Five Potomac school administrators—Nancy Melashenko, Richmond Academy; Wendy Pega, and Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, Beltsville Adventist School; Jennifer Hackley, C. F. Richards Christian School; Timothy LaPierre, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary—have been selected to be part of a new, two-year intensive program designed to help school leaders maximize their impact and better serve their students. This program, launched by the Bainum Family Foundation and NYC Leadership Academy, has paired 10 novice school administrators (“coachees”) with 10 personal leadership coaches within the Columbia Union.
“As many do, I came into a principal position with no formal training,” said Hackley, a coachee. “I’ve learned so much and feel refreshed by the mentorship I have with my coach, Elisa Maragoto, [principal of Lake Nelson Adventist Academy in New Jersey]. With her help, I’ve become more forward-thinking and confident in my abilities. I have a stronger vision of where the school is going and where God is leading.”
Nancy Melashekno, coach, says this program offers encouragement while meeting a rigorous set of standards. “As coaches, we must actively work with our coachees to help assess, set goals and make plans for achieving those goals. We also cover different dimensions and competencies with our coachees—like student performance, situational problem-solving, supervision of staff, spiritual practice and learning context.”
Hackley and Melashenko say they’re excited to be a part of a program in which they can grow and learn as they network with other educators. “I look forward to the opportunity that will allow me to ‘pay forward’ my knowledge and experience,” said Hackley.
Feature Picture: Timothy LaPierre, Jennifer Hackley and Nancy Melashkeno
