Our Leadership

Denesha Rawls-Smith, Principal

Education:

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and African Studies from the University of Michigan, Flint. I have a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix. I am also pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction. My expected completion date is summer 2013

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I have been employed at NHA for 6 years. During this time I taught 6th grade for 3 years and served as a dean for 2 years. I recently served as the Interim Principal for a few months and now I am embarking on a new journey as the Principal at Burton Glen.

What do you like most about working here?

What I love about working for NHA is the opportunity to measure academic growth three times a year. During the NWEA suite I become excited and anxious; I am like a kid in the candy store. As a school we review the data from the NWEA and use it to inform our instruction and differentiate learning experiences for our students. Observing academic growth for these babies makes my heart leap with joy!

Other work experience we might want to mention:

Prior to working for NHA I had the opportunity to work for a local, public school district as a long-term substitute teacher. During my time with the public school district I began to develop a love for the instructional and relational aspects of teaching. As a result of my experiences in and out of the classroom I decided to continue my education and enter this wonderful field on a full-time basis.

Personal:

I was born in Flint, MI on February 12, 1979 to a strong young lady, Sandra Rawls. My mother made sure that my twin sister (Lakesha) and I understood the need for an education. I attended Flint Public Schools during my elementary, middle and high school years. In 1997 I graduated from Flint Central High School and began college at the University of Michigan-Flint.

As an undergraduate student at U of M-Flint, I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Chi Chapter. I was also a member of Students for Black Achievement, the Judicial Board, and an African performing arts group. During my undergraduate career I met my husband, Minister Cemond Smith.

Together my husband and I have three children; Chantia, Cemond II, and Morgan. Our family enjoys summer vacations to Arizona and California to visit our relatives. The kids also love going to Kalahari in Ohio.

My interests are reading, spending time with family, and children ministry work. My husband and I enjoy working with the Children of Promise ministry at Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ; the pastor is Elder Eric C. Bogan. I attend church an average of three times per week.

Kristene Chappell , Dean Grades K-2

Education:

Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan
Master in Art of Teaching at Marygrove College

Currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree from the University of Michigan for Administrative Certification.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I have worked in lower and upper elementary education for 13 years.

What do you like most about working here?

Burton Glen has a family – like atmosphere.

Other work experience we might want to mention:

I spent 6 years working in a daycare setting and years substitute teaching while working towards my teaching certificate.