Leadership for Equity Institute

Dr. Sheli Porter is in her thirty-first year with Virginia public schools. She currently serves as the Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning with Chesapeake Public Schools and adjunct professor for Educational Leadership programs. Dr. Porter received her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, her master's degree from Old Dominion University, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech University.

Ms. Alaina Trott has served Chesapeake Public Schools for the past 18 years as a middle school counselor, high school assistant principal, elementary principal, middle school principal, and director. In her current role as Director of Strategic Initiatives, she collaborates with stakeholders to plan, implement, and evaluate the district’s strategic plan, coaches school teams on site-based improvement planning and the change process, facilitates professional development on new initiatives, fosters innovative design thinking to address problems of practice, and oversees family engagement and community partnerships.

Mrs. Camille Harmon currently serves as the proud principal of Bayside Middle School of Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She is a qualified education professional with 24 years of experience and demonstrated results in improving teacher proficiency and student learning by working collaboratively to develop and implement school improvement and by placing a priority on student social-emotional support while fostering strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and the community. She is a servant leader who works to ensure all students have an equitable learning environment where they may grow, learn and reach their potential.

Catherine Pichon has over 20 years of experience in public education as a teacher, academic coach, assistant principal, and principal. Pichon has been honored as Reading Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year, and she has presented at several conferences on teaching for equity, school leadership, and school improvement. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Advanced Educational Leadership at Regent University, serving as the proud principal of KFMS, serving as a School Improvement and Leadership Development Specialist with Hubbard Educational Consultants, and fulfilling her most coveted roles as wife to Joseph III and mother to Joseph IV.

Crystal is a Williamsburg, Virginia native who has always wanted to teach and be a leader who builds and does not tear down. Crystal believes that the field of education is not just a career; it is a space where dreams can be recognized, and futures brighten. She believes that experiences like the Leadership Equity Institute maximize opportunities for equity by developing, shaping, and motivating leaders to do the work of creating opportunities and building structures that dismantle barriers and lighten paths.

Dr. Eleanor Blowe is currently the proud principal of Denbigh High School where she has served the school community for six years. Prior to this position, Dr. Blowe served in many roles in Newport News Public Schools from business teacher, professional school counselor, career and technical education instructional supervisor, and high school assistant principal of instruction for a career of guiding and supporting students that has spanned over twenty-four years.

Dr. Margie G. Hayes has been an educator for 30+ years with Norfolk Public Schools. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and building principal. She is currently the Proud Principal at Booker T. Washington High School and is beginning year 5 in the position. Dr. Hayes works tirelessly to ensure that equity is implemented within her school for all of her students. She understands her “Why” and her work reflects her understanding.

Dr. Melanie Patterson, principal of Lake Taylor School has been a part of the LEI Principal Cohort since it started 2018. Lake Taylor School is the former Lake Taylor Middle School now serving grades 3-8 and beginning 2021-2022 it will serve grades K-8. She believes as an educator, her purpose is to be a catalyst for changing lives.

Michael A. Taylor is in his twenty-seventh year in VBCPS. This is his 9th year as a principal with the school division. Prior to becoming a principal, Michael had many experiences including assistant principal, administrative assistant, and teacher within the division. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University.

Dr. VanHosen has over 17 years of experience as a professional educator and is currently the principal of John Yeates Middle School in Suffolk, VA. Her career includes experience working as an impactful teacher, an innovative assistant principal, and as the principal of a thriving middle school. In each capacity, Dr. VanHosen has proven her commitment to excellence and investing in the lives of others. Her recognitions as an educator include being recognized as Suffolk Public Schools Outstanding Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year, a nominee for the Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent’s Star Award, and recipient of an Environmental Action Award from askHRgreen.org. Dr. VanHosen’s strength as an effective leader is her ability to develop a school culture where every student and staff member is valued and feels connected. 

Dr. VanHosen has an earned Executive Doctorate Degree in K-12 Administration and Supervision from the College of William & Mary, a Masters of Education from Old Dominion University, and a Bachelors in Business Marketing from Hampton University.

Cari Hall is a graduate of Virginia Beach public schools. Cari has been a principal at Rosemont for 7 years and adores her job and the community. She is passionate about the science of reading and learning more about how she as a white woman can better meet the needs of her diverse population. People are her purpose and developing deep meaningful relationships fuels her work.

Deena Johnson Copeland is the proud Principal of Camp Allen Elementary School in Norfolk, VA. Currently in her twelfth year as an administrator and her 23rd year in education, Ms. Johnson Copeland has previously served as an assistant principal, a district content teacher specialist, a high school science department chairperson, and a high school math and science teacher. She has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chemistry and Educational Leadership from Norfolk State University, The College of William & Mary and The George Washington University. Ms. Johnson Copeland is committed to cultivating and supporting excellence in teaching and learning within equitable and inclusive school communities.

Jacky Barber is a principal at Sedgefield Elementary School.

James A. Avila has over 20 years of experience as an educator and school leader with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Dr. Avila started his teaching career teaching social studies at Kellam High School, where he was selected as Teacher of the Year. He entered administration after graduating from the George Washington University as the administrative assistant at Virginia Beach Middle School, and then as assistant principal at Salem High School, his alma mater. Dr. Avila has served as principal of Salem Middle School, and now Tallwood High School – Global Studies and World Languages Academy.

Dr. Jamill Ray Jones is the proud principal of Churchland Elementary School with Portsmouth Public Schools. In addition to serving as an elementary school principal, she has also held several other positions such as an assistant principal, instructional specialist, mathematics specialist, and teacher, over the past 15 years. Dr. Jones is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and equity to all students through innovative and rigorous instructional supplemental programs. 

A product of Newport News Public Schools, Dr. Khoshaba has spent his 23-year professional career as part of the Chesapeake Public Schools family. He has served as an assistant principal at both middle and high schools, and he is currently serving his 7th year as principal at WBMS. Dr. Khoshaba is passionate about developing student leadership programs and creating opportunities for students to have voice in their school experiences.  

Dr. Kellie A. Mason is presently the proud principal of Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia. She worked in Virginia Beach City Public Schools for approximately twenty-seven years as a teacher and instructional specialist, prior to serving as an administrator and principal of Lynnhaven Middle School. Dr. Mason holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, a Masters of Teaching degree in Secondary Social Studies, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. She graduated May 2015 from Old Dominion University with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Leadership.

Mike Perez is the principal of Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Perez received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education Administration both from Old Dominion University. He is presently a doctoral candidate in Advanced Leadership at Regent University in Virginia Beach. He recently completed the Leadership Equity Institute through The George Washington University and is earning an Antiracist Educator Certification from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Tennille has always been passionate educator, and after her first-year teaching in Washington, DC, she became an inaugural member of The George Washington University’s Literacy Collaborative, a program designed to increase the number of high performing educators in Washington, DC. Upon completion of her masters she began teaching at Wilson HS where she served as a teacher, department chair, and administrator for 11 years. The desire to return home was always on Tennille’s spirit; in the summer of 2017 she returned to the Tidewater area, where she now serves as principal of Lynnhaven Middle School in Virginia Beach. Although she has relocated home, her philosophies on education have not changed. She still believes that education is the gateway for every opportunity and that all students are at risk for greatness.