Daphine Barnes is a Site Mentor with the Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency at Xavier University of Louisiana. In this capacity, she strives to enhance the teacher pipeline through training, coaching, and mentoring teachers for placement in our local charter schools. A native New Orleanian, Daphine is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and is a devoted member of St. Raymond –St. Leo Catholic Church.She is a devoted educator and is proud to bring her experience as a highly successful classroom educator, school leader, and district leader to serve as a member of the Academic Committee on Elan’s Board.

Gary Briggs, a New Orleans native, serves as Systems Impact Director at New Teacher Center, a nonprofit that works to disrupt the predictability of educational inequities for systematically underserved students by accelerating educator effectiveness. Gary earned a B.S. in Political Science from Texas Christian University and an Ed.M from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc where he serves on the local chapter’s educational committee. Gary is eager to support Elan's wonderful mission of providing robust learning experiences to our young people.

Lori L. Knight is a HR Consultant who has an extensive background in human resources. She hasheld several progressive leadership roles while working in various industries, including charterschools, non-traditional and higher education as well as the private and public sectors.A native New Orleanian, Lori is a proud graduate and supporter of St. Mary’s Academy and LSU.She also is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serveson several local non-profit boards and is a cohort of the 2023 Charter Board Leadership Academy.She has a philanthropic spirit and is passionate about supporting youth and women's organizationsin her community, which led her and a friend to start a competitive golf team at St. Mary’sAcademy.Dedicated to her family, she is married and has a daughter currently in graduate school in DC. Sheloves traveling with them, especially internationally, dining at new restaurants in the city, planningand attending social events and celebrating their favorite holiday together…Mardi Gras!Lori's strategic leadership, and deep knowledge of human resources and her commitment to servicemake her a valuable addition to the Elan Academy Board.

Jeremy Thibodeaux is a partner in Ericksen Krentel, LLP’s Accounting and Audit Services Section, where he oversees the quality and timeliness of services to many of the firm’s audit clients. Jeremy’s current specialty is on accounting and auditing for nonprofit entities, with a particular focus on charter schools. As the firm’s Quality Control Partner, Jeremy leads the A&A Services Section’s audit methodology with a focus on future of audit initiatives, data analytics, and the use of technology to drive a more creative and innovative audit practice. Jeremy is also an active member of the community serving on various civic and professional boards throughout his tenure at the firm. Jeremy was born and raised on the west bank of Jefferson Parish, where he continues to live with his wife, Kelly, and their three kids, Liam, Crawford and Leni.

Dr. Scot Rademaker is currently the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Nicholls State University. Dr. Scot Rademaker earned his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction in special education at the University of South Florida. Throughout his graduate work in psychology, Dr. Rademaker worked as a reading interventionist and school psychology intern. In his personal time, Dr. Rademaker enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and scuba diving.

Dr. Rulonda Green is a dedicated educator with a remarkable 24-year journey in the field of education. Currently serving as the Head of School of a thriving PK-8th elementary school in Algiers, Louisiana, she is committed to G.P.A - Growth,  Perseverance,  and Attainment.  In 2023, her school was recognized for being in the Top 20% of the State for its increase in Mastery on Leap2025 with 5 percentage point increase from 2022-2023.  Additionally, her school is one of seven schools in the city (17%) to exceed its Pre-Covid percent mastery performance when comparing Leap 2023 data to 2019 Leap data. She has consistently demonstrated her passion for shaping young minds and building self-efficacy in her students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Green's educational journey began in her hometown of New Orleans, where she proudly graduated from Xavier University Prepatory High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with teacher certification at Fisk University. Driven by her commitment to educational leadership, she pursued a master's degree in Educational Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.

After completing her master's program, Dr. Green returned to her roots in New Orleans, embarking on a fulfilling career in education. In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by earning a doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Holy Cross.  Her leadership and academic prowess throughout the program yielded numerous awards, but her greatest recognition was the Dissertation of the Year Award (Ed.D.) for demonstrating analytical acumen to the highest degree.
Additionally, in 2023, Dr. Green was bestowed with the prestigious Distinguished Trailblazer Alumni Award by the Education Department at the University of Holy Cross, recognizing her unwavering dedication to fostering academic excellence in her school and nurturing community partnerships.
Dr. Green's wealth of knowledge and leadership skills have made her a valuable addition to the Elan Academy Board of Directors. She is enthusiastic about contributing to Elan's ongoing success in the realm of education and development, making her a true beacon of inspiration in the field.

Dr. Gail Thomas-Batiste is the founder and CEO of Precise Education Consulting, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in the education field. A proud New Orleans native and Xavier Prep alumna, she has dedicated her career to enhancing educational opportunities for all students, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Thomas-Batiste has held roles in teaching, special education compliance, and leadership across K-12 and higher education. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she works with the EMBODI program to support Black male youth in areas such as STEM, self-efficacy, and healthy lifestyles. Dr. Thomas-Batiste holds degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Grambling State University, with additional certifications from Loyola University City College.
Dr. Green's educational journey began in her hometown of New Orleans, where she proudly graduated from Xavier University Prepatory High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with teacher certification at Fisk University. Driven by her commitment to educational leadership, she pursued a master's degree in Educational Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.

After completing her master's program, Dr. Green returned to her roots in New Orleans, embarking on a fulfilling career in education. In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by earning a doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Holy Cross.  Her leadership and academic prowess throughout the program yielded numerous awards, but her greatest recognition was the Dissertation of the Year Award (Ed.D.) for demonstrating analytical acumen to the highest degree.
Additionally, in 2023, Dr. Green was bestowed with the prestigious Distinguished Trailblazer Alumni Award by the Education Department at the University of Holy Cross, recognizing her unwavering dedication to fostering academic excellence in her school and nurturing community partnerships.
Dr. Green's wealth of knowledge and leadership skills have made her a valuable addition to the Elan Academy Board of Directors. She is enthusiastic about contributing to Elan's ongoing success in the realm of education and development, making her a true beacon of inspiration in the field.