Ann leads Northside Achievement Zone’s education strategy, collaborating with school leaders and Extended Learning partners to improve academic outcomes for NAZ and Northside scholars.

A native Northsider with over 40 years in public education, Ann brings deep expertise in closing the achievement gap for students of color. She most recently served as Special Education Lead Teacher for KIPP Metro Atlanta, and has held leadership roles including Head of School at Brightwater and St. Augustine Montessori Schools, Turnaround Program Specialist with Minneapolis Public Schools, and multiple positions at KIPP Minnesota. She began her career as a primary Montessori teacher and has taught across public, private, and charter schools in Minneapolis, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Abu Dhabi.

Ann holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University, a master’s in Literacy Education from Hamline University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Northcentral Education, along with certifications in Montessori education, Cultural Dynamics, and Cognitive Coaching. She has served on the boards of EdAllies, the Minnesota chapter of NAME, and the Special Education Advisory Council for the Minnesota Department of Education.