Board of Trustees

MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD:

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.

Allen Zeolla, Treasurer – exp. June 2025

Allen Zeolla is an Accountant, an Accredited Asset Management Specialist, and President of AZ
Financial INC. Allen’s main business focus is Financial and Retirement Planning for individuals
working as an Investment Advisor Royal Alliance. In addition to this work, he also prepares
approximately 300 Tax Returns for individuals and small businesses, a Medicare Advantage Plan
consultant. His past job experiences include Auditing and Cost Accounting work. Allen has
volunteered his services to the School Board in hopes that his Financial, Accounting, and
Auditing background will be of value to the Board with the ongoing Financial and Procedural
work needed by the Board.

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.

Alexis Steals – exp. June 2025

Alexis James Steals is a seasoned Financial Services professional with over 25 years of experience in Treasury Management and Corporate Banking. Alexis has spent much of her career working for financial service providers such as PNC Bank, National City Bank, and Bank of New York Mellon where she held positions such as Product Manager, Project Manager, and Training and Development Program Manager. Alexis currently serves as Vice President of Operations at The Advanced Leadership Institute.

While she is extremely grateful for her unexpected career in Financial Services, becoming a high school English teacher was Alexis’ original career goal. Her desire to teach was designed to give her the opportunity to impact the lives of students in a meaningful way. With that dream deferred, Alexis finds herself serving on non-profit boards who support children and families, and she participates in volunteer activities with schools and other nonprofit organizations. It is through her volunteer work and fundraising efforts that Alexis fulfills her aspirations to positively impact the lives of children and families.

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.

Shalaia Green – exp. June 2027

Shalaia is a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly a decade of experience in operations, marketing, finance, and business development. With a diverse skill set honed through years of hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial landscape, Shalaia brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the Pennhills Charter School of Entrepreneurship Board of Trustees.

As a dedicated advocate for quality education and innovative learning, Shalaia is passionate about fostering an environment that nurtures young minds and encourages creativity. With two children currently enrolled at the school, She understands firsthand the value of a strong educational foundation and is committed to enhancing the school’s mission.

Shalaia’s background in operations enables a keen understanding of efficient processes; while her expertise in marketing has been invaluable in promoting initiatives and engaging with the broader community. Her insights into finance and business development has helped drive sustainable growth and resource allocation for the benefit of the businesses she serves.

Deon Nalley-Stoddard – 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.

With 16 years in Army recruiting, Deon has influenced countless young lives, helping them make life-changing decisions with confidence and purpose. He has completed extensive training in leadership and organizational development, including courses equivalent to foundational management, advanced team leadership, senior supervisory development, and strategic organizational management, as well as specialized training in managing recruitment and outreach teams. His commitment to service extends into the community, where he has volunteered for two years with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund Outreach Program and with numerous grassroots organizations and local food banks. Deon has been recognized with the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) by the Secretary of the Army for heroically saving a life and received a certificate of leadership from the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania for his dedication to his community.

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!

Click Here to join the Board of Trustees

Board Committees: (Public meetings are held bi-monthly via Zoom. Email kara.lewis@phcharter.org for meeting information)

Academic & Entrepreneurship Committees – 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4 pm
Finance & Facilities Committees – 3rd Thursday of the month at 4 pm

View Board Policies Table of Contents
View Right to Know Policy
Bylaws

Hard copies of our school board policies are located at the school’s business office, 7336 Saltsburg Road, Pittsburgh PA 15235. Please email kara.lewis@phcharter.org to request copies.

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:

2024-2025 School Board Meetings

August 29, 2024 (Annual Meeting)

2023-2024 School Board Meetings