Tiffany Nelson – Secretary

Tiffany Nelson has served on the board since 2019.

Nelson is an experienced LMSW with expertise in working with children and families as well crisis intervention, case management, medical social work, and risk evaluation.  She is dependable, with organization and analytical skills as well as adept at providing social service support to a variety of diverse populations.

Currently, Nelson serves as a PRN social worker at University Medical Center and a truancy officer for the Jefferson Parish Public School System.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Xavier University New Orleans and her master’s degree in social work from Southern University at New Orleans.

Harvey Wier – Treasurer

 Harvey Wier serves as the treasurer of the Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish governing board. Wier has served on the board since 2016.

Elydia Ketchens – Board Member

 Elydia Ketchens serves as a board member of the Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish governing board. Ketchens has served on the board since 2019.

Ketchens is a professional with more than 15 years of experience in the juvenile justice system and three years of experience as a mental health professional. She has a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of education for children.

Jaquetta Wright – Board Member

Jaquetta Wright has been a parent member of the board since 2019. Ms. Wright is a lifelong resident of the West Bank and a product of the public school system. Prior to graduating from high school, she knew she wanted to be in a career where the central focus was to help others, so she decided to pursue studies in medicine. She matriculated and graduated from Dillard University obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.  She later attended Loyola University of New Orleans to pursue graduate studies where she obtained a Master of Science degree. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, she was actively involved in the community and a member of several professional and community organizations where she found herself in leadership positions.  Jaquetta is a dedicated public servant through her service on the Board of Directors for a homeowner’s association, as a parent and community volunteer, and as an advocate and a voice for underprivileged students.

Janine Holmes- Board Chair

Dr. Janine Holmes was elected to the board in 2023.  She brings her passion for educational excellence into her role as the new board chair. With nearly 30 years as an educator, she has a vested interest in ensuring meaningful experiences for all students and school staff. Dr. Holmes began her professional journey as a biology and chemistry teacher in Orleans and Jefferson public schools. Later, she transitioned into administrative roles, including dean of students and assistant principal, before serving as a long-term principal of elementary and middle schools. Dr. Holmes’ vision of success and deliberate focus on academic methods resulted in exemplary growth of her students. Dr. Holmes supports charter school leaders with improvement efforts by drawing upon her extensive knowledge of data analyses and planning, instructional practices, assessment and accountability processes, and effective organizational systems. Her desire to promote professional growth of teachers and leaders is integrated with her coaching and mentoring approach. An avid learner, Dr. Holmes received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana and earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in executive leadership at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans.