OUR MISSION
MCPSA’s mission is to create and protect the conditions that will enable the charter public school sector to thrive, and advance the larger goal of ensuring all Massachusetts children and families have equitable access to high-quality schools.
MEET OUR TEAM
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Tim Nicolette
Executive Director
Tim provides strategic and operational leadership for all of MCPSA’s staff, programs, and advocacy work. Tim joined the Association having worked in both the charter and district public school sectors, with specific experience in education policy and management. Prior to joining MCPSA, Tim served as President of UP Education Network. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Superintendent of Boston Public Schools (BPS) Carol Johnson as well as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for BPS. Prior to working at BPS, he was an education advisor to former Boston Mayor Tom Menino. He began his career as a strategy consultant with L.E.K. Consulting where he was elected Executive Director of Inspire, Inc. Tim holds a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
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Erica Brown
Chief of Policy & School Supports
Erica bridges education policy and practice by advocating on behalf of the charter sector to drive state education policies while serving as the MCPSA’s programmatic leader. Prior to joining MCPSA, Erica served as a charter school teacher and leader of City on a Hill Charter Public Schools, and was a founding steering committee member of the Boston Compact. Erica holds a B.A. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, and an M.A. in English Language Arts Education from Tufts University.
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Toryah Cameron
Chief of Development
As Chief of Development, Toryah is responsible for meeting MCPSA’s annual fundraising goals and securing the financial support needed to achieve the organization’s mission. Before joining MCPSA, she was the Chief of Strategy & Development at the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools where she spent seven years, and prior to that, the Development Director, South Louisiana Region at Teach For America. Toryah holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law.
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Oona Cook
Chief Operating Officer
Oona is responsible for managing the financial, data, talent, and board governance systems needed to sustain MCPSA’s growth and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining the Association, Oona served as managing partner providing legal services to families and children, and as COO for a national harm reduction treatment center. Oona holds a B.A from Mount Holyoke College and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
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Victoria Criado
Chief of Public Affairs
Victoria is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of MCPSA’s communications and advocacy work. Prior to joining MCPSA, Victoria served as the Chief Public Affairs Officer for UP Education Network and as a Program Officer for the Office of Management & Budget during the Obama Administration. Victoria also co-founded the Border Film Project in 2005. Victoria holds a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College, and an M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
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Jessica Bahena
Advocacy Manager
As Advocacy Manager, Jessica develops programs to strengthen the Massachusetts charter public school voice within the political system and build relationships between charter public schools, their stakeholders, and policy makers. Before joining MCPSA, she was the Campaign Manager for Alejandra St. Guillen’s campaign for Boston City Council and, prior to that, the Massachusetts Organizing Director for Students for Education Reform. Jessica has a B.A. from the University of Utah, an M.A. from Harvard University, and is an alumna of a charter public school.
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Derya Deane
Operations Manager
As a member of the Operations Team, Derya provides administrative, technical, and project management support throughout the organization. Prior to joining the Association, Derya spent five years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute planning events, coordinating alumni and industry outreach efforts, and assisting with social media and communications campaigns.
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Lina Musayev
Managing Director of School Supports
Lina leads the Capacity Building Network and is responsible for overseeing statewide school support initiatives. Prior to joining the Association, she served as the Associate Director of Strategy and Growth at Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy in Rhode Island where she led the opening of a high school and the replication of an elementary school. She also served as a Manager at Deloitte Consulting. Lina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Communication from George Washington University, a Master in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a Master in Education from the Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.
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Sara Nelson
Director, Capacity Building Network
Sara provides capacity building support for charter schools in Massachusetts by creating professional development trainings and managing key strategic initiatives of the MCPSA’s regional alliances. Before joining the Association, she served as the Director of Student Support at Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School and as a Special Educator in NYC and Newton public schools. Sara has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Amherst College and a Masters of Science Education from Brooklyn College.
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Danielle Pape
Director of Communications
Danielle is responsible for co-developing and executing the organization’s internal and external communications strategy aimed at strengthening public and political support for charter public schools. Before joining MCPSA, Danielle spent over a decade at Boston Prep Charter Public School in a variety of roles, most recently as the Director of Grants and Communications. Danielle holds a B.S. and an M.A. in Education from Vanderbilt University.
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Tracey Perkins
Director of Operations
Tracey works across the organization to provide operational support and manage projects for new and existing initiatives. Prior to rejoining MCPSA, Tracey was Chief of Staff at a globally distributed technology consulting firm. She was previously the Director of Administration & Project Management at MCPSA and Chief of Staff at the Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston. Tracey has a B.A. in Art History from Colby College, an M.A. in Art History from George Washington University, and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Public & Nonprofit Management from the Boston University Questrom School of Business.
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Jennie Williamson
Director of Government Affairs
Jennie is responsible for furthering MCPSA’s advocacy agenda and strengthening bipartisan and progressive political support. Before joining MCPSA, Jennie spent 7 years working for the Massachusetts State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education and served as chief advisor to the Committee on statewide education policy issues and legislation. She also served as a Legislative Aide to Representative Alicea and as a Legislative Intern in Senator Jehlen’s office. Jennie has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Tufts University and a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Thabiti Brown
President
Thabiti joined Codman Academy Charter Public School in 2001 as the founding Humanities teacher and now serves as the Head of School. Prior to joining Codman, Thabiti taught at the Beacon School in New York and the International School of Panama. He is a recipient of the 2005 Milken Educator Award, the 2011 Lynch Fellowship for Boston school leaders, the 2014 inaugural Silverberg Leadership Award, and the 2019 Barr Fellowship. Thabiti holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Arts from Teachers College Columbia University. Thabiti joined the MCPSA Board in 2014.
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Beth Anderson
Vice President
Beth is the Chief Executive Officer at Phoenix Charter Academy Network. Beth previously served on the transition team as Co-Chair of Governor Baker’s Education Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the advisory boards of Mass Development, the Rennie Center, and Greater Boston Teach For America Alumni. Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University and a Master’s of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Beth joined the MCPSA Board in 2010.
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Greg Orpen
Treasurer
Greg is the Head of School at Innovation Academy and previously taught math and science and acted as the High School Principal. Greg earned his Bachelor of Science from Trinity College, his Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and is currently completing his Doctor of Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Greg joined the MCPSA Board in 2016.
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Rachel Romano
Clerk
Rachel is the founding Executive Director of Veritas Preparatory Charter School and previously served as the Principal and Executive Director of the Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter School. A certified Principal and English teacher, Rachel spent six years working in the Springfield Public Schools as a teacher and school leader. Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts. Rachel joined the MCPSA Board in 2017.
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Robert Beatty
Member
Robert Beatty has been the Executive Director of Atlantis Charter School since 2009. Prior to joining Atlantis Charter School, Robert spent seven years at Trailblazers Academy in Connecticut, first as a teacher and then as the Director. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wesleyan University. Robert joined the MCPSA Board in 2020.
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Barish Icin
Member
Barish joined PCSS in 2010 as the Executive Director and now serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In 2011, Barish was named as a Lynch Leadership Academy Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Koc University, a Master of Arts from Princeton University, and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Boston College. Barish joined the MCPSA Board in 2016.
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Sharon Liszanckie
Member
Sharon has been the Executive Director at Boston Preparatory Charter School since 2012. She earned her Master in Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy from Northwestern University. A champion in community leadership, Sharon has been supporting Dana-Faber as a team captain for the Pan-Mass Challenge, and serving as Leadership Council for Youth Villages Massachusetts for several years.
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Paul Niles
Member
Paul is the Executive Director at Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School, and previously acted as Founding Teacher and later Associate Director at the school. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Holy Cross, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He earned his Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well. Paul previously served on the MCPSA Board of Directors in 2017, and has been a current Board member since 2021.
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Nnenna Ude
Member
Nnenna Ude serves as President and CEO of Match Education, overseeing all organizational programs including Match Charter Public School (as Executive Director), The Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education, Inc. and Match Export. Nnenna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences from Dartmouth College. Nnenna joined the MCPSA Board in 2020.
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Heather Zolnowski
Member
Heather has been the Executive Director of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School since 2018, and has been with the school since 2007. She has worked in education for the past 20 years in a variety of capacities. Heather is currently working on her EdD from Northeastern University, and holds an MA from The College of William and Mary and a BA from Western New England College. Heather joined the MCPSA Board in 2021.
START A CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL
If you’re looking to start a charter public school in Massachusetts, we’ve got you covered. All of the necessary information, including a schedule for key deadlines, is available on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
To learn more, please reach out to Erica Brown, Chief of Policy & School Supports by clicking the button to the right.
Join Our Team
Thanks for your interest in MCPSA-specific roles! We don't currently have openings, but please check back periodically.
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GET INVOLVED WITH MCPSA
Decision-makers across Massachusetts listen to teachers, students, families, and community members when it comes to shaping education policy. Get involved with MCPSA today to support the nation’s top-performing charter public school sector in the country and make it possible for every child to reach their full potential.
Ways to Get InvolvedAdvocates for Massachusetts Charter Public Schools is a 501(c)(4) organization focused on engaging the charter public school community in the legislative and political process, growing the coalition of charter public school supporters and activists. To learn more, you will be directed to a website operated by a 501(c)(4) entity.
Visit MassCharterAdvocates.org
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By clicking “visit website” below, you will be directed to a website operated by a 501(c)(4) entity called Advocates for Massachusetts Charter Public Schools.
