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As Program Director, Latanya (Tanya) Simmons leads the Neubauer Fellowship in Educational Leadership and Senior Fellow (alumni) programming. Tanya is a 2019 Neubauer Fellow and Performance Partners Coach.

Tanya is an educator and leader whose purpose is to ensure that all students have access to excellent schools and equitable opportunities to pursue their dreams. She believes whole-heartedly in developing the whole child and is deeply invested in social emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and initiatives that affirm, empower, and promote the identity of all students.

Throughout her 20-year career, Latanya has had the honor and privilege of serving in both district and charter schools in New York, Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia. She began her career as a third grade teacher and moved on to be a School Counselor, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Prior to joining our team, Latanya led and served as the principal at Mastery Charter Harrity Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia for 5 years. Under her leadership, Harrity’s kindergarten through second grade reading proficiency increased by 35%. Harrity was recognized by the School District of Philadelphia for two tiers of growth on the School Progress Report. In 2018-19, all student groups exceeded the standard demonstrating growth for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math as measured by the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS).

Latanya holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Africana Studies from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University, a Master of Arts in Counselor Education, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey.  Latanya grew up in South Jersey and is deeply committed to community service and activism.  She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has a passion for traveling all over the world.

Dr. Edwin M. Quezada has nearly 35 years of experience working in education, serving in elementary, middle, and high schools as a teacher, school counselor, development professional, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and, since March of 2016, superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools, an urban district of more than 3,600 staff and serving nearly 26,000 students across more than 40 schools. Quezada has a proven track record of developing educational leaders—planning and delivering professional development and experiences that bolster the leadership competencies required to create a school culture in which the needs of all learners are met—and implementing systems of support to create a district-wide educational culture focused on accountability, achievement, sustainability, and educational opportunities for all.

Under Quezada’s superintendence, the Yonkers Public School District became the highest performing of all Big Five districts in New York. For the past seven years, Yonkers held the highest graduation rates of the Big Five districts, achieving a 90% graduation rate for all students over the past three years and raising the on-time graduation rate for all diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners. He also worked collaboratively with all stakeholders to lower the high school dropout rate by 61 percentage points since 2015.

Quezada is driven by the philosophy that all children can achieve at high levels when given quality instruction, a supportive learning community, and when learning with caring adults who value academic success.  He is now dedicated to preparing and developing school and system leaders in order to create such an environment.

Quezada served  as co-chair of the Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, an initiative designed to address enduring opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color, launched by the Obama Foundation with a goal of ensuring that all young people can reach their full potential. In 2023, the Obama Foundation named Yonkers Public Schools one of four My Brother’s Keeper Model Communities, an acknowledgment of the positive impact on graduation rates for young men of color seen under Quezada’s leadership.

Additional accolades acknowledging Quezada’s work in community service and educational leadership include an Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University Council for Educational Administration; a Yonkers Commission on Human Rights 2018 Community Service Award; and a 2020 Leadership and Excellence in Education Award from the Association of Dominican-American Supervisors and Administrators.

Over the past five years, Quezada also worked in support of Yonkers Urban Leadership Academy (YULA), developed in collaboration with the Wallace Foundation, the New York City Leadership Academy, and Bank Street College of Education and focused on preparing those in the pipeline to serve as assistant principals in urban schools. He is also President-electS of the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Quezada earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and a Master of Science in school counseling from Herbert H. Lehmann College, a Master of Science in school supervision and administration from Fordham University, and a Doctor of Education in school leadership for teaching and learning from Walden University.

As a Leader Coach, Jovan, who is also a 2019 Neubauer Fellow, plays an instrumental role in supporting the organizational vision of achieving educational equity in Philadelphia so every child has an educational experience that prepares them for success.

Grounded in the ideology that education is a form of liberation, Jovan is a lifelong learner and leader that believes in creating spaces where all students can thrive and realize their fullest potential. As an educator that has focused on the social-emotional learning and growth in school communities, she believes that to create great classrooms that allow students to grow and learn, we must focus on the whole person of both students and staff.

Beginning her educational career teaching sexuality-based education, Jovan has spent the last 15 years serving in Philadelphia in both the School District of Philadelphia and Mastery Charter. Jovan began teaching Biology and Environmental Science for grades 9-12 before being promoted to Assistant Principal, and then Principal, serving as Principal of Kensington Urban Education Academy and Grover Washington Jr. Middle School prior to taking on the principalship at Girard Academic Music Program in 2018. As the school’s first principal of color, and with a focus on restorative practice and student voice, Jovan’s leadership elevated GAMP’s success metrics in attendance (increase in the number of students attending 95% or more), graduation (a 12.4% increase in the number of 9th-grade students on track to graduate), and academic achievement (a 9% increase in science achievement on the Pennsylvania System of State Assessment (PSSA)). In 2021, GAMP was named a Blue Ribbon School for Excellence.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jovan has earned a Bachelor of Health and Sports Studies from Miami University (OH), a Master of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, and a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary. Jovan is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Alex Grumbacher joined PASL in September 2023 as the Director of Operations. Alex has spent over 20 years working for nonprofit, membership-based organizations, working for various organizations throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and South Carolina. He has extensive knowledge of operational and organizational effectiveness, with experience in stabilizing the financial outlook of several synagogues, the care and stewardship of historical properties, the complete development and execution of COVID-19 plans, grant writing, and security procedure development and implementation. With an eye toward problem-solving, Alex is excited to bring his experience and knowledge to PASL at this time of organizational growth.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Delaware. He received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the same institution. Alex resides in South Jersey with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog, Philly. He is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and enjoys trying new restaurants, listening to podcasts, and traveling to new places.

As Operations Manager, Sasha contributes to the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders in diverse ways including organizational and administrative operations and general programmatic support.

Sasha discovered her passion for education while volunteering in Philadelphia public schools.  This led to a role as an Americorps VISTA with The Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development, working with Alexander Adaire Elementary School.  During her time at Adaire, Sasha worked to develop, expand or maintain 80 partnerships or events. Her work focused on supporting the school’s improvement plan through partner-provided services and/or events.  These many partnerships and events helped increase enrollment, improve attendance, and show progress on test scores.

Sasha has two children who have both soared in Philadelphia public schools.  She is a graduate of the University of Houston and lives in Philadelphia.

Timothy McKenna was named Assistant Superintendent of Post-Secondary Readiness in 2024, and leads the district’s Office of Assessment and the Office of Evaluation, Research, and Accountability. Prior to this appointment, McKenna spent two years as Deputy Chief of Accountability in the Office of Evaluation, Research, and Accountability.

Tim previously served as principal of Central High School, Philadelphia’s oldest public school. Under his leadership (2012-2021) as the school’s 14th President, Central High School earned recognition from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia for its continued excellence in academics. In 2021, the Lenfest Foundation donated $100,000 to support Central’s 9th Grade Summer Bridge Initiative, fully funding the program for four years. In 2013, Central won the Governor’s Award for Academic Excellence and is annually recognized with the highest possible overall rating (“City Leader”) on the School District of Philadelphia School Progress Report (SPR). In 2019 Central was again recognized as a Model School by the SPR with an overall score of 85.

Tim has been an educator since 1996. Prior to his role at Central, Tim was principal at Furness High School (2008–2012) and led the school to a 10% increase in average daily attendance growth and meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements. In addition, Tim was principal at Frances Willard Elementary School (2006–2008), during which Willard Elementary achieved 20% gains in reading and 30% gains in math state assessment scores.

Tim’s professional honors include the Schoolmen’s Club of Philadelphia Martin Glassman Commitment to Education Award (2018), the Philadelphia Public League Coaches Association’s Administrator of the Year award (2009-2010), and ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania’s High School “Principal of the Year” award (2009-2010). Prior to becoming a principal, Tim served as reading specialist, school-based teacher leader, and teacher. Tim grew up in Philadelphia and attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.

Stephanie currently serves as the principal at John H. Taggart School; prior to this, she served as the principal of General George McCall School (2016-2022) Under her leadership, McCall School received a 2017 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School award. In addition, the school received the top “Model” designation on the School District of Philadelphia School Progress Report for three consecutive years.

Stephanie has been an educator since 1998. Prior to her role at McCall School, Stephanie served as principal at Francis Scott Key Elementary in Philadelphia (2013 – 2016), principal at Andrew Morrison School in Philadelphia (2010 – 2013), assistant principal, Director of Multilingual Programs, adjunct professor, curriculum writer, Spanish teacher, and elementary bilingual teacher. In addition, Stephanie was a Fulbright Scholarship recipient at Vanderbilt University and a Peabody College Fellow at Vanderbilt’s Independent School Leadership program. Stephanie grew up in Milton, Pennsylvania.

Anthony has served as a principal of Hill-Freedman World Academy since 2006. In 2013, Anthony led the school’s expansion from a middle school to middle/high school. Under his leadership, Hill-Freedman World Academy achieved a 2014 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award. In addition, Hill-Freedman World Academy was authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program, and with the support of a $2.6 million grant, expanded into a high school that provides the IB Diploma Program.

Anthony has served as an educator since 1999. Prior to his current role, Anthony was Principal at Nebinger School (2004-2006), during which the school exceeded the Pennsylvania Adequate Yearly Progress standards in Reading and Math. In 2015, Anthony was a runner-up in the National Escalante-Gradillas Award for Best in Education. Additional professional accolades include the 2018 Marcus Foster award, 2014 Lindback Distinguished Principal award, and the 2014 Rose Lindenbaum Outstanding Principals award. Currently, Anthony is pursuing his doctorate at Arcadia University. Anthony grew up in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.

Guy currently serves as Chief Academic Officer for the Southeast Delaware County School District. He previously served as the principal of Mayfair Elementary School, one of the largest elementary schools in the city, from 2012 – 2021. Under his leadership, Mayfair Elementary earned its current International Baccalaureate (IB) school status.

Guy is a recipient of the 2017 Lindback Distinguished Principal Leadership award. Prior to becoming principal at Mayfair, Guy was the assistant principal at Austin Meehan Middle School in Philadelphia, a special education lead, and a middle-years science teacher. Guy grew up in Philadelphia and attended Northeast High School.

Mary has served as the principal of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School since 2017. Previously, Mary was principal for ten years at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.

Mary’s previous experience includes serving as principal of her alma mater, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, Director of Secondary Personnel for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and math teacher. Mary grew up in Philadelphia.

Kenneth retired in 2023, after serving as the principal of John M. Patterson Elementary School. He was a principal within the School District of Philadelphia for 13 years.

Kenneth has been an educator since 1996. Prior to becoming a principal, Kenneth served as assistant principal at M. Hall Stanton Elementary School, new teacher coach, fifth grade teacher, and elementary school computer science teacher. He is a 2014 Lindback Distinguished Principal Leadership award winner, member of the Association of Supervision Curriculum and Development (ASCD), and was previously on the Board of Trustees for the Commonwealth Association of School Administration (CASA).

Gina served as the principal of Joseph J. Greenberg Elementary School. Under her leadership, Greenberg School received the top overall designation (Model) on the School District of Philadelphia School Progress Report for all but one year since its inception. In 2022, Greenberg School’s PSSA scores showed an 11.4 increase in ELA (to 80.8%), a 19.3 increase in Math (to 62.3%), and a 9.1 increase overall (to 84.1%), and in 2021 and 2022, three teachers earned National Board Teacher Certification.

In addition, Greenberg School was recognized by the United States Department of Education for achievement and as being a school with the highest improvement in math state assessment scores. And in the 2018-19 school year the United States Department of Education recognized Greenberg as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. In 2021, Gina served as the Principal Protagonist for a Harvard University Graduate course.

Gina has been an educator since 1991. Prior to becoming a principal at Greenberg school, Gina served as principal at Fox Chase Elementary School, assistant principal, curriculum coach, and middle school English Language Arts teacher.

Gina grew up in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Sharif founded the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) in 2019, an extension of the Fellowship, Black Male Educators for Social Justice, a group Sharif helped create in 2014. CBED expands efforts to recruit and maintain Black male and female educators both locally and nationally.

During his Fellowship experience, Sharif served as the principal of Mastery Shoemaker beginning in 2008. Under his leadership, Mastery Shoemaker received the 2016 bronze medal on the U.S. News & World Report high school rankings, 2015 Schools That Can School award, and two Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) awards (Silver, 2011; Gold, 2009). In addition, Mastery Shoemaker ranked as the 7th-best high school for Black student achievement in PennCAN’s Top 10 Schools Report Card.

Sharif is the second prize winner of TheBestSchools.org’s 2017 Escalante-Gradillas Prize for Best in Education. In 2014, Sharif co-founded The Black Male Educators for Social Justice Fellowship to inspire new generations of Black men to work for social justice through teaching. During his career, Sharif has served as a 2013 U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow and America Achieves Fellow. In addition, he received citations from the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives. Sharif blogs at Philly’s 7th Ward and serves on the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African American Males as well as Excellent Schools PA.

Sharif has been an educator since 1993. Prior to becoming a director, Sharif served as principal, assistant principal, lead teacher for Art & Music Academy, Spanish teacher, 6th grade science teacher, and 8th grade literature/social studies teacher. Sharif grew up in Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School.

Eileen has served as principal of Ridge Park Elementary School in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania since 2017. Previously, she was principal of Shawmont School, a K-8 school in Philadelphia, from 2013-2017.

Eileen has been an educator for more than 25 years. Prior to becoming a principal, she was a school-based teacher leader, math and science lead teacher, and instructional reform facilitator.

Kimberly has served as the principal of Samuel Powel Elementary School since 2009. Under her leadership, Samuel Powel Elementary has consistently been identified by the School District of Philadelphia as a peer leader for both climate and achievement indicators on the School Progress Report (SPR). Since 2018, the percentage of students performing at proficient or advanced levels on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math has continued to increase. In the last year tested (2019), 67.7% of Powel’s students performed at proficient or advanced levels in ELA (a 13% increase from 2018) and 50% performed at proficient or advanced levels in math (a 7.5% increase. from 2018).  Since 2017, the percentage of students at Powel performing at or above proficient has increased by 20% in both subject areas. Further, Powel students continue to maintain high levels of proficiency in Science, with 70.2% performing at proficient or advanced levels in this subject area when last tested (2019). In 2015-16, Powel Elementary was recognized as the second highest performing school in the district for the K-5 grade band. In addition, Powel has secured over $500,00 in grants from PECO to support math and literacy initiatives.

Kimberly received the Robert Poindexter Award for Outstanding Leadership, mentored new and aspiring principals, and serves as a PhillyPLUS host principal for resident principals in training. In addition, Kimberly developed and piloted a highly successful program at Tanners Creek Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. Kimberly is a founding board member of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders and serves on the Advisory Board for the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators.

Kimberly has been an educator since 1991. Prior to becoming principal at Powel Elementary, Kimberly served as assistant principal, intervention administrator, regional director of instruction, educational consultant, lead academic coach, literacy specialist, reading specialist, and classroom teacher. Kimberly grew up in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Siouda has served as the principal of A.S. Jenks School since 2007. Prior to starting her education career in 2002, Siouda worked in public relations and marketing. Before becoming principal at A.S. Jenks, she was a principal fellow, assistant principal, and English teacher. She received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership in 2020. Siouda grew up in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia schools from kindergarten through graduate school.