About Us
Star Academy is the product of New Orleans-based NOLA Education. The program’s history goes back to 2004, when a team of education experts and researchers in South Carolina designed a program to advance students held back at least one year, re-engage them in their learning, expose them to career options and improve attendance, discipline and social skills.
The program was so successful that it has spread to 14 states, with over 70 Star Academy locations having served over 20,000 students.
Built by educators, for educators
The NOLA Education executive team and staff is heavily weighted towards professionals who have spent many years as educators and curriculum experts, with a deep understanding of the challenges posed in keeping disengaged students from falling through the cracks. Only time spent in the classroom, particularly in schools serving the underserved, can impart this kind of experience. It shows every day in the deep knowledge and dedication of the people you see below.
Meet our Team
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
John Alvendia
Chief Education Officer
Virginia Robinson
Chief Operating Officer
Jay Wehrer
Education Team
Curriculum Specialist
Courtney Fangue
Education Support Specialist
Sarah Gros
Education Support and Data Specialist
Heidi Broussard
Education Support Specialist
Charone Babineaux
Education Support Specialist
Shannon Charles
Education Support Specialist
Susan Moore, Ed.D.
Education Support Specialist
Jason Owens
Education Support Specialist
Dawn Weimer
Education Support Specialist
Victor Lett
Education Support Specialist
Melissa Shatley
Curriculum Design Specialist
Terry Carter
Education Support Specialist
Nichelle Phelps
Education Support Specialist
Michelle McCoy
Education Support Specialist
Heather Taylor
Education Support Specialist
Kyla Russell
Education Support Specialist
Dana McInyre
Operations Team
Operations Manager
Kyle Clark
Warehouse Manager
Justin Buchanan
Supply Chain Associate
Carter Kopel
Operations & Support Liaison
Ken Goode
Procurement Specialist
Kimberly Bentz
Product Support Specialist
Molly Hutton
Content Development Team
Product Manager
Paul Alvendia
Video Production Manager
Missy Sanders
Product Development Team
R&D Manager
Ethan Anderson
Project Manager
Brad Ayres
Project Manager
Alex Beasley
Sales Team
Director of Sales
Stephen Uhlich
Account Executive
Brett McSherry
Account Executive
Keith Brown
Subject Matter Expert
Alix Chiccine
Subject Matter Expert
Miles Francis
Business Development Team
Charter Development Manager
Sam Zimmer
Communications and Public Relations Team
PR Manager
Lori Hoskins
Data Specialist
Todd Morrell
Graphic Designer
Mary Grace Ellis
Communication Manager
Guy Lyman
What Students and Educators are Saying About Star Academy
“Attendance has improved, disciplinary referrals have dropped, scores are improving. Star Academy is bringing noticeable changes.”
Lockwood Bonin, Assistant Principal, Franklin Junior High School, Franklin, LA
“It is hands-on and you get help when you want it. There are no distractions, the classes are smaller, and everyone is working on their own thing.”
Caleb, Explore Academy, Pine Bluff, AR
“Star Academy addresses the whole student, and equipped me with the tools I need to reach them where they’re at – both academically and behaviorally.”
Melissa Harris, Science Teacher, Mobile County Schools
“My experience with Star Academy is fantastic. I love doing experiments every day that show you how it is in the real world.”
Student, Franklin Junior High School, Franklin, LA
“You should see the joy on the faces of students when they are completing the science experiments.”
Administrator, Explore Academy, Pine Bluff, AR
“Star Academy is a life changer and I’m glad I did it. I encourage any student who needs to get back on track to be part of it.”
Dylan Lawrence, Former Student, George County Schools
“One of the main things parents say is that it gave them hope, and continues to give them hope, for their child’s future.”
