Board Of Trustees
MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD:
Contact Us:Â board@phcharter.org
Dr. Tricia Shelton, President – exp. June 2026
Dr. Tricia Shelton, a resident of Monroeville, PA, has a 20-year career in education, first as an early childhood educator, and later as a grade-level coach.  She also earned a Pennsylvania Administrator K-12 certificate and worked as a K-4 building principal. Currently, Dr. Shelton is an Assistant Professor at Slippery Rock University. In this role, she prepares future early childhood teachers and school leaders. Dr. Shelton has research interests centered in culturally inclusive practices. With the support of the Working for Kids: Building Skills Foundation, she has developed curricula to teach complex problem-solving skills to adolescents in a variety of school settings.  A significant component of the program design is its integration of decision-making skill practice in traditional academic content.
Further, Dr. Shelton has authored several publications on various other strands of the inclusion topic, including a recent book with Gryphon House, Practical Strategies for Supporting Young Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2016), which was honored with a 2018 Preschool Teachers’ Choice Award.  She also has presented at state, regional, and national conferences.
Dr. DaVonna Shannon, Vice President – exp. October 2026
Dr. DaVonna Shannon, is the Director of Research and Impact for the Early Excellence Project. In this role, she designs the strategic research and policy agenda for the organization’s efforts to professionalize the early childhood education industry.
Dr. Shannon is also the owner and Principal Consultant of A. Shannon Consulting LLC., an equity-focused firm that guides clients through programmatic evaluation, improvement and growth. Dr. Shannon is a professor in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education department of Urban Education. Her research centers on the activism of Black women educators toward improving the educational experiences and life outcomes of Black children.
Lena Abdullah-Perry, Secretary – exp. October 2026
Ms. Abdullah-Perry has a long history of working with children. After completing her Bachelor’s in English Literature, she began working with children in the mental health field for several years. She pursued a Master’s in Counseling Psychology until beginning a new career path in Early Childhood Education in 2009. Ms. Abdullah-Perry began working at the Penn Hills YMCA in, where she became the Site Director of a new Before and After School Program at a newly established charter school for entrepreneurship. She continued that role until 2017, when she became a Program Director at another YMCA site. However, she returned to the Before and After School program in 2019 and led several programs at various school districts, including South Allegheny, Gateway, North Allegheny, and Penn Hills. Ms. Abdullah-Perry is currently a Master’s candidate at Carlow University, studying Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Leadership.
Michael A. Drop, CPA – exp. June 2027
Mike is the Accounting & Auditing partner of Wasserman & Company, a public accounting firm in Pittsburgh. Mike has always believed that the path to success begins with a great education. His interest for education was instilled in him during childhood when his father, who was a heavy equipment operator, told him that when he grew up he needed to pursue a career where he used his brain instead of his hands. His path led him to CCAC Boyce Campus where he discovered his love for accounting and then to IUP where he received his Bachelors of Accounting. Even after starting his career, his interest in education didn’t stop and he went to graduate school after work and received his Masters of Accounting.
Tuarone Thomas-Washington – exp. June 2027
Mrs. Tuarone Thomas-Washington, a Penn Hills resident, currently working for the Larimer Consensus Group as the Executive Assistant, with over 35 years of experience in working with non-profits, and over 10 years’ experience in working with Attorneys as a Paralegal. She earned her Master of Science in Management in 2012. She is a dedicated community leader and nonprofit strategist with a heart for the youth. Tuarone’s journey led her to PHCSE with the belief that every child deserves to become part of a community dedicated to cultivating innovative, productive and responsible citizens.
Tuarone’ s career has spanned roles in Program Management, Fundraising, and Executive Leadership. Her ability to drive strategic initiatives has helped secure funding, transforming communities one project at a time. Tuarone’s passion for youth stems from her experiences as a Mentor at Career Connections Charter High School for 6 years before they closed, currently the Director for Toys for Tots for non-profits and an entrepreneur, she is committed to empower the youth to reach their fullest potential in business development and leadership.
When she’s not advocating, you can find Tuarone modeling and vacationing with her family and serving God as the first Lady of Morningside Baptist Church.
Deon Nalley-Stoddard – Â exp. June 2027
Deon Nalley-Stoddard is a leader shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to empowering others. A retired U.S. Army veteran with over 25 years of service, Deon’s career has been defined by a dedication to guiding young people toward their highest potential. As CEO of Nalley-Stoddard 6 Visions LLC and a Master Resilience Trainer who completed the Army Master Resilience Training Course through the University of Pennsylvania, Deon is passionate about fostering resilience, emotional mastery, and self-worth—a mission that drives him to create lasting, positive change.
Our governing board is comprised of dedicated members of the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship community. We are grateful for their continued governance, guidance, and leadership!
View Board Policies Table of Contents
View Right to Know Policy
Bylaws
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE PENN HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
NOTICE is hereby given that the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship School Board will hold meetings on the fourth Thursday of every other month and will begin at 7:00 p.m., 2501 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. The dates are as follows:
2025-2026 School Board Meetings
August 21, 2025 (Annual Meeting)
2024-2025 School Board Meetings
August 29, 2024 (Annual Meeting)
2023-2024 School Board Meetings