Announcing the Launch of Our Fall Cohort for the New School Models Design Lab!
Have you noticed the growing movement of educators launching new school models that are learner-led, where students have more choice and voice than ever, and where schools are becoming more humane spaces for learning? We’re excited to introduce the inspiring leaders and innovative schools joining our Fall Cohort for the New School Models Design Lab, starting October 2024. Read about their projects and bios below. Stay tuned to learn more about these visionary educators and the unique learning environments they are creating.
About the New School Models Design Lab
The Design Lab, initially developed at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, is a 27-session, in-depth course empowering educators and leaders to build innovative, student-centered school models from the ground up. You’ll receive guidance from leading experts, collaborate with like-minded innovators, and by the end, you’ll walk away with a Blueprint for a New School Model, ready to be put into action.
This cohort offers educators, school leaders, school founders, and district leaders the tools, resources, and mentorship to turn their vision into reality. Participants will gain access to our online Academy and also attend three exclusive, virtual check-in sessions to gain feedback and refine their designs.
Each session brings a deep dive into future trends in K-12 schooling, innovative design processes, and elements necessary to create a learning environment that promotes independence and self-direction.
Meet Our Fall Cohort Leaders
We are thrilled to introduce 9 trailblazing leaders from across the globe who will be shaping their school models in this fall’s cohort. These educators and innovators will be building new blueprints for the future of learning, all centered on self-direction and character development. Here’s a sneak peek at each of them:
Benjamin Colas
FOUNDER OF HEIGHTS ACADEMY, LAUNCHING IN AUGUST 2025
Ben began his career as a Teach for America educator and has spent the past decade in the education sector, working as a teacher-coach, administrator, program officer, and entrepreneur. With a BS from Grove City College and an MBA from The Ohio State University, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to his work. He currently lives in Northeast Ohio with his wife and daughters, where he continues to influence the next generation of learners through innovative school design.
Jonathan Pride
VICE PRESIDENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS AT NPOWER
As Vice President of Field Operations at NPower, Johnathan oversees programs and fundraising across emerging U.S. markets. Previously, he led NPower Texas, where he helped over 750 veterans and underserved young adults launch tech careers. A former Army Military Intelligence Officer and combat veteran, Johnathan is passionate about inspiring others, which led him to write Caterpillars Don’t Fly, a book on unlocking potential. He holds an MBA from Webster University and lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife and three children and is building a leadership institute.
Dr. Keon N. Berry
CEO & FOUNDER OF THE BERRY ACADEMY
Dr. Keon Nicholas-Aaron Berry, from Windsor, CT, is a renowned educator and visionary, serving as a sociology professor at Morehouse College and a certified film consultant for Netflix, Disney, and HBO STARZ in Atlanta’s film industry. A Forbes Under 30 scholar alum and recognized among the "100 Men of Color," Dr. Berry is celebrated for his leadership in education and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). With a remarkable academic journey, including an Ivy-league dissertation defense in just one year and nine months, he continues to empower families and youth through his impactful work.
Sasha Zatyrka
FOUNDER OF AHSAS SCHOOL
Based in Connecticut, Sasha Zatyrka is the visionary founder of Ahsas School (ahsas-school.org), set to open in Fall 2025 for grades 6-8, with plans to expand to grades 6-12 by 2029. Ahsas School will offer a competency-based curriculum integrated with mental wellness skill building, aiming to foster balance and connection in both learning and life. Inspired by her twin daughters' Montessori experience and her seven years leading outdoor classes in the Tinkergarten curriculum, Sasha is passionate about extending these child-centered learning principles into middle and high school education. A Licensed Social Worker, Sasha brings deep expertise in child development and adolescent education, informed by her extensive work with youth in foster care, Zambia, and HIV-affected communities.
Kenisha Skaggs
FOUNDER AND CEO OF SOAR ACADEMY AUGUSTA
Kenisha Skaggs is the founder and CEO of Soar Academy Augusta, a micro-school serving neurodivergent students in Augusta, Georgia. Frustrated by low expectations for special needs students, she created her own project-based learning model in 2012, focusing on 1st-12th graders with Autism and ADHD. Soar Academy has since reached hundreds of students, offering hands-on, place-based learning. A 2022 Yass Prize Finalist, Kenisha has secured funding from the Georgia Department of Education and raised tax credit funds to support student tuition. She previously worked in literacy remediation and holds a degree in Marketing from Augusta State University. Now, as a BES fellow, she aims to open a charter school providing high-quality education to all students, regardless of zip code.
Andrew Lee
FOUNDER OF VITA (“VIDA”) SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION
Andrew Lee is an Arizona native, Eagle Scout, ex-rocket scientist, professional artist, and educator. He holds a B.S.E. in aerospace engineering, M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Harvard Certificate in School Management and Leadership, and is a fellow at 4.0 Schools and High Tech High’s New School Creation Fellowship. He has taught math at public, private, charter high schools, and as faculty at Arizona State University. One of his painting clients was the Phoenix Suns.
Emily Post
FOUNDER OF EDUCATIO
Emily Post founded Educatio in 2019 to create a hands-on learning community that celebrates students' unique strengths, passions, and character. Inspired by her mother, a National Board certified educator, Emily values providing world-class education to all students, regardless of financial means. Educatio combines place-based learning with a focus on kindness, happiness, and healthy relationships, while encouraging community impact and service projects. Prior to Educatio, Emily served as Executive Director of Community School Collaborative, an NPO connecting middle school students with passionate community members. She holds a B.S. in Biology/Botany and an M.A. in Economics, with her thesis on how environmental quality affects happiness.
Erica Norman
FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF CAYR CONNECTIONS
Erica is the founding president of CAYR Connections, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the neurodiverse community in the greater Chicago area. She is also the clinical director at Perennial SLP, a boutique speech therapy practice just west of Chicago. While Erica's background is in Speech-Language Pathology, she began her higher education journey as a student in the University of Michigan School of Education before switching majors to Neurolinguistics. She's currently working toward a Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology degree at Northwestern University, where she also attended for her Masters degree. When she's not working or studying, Erica enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family (including her two rescue dogs, Bowie and Mango), and volunteering at a local thrift shop.
Kimberly Townsend
FOUNDER OF NEW SCHOOL TBD
Dr. Kimberly Townsend began her career as a middle school mathematics teacher with Teach For America in St. Louis and has over 20 years of experience teaching and leading in both public and private schools. A flexible and entrepreneurial leader, she excels in assessing student achievement, addressing academic gaps, and supporting teacher development. In 2020, she founded The Leadership School, the first charter public school in St. Louis County, which combines a sense of belonging with rigorous academics to foster authentic student leadership. Dr. Townsend holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, an MA in Multidisciplinary Studies, and an Ed.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy.
