MEET THE TEAM

Dedicated to bringing forth a new generation of Black and Brown leaders by creating equitable pathways to success.

Shayne Evans

Founder, President
Shayne Evans is the Founder and President of the Academy Group. Previously, Evans served as the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Chicago Charter School and Managing Director of the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute. At UEI, Evans also co-founded The Success Project, a curriculum focused on preparing students for college access and graduation beginning in 6th grade, a program included in President Obama's College Opportunity Day of Action.Previously, Evans served as the Director of the UChicago Charter Woodlawn campus and co-founded the UChicago Charter Carter G. Woodson campus. Before joining the UChicago Charter School, Evans worked as an 8th grade mathematics teacher at the Chicago International Charter School, an AP US History teacher at Ida Crown Jewish Academy and an 8th grade teacher at Chicago Public School’s Julia Lathrop Elementary.Evans earned a BA in Political Science and African American History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s Degree from Concordia University. Evans has been the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2017 NAACP Educator of the Year Award.Evans has spoken across the nation about what is possible for young people from underserved communities and the importance of student agency as a guide for success. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife and daughter.

The leadership team

Dr. Gregory Jones

Dr. Gregory Jones

Chief Executive Officer, Academy Group

LaTonia Arnold

LaTonia Arnold

Chief Human Resources Officer

Iman Lindsay

Iman Lindsay

Chief Strategy And Innovation Officer

Ted Christians

Ted Christians

Chief Executive Officer, Amplify Chicago

The game changers

Each team member plays a pivotal role in building a brighter future for students. Mission-driven and passionate about investing in young talent, our team is changing the game.

Bradley Alcántar

Bradley Alcántar

Salesforce Data Administrator

Dr. Sana Ansari

Dr. Sana Ansari

Senior Director of Programs

Estrella Aráuz

Estrella Aráuz

College Persistence Advisor

Dr. Rodney Bly

Dr. Rodney Bly

Director of Development

Joel Bullock

Joel Bullock

Student Engagement Manager

Quiana Chapple

Quiana Chapple

Senior Director, Amplify Chicago

Alix Coupet, Jr.

Alix Coupet, Jr.

Chief of Staff to the President

Tania Garcia

Tania Garcia

HR And Finance Coordinator

Brittany Gaynor

Brittany Gaynor

Regional Program Designer

Yurith Gomez

Yurith Gomez

Operations Assistant

Quentin Harris

Quentin Harris

Director of Elementary Programs

Zulmarie Hatch

Zulmarie Hatch

Director of College Access And Persistence

Sheryll Hernandez

Sheryll Hernandez

Middle School Advisor

Doretha Hill

Doretha Hill

Partnership Engagement Manager

Christina Horn

Christina Horn

High School Access And Advising Manager

Shannon R. Keys

Shannon R. Keys

Director of Regional High School Programs

Lenise S. Lee

Lenise S. Lee

Director of Finance

Aja Parker

Aja Parker

Program Success Manager, Amplify Chicago

Sean Phillips

Sean Phillips

Program Director, Amplify Chicago

Godson Raheem

Godson Raheem

HR Manager

Oscar Regalado

Oscar Regalado

Senior Accountant

Lindsey Schmitz

Lindsey Schmitz

Director of Strategy

Eric O. Smith II

Eric O. Smith II

10th Grade Advisor

Djougine St-Hilaire

Djougine St-Hilaire

Operations And Incubation Program Manager

Joshua Taylor

Joshua Taylor

College & Career Specialist

Erin Vaughn

Erin Vaughn

Alumni Success Manager, Amplify Chicago

Viridiana Salas

Viridiana Salas

9th Grade Advisor

Nia Wilson

Nia Wilson

9th Grade Advisor

Join Our Team

Be part of The Academy Groups mission to create brighter futures. Explore our current openings and apply today!

Amplify: Alumni Success Manager
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Summer Science Teaching Fellow (PT)
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Summer Business Teaching Fellow (PT)
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Summer Advising Teaching Fellow (PT)
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