Our Team
KELSEYJONES
Co- Founder & Co-Head of School
7th Grade Math Teacher
Kelsey Jones has been both a teacher and leader in education for the past 13 years and is a Park Slope resident. Originally from San Diego, Kelsey earned a BS in Management and Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her MA in Educational Leadership, Policy and Advocacy from New York University. She is a Teach for America alumnus and was the founding teacher at Uncommon Charter Middle School. During her time at Uncommon Charter Middle School, Kelsey taught grades 5-8, was the Grade Level Leader and Math Department Chair.
Contact:
GABRIELATEJEDOR
Co- Founder & Co-Head of School
6th & 7th Grade Humanities Teacher
Gabriela Tejedor has been both a teacher and leader for the past 10 years and is a Fort Greene resident. Originally from Miami by way of Colombia, Gabriela earned her BS at New York University in Educational Theater and her MA at RELAY Graduate School of Education. She is a Teach for America alumnus and has taught ELA in both elementary and middle school settings. While at Uncommon Charter Middle School she served as both a Grade Level Chair and Network ELA Curriculum Specialist.
Contact:
LAURENHADAM
Founding 6th & 7th Science Teacher & Science Chair
Lauren Hadam has been both a teacher and leader for the past 6 years and is a Clinton Hill resident. Originally from New Jersey, Lauren earned her BS in Natural Resources and Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware and her MA in Environmental Education from New York University. She also holds a Masters in Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro University. While at Uncommon Charter Middle School, she served as both a Grade Level Chair and Science Instructional Leader.
Contact:
EVERTONLAIDLEY
6th Grade Math Teacher
Everton Laidley has been a Math teacher at the middle school level for the past 5 years and is a resident of Bed-Stuy. Born and raised in Spanish Town Jamaica, Everton attended Ardenne High School in Kingston before moving to Connecticut to attend Wesleyan University. There, he earned a BA with a major in Biology, as well as specializing in classroom technology as a campus job. While at Achievement First in Connecticut and then Brooklyn, he taught 6th and 8th-grade Mathematics, as well as Regents Algebra I, driving exemplary proficiency growth every year. Everton was a member of the Achievement First Leadership fellows program and also led the school's soccer program for 4 years.
Contact:
Our Board
Jevon is a filmmaker, born and raised in New York City. While working in commercial film and television, he has also produced extensive promotional and industrial content for not-for-profits. He attended Brown University, graduating with a BA in Comparative Literature. Brooklyn is his home, with his wife and two-year old son (BKI Class of 2031).
JEVON ROUSH
Secretary
Our Advisors

Cecilia Clarke,
President & CEO, Brooklyn Community Foundation


Vinny Dotoli,
Founder & Head of School, Harlem Academy

Richard Eaddy,
Senior Managing Director,
Savills Studley

Phil Kassen,
Director,
Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School



