Programmatic Team
Jennifer Bentley, Instructional Leader Fellow
As an Instructional Leader Fellow, Jen works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools. Prior to joining Jounce, Jen began her education career teaching second and third grade students at various schools in Delaware and has served in education for over 13 years. Ultimately, she taught in the Spanish Immersion program with third grade students and co-teachers from Spain. In addition, Jen served as a team leader for ten plus years, team lead for the implementation of a new Reading curriculum and new teacher mentor. Jen attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Lincoln University and Wilmington University and is certified to teach Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education and English of Speakers of Other Languages.
Paul Dean, Executive Director
As Jounce's co-founder and executive director, Paul focuses on the design, execution and effectiveness of programming. He works closely with the entire Jounce team to develop and refine the Jounce model, and works closely with the board to set the long-term strategy of the organization.
Prior to co-founding Jounce Partners, Paul worked at New Orleans College Preparatory (NOCP), an award winning urban charter school in New Orleans, LA. At NOCP, Paul served on the five-person school leadership team, managed teachers as an instructional coach, and taught English and science. Paul began his career as a Teach For America Corps Member at Carver High School in New Orleans, leading his 9th graders to an average increase of 1.52 years of reading comprehension growth each semester.
Paul holds a B.A. from Yale University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Sarah Elder, Senior Partner
As a Senior School Acceleration Partner, Sarah works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools, and helps support the Jounce team.
Prior to Jounce, Sarah was the principal of Hardy Williams Elementary Mastery Charter. Following Sarah’s first year as principal, the school was recognized as a top 10 school in Pennsylvania both for student growth from the previous year and for absolute achievement of African-American students. Prior to joining Mastery, Sarah worked at Teach For America as the Managing Director of Institute Program for the Philadelphia Institute. In this role she developed Pre K - 12 curricular resources, and led the training and management of 100 staff members each summer.
Originally from Ohio, Sarah graduated from The Ohio State University Summa Cum Laude with honors and distinction in German. Sarah also holds a Masters of Science in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University and completed Principal Certification at Chestnut Hill College.
Marissa Franklin
Prior to joining Jounce, Marissa worked as a second-grade teacher for KIPP Camden. She also served as the Family Engagement coordinator for the school, organizing multiple events for the entire school. Prior to that, Marissa started her teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher with Mastery Charter Schools. She has taught English as a Second Language in Mexico and second grade in McLean, VA.
Marissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in Education, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification, and a New Jersey K-12 teaching certification.
Shannon Gallagher, Instructional Leader Fellow
As an Instructional Leader Fellow, Shannon works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Shannon began her teaching career with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta where she taught 2nd grade for two years. She then spent five years with Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn as a Founding 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher and Instructional Leader. Shannon went on to found an independent, stand-alone charter school, Brooklyn RISE Charter School as a Founding 1st Grade Teacher. After 8 years in the classroom, Shannon transitioned into school leadership where she spent two years as the Founding Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Brooklyn RISE.
Shannon received a B.A. from Northeastern University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and holds a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, where she graduated on the Dean's List.
Sterling Green, Partner
As a School Acceleration Partner, Sterling works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, and leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to joining Jounce, Sterling spent four years as an Assistant Principal of Instruction at Mastery High School of Camden in New Jersey. Prior to Joining Mastery, Sterling has spent 9 years in the classroom teaching history and english in both middle and high school in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, including four years as a founding history and english teacher and instructional lead for Uncommon Schools at Leadership Prep Middle School in Brooklyn.
Sterling graduated with a B.A. From Arcadia University with a degree in History Secondary Education, received an M.S. from California University of Pennsylvania, and obtained his Pennsylvania Principal Certification through Philly PLUS.
Mike Hammond, Senior Partner
As a Senior School Acceleration Partner, Mike works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools, and helps support the Jounce team.
Prior to Jounce, Mike spent seven years focused on teacher coaching and leadership development at Mastery Charter Schools in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. As the Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Michael developed and codified a nationally-recognized teacher coaching model and trained, supported, and managed teacher coaching implementation across 26 campuses, working closely with Principals and central office leaders. Prior to this role, Michael also served as a teacher coach, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and secondary English teacher at Mastery Charter Schools.
Michael holds both a M.Ed. and a B.A. from St. Joseph's University.
Valerie Joell, Partner / Fellowship Director
As a School Acceleration Partner, Val works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, and leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Val was the Principal at Roxbury Prep Lucy Stone, A 5-8 middle school that is part of the Uncommon network of public charter schools focused on closing the achievement gap and preparing students from low-income communities for college, where she coached and managed her team to align around and execute high-leverage whole-school priorities in service of student achievement.
Val holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Effective Teaching from the Sposato Graduate School of Education, and gradated with Distinction from the Match Teacher Residency.
Carrie Jolley, Partner
As a School Acceleration Partner, Carrie works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, and leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Carrie Jolley was the Head of Schools and Managing Director of Academics at KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools. Prior to joining KIPP Philadelphia, Carrie was a founding elementary teacher, assistant principal and successor principal at KIPP New Jersey’s SPARK Academy in Newark, NJ. Prior to her twelve years working for KIPP, Carrie was a Program Director for Teach For America New York City, where she developed and coached over thirty early elementary teachers in district and charter schools across three boroughs. Carrie began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Newark, NJ.
Carrie holds a Masters in Education, Professional Development from Seton Hall University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with BAs in Political Science and Gender Studies from the University of Southern California.
Carly Kiess, Partner
As a School Acceleration Partner, Carly works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, and leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Carly was a principal at ReNEW schools in New Orleans, where she led schools and coached teachers and leaders.
Carly holds Masters degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University and Reading Specialization from Point Park University, and graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Law.
Jeremiah Lemke, Partner
As a School Acceleration Partner, Jeremiah works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model, leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Jeremiah started his educational career teaching Social Studies in North Minneapolis. After transplanting to the School District of Philadelphia he worked for four years as an RTI and behavioral health liaison before making the jump to administration and serving for the past eight years in various leadership capacities, including Assistant Principal and Principal. During his tenure with the school district, he was awarded multiple commendations from the Superintendent for his strong efforts to make schools more productive environments of learning. Jeremiah completed his principal certification work through the Philly PLUS Residency.
Jeremiah holds a B.A. from Bethel University and a M.Div. in Contemporary Leadership from Biblical Theological Seminary.
Ikemafuna Nweke
As an Instructional Leader Fellow, Ike works with the Jounce team to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to joining Jounce, Ike worked as an Assistant Principal at Success Academy Charter Schools and a Lead Teacher at KIPP DC and Achievement First Aspire Elementary. Ike also taught at elementary schools in Harlem, NY and in Houston, TX.
Ike has taught across five grade levels and multiple content areas. Before joining the Jounce team, he was coached by Jounce personnel in his roles as a teacher, a mentor for resident teachers, and a grade level lead. This experience with the Jounce coaching model cemented Ike’s belief in the power of effective coaching and content-specific teacher development.
Ike holds as Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Houston, both of which he graduated from Cum Laude.
Raven Redmond, Instructional Leader Fellow
As an Instructional Leader Fellow, Raven works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Raven began her education career as a founding teacher at Memphis Delta Preparatory Charter School in Memphis, Tennessee. During Raven’s time in the classroom, she served in various capacities including math instructional coach, educational consultant, nonprofit advisory board member, and a co-designer for multiple math curriculums including writing supports for students with disabilities. She has led math workshops, webinars, and developed resources for teachers around the country. In 2020, Raven was selected as a Tennessee Education Leader by the Tennessee Department of Education from an applicant pool of hundreds of educators in the state due to her expertise, consistent growth of students, resilience, and willingness to improve as an educator. She continued work as a math and online content consultant with the department for some time afterwards. Prior to joining Jounce, Raven served as an instructional curriculum coach at Parkway Village Elementary where she managed, coached, and supported elementary school teachers in math, reading, and science.
Raven graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching from RELAY graduate School of Education in Memphis, Tennessee.
Courtney Taylor - School Acceleration Partner
As a School Acceleration Partner, Courtney works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for school leaders and teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Courtney was an elementary school teacher for Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School, Russell Byers Charter School, and as founding leadership team member for Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter Middle School. She was also an Assistant Director of Early Elementary for Mastery Charter Schools' Central Office and Principal for Catalyst Academy Charter School.
She has received a City Service Citation from the City of Philadelphia for her time as an educator, joined Secretary of Education John King’s “Tea with Teachers” along with only 12 other educators from around the country, and has been featured on The Nightly News with Lester Holt. Courtney Taylor intends to change the world by creating an environment where every student thrives and understands that their dreams can turn into realities.
Courtney Taylor is a proud alum of the illustrious Howard University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Child & Adolescent Development and a Master’s Degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University.
Aquila Waller, Instructional Leader Fellow
As an Instructional Leader Fellow, Aquila works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Aquila began her career in education as a third grade English teacher, she then went on to teach grades 5-8 for the next four years. Aquila spent 6 years teaching before transitioning into the role of Dean of Students and ultimately Assistant principal at Independence Charter School West. Aquila served as site director for three years with Springboard collaborative, helping to support literacy initiatives for elementary students.
Aquila holds her bachelors of science in elementary education, as well as graduated Summa Cum laude with her Masters in Educational Leadership from Rosemont college.
Denisha Wilson, Instructional Leader Fellow
As a Instructional Leader Fellow, Denisha works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Denisha worked as a teacher, mentor, and program coordinator at West Oak Lane Charter School, Southwest Leadership Academy, and Fredrick Douglass Mastery Charter School.
Denisha graduated from Fairmount State College with a degree in Physical Education and Biology, received her Teaching Certificate from Eastern University, and will receive her Masters from Regent University in Educational Leadership and Policy in 2021.
Natasha White, Instructional Leader Fellow
As a Instructional Leader Fellow, Natasha works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to Jounce, Natasha was a middle school teacher for 7 years at KIPP schools in Philadelphia and Camden. As the 5th grade History teacher, Natasha developed and implemented a rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum and was recognized by the Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition, and Yahoo! Life for her excellence in teaching.
Natasha graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education and a Minor in Literacy.
Support Team
James Beale, COO
As Jounce's chief operating officer, James works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure Jounce sets and meets annual targets and implements and develops strong systems.
Prior to Jounce, James worked as an associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath, representing individual and corporate clients in a wide range of litigation matters, including white collar investigations, business and corporate disputes, and class action defense. Prior to Drinker, James worked as a sports writer, primarily for the Philadelphia City Paper.
James holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he was the executive editor of the Journal of Business Law, a Certificate in Business Economics and Public Policy from the Wharton School, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Sara Frymoyer Bishop, Program Operations Manager
As Jounce's Program Operations Manager, “Fry” works closely with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model by developing and maintaining tools and systems to support the team.
Prior to her current role, Fry served as a School Acceleration Partner on the Jounce team. Before joining Jounce, Fry spent nine years at KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy in various roles from Founding Teacher to Assistant Principal to Instructional Coach. Fry began her teaching career in the Bay Area – teaching at John F. Kennedy High and at Leadership Public Schools, both in Richmond, CA.
Fry holds a MA in Education from Alliant International University and a BA in Sociology from Eastern University.
Fellowship Alumni
Jordan Floyd, Instructional Leader Fellow
As a Instructional Leader Fellow, Jordan works with the Executive Director to improve and refine the Jounce coaching model and leads training for teachers across Jounce partner schools.
Prior to joining Jounce, Jordan spent four years at Mastery Charter Pickett campus, where he worked as a Math Content lead and received the Rising Star award as a result of his dedication to the community and impact as a teacher. Jordan also served as a panelist for the Black Male Educators Conference, in Philadelphia, PA and is the Chief Academic Officer of Project Dream, an emerging youth development program that focuses on holistic growth for middle school students.
Jordan graduated with a B.A. from the University of Connecticut, where he was an active member of Collective Uplift, Big Brothers Big Sisters Of America, and the men's varsity Football Team, and holds Masters Degrees of Arts in Teaching from Relay and Educational Leadership from Chestnut Hill College.