Staff

Heidi Campbell, Elementary School Principal
An educator and resident of New Orleans for more than 20 years, Ms. Campbell is excited to join New Orleans College Prep as the founding Elementary Principal. She is a National Board Certified teacher and a graduate of the 2007 KIPP Leadership Principal’s Pathway Institute at Stanford University. Ms. Campbell began her teaching career in St. Charles Parish Public Schools. She was a Distinguished Educator for five years with the Louisiana Department of Education, a role which introduced her to the urgent need to transform education in New Orleans. After Katrina, Ms. Campbell joined the KIPP Organization to help write the charter for and found the McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts, where she served as principal for two years. During her tenure at McDonogh 15, she designed the creative arts program, which continues to gain national recognition, and worked to support effective teaching practices and facilitate curriculum, instruction and assessment alignment in grades Pre-K through 8. Under her leadership, nearly 80% of elementary students achieved literacy benchmark goals, and the school’s 2008 performance score ranked second highest among the open enrollment schools in New Orleans. Ms. Campbell is the proud mother of two teenage daughters, Holli and Hannah. On Saturday nights, you might see Ms. Campbell with her band, The Balsa Wood Flyers, at the Kerry Irish Pub in the French Quarter.

Naeha Chaudhry, Math Teacher
Ms. Chaudhry teaches 6th grade math at New Orleans College Prep.  She is a graduate of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Economics.  Originally from New York, Ms. Chaudhry is thrilled to be spending her first year in New Orleans teaching the talented scholars of New Orleans College Prep.  She is a 2008 Teach For America corps member.

Arliea Cloer, Writing Teacher
Ms. Cloer earned her BA in English at Hartwick College in New York and taught high school English for 3 years in New York before coming to New Orleans College Prep.  She believes deeply in the power of the written word and in assisting young people to find their own “writer’s voice.”  She is excited about the possibilities of helping to rebuild the New Orleans’ public education system and working to fulfill NOCP’s mission to prepare her students for success in their college education and in their lives.  Outside of the classroom, her interests include reading, advocating for animal rights and spending time outdoors.

Matthew Coons, Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Coons strives to bring his experience outside the classroom into the framework of his 7th grade social studies lessons every day. While working towards his history degree from Middlebury College, Mr. Coons realized that an education pulls from far more sources than just text. Although he knew he would again someday step in front of the classroom, he knew he would be far more capable of educating others if he furthered his own education both in the United States and around the world. He knows education is the lynchpin to improving the lives of the scholars at New Orleans College Prep, as well as many others in the most unique city in the nation. Mr. Coons feels privileged to be assisting and instilling education as one of the members of the most dedicated group of teachers in New Orleans.

Julia Davis, Learning Support Teacher
Mrs. Davis received a B.A. in History and Spanish from the University of Virginia in 2007. Originally from Birmingham, AL, she moved to New Orleans to join the New Orleans College Prep founding team and currently serves as a Learning Support Teacher. She is excited about the mission of New Orleans College Prep Charter School and looks forward to helping the school reach its full potential.

Anne Felter, Middle School Principal 
Ms. Felter is excited to play a role in revitalizing the educational system of New Orleans. A Louisiana native, Ms. Felter was the founding Reading Teacher at New Orleans College Prep after completing her two-year commitment to Teach For America, where she taught elementary students in the Mississippi Delta in both Eudora and Lake Village, Arkansas. Prior to taking the helm as Middle School principal, Ms. Felter served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at NOCP where she designed the current innovative mastery-based curriculum and worked closely with all teaching staff on effective, data-driven instructional techniques.  Ms. Felter graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University, where she received a B.A. in Political Science, a minor in East Asian Studies, and was a member of the honors program.

Jacobi Frank, Athletic Director/ Physical & Health Education Teacher
Mr. Frank is the Athletic Director and boys Physical and Health Education Teacher at New Orleans College Prep. He is a graduate of Grambling State University where he earned a B.S. in Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. After his collegiate baseball career came to a close he pursued graduate studies and obtained a M.S. in Sport Administration. He began his teaching career at East St. John High School as a Special Education teacher and Varsity baseball coach.  Mr. Frank then took a position to head the physical education program at Abramson Science and Technology Charter School that was beneficial to his career. Mr. Frank possessed the desire and passion to become an Athletic Director for students, when the opportunity presented itself at New Orleans College Prep it was the perfect connection. With his vision in mind, Mr. Frank will propel New Orleans College Prep’s Athletic Department to new heights in the coming years.

Mary Giardina, Physical Education and Health Teacher
Ms Giardina is the girl’s physical education and health teacher at New Orleans College Prep.  She is a graduate of Wake Forest University where she graduated with a B.S.  in Health and Exercise Science and was a member of the varsity track and field team.  Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved down to New Orleans and began teaching in 2007.  She is excited to work with the young ladies of NOCP and is excited to help them progress to college.

Kimberly Griffith, Math Teacher
Ms. Griffith  teaches 7th grade math at New Orleans College Prep.  She is a graduate of Duke University in Durham,  North Carolina, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and History.  Originally from New York, Ms. Griffith is excited to join the educational movement in New Orleans.  She is a 2008 Teach For America corps member.

Emily Hartnett, First Grade Teacher
Ms. Hartnett is a first grade teacher at New Orleans College Prep who is committed to helping children of New Orleans receive an outstanding education. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she came to New Orleans in 2005 to attend Tulane University. While at Tulane, Ms. Hartnett worked with New Orleans College Prep as a special projects assistant and coach of the girls basketball team. Ms. Hartnett, a 2009 Teach For America corps member, is thrilled to be a part of the NOCP family and to work with all the talented students who attend.

Kevin Havelda, English Teacher
Mr. Havelda, a new addition to the New Orleans College Prep team, holds a B.A. from Centre College, where he majored in English and International Studies.  He teaches 6-8 grade ELA.  After teaching for a year at Schwarz Alternative Academy, he is excited about the opportunity to teach students who are serious about getting to college.  He also looks forward to exposing his students to the rich literary tradition that New Orleans boasts, which has been a host to some of his favorite authors of all time.  It was this tradition and his passion for teaching which brought him to New Orleans form Kentucky as a 2008 Teach For America corps member. 

Shedrick Hay, Dean of Students
Mr. Hay is the Dean of Students at New Orleans College Prep and is focused on minimizing inappropriate behaviors within the student body so that each and every student can maximize on their instructional time and be well equipped for college in the near future.  A Louisiana native, Mr. Hay moved to New Orleans after receiving his B. A. in Spanish from Louisiana Tech University with a minor in business administration and began teaching in New Orleans East at Abramson Science and Technology Charter School.  Being that Mr. Hay was not only teaching Spanish for grades 4-8, but also the Assistant Dean, he attended numerous workshops and sessions on classroom management as well as behavioral support systems and procedures in which the opportunity to join the team of New Orleans College Prep presented itself.  Since that day, Mr. Hay has been at NOCP bright and early every day to help guide our youth in the correct direction to college holding them to high behavioral expectations without excuses along the way because that’s what it takes.

Rachelle Jakobs, Second Grade Teacher
Ms. Jakobs graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota in 2007 with a BA in Elementary Education with a focus in mathematics. She taught 2nd grade in Minnesota before coming to New Orleans College Prep and is excited to be a part of rebuilding the New Orleans’ public school system as a founding NOCP Elementary School teacher. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Ben Kleban, Founder and Director
Mr. Kleban is committed to utilizing his background in business and education to provide an excellent college preparatory education to children from underserved neighborhoods in Central City and across Orleans Parish. In addition to experience as a high school math teacher in Philadelphia as well as his background in corporate finance at The Boeing Company, he is a former Fellow in the Building Excellent Schools program, which provides intensive technical support and training to a select group of national leaders who are dedicated to launching successful, urban charter schools. Having been through the fellowship trainings, Ben draws on the best practices of the most successful charter schools in the country to lead New Orleans College Prep. Mr. Kleban most recently served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer of New Schools for New Orleans, a non-profit support and resource center offering local charter schools teacher recruitment, board development, and technical assistance services. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School, completed the Teacher Certification Program in Secondary Education at the University of Pennsylvania, and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. 

Carissa Kolakauskas, Social Worker
Ms. Kolakauskas' experience with the youth of New Orleans stems from extensive volunteer work with programs such as For the Children, America Reads, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters in a number of New Orleans Public Schools. Originally from Connecticut, Ms. Kolakauskas relocated to New Orleans in 2001 to attend Tulane University. Three years later, she graduated cum laude, earning her B.A. in Psychology and minors in Spanish and Urban Sociology. She has a number of years of experience as a clinician with the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court and Jefferson Parish School System. Ms. Kolakauskas chose to develop her passion for community service by completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Tulane University. She is excited to be working with both the students and staff of New Orleans College Prep throughout this year and the years to come. 

Sarah Huard Leffert, Director of Development
Born and raised in New Orleans, Ms. Leffert attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, and worked for Stanford and Columbia University before moving home to New Orleans to join New Orleans College Prep. She is thrilled to be back in Louisiana and working with the dedicated teachers and students at NOCP.


Kristen Lozada, Director of Operations
Ms. Lozada served as a founding teacher and is excited to bring her talents and experiences to New Orleans College Prep and the youth of New Orleans. She is a graduate of Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she received a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Ms. Lozada is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii where she was an avid participant in community theater. During the summer of 2006, she directed a camp for middle-school students in New Orleans with an emphasis on youth leadership and service. Ms. Lozada is a 2007 Teach For America Corps Member.

Jeffrey Mendelman, Math Teacher
Mr. Mendelman teaches 5th grade math at New Orleans College Prep.  He is a graduate of Stanford University in Stanford, California, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology.  Mr. Mendelman is excited to be in New Orleans teaching the talented scholars of New Orleans College Prep.  He is a 2009 Teach For America corps member.

Janiece Montoya, Elementary School Administrative Assistant
Ms. Montoya was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where she graduated from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. She received both her Colorado and her Louisiana State Teacher's Licensure. Ms. Montoya arrived in New Orleans in October of 2005 to help with hurricane relief efforts and joined NOCP in August 2009.

James Morrison, English Teacher
Mr. Morrison joined NOCP this year to teach Reading Comprehension. He was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1999 with a B.A. in Philosophy and again in 2005 with a Post Bach certification in Elementary Education. Before moving to New Orleans, Jamie and his wife Stephanie lived in Boston, MA where Jamie worked as a consultant in the financial industry. Mr. Morrison's previous education experience includes monitoring the progress of a Reading First grant across the state of Kentucky and teaching at James Singleton Charter School in Central City, New Orleans. He is an avid University of Kentucky sports fan and looks forward to John Calipari cutting down the nets this March.

Katherine Myers, English Teacher
Katherine Myers has a B.A. from Duke University.  She also has an M.A. in Education from St. John’s University, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago.  Between her undergraduate and law school, Ms. Myers spent two years as a New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching second grade at P.S. 16 in Brooklyn, New York, while earning her M.A.  After working for three years as a corporate litigator, Ms. Myers is thrilled to be back teaching middle school reading and writing at NOCP with one of the most talented, dedicated charter school staffs in the country.  Her interests outside of the classroom include reading, running, beating any student who is brave enough to challenge her to a game of one on one basketball, and teaching herself to cook meals other than tuna noodle casserole.

Bailey Nance, Math Teacher
Ms. Nance teaches 7th grade Mathematics. She is a graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in English. She is very excited to be a part of the rebuilding process in New Orleans, focusing on where it is needed most - education. Ms. Nance is a 2007 Teach for America corps member.

Lauren Oney, First Grade Teacher
Lauren Oney graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  She began her teaching career in New Orleans Public Schools at Coghill Mathematics Academy.  She taught 5th and 6th grade reading.    This year she joined the NOCP team as a first grade teacher.  She hopes to establish the foundation and love for reading that students need to have all through school. 

Susan Ratterree, Director of Learning Supports
Susan Ratterree is the Director of Learning Supports at New Orleans College Prep School.  She has worked extensively with students with disabilities in a range of different capacities.  She earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Boston University, a Masters of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans and Masters of Education from Tulane University.  She has taught students with autism and served as a school psychologist in the Orleans Parish Schools.  She also worked as a school psychologist and as an IEP Coordinator for the Plaquemines Parish School System.  She is dedicated to help each student reach his or her full potential as a scholar at New Orleans College Prep.

Megan Riley, Science Teacher
Ms. Riley teaches 7th grade Life Science at New Orleans College Prep.  She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005 with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, after which she attended graduate school at the University of Chicago in pursuit of a Master's degree in Anthropology. After graduating with an M.A. in Anthropology in 2007, Ms. Riley moved to New Orleans to teach social studies and science at Lafayette Academy Charter School. Upon joining Teach for America in 2008, Ms. Riley began teaching 7th grade science here at NOCP.

Tim Schwarz, Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Schwarz began his teaching career as a Teach For America Corps member at John McDonogh High School in New Orleans. After a five-year hiatus, he has moved back to the city to teach social studies at New Orleans College Prep. He is thrilled to be back in the greatest city on Earth and to be a member of New Orleans College Prep's founding team. Mr. Schwarz received a B.A. of Economics in 1999 and an M.A. of Education in 2007, both from Wake Forest University (go Chris Paul!). Outside the world of education, Mr. Schwarz has experience in whitewater rafting and kayaking, skiing, and traveling in Latin America .

Johnnie Van Buran, Band Director
Mr. Van Buran is dedicated to making a positive impact on New Orleans youth through music education.  His experience includes leading bands at the elementary, middle and high school level in addition to work experience as a youth advocate in New Orleans. Mr. Van Buren attended Southern University where he played in the University’s marching band. He worked with St. Anthony Padua and Xavier Preparatory High School before joining NOCP.