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
Educational 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
Terrance Wills
Education Support Specialist
Dr. Susan Moore Ed.D.
Education Support Specialist
Jason Owens
Education Support Specialist
Dawn Weimer
Education Support Specialist
Victor Lett
Education Support Specialist
Melissa Shatley
Data Specialist
Todd Morrell
Curriculum Design Specialist
Terry Carter
Operations Team
Warehouse Manager
Justin Buchanan
Project Manager
Kyle Clark
Operations Associate
Carter Kopel
Operations & Support Liaison
Ken Goode
Customer Experience Liaison
Lori Hoskins
Product Development
Product Director
Ethan Anderson
Product Manager
Paul Alvendia
Project Manager
Kenny Cohen
Project Manager
Brad Ayres
Product Development Specialist
Molly Hutton
Business Development
Director of Sales
Stephen Uhlich
Account Executive
Brett McSherry
Account Executive
Keith Brown
Communication Manager
Guy Lyman
Procurement Specialist
Kimberly Bentz