Who We Are

We are a consortium of teachers, administrators, concerned citizens and parents. We believe the urban and suburban schools and districts are ignoring their oath, “To ensure every child is provided the tools they need in order to live as independent and successful contributors to our society.” We want our children to mature under a K-6 program that ensures their ability to successfully compete in the global marketplace.

We are your new "neighborhood school."

Our school offers an innovative and high standards education program that expects to produce our community's and nation's next leaders. It is our goal to shape the Emily Grey school community with the values that mirror those of the families that live in our neighborhood and attend our school.

Meet our Board

Heidi Barajas, Ph.D.
250 Appleby Hall. 128 Pleasant St SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455
hbarajas@emilygreyschool.org

Heidi Barajas received her B.A. in Spanish and education and a master’s in sociology from the University of Utah. She received a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Minnesota as a National Science Foundation Fellow. Dr. Barajas is a member of the social science faculty and is currently teaching GC 1211: People and Problems. She is an applied researcher, meaning she focuses on work that has the potential to address institutional change, particularly focusing on access to education. Other special academic interests are mentor programs and service-learning in the classroom.

Dr. Barajas is a leading authority on Multi-culturalism and the implementation of measures to best integrated diverse cultural values under the auspice of one cultural perspective that embraces differences. Her work has been recognized in how she has researched attitudes and perceptions individuals from various communities have been negatively affected by schools marginalizing them as not to disrupt the pre-dominate cultures comfort in maintaining a traditional association with diverse communities.

Dr. Barajas will aid our school community to ensure that the values of “Multi- culturalism” will remain stable.

William Bolton, III.
wbolton@emilygreyschool.org

Mr. Bolton is a parent who has worked continuously in the schools his children have attended in order to better affect educable outcomes for them. Mr. Bolton III is completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. As a parent, Mr. Bolton brings a necessary value to the board. He will direct our efforts to better stimulate parent and community interest in our school. Mr. Bolton III will occupy the role of being the parent advocate in ameliorating problems between the school and the community.

William Bolton is a married proud father of four children, three of which are school age. He has 10+ years of helping others achieve goals and solving problems. Mr. Bolton’s professional experience has been in the field of Customer Service. He is a native of Chicago and attended that city’s public schools. Mr. Bolton will be continuing his education at the University of Minnesota this upcoming fall. He will be pursuing a degree in education with emphasis in curriculum design and urban studies.

“I've dedicated my life to community service and I belong to an organization that has 9 mandated programs that are designed to help in undeserved communities. I've volunteered as a teacher assistant and now volunteering as an assistant coach for park district football team. I too believe children are our future and I want to do everything in my abilities to bridge the gap between our accelerated students and our below average students.”

James C. Burroughs II, J.D.
jburroughs@emilygreyschool.org

Mr. Burroughs earned his B.A. from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia and his J.D. from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He has established a very reputable practice here in Minnesota. His held the position of supervisor and litigator for the renowned firm Dorsey and Whitney and is currently the lead counsel for Summit Academy O.I.C. Mr. Burroughs has served as a defense attorney in the U. S. Department of Justice. He has worked as a coach/mentor to junior attorneys to promote their successful development. Mr. Burroughs has provided expert legal and policy advice to both public and private agencies in investigation, negotiation, resolution of complaints and compliance reviews, the acceptance and monitoring of corrective action agreements, and the conduct of enforcement actions through judicial or administrative litigation.

Mr. Burroughs will assist our school in areas of contract and employment law. He has extensive experience is working in educational environments and his perspective on many issues regarding the operation of our school especially in areas that could put the school in “high risk” situations will be invaluable.

Carole A. Gupton, Ph.D.
104 Burton Hall. 178 Pilsbury Drive Southeast Minneapolis, MN 55455
cgupton@emilygreyschool.org

Dr. Carole Gupton is presently the Director of Continuing Professional Studies in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. Previously, Dr. Gupton was a public school educator for more than thirty-five (35) years of which thirty-two (32) have been with the Minneapolis Public Schools. She has held positions as classroom teacher, special education coordinator, director of curriculum and instruction, elementary and middle school principal and adjunct positions at two universities. She teaches graduate courses on leadership, curriculum and instruction and developing culturally responsive learning environments.

She designed the first year-round and extended day program for Minneapolis Public School. She is considered by her colleagues to be a hard working visionary leader, a creative risk-taker and a collaborative change agent. Her areas of interest include organizational development, leadership development and cultural competency. She has presented at local and national conferences in the areas of multi-cultural education, learning disabilities, year-round programs and family involvement. Dr. Gupton has been recognized for her leadership both locally and nationally. Among her honors are the Minneapolis Public Schools’ Distinguished Principal of the Year 1997, Yale University School Development Program Patrick Francis Daly Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, 2002 and the Police Athletic League Distinguished Service Award for her community work.

Dr. Gupton is a steadfast believer in public non-profit education as a responsibility the state has for all of its children and youth.

Jeanene Noll, M.Ed.
jnoll@emilygreyschool.org

Ms. Noll earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Ms. Noll earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and an Masters of Education in Adult Education focusing on multiculturalism. She earned her degrees while working full-time and part-time, and understands the obstacles for non-traditional learners. With over 30 years of administrative experience, she has served in four unties at the U. of MN-T.C. College of Education and Human Development, Medical School, Continuing Education and Extension, and College of Liberal Arts. Currently, Ms. Noll is on the administrative staff at the College of Liberal Arts. In continuing education she served 17 years as an assistant director for self-supporting medical conferences in involving local, regional, national, and international clientele.

Ms. Noll is a well established musician and has done volunteer music work with local community based associations and care facilities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Her particular education interest is in developing and adapting programs to meet the needs and learning styles of participants in a supportive environment.

Ms. Noll brings valuable insights, a broad perspective, and range of experience in education to our board.

Mary Stack-Ander, M.A.

Mary has 20+ years of experience as an educator in K-12 environments. She possesses and works in multiple licensure areas, including French, German, Adult Education, Work Experience Education for Disadvantaged Students and as an Employment Placement Specialist. Currently, she works as a regular education teacher in a high school charter school located in Minneapolis.

Mary has a laudable academic record. She earned a Master of Arts in Vocational Education and Human Resource Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in French and German from the University of Wisconsin. While studying in French and German, Mary studied at the University of France and earned a Certificate in both languages. She is also proficient as an interpreter for the deaf, and received certification in this from the St. Paul Technical College.

Her experience in education includes supervising and coordinating work experience, service learning, internships, and customized vocational training programs for secondary and adult students. She has developed and coordinated new health care internships/employment programs for post secondary adult students. She works regularly with community based organizations to support students and their families. She meets regularly with county and state case management staff (Minnesota Family Investment Program MFIP, Department of Rehabilitation DRS, Workforce Investment Act WIA) to construct appropriate training plans and job placement opportunities for clients/students. In addition, Mary’s second language proficiency has allowed her to interpret for immigrant students and deaf/hard of hearing when necessary.

Mary has served on several boards and is currently a board member for another Minneapolis charter school. She also has a member at large position on the Hennepin County Workforce Investment Board.

Mary has a well established professional background as a Minnesota licensed teacher, a solid academic record and governance experience with her previous Board work. The Board of the Emily Grey Accelerated Charter School is fortunate to have her as a member of it’s leadership structure.

Meet our Staff and Teachers

Dimitri Russell, Ed.D (ABD)—Executive Director
drussell@emilygreyschool.org

Mr. Russell earned his B.A. in East Asian Studies, an M.Ed in Educational Psychology and is an Ed.D candidate in Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota-T.C. Mr. Russell earned both his Special Education License and K-12 Principal's License through the U. of M-T.C. He has worked as a special education teacher and administrator in both traditional and charter schools.

Mr. Russell’s academic and professional background makes him a positive candidate to support our school in reaching its vision and mission goals. Currently, Mr. Russell coordinates the special education programs for the Minnesota Internship Center in Minneapolis. Among his duties is to coordinate all special education service delivery methods to students identified as possessing a disability under state and federal guidelines. Mr. Russell ensures that the “Child Find” process is properly implemented.

Mr. Russell continues to demonstrate the highest of personal and professional values that make him a valued asset to his school organization and the lives of the students he works with.

Sondra Hall-Nolan—Office Manager

Biography not yet available.

Jackie Martin—Outreach Director

Biography not yet available.

Camille Boone-Harrison—Core Knowledge Specialist

Ms. Boone-Harrison received her elementary education teaching license from Metro State University and is currently completing an interdisciplinary teaching license from Western Governors University. She has taught students in pre-Kindergarten through grade 6 and has repeatedly demonstrated her leadership skills in such positions as Core Knowledge Coordinator, Direct Instruction Coordinator, and District/State Testing Coordinator. Camille has also frequently served as a mentor and coach to other instructors. In 2003 she was recognized for her outstanding contributions when she received the Unsung Heroes Teaching Award from the NCAD (National Children of African Descent).

Andre Gray, Sr.—Kindergarten Education Assistant; Intervention Specialist

Mr. Gray holds his Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development from Minneapolis Community and Technical College and has worked as a lead teacher at child development centers for more than 6 years. In that role he has designed activities and located resources to help children to learn through exploration and imaginative play.

Christine Hirsch—Media Specialist

Biography not yet available.

Laura McClendon—Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher

Ms. McClendon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education with a concentration in science from the University of Minnesota, Morris. She also has 15 graduate credits in life sciences from the University of Maryland. In addition to her classroom teaching experiences in the physical sciences and biology, Ms. McClendon has served as a coach for the Minnehaha Cheer Squad and as a teacher at an arts camp. Among her additional skills are technology proficiency and speaking Spanish.

Kasey Nerone—Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Nerone holds a Bachelor's degree from Finlandia University, Michigan, in elementary education with concentrations in English and Social Studies. Her experience in education includes teaching all of the major subject areas in grades K-8 using varied approaches such as inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and service-based learning. In addition to her classroom teaching experience Ms. Nerone has also coached girl's basketball, judged elementary students' science fair projects, and served as a conversation partner for foreign exchange students.

Dr. Lyelle Palmer—Accelerated Learning Advisor

Dr. Palmer holds a Ph.D. in Education and Psychology (Counseling/Psychotherapy) from the University of North Texas in Denton and is also ABD for a Ph.D. in musicology. He also holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education and Music History, respectively, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. His additional education includes advanced studies at the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology at Chester, England, UK.

Dr. Palmer currently serves as the editor of the on-line Journal of Accelerated Learning and Teaching, as well as professor emeritus at the College of Education, Winona State University; adjunct professor at Hamline University and research scientist at the Minnesota Learning Resource Center where he documents the effects of K-3 brain stimulation in producing high levels of reading readiness and early literacy. He is author of numerous reports documenting superior results of brain stimulation integrated into regular curriculum. He has more than 25 years of experience as a professor at Winona State University in the field of special education, with an emphasis on learning disabilities.

Dr. Palmer is co-founder of the SMART (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training) early childhood program and is co-author of the Bright Brain video (Corwin Press) for parents and teachers. He will serve as the Accelerated Learning Advisor for Emily Grey School.

Megan Parke—Third/Fourth Grade Education Assistant; Long Term Substitute Teacher

Ms. Parke was inspired by her travels in Africa and Guatemala to pursue a career in education. She holds a BA in health education and has taught in diverse classrooms across the metro area. She has also worked as a gymnastics coach with pre-school children for several years. As an after school programming teacher with Atheletes Committed to Educating Students, Megan led students in a variety of activities focused on improving their math and reading skills and bringing them up to grade level.

Shelley Steingraeber—Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Steingraeber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and environmental studies from St. Olaf College and earned her teaching license at Hamline University's Graduate School of Education. Shelley brings a wealth of international experiences to her classroom. She has taught in Prague, Czech Republic and in Nanshan, China. She has also participated in environmental study programs in Australia and Finland. In addition to these experiences, she has successfully taught a diverse group of students in inner-city schools in the metro area. Her enthusiasm and passion for teaching, and her committment to educating all of the students in her classrooms are qualities that make Ms. Steingraeber particularly successful with students in her classrooms.