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.
Kathleen Chronister, Past President
pastpresident@the-naea.org
Kathleen Chronister is the Social Emotional Learning Director for Davis School District, Utah. She previously was the Alternative Education Principal in Davis School District where she had responsibility to lead and supervise nine campus locations with a variety of programs for at-risk students including Mountain High School, Renaissance Academy, and Davis Adult Learning.
Ms. Chronister has served on numerous district and state committees. She is the past president of the Utah chapter of ASCD and has served as the special purpose school representative for the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals. She has been active in advocacy in the state of Utah and was instrumental in guiding policy makers to better understand the mission of alternative schools which resulted in an appropriate accountability system for alternative high Schools in Utah.
She is married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She is active in her community and church with projects focused on serving the needs of refugees, women, and children. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and earned her Master of Education in Educational Administration from Idaho State University. Her philosophy on personal happiness is to spend two minutes each day sending a positive email, text, or personal note of gratitude to at least one person.
pastpresident@the-naea.org
Kathleen Chronister is the Social Emotional Learning Director for Davis School District, Utah. She previously was the Alternative Education Principal in Davis School District where she had responsibility to lead and supervise nine campus locations with a variety of programs for at-risk students including Mountain High School, Renaissance Academy, and Davis Adult Learning.
Ms. Chronister has served on numerous district and state committees. She is the past president of the Utah chapter of ASCD and has served as the special purpose school representative for the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals. She has been active in advocacy in the state of Utah and was instrumental in guiding policy makers to better understand the mission of alternative schools which resulted in an appropriate accountability system for alternative high Schools in Utah.
She is married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She is active in her community and church with projects focused on serving the needs of refugees, women, and children. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and earned her Master of Education in Educational Administration from Idaho State University. Her philosophy on personal happiness is to spend two minutes each day sending a positive email, text, or personal note of gratitude to at least one person.
Ashley Hanlon, Board Member - Region 1
Region1@the-naea.org
Ashley Hanlon is currently in her second year as Director of the Addison Wayfinder Experience (AWE) alternative program in Addison, Vermont. AWE serves students in grades six-12 for whom a traditional classroom setting does not work. Before AWE, Mrs. Hanlon worked for 13 years exclusively in alternative settings as a middle and high school science teacher and high school special educator. She also teaches for Saint Michael’s College in their MAT program when needed. In 2019 Mrs. Hanlon was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in her school district and was recognized for her support of non-traditional learners. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Hanlon served as a PLC coordinator and facilitator in the Essex Westford School District.
Working with students who require teachers to think outside of the box has always been a passion for Mrs. Hanlon and her doctoral work is focused on how to best prepare teachers for this rewarding, yet challenging work.
Mrs. Hanlon received her BS in biology from Johnson State College, her M.Ed. in special education from Saint Michael’s College, and is a doctoral candidate at Northcentral University. At home in Vermont, she is married, and she and her husband have three kids ages 17-6. Chickens, bees, dogs, and cats keep the family busy in their little slice of heaven.
Region1@the-naea.org
Ashley Hanlon is currently in her second year as Director of the Addison Wayfinder Experience (AWE) alternative program in Addison, Vermont. AWE serves students in grades six-12 for whom a traditional classroom setting does not work. Before AWE, Mrs. Hanlon worked for 13 years exclusively in alternative settings as a middle and high school science teacher and high school special educator. She also teaches for Saint Michael’s College in their MAT program when needed. In 2019 Mrs. Hanlon was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in her school district and was recognized for her support of non-traditional learners. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Hanlon served as a PLC coordinator and facilitator in the Essex Westford School District.
Working with students who require teachers to think outside of the box has always been a passion for Mrs. Hanlon and her doctoral work is focused on how to best prepare teachers for this rewarding, yet challenging work.
Mrs. Hanlon received her BS in biology from Johnson State College, her M.Ed. in special education from Saint Michael’s College, and is a doctoral candidate at Northcentral University. At home in Vermont, she is married, and she and her husband have three kids ages 17-6. Chickens, bees, dogs, and cats keep the family busy in their little slice of heaven.
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
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.
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 an administrator for New Opportunities Organization, an alternative charter school consortium with the mission is to provide 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. Her research also includes examining the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and BIPOC youths' academic achievement and Andragogy.
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 an administrator for New Opportunities Organization, an alternative charter school consortium with the mission is to provide 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. Her research also includes examining the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and BIPOC youths' academic achievement and Andragogy.
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."
Benjamin (Benji) Carrier, Board Member - Region 9
Region9@the-naea.org
Benji Carrier is the Alternative Education Principal in Ogden School District, UT. He has served as the principal there for the last five years and has loved every minute of it. Prior to this assignment, Benji was the principal of Ogden District’s Youth in Care program where he oversaw Mill Creek a long-term secure facility and Observation and Assessment a short term semi-secure facility. Mr. Carrier has loved serving on the Utah Alternative Education Association for the last four years serving as the president-elect, present, and past president. His primary focus has been to connect the alternative schools throughout the state of Utah to work together by sharing the best and most successful aspects of each alternative program so all schools can give their students the best chance to succeed in school and beyond. He has been active with the Utah State Board of Education specifically advising them on matters of accountability and school turnaround in the alternative realm.
Benji has been married to his lovely wife Jamie for 15 years. Together they have 4 crazy kids that keep them on their toes. Benji is an avid crossfitter who loves doing anything active outside, especially biking and hiking in the mountains.
Region9@the-naea.org
Benji Carrier is the Alternative Education Principal in Ogden School District, UT. He has served as the principal there for the last five years and has loved every minute of it. Prior to this assignment, Benji was the principal of Ogden District’s Youth in Care program where he oversaw Mill Creek a long-term secure facility and Observation and Assessment a short term semi-secure facility. Mr. Carrier has loved serving on the Utah Alternative Education Association for the last four years serving as the president-elect, present, and past president. His primary focus has been to connect the alternative schools throughout the state of Utah to work together by sharing the best and most successful aspects of each alternative program so all schools can give their students the best chance to succeed in school and beyond. He has been active with the Utah State Board of Education specifically advising them on matters of accountability and school turnaround in the alternative realm.
Benji has been married to his lovely wife Jamie for 15 years. Together they have 4 crazy kids that keep them on their toes. Benji is an avid crossfitter who loves doing anything active outside, especially biking and hiking in the mountains.
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