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.
Core Values
The following core values are posted prominently on the wall of our offices in New Orleans. We really mean them, and our people live by them.
Have Fun. We love what we do, live to improve the lives of students and educators, and we get great joy from seeing the results.
Operate with the Speed of Trust. Our staff build true relationships with client schools based on mutual trust, the foundation of effectiveness.
Be Gritty. We work hard and relentlessly on behalf of the kids and teachers we serve. When the going gets tough, we get going. We get it done.
Think “Jack Crazy.” Our people are empowered to think outside the box. Sometimes an idea that seems a little crazy at first is exactly what’s needed.
Build relationships. Our staff build real, personal relationships with the educators we serve. We’re behind you every day, all year long.
Execute with Urgency. The first thing you’ll notice about our people is their energy and drive. We work hard to stick to our schedules and meet commitments.
Exhibit Integrity. At NOLA Education, we “hire the people, not the jobs.” We seek out people who show integrity, straightforwardness and accountability.
Meet our Team
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
John Alvendia
Chief Education Officer
Virginia Robinson
Chief Operating Officer
Jay Wehrer
Educational Team
Curriculum Specialist
Courtney Fangue
Education Support and Data Specialist
Heidi Broussard
Education Support Specialist
Charone Babineaux
Education Support Specialist
Leigh Lenoir, Ed. D.
Education Support Specialist
Sarah Gros
Education Support Specialist
Shannon Charles
Education Support Specialist
Terrance Wills
Education Support Specialist
Dr. Susan Moore Ed.D.
Education Support Specialist
Jason Owens
Education Support Specialist
Dawn Weimer
Training Coordinator
Victoria Badeaux
Operations Team
Operations Associate
Carter Kopel
Operations & Support Liaison
Ken Goode
Project Manager
Kenny Cohen
Warehouse Manager
Justin Buchanan
Vice President of Technology
Manna Justin
Project Manager
Kyle Clark
Product Development
Product Director
Ethan Anderson
Product Manager
Paul Alvendia
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Project Manager
Kenny Cohen
Project Manager
Brad Ayers
Business Development
Director of Sales
Stephen Uhlich
Communication Manager
Guy Lyman
Account Executive
Keith Brown
Sales Support Representative
Sage Theriot
Sales Support & Subject-Matter Expert
Brett McSherry
Public Relations Coordinator
Cassandra George
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.”
