alternative Education Association, he will serve as the official representative of Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey on this body.
Dr. Brown is a published author having contributed to scholarly research focusing upon the impact of teacher-student relationships on students’ abilities to demonstrate self-control within and outside the school setting.
Region2@the-naea.org
Dr. Mark Brown is the principal of Phoenix Academy, a K-12 public alternative school located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He has devoted considerable effort toward enriching his academic development and currently possesses a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) specializing in Urban Leadership from Morgan State University and has completed all but the dissertation for a second Doctor of Education degree (ABD) in Special Education with a focus on emotional behavioral disorders from the University of Maryland. In addition, he holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Coppin State University, a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Coppin State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. Complementing his academic achievements, Dr. Brown has over 24 years of experience in the field of education, with over 22 years of administrative leadership in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. He has been issued seven endorsements from the Maryland State Department of Education in areas including Superintendent of Schools, Administrator I, Administrator II, Special Education K-8, Special Education 6-Adult, Reading Teacher, and Supervisor of Special Education Facilities. Moreover, Dr. Brown is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Maryland Educational Policy Fellowship Program, a subset of the National Institute for Educational Leadership. He currently sits on the advisory board of the Maryland Out Of School Time Network and is an adjunct professor in the doctoral program in Morgan State University’s Urban Leadership program. In his recently elected position as the Region 2 Director of the National Alternative Education Association, he will serve as the official representative of Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey on this body.
Dr. Brown is a published author having contributed to scholarly research focusing upon the impact of teacher-student relationships on students’ abilities to demonstrate self-control within and outside the school setting.
Mark Hill, Board Member - Region 3
Region3@the-naea.org
Mr. Mark A Hill is a father, grandfather, musician, choir director, song writer and visionary leader with 35 years of experience as a secondary level educator, instructional leader, community organizer, and building principal with Kalamazoo Public Schools. He currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is the principal of Phoenix High School (Kalamazoo Public Schools), where he is an advocate for students, champion for social justice, and Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Education trainer and coach. He is entering his 17th year as an administrator in Kalamazoo Public Schools, with 14 of them at Phoenix High School (Phoenix High School is the District’s “nontraditional” high school.
Mark is the fourth of six children and was raised in a small rural town of Baldwin, Michigan. He enjoys driving, traveling, attending sports events, reading biographies, visiting historic landmarks, coaching track & field, cooking, and spending time with his 3 sons (Darius, Halston, and Nick), 10 Godsons, 7 grandchildren, and students.
Each day at the close of school announcements, Mr. Hill leaves the students with Maya Angelou’s poem entitled “And Still I (We) Rise.” His favorite quote comes from The 5 Wells. He reminds his students daily to Be Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Traveled, Well-Dressed, and Well-Balanced
Region3@the-naea.org
Mr. Mark A Hill is a father, grandfather, musician, choir director, song writer and visionary leader with 35 years of experience as a secondary level educator, instructional leader, community organizer, and building principal with Kalamazoo Public Schools. He currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is the principal of Phoenix High School (Kalamazoo Public Schools), where he is an advocate for students, champion for social justice, and Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Education trainer and coach. He is entering his 17th year as an administrator in Kalamazoo Public Schools, with 14 of them at Phoenix High School (Phoenix High School is the District’s “nontraditional” high school.
Mark is the fourth of six children and was raised in a small rural town of Baldwin, Michigan. He enjoys driving, traveling, attending sports events, reading biographies, visiting historic landmarks, coaching track & field, cooking, and spending time with his 3 sons (Darius, Halston, and Nick), 10 Godsons, 7 grandchildren, and students.
Each day at the close of school announcements, Mr. Hill leaves the students with Maya Angelou’s poem entitled “And Still I (We) Rise.” His favorite quote comes from The 5 Wells. He reminds his students daily to Be Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Traveled, Well-Dressed, and Well-Balanced
Dr. Melvin Hayden, Board Member - Region 4
Region4@the-naea.org
Successful students become successful adults! Melvin Hayden attributes his drive and passion for learning to his time in the United States Air Force as a firefighter, where he learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration to save lives. Mr. Hayden currently serves as the Dean of Students for Building Bridges middle and senior high alternative schools in the Savannah/ Chatham County Public School System. Melvin has dedicated over 10 years with the Savannah/ Chatham County Public School System serving as a school leader for the past seven years. He helped establish the first Elementary (K-5) alternative program in Chatham County. The successful alternative elementary model was later adopted and adapted to serve middle and high school students in the county. Melvin has also served on the Georgia Association for Alternative Education and currently serves as the Region 4 NAEA Director supporting districts and educators in Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
In his spare time, he publishes and writes for The Bleu Rooster Magazine. Melvin is also the author of I’d Rather be Bad than Stupid, which examines trauma and alternative adolescent behavior. In the midst of military and work, Melvin earned a B.A. in Human Services from Bellevue University, an M.A. in Teaching Technology, an M.A. in Education Leadership from the University of New England, and earned a PhD from California Southern University. Melvin’s three children are his life- with two in college and one 4 years away.
Region4@the-naea.org
Successful students become successful adults! Melvin Hayden attributes his drive and passion for learning to his time in the United States Air Force as a firefighter, where he learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration to save lives. Mr. Hayden currently serves as the Dean of Students for Building Bridges middle and senior high alternative schools in the Savannah/ Chatham County Public School System. Melvin has dedicated over 10 years with the Savannah/ Chatham County Public School System serving as a school leader for the past seven years. He helped establish the first Elementary (K-5) alternative program in Chatham County. The successful alternative elementary model was later adopted and adapted to serve middle and high school students in the county. Melvin has also served on the Georgia Association for Alternative Education and currently serves as the Region 4 NAEA Director supporting districts and educators in Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
In his spare time, he publishes and writes for The Bleu Rooster Magazine. Melvin is also the author of I’d Rather be Bad than Stupid, which examines trauma and alternative adolescent behavior. In the midst of military and work, Melvin earned a B.A. in Human Services from Bellevue University, an M.A. in Teaching Technology, an M.A. in Education Leadership from the University of New England, and earned a PhD from California Southern University. Melvin’s three children are his life- with two in college and one 4 years away.
Erik Bruner-Wiltse, Board Member - Region 5
Region5@the-naea.org
Erik Bruner-Wiltse currently serves as the Assistant Director of Alternative Learning for the Wentzville, MO school district. In addition to his administrative role for the district’s alternative middle and high school programs, Erik provides consultation and training for district faculty who work with students who have experienced trauma, have behavioral challenges, or suffer from social/emotional disorders. His professional focus is on a whole-child approach to education where schools serve as a hub for family and community resources.
Before his current position, Erik worked as a teacher and trainer in a Missouri residential placement for students with severe behavioral difficulties or family challenges. Erik has presented at numerous state and national conferences on topics such as trauma-informed classrooms, child brain development, the Neurosequential Model of Education, and alternative education best practices. As a St. Louis resident, he has been invested in staying connected to and collaborating with his city’s alternative education programs and those of the larger St. Louis area. Before joining the NAEA board, Erik served as a St. Louis regional representative for the Missouri Alternative Education Network.
Erik earned his bachelor’s in English education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and a master’s in instructional process and behavioral analysis from Washington University - St. Louis. He currently lives in south St. Louis with his wife, Claire, and daughter, Miriam.
Region5@the-naea.org
Erik Bruner-Wiltse currently serves as the Assistant Director of Alternative Learning for the Wentzville, MO school district. In addition to his administrative role for the district’s alternative middle and high school programs, Erik provides consultation and training for district faculty who work with students who have experienced trauma, have behavioral challenges, or suffer from social/emotional disorders. His professional focus is on a whole-child approach to education where schools serve as a hub for family and community resources.
Before his current position, Erik worked as a teacher and trainer in a Missouri residential placement for students with severe behavioral difficulties or family challenges. Erik has presented at numerous state and national conferences on topics such as trauma-informed classrooms, child brain development, the Neurosequential Model of Education, and alternative education best practices. As a St. Louis resident, he has been invested in staying connected to and collaborating with his city’s alternative education programs and those of the larger St. Louis area. Before joining the NAEA board, Erik served as a St. Louis regional representative for the Missouri Alternative Education Network.
Erik earned his bachelor’s in English education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and a master’s in instructional process and behavioral analysis from Washington University - St. Louis. He currently lives in south St. Louis with his wife, Claire, and daughter, Miriam.
John Gatica, Board Member - Region 6
Region6@the-naea.org
Mr. John D. Gatica is a Regional Counselor for College, Career, and Military Readiness for Responsive Education Solutions. In his work John provides motivation, information, and training for students that choose to pursue a post-secondary education. Mr. Gatica works to create a foundation of support and knowledge to assist students and families as they transition into the post-secondary arena. John’s role is to create a seamless transition and to create a network of support for each student as they walk onto a college campus.
In his years of service to the Texas public schools, he has been able to serve in several capacities including Elementary School principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal, CTE Director and Director of At-Risk Programs. John’s passion stems from working with students that have been labeled at-risk by a system that has failed to engage them academically. In his leadership capacity, Mr. Gatica has served as a secondary administrator for over 30 years and has served as mentor for both the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and the Raise Your Hand Texas Public School Advocacy Group. John is one of the founders of the West Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in Lubbock, Texas. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Informative Solutions: A college and career readiness system that provides post-secondary support to rural schools across the country.
John has studied school leadership while attending Harvard University with the 2010 RYHT cohort and
has earned his Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degrees from Texas Tech University. John
participated and is an Alum of the 2008 Oxford Roundtable at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Mr.
John Gatica continues to give presentations on the state, national and international levels.
Region6@the-naea.org
Mr. John D. Gatica is a Regional Counselor for College, Career, and Military Readiness for Responsive Education Solutions. In his work John provides motivation, information, and training for students that choose to pursue a post-secondary education. Mr. Gatica works to create a foundation of support and knowledge to assist students and families as they transition into the post-secondary arena. John’s role is to create a seamless transition and to create a network of support for each student as they walk onto a college campus.
In his years of service to the Texas public schools, he has been able to serve in several capacities including Elementary School principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal, CTE Director and Director of At-Risk Programs. John’s passion stems from working with students that have been labeled at-risk by a system that has failed to engage them academically. In his leadership capacity, Mr. Gatica has served as a secondary administrator for over 30 years and has served as mentor for both the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and the Raise Your Hand Texas Public School Advocacy Group. John is one of the founders of the West Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in Lubbock, Texas. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Informative Solutions: A college and career readiness system that provides post-secondary support to rural schools across the country.
John has studied school leadership while attending Harvard University with the 2010 RYHT cohort and
has earned his Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degrees from Texas Tech University. John
participated and is an Alum of the 2008 Oxford Roundtable at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Mr.
John Gatica continues to give presentations on the state, national and international levels.
Brian Gee, Board Member - Region 7
Region7@the-naea.org
Mr. Brian Gee, has the privilege of being the Principal at Goddard Academy, Lakeside Academy and the Goddard Virtual Program in Goddard, Kansas. He has been an administrator for 15 years, that time has been spent in rural, inner-city, and suburban school districts serving as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Principal. Mr. Gee has also served in numerous leadership roles with the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals and is currently serving on the Evaluations Review Committee for Kansas Department of Education.
Mr. Brian Gee has a unique passion and drive to develop positive relationships within the school and local community, working with students to become a strong part of a productive society, all while supporting teachers to reach their greatest potential, and fostering a positive school culture while in and out of the classroom.
As a family, Brian and his wife Kasey, enjoy spending time with their 4 wonderful kids (Quentin, Braxton, Brooks and Brynlee) watching sporting events and doing family outdoor activities. He began his Educational Leadership career with a Bachelor’s in Physical Science from Fort Hays State University in 2002 and continuing to his Master’s in School Leadership from Baker’s University in 2006.
Brian is looking forward to the opportunity to serve NAEA at the regional and national levels. His previous educational experiences will enhance an already great organization.
Region7@the-naea.org
Mr. Brian Gee, has the privilege of being the Principal at Goddard Academy, Lakeside Academy and the Goddard Virtual Program in Goddard, Kansas. He has been an administrator for 15 years, that time has been spent in rural, inner-city, and suburban school districts serving as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Principal. Mr. Gee has also served in numerous leadership roles with the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals and is currently serving on the Evaluations Review Committee for Kansas Department of Education.
Mr. Brian Gee has a unique passion and drive to develop positive relationships within the school and local community, working with students to become a strong part of a productive society, all while supporting teachers to reach their greatest potential, and fostering a positive school culture while in and out of the classroom.
As a family, Brian and his wife Kasey, enjoy spending time with their 4 wonderful kids (Quentin, Braxton, Brooks and Brynlee) watching sporting events and doing family outdoor activities. He began his Educational Leadership career with a Bachelor’s in Physical Science from Fort Hays State University in 2002 and continuing to his Master’s in School Leadership from Baker’s University in 2006.
Brian is looking forward to the opportunity to serve NAEA at the regional and national levels. His previous educational experiences will enhance an already great organization.
Dr. LaToya Brown - Region 8
Region8@the-naea.org
LaToya Brown is the Director of Correctional Education, Academics, Data, and Accountability for New Opportunities Organization, an alternative charter school consortium dedicated to providing At-Promise students 18 years of age and older with the opportunity to complete their high school diploma requirements through alternative pathways. LaToya has a combined 10+ years of experience in Alternative School Models, Restorative Education, Correctional Education, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Career & Technical Education development. She is also the founder of One Step 4ward, a non-profit dedicated to uplifting BIPOC communities by providing quality educational and vocational pathways that support social equity and economic freedom.
LaToya earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. Her research focuses on the intersectionality of race, racism, and BIPOC youths' disconnection from traditional public schools and subsequent re-engagement and graduation from alternative education. She is currently working towards completing coursework to obtain a second doctoral degree in Global Leadership.
As a leader, educator, student, advocate, and navigator, LaToya serves the community through a critical-race and trauma-informed lens grounded in an understanding of the bioecological connection between a child's physical, social, and cognitive development.
"My educational philosophy is built on the South African principle of "Ubuntu" which means, "I am because we are." I believe in a collective approach to educational and social success. As a community, we are collectively responsible for the successes or failures of its members. Therefore, through positive relationships with families, community organizations, business owners, local and regional schools, colleges, and universities, we can ensure and encourage individual and community success."
Region8@the-naea.org
LaToya Brown is the Director of Correctional Education, Academics, Data, and Accountability for New Opportunities Organization, an alternative charter school consortium dedicated to providing At-Promise students 18 years of age and older with the opportunity to complete their high school diploma requirements through alternative pathways. LaToya has a combined 10+ years of experience in Alternative School Models, Restorative Education, Correctional Education, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Career & Technical Education development. She is also the founder of One Step 4ward, a non-profit dedicated to uplifting BIPOC communities by providing quality educational and vocational pathways that support social equity and economic freedom.
LaToya earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. Her research focuses on the intersectionality of race, racism, and BIPOC youths' disconnection from traditional public schools and subsequent re-engagement and graduation from alternative education. She is currently working towards completing coursework to obtain a second doctoral degree in Global Leadership.
As a leader, educator, student, advocate, and navigator, LaToya serves the community through a critical-race and trauma-informed lens grounded in an understanding of the bioecological connection between a child's physical, social, and cognitive development.
"My educational philosophy is built on the South African principle of "Ubuntu" which means, "I am because we are." I believe in a collective approach to educational and social success. As a community, we are collectively responsible for the successes or failures of its members. Therefore, through positive relationships with families, community organizations, business owners, local and regional schools, colleges, and universities, we can ensure and encourage individual and community success."
Natalie Stromberg, Board Member - Region 9
Region9@the-naea.org
Natalie is the Business Development Coordinator at the Davis Catalyst Center where she works with industry partners to find real-world projects for students. Students develop professional skills as they take ownership of their future. Natalie is the project manager directing student projects in Cyber Security, Web Design, Culinary Arts, Drones, Audio, Video, Construction Management, Business and Marketing.
Previously, Natalie was an Alternative Education Instructor teaching students English, ESL, Senior Seminar, Business, Entrepreneurship, and DECA. Her passion is empowering students to take control of their education and design their futures. Natalie is the mother of 4 amazing children. She loves traveling with and supporting them in all of their adventures. Natalie loves humanitarian travel and has served people in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ecuador, India, and Nepal. She enjoys travel of all kinds and has visited 26 different countries.
Natalie is so excited to be serving on the NAEA board and work with incredible alternative educators!
Region9@the-naea.org
Natalie is the Business Development Coordinator at the Davis Catalyst Center where she works with industry partners to find real-world projects for students. Students develop professional skills as they take ownership of their future. Natalie is the project manager directing student projects in Cyber Security, Web Design, Culinary Arts, Drones, Audio, Video, Construction Management, Business and Marketing.
Previously, Natalie was an Alternative Education Instructor teaching students English, ESL, Senior Seminar, Business, Entrepreneurship, and DECA. Her passion is empowering students to take control of their education and design their futures. Natalie is the mother of 4 amazing children. She loves traveling with and supporting them in all of their adventures. Natalie loves humanitarian travel and has served people in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ecuador, India, and Nepal. She enjoys travel of all kinds and has visited 26 different countries.
Natalie is so excited to be serving on the NAEA board and work with incredible alternative educators!
