Paul Powell is the Founding Principal of True North Troy Prep, soon to be in its third year of operation. Before becoming Founding Principal at Troy Prep, Paul served as Principal Resident at True North Rochester Prep where he taught 6th grade Math Procedures and served as a member of the leadership team. Prior to working with Uncommon Schools, Paul spent two years as a Program Director with Teach For America New York City, managing and training secondary math and science teachers throughout several boroughs of the city. Paul also worked at the 2005 Philadelphia Institute as a Corps Member Advisor. He started his teaching career as a L.A. corps member where he taught high school math at Locke Senior High and was named a Sue Lehmann Regional Finalist. Paul received his M.A. in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and his B.A. in Mathematics from Goucher College.

Katie Yezzi Founding Principal - Troy Prep Elementary School

Katie Yezzi, the Founding Principal of Troy Prep Elementary School, taught for eight years at the middle and high school levels, and served as a department head and the school-wide reform coordinator at Thurgood Marshall Academic High School in San Francisco. In 2003, she became a graduate of New Leaders for New Schools, a nationally acclaimed and highly selective program dedicated to training effective urban school principals. The following year, Ms. Yezzi became the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at John O’Connell High School, an 800 student San Francisco Unified school. During her two years at O’Connell, the school rose from a similar schools ranking of two to a ranking of seven (out of ten) on California’s Academic Performance Index. She subsequently became the principal of XCEL Academy, a 115 student charter high school for the 2005-06 school year. She has worked with Uncommon on the Taxonomy of Effective Teaching Practices team since 2008. Ms. Yezzi earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in American Civilization and her Master of Arts in Teaching English from Brown University.

Bill Sherman Director of Opeartions - Troy Prep Elementary School D

Prior to coming to Troy Prep, Bill served as Chief of Staff to the Assembly Minority Leader and Minority Caucus. In this role, Bill served as senior advisor to the Minority Leader and chief operating officer of all Caucus operations. Prior to this, Mr. Sherman served as First Deputy Director of the Assembly Ways & Means committee. Bill started his career in education as an Assistant Dean of Students at Siena College in Loudonville, NY. He soon was promoted to the new position of Director of Campus Programs where he was responsible for leading the leadership development, experiential education and co-curricular programs at the college. Bill received his M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership from SUNY Plattsburgh and his B.A. in Applied Sociology from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Mark Muscatiello Director of Operations - Troy Prep Middle School

Prior to coming to Troy Prep, Mark Muscatiello was a founding member of the Urban Assembly Academy of Government and Law, a small public school in New York City, where he served as Director of Student Support Services and Dean of Students. In total, Mark spent five years at the school (2005-2007 and 2008-2011). In between the two tenures, he held a dual post as Assistant Director of the Office of Fellowship Programs for the City of New York and Executive Director of The Institute for Public Service. Mark is currently in the process of finishing his School Building Leader Certificate from Canisius College. He also holds an M.A. in Political Science from the Rockefeller College at SUNY Albany and a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Albany.

Anna Hall Chief Operating Officer

Anna Hall is Chief Operating Officer of True North Public Schools network. Before becoming Chief Operating Officer at True North, Anna served as Director of Operations at Troy Prep. Prior to joining the True North Network, Anna worked as an Operations leader for the North Atlantic Region of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. Anna began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps Member in Eastern North Carolina as a 7th grade teacher. Anna holds a BA in Politics from Princeton University, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Her Master’s thesis examining education funding policy in Massachusetts was awarded the Fischer prize and has been published by the Rappaport Institute.

Erin Allen 7th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Allen previously worked with Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT, Windsor Mountain International Camp in Windsor, NH, Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY, and ProNativas in Monteverde, Costa Rica. She earned her BS in Animal Science at Cornell University with a minor in Education.

Katie Bellucci 5th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Bellucci is a founding 5^th grade math teacher at Troy Prep middle school. Previously, she worked as a project engineer at an MEP firm. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from Union College in 2008.

Byran Belanger 7th Grade Math Teacher

Mr. Belanger comes to Troy Prep from Elmira College, where he studied Mathematics and Secondary Education. Prior to joining Uncommon Schools, Bryan worked for seven years as a seventh grade mathematics teacher in NYS public schools. Mr. Belanger holds a B.A. degree in Mathematics (7-12) from Elmira College and is currently pursuing a M.A. in Educational Leadership through Excelsior College.

Lauren Catlett 5th Grade Writing Teacher

Lauren Catlett teaches 5th grade writing at Troy Prep. Prior to working at Troy Prep, she was the Director of Student Services at Bottom Line, a non-profit organization that provides individualized counseling to first-generation college students to support them in college access and persistence. While there, Lauren managed a staff of 11 counselors serving over 1,500 students with a college persistence rate of 80%, more than three times the national average for first-generation college students. Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where she was captain of the cross-country team and an NCAA qualifier in track and field.

Shanique Clement Dean of Students - Troy Prep Middle School

Prior to working as Dean at Troy Prep, Shanique Clement taught grades 2-7 at a public school in the Bronx. She was there for ten years and in that time served as the Literacy and Math staff Developer for grades Pre-K-2. She entered teaching through the New York City Teaching Fellows program where she recruited, trained, and mentored first year teachers. She has also taught Curriculum and Design at Pace University for first year Teach for America teachers. Shanique holds a master’s in education and literacy from Lehman and New York University.

James Delpeche Behavioral Specialist - Troy Prep Middle School

Mr. Delpeche joins Troy Prep Middle School after working as a Supervisor at TD Bank. Mr. Delpeche earned his Associates Degree in Individual Studies, and is working toward his Bachelor’s Degree in History at the University of Albany, SUNY.

Sarah Edwards Special Projects Coordinator - Troy Prep Elementary School

Ms. Edwards joins Troy Prep after working as Director of Education for a Watershed Advocacy organization in Concord, Massachusetts, where she oversaw and delivered the organization’s youth education program. She also worked as a consultant in youth and community action planning for Clark University and the Worcester Youth Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ms. Edwards earned her Masters degree in Community Development and Planning from Clark University and her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies.

Naomi Frame Reading Specialist - Troy Prep Middle School

Ms. Frame has been teaching reading since her first year as a New Jersey Teach For America corps member in 2001. Prior to joining Uncommon Schools, Ms. Frame worked as a reading teacher in Thailand, Brooklyn and Albany. She received her B.A. in English Literature from Goucher College and her M.A. in Teaching of English from Columbia University, Teachers College.

David Javsicas Special Education Coordinator - Troy Prep Middle School

Mr. Javsicas is a founding teacher and Special Education Coordinator at Troy Prep Middle School. Prior to joining Troy Prep, he lived in Gainesville, Florida, where he taught 5th grade and earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. He has also taught 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade in Pennsylvania and Kentucky and served as a program manager at a residential school for children with autism. Mr. Javsicas earned a B.A. in Government from Wesleyan University (’00) and a M.S. in Education from the University of Pennsylvania (’04).

Maggie Johnson 6th Grade Writing Teacher

Prior to joining Troy Prep Middle School, Ms. Johnson was a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher and Department Chair at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Middle School in San Francisco. Ms. Johnson is a 2008 Bay Area Teach for America alumnus, where she also served as a Collaboration Team Leader. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies from SUNY Albany and was the recipient of the Arlene F. Steinberg award for her contributions to 20th century literature. Ms. Johnson received her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Alliant International University. She is a playwright and was also a founding engineer and editor for an electronic literary journal.

Meg Leary Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Leary joins Troy Prep Elementary from New York City, where she taught Kindergarten at The Cathedral School of St. John The Divine. Ms. Leary received her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education (1-6) and Special Education (1-6) from St. John Fisher College and her Master’s Degree in Literacy (B-12) from Touro College.

Courtney Little Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Little comes to Troy Prep Elementary after spending four years teaching Kindergarten, first, and second grade as a Teach for America Crops member in the Bronx. Ms. Little received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The College of Saint Rose and her Master’s degree in Family and Community Studies in the Urban Setting, Childhood Education, from CUNY Queens College.

Bridget McElduff 5th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. McElduff comes to Troy Prep from Ballou Senior High School in southeast Washington DC, where she enjoyed teaching English and Math to grades 9-12. She went to Boston College and studied Early Childhood Education and Human Development. Ms. McElduff received her M.A. in Special Education from George Mason University.

Quekaebah McKay Special Projects Coordinator/Office Manager - Troy Prep Middle School

Prior to joining Troy Prep middle school, Ms. McKay was an Operations team member at the SEFCU Headquarters in Albany, NY. She also served as an events coordinator for the Syracuse Business Journal in Syracuse, NY. Ms. McKay earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Communications from Le Moyne College.Prior to joining Troy Prep middle school, Ms. McKay was an Operations team member at the SEFCU Headquarters in Albany, NY. She also served as an events coordinator for the Syracuse Business Journal in Syracuse, NY. Ms. McKay earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Communications from Le Moyne College.

Linda McGriff Apprentice Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. McGriff joins Troy Prep Elementary School as an Apprentice Teacher, after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Literature from SUNY Purchase. Ms. McGriff previously worked for the White Plains Youth bureau with inner city youth, where she taught after-school workshops for middle school students.

Alay Medina Office Manager - Troy Prep Elementary School

Ms. Medina joins Troy Prep after spending 5 years as an Account Executive in Sales at Metroland Newsweekly in Albany. For years, Ms. Medina has volunteered helping at-risk communities, including work with the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in Schenectady and Schenectady Youth Boxing. She also mentored a Hamilton Hill family for 3 years. Ms. Medina studied Glass and Glass Sculpture at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Lori Myers Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Myers joins Troy Prep Elementary after teaching 6^th grade English Language Arts at Achievement Academy Charter School in Albany, NY. She also worked as a Preschool Teacher at Dartmouth College Child Care Center in Dartmouth, NH. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education, and is working toward her Masters in Literacy B-6 from the College of St. Rose.

Jamie O'Brien Kindergarten Teacher

Prior to joining Troy Prep, Ms. O’Brien worked for three years teaching in the Lower School at The Doane Stuart School in Rensselaer, NY. She has also taught in the East Greenbush Central School District and the Rensselaer City School District and worked on Educational Methods in the Albany City School District. M.s O’Brien earned a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and Special Education, and a Master’s degree in Education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.

Ana O'Neil 6th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. O’Neil comes to Troy Prep from PS/IS 327 in Brooklyn, where she taught eighth grade math and worked on a math diagrammatic reasoning and semiotics study. Ms. O’Neil is a 2008 New York City Teach for America Alum. She received a B.A. in Economics, with Math and Business minors, from the university of Puget Sound in Tacoma Washington. She is currently working on her M.A in Secondary Education at Pace University.

Andy Smith Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Smith is the founding physical education teacher at Troy Prep. Prior to joining Troy Prep, he worked as an assistant coach to the SUNY Cortland Women’s Volleyball Team, and started the Men’s Volleyball program at Sage College. He spent three years at Sage and has guided the team to two straight league semi-final games. His players have also gained league and national accreditation during this time. Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and his Master of Science in teaching Health from SUNY Cortland.

Jon Thatcher 6th Grade Writing Teacher

Mr. Thatcher comes to Troy Prep from Las Vegas, Nevada, where he taught 5th grade at D.L. “Dusty” Dickens Elementary School. Mr. Thatcher is a Las Vegas Valley Teach For America alum, and prior to joining Uncommon Schools, Jon worked as a Program Director with Teach For America. He received his B.A. in History from Union College and his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Nina Troiano Art Teacher - Troy Prep Middle School

Ms. Troiano is a founding art teacher at Troy Prep Middle School. Ms. Troiano previously worked at Long Lake Camp for the Performing Arts as a printmaking instructor and camp leader. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Alfred University and her Master’s Degree in K-12 Art Education from the College of St. Rose. Alongside her teaching, Ms. Troiano develops her own artwork, which is often exhibited around the capital region.

Jamie Williams Special Education Teacher

Ms. Williams is a Greater New Orleans Teach For America alum, and has taught both special education and kindergarten in New Orleans public schools. She received dual B.A. degrees in Education Policy and Chinese Studies from Boston University.

Joe Volpe 5th Grade Reading Fellow

Joe Volpe is a fifth grade Reading Fellow at Troy Prep. He was born and raised in the Albany area where he attended high school at Christian Brothers Academy. He spent four years in Worcester at the College of the Holy Cross where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing. This is his first teaching experience. He has held internships at Einhorn Yaffee Prescott in Albany, NY, and at the Cambridge Life Organization in New York, NY.

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