FORT MILL ACADEMY - Key Persons
Barry Black brings with him many years of experience in the education environment, including being a principal and assistant principal for multiple decades. Barry's experience in education gives great insight in leading and developing a successful school. Moreover, Barry's background in business education is valuable to the board team in ensuring we make business decisions which will lead to the success of this school.
Danielle Lennon has lived and worked in the Fort Mill area since 2005. She is a graduate of Winthrop University with a B.A. in History Education and M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. She has over 16 years in educational experience that span both Fort Mill and Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. In 2015, Danielle was honored to be selected as Fort Mill District Teacher of the year and was a founding member of the Fort Mill School District Diversity Task Force. She used that platform to craft Professional Development for teachers that focused on equity inclusion and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT). . In addition to education, Danielle owned a local clothing boutique in which she continued to provide mentor and employment opportunities for youth. She now serves as the Social Studies facilitator at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Virtual High School, has provided service to local community groups such as SON ministries, The SC Strawberry Festival Pageant planning team, and Fort Mill moms. Her deep local ties to the community, educational prowess and business connections will serve as an asset to the success of Fort Mill Academy. She enjoys trying new local restaurants and spending time with her husband Andre Lennon, and two children, Jasmine and Andre Lennon II.
George is a highly qualified Registered Professional Engineer offering over twenty years of significant experience in Executive Management, Project Management, Land Development and Civil Engineering. With proven expertise in all aspects of project performance and associated liaison with clients. Demonstrated proficiency in commercial, industrial and residential land development with a thorough knowledge of local, county, and state regulations for site development design. Responsible for the life cycle of a project from planning and due-diligence reconnaissance, pre-construction design and permitting, site work execution, construction management and close-out of a construction project according to project goals and objectives. George's professional background is a true value and an asset to the team.
Karina and her family relocated to Fort Mill from the Northeast a couple of years ago, like so many other families in the area. Karina helps schools and educators create student-centered spaces by offering furniture that acts as a resource to assist the learning experience. Her professional experience in sales, business, and design make for a dynamic perspective and input to the learning environment. The analysis and pursuit of how we can create spaces that which empower the student and teacher alike to be their best self is a key asset to the educational industry. Karina has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Interior Architecture.
Kevin grew up in Asheville, NC and graduated from Furman University with a BA in Political Science. He worked for 6 years with a non-profit entity, that provided leadership development training for college students. He consults companies on cost control, eligibility management, and compliance adherence for Insurance programs. He holds a GBA from Wharton School of business. He has helped several charter schools implement benefits and risk control procedures during start up. He, his wife, and three children live in Chapin, SC and enjoy all things outdoors.
Dr. Black's professional experience spans over 40 years beginning her career as an English teacher. After receiving her Master's in Guidance and Counseling, she spent the next 11 years as a high school guidance counselor. Dr. Black then advanced her career into administration where she served as a high school assistant principal. After receiving her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she was promoted to a principal of a middle school and also took a position at a university as an adjunct professor training teachers in managing school operations. Dr. Black is currently the principal of a Mandarin immersion elementary school in Charlotte. Her insight into curriculum development and the development of innovative programs brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board of Fort Mill Academy.
Stephanie has long facilitated enrichment and social-emotional learning for kids on the backend, supporting a YMCA, a baseball training facility, and now Fort Mill Academy with expertise in operations, marketing, fundraising, and event planning. Her proven track record with communication and leveraging community support will help the school integrate into the town of Fort Mill where Stephanie and her husband are raising two young sons. Stephanie's volunteer experience with Unravel Pediatric Cancer and her bookkeeping and budgeting prowess (her friends and family know her as "the queen of spreadsheets") will prove hugely beneficial to Fort Mill Academy and the children it serves.