Taylor Exemplar Academy

A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL MANAGED BYNATIONAL HERITAGE ACADEMIES

A-Z

Our Leadership

Walter Reese, Principal

Education:

Bachelor’s of Science - Tennessee State University - Nashville, TN with a focus in Biology and Chemistry

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

Mr. Reese has been in education for 8 years now, in different capacities including substitute teaching, (long-term and short term), classroom teacher in Dayton, OH, School-Family Liaison, Vice Principal, and now Principal. Master’s work was done at both Marygrove College - Detroit and University of Michigan-Flint with a focus on Educational Leadership and Principalship.

What do you like most about working here?

Reese loves the educational opportunities that NHA affords families to receive that they would not otherwise receive in their local district. The programs, processes and accountability are the qualities that drew Mr. Reese to working for NHA. He has a strong belief in the Mission, Vision, and Core beliefs. The pillars that NHA stands for are key in creating a successful and positive educational culture/environment. Mr. Reese loves his job and the lives of the students he has been able to serve daily. Mr. Reese truly believes in educating the whole child (morally, behaviorally, academically, and socially).

Personal Information:

Mr. Reese earned a full-ride football scholarship to Tennessee State University (1998 and 1999 back-to-back conference champions). Mr. Reese serves on his church’s (Middlebelt Baptist Church-Inkster Michigan) leadership team as one of the athletic directors for the athletic ministry. Mr. Reese is the proud father of three boys, Walter Jr. (4 years), Jacobi (deceased) and Timothy (23 months), and happily married (5 years-June 25, 2005) to his beautiful wife Tamona D. Reese-4th grade teacher at a sister school Quest Charter Academy. Mr. Reese is the fifth oldest child in a family of thirteen for Charlie Reese Sr. and Janet E. Reese in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Cheryl Dinnan, K-2 Dean

Education:

I completed my undergraduate work at The University of Michigan – Flint and my Masters at Spring Arbor University. I am currently enrolled at Eastern Michigan University to become a certified administrator.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I began teaching in 1990 with a first/second grade split class. The majority of my time since then has been teaching K-2. 2010-2011 brought about a new beginning as this is my first year as an administrator.

What do you like most about working here?

I love being on the cutting edge of our field and knowing at the end of the day that we make a difference in so many lives. NHA cares about the families we serve and holds its employees to the highest of expectations to achieve our Mission.

Personal Information:

I am a pastor’s wife and have the privilege of helping my husband plant a church here locally. In the late 90’s, I was also able to help start a church and teach overseas in Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa, God blessed me by allowing me to adopt my two boys who are now a couple of terrific teenagers.

Jamie Sheldon, 3-5 Dean

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree at Central Michigan University in Elementary Education
Master’s Degree at University of Michigan in Early Childhood Education

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

2 years as a Lead Teacher with Head Start (Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan
3 years as 6th grade teacher at Triumph Academy
1 year as 3rd grade at Triumph Academy
1st year as Dean with Taylor Exemplar

What do you like most about working here?

I enjoy the level of support we receive from the Service Center for professional growth. The Professional Learning Series options along with NHA-U are a bonus. Most importantly, I enjoy working with the excellent teachers at NHA and seeing the smiling faces of the students each day.

Personal Information:

My wife Sarah and I have been married for 7 years. Our first child, Nathan is a month old. We have a cat named Jasmine. I enjoy attending and playing all varieties of sports. I also enjoy drawing, painting, and remodeling our house, which was once a one-room school house built in 1863.

Nickie Laney, 6-8 Dean

Education:

Oakland University - Bachelors of Elementary Education (December 2005)

Major: English/Language Arts

Minor: Math
Saginaw Valley State University - Masters in Educational Leadership (April 2012)

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

3 years - Hunters Creek Middle School, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, FL
7th grade ELA

Elective: Eagle's Eye News - live school-wide broadcast of morning announcements

3 years - Reach Charter Academy, Roseville, MI
6/7 grade ELA

Teen Leadership Elective Course

What do you like most about working here?

I love the fact that I am able to learn something new every single day from our dedicated and incredibly talented staff, students and families.

Personal Information:

I have a husband named Ryan who is attending Baker College for a degree in Business Accounting. Ryan and I have a cat named Schatzie, which means "sweetie" in German. I love to travel, read, spend time with my family and friends, and buy old furniture so that I can update it and transform it into a new treasure.

Danielle Halliburton, Dean of Special Education

Education:

I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University. I also attended The University of Michigan-Dearborn where I received my master’s degree in special education. I am currently attending Eastern Michigan University for my School Administration Certification

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I’ve been at Taylor Exemplar Academy for 6 years.

What do you like most about working here?

I love working with the leadership team, teaching staff and students at TEA.

Personal Information:

I’ve been with my husband, Andrew, for 10 years. We have an eight month old, Clarize. We also have a Great Dane and two loveable cats. I love traveling and spending time with my family.