Current Lead Principals and Resident Principals

Hi my name is Brian Vannest and I am excited to be back for East End Elementary’s final year of founding and completing the campus with 5^th grade! I have worked in Houston-area elementary, middle, and high school campuses since 2008. My YES Prep journey started in 2010 when I had the pleasure of teaching West Secondary’s first graduating class as 7^th graders. When I returned to YES in 2020 after serving as a Dean of Instruction and principal in HISD, I completed the resident principal program before becoming the founding principal at EEE. I could not do this work without the support of my family, including my wife Elaine and my boys Everett, Henry, and Nolan.

My philosophy of education is rooted in the fact that I cannot make the journey shorter or every aspect of the climb easier. I can teach and coach those on the journey with me to be more skilled at the trek and help remove unnecessary work or inefficient processes and wrong turns. Education is a never-ending journey, and I will always be beside my students and teammates to coach, partner, and encourage.

I do this work because my mom and dad—both career educators—taught me what it means to live a life for others. When we are gone from this world, our legacy will live on in our young people. Having now seen my former students enrolling their children in YES Prep Elementary schools, I am more convinced than ever that pouring into the development of those around you makes a world of difference. Moreover, seeing my students become YES Prep teachers, inspires me to keep up the work. Our work will never be done, and with that perspective, I find new joy not just in the wins but in the toil.

My name is Cynovia Hall, and I am a passionate educational leader committed to building high-achieving, joyful, and inclusive school communities. As the Founding Principal of YES Prep Airline Elementary, I have had the honor of creating a campus grounded in excellence, equity, and unwavering belief in our students.

My philosophy and approach on leadership is rooted in the idea that leadership is service — setting a clear vision, building strong systems, and developing people to expand student opportunities and increase student achievement. I’ve led in elementary, middle, and secondary schools across diverse communities, and one truth remains: teacher development is the lever that moves the needle for student success.

My commitment to equity is deeply personal. As a first-generation American, I am living proof that a high-quality education can transform the trajectory of a family. My why is to ensure that every student experiences a school that affirms their identity, ignites their passion, and opens doors to limitless possibilities. I believe that by combining rich opportunities with high academic achievement, we create real pathways to generational change.

Throughout my career, I’ve been honored to receive recognitions such as the 2024 Virani Leadership Award, the 2024 Good Reason Houston School That Inspires Award, and Core Value Awards for Eliminating Educational Inequity and Creating Pathways to Opportunity. These are a testament to what’s possible when communities believe deeply in kids and work relentlessly to create spaces where excellence and joy thrive.

At my core, I believe every child deserves a school that changes their future — because I am living proof of what’s possible when they do.

My name is Emily Ryans, and I am the proud principal of YES Prep Southeast Secondary. The 25-26 School Year will mark my 16^th year in public education, and I’m so excited to join the Lead Principal Team. My educational career began in my hometown as a kindergarten teacher in east Tennessee, after I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I was able to pursue my passion for educational equity as a Teach for America Corps Member in Houston ISD and moved to Houston to begin my next chapter as an educator as a 5^th grade teacher at Gallegos Elementary School. I then transitioned with my principal to be a founding leader at B.C. Elmore Elementary School, as the school became an elementary annexed campus to Houston ISD. I am so proud of my work in elementary schools and serving some of Houston’s youngest learners, and especially proud of helping many of those students apply for and attend YES Prep campuses in those respective areas of town. I joined the YES Prep Team in 2018 as Dean of Instruction at YES Prep Southwest and then served as a Resident Principal as Southeast Secondary, where I continue to serve and lead today.

I spend time outside of work with my family, including a tiny toddler who reads more books than my husband and I combined. We are both Houston transplants but spend as much time as we can traveling to see our families in Tennessee and California. When there’s great weather in Houston, you can find us on the patio of an Italian restaurant eating tons of pasta.

My philosophy about leadership is that to lead is to serve, and I strive to forge deep connections with my campus community members in order to do so. I want our students to love school, and I want them to care deeply and take seriously the opportunities education can provide. I remain committed to staying rooted in connection and collaboration to help our students meet sky high goals and chase their dreams. 

My name is Erin Sadler, and I am a Louisiana native that relocated to Houston in 2009 after earning a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University. I joined the education movement as an English I teacher at Sharpstown High School in 2011 where I served as department chair, literacy specialist, and supported Houston ISD’s PowerUP initiative. In 2015, I began my journey with YES Prep as an instructional coach for Teaching Excellence and then transitioned to a founding instructional leader at YES Prep Eisenhower. At YES Prep Eisenhower, I worked alongside the other instructional leaders to launch Yes Prep’s first 1:1 program – a technology initiative where each student is issued a laptop to support instructional technology - and supported academic initiatives that helped Eisenhower achieve A ratings. After completing the SPA program through Teachers College Columbia University, I joined the family of YES Prep Southside as the Director of Academics. With my team, I launched one-to-one programming for high school students and cultivated an environment of academic excellence (survived COVID). In 2021, I transitioned to Northbrook Middle School as a resident principal and became the principal. I am now the proud principal of YES Prep Southwest Secondary.  

My leadership philosophy centers on the belief that a leader’s primary role is to create space for their team to thrive. This means fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered, supported, and trusted to bring their best selves to their work. I view leadership not as a position of control, but as a responsibility to remove obstacles, provide clarity, and nurture a culture of collaboration and growth. By actively listening, encouraging autonomy, and recognizing each person’s unique strengths, I strive to cultivate a team dynamic where innovation, accountability, and mutual respect flourish. When people are given the room and resources to succeed, I believe the entire organization benefits. 

My commitment to YES Prep, to the work, is rooted in my belief that all students and families deserve access to a high quality, nurturing educational environment. Education is not only a tool for academic achievement, but a powerful catalyst for opportunity, equity, and lasting change. I am driven by the conviction that every child, regardless of their background or zip code, should have the support, resources, and encouragement needed to thrive. At YES Prep, I see a community deeply invested in this vision, and I am proud to contribute to a mission that prioritizes excellence, relationships, and the limitless potential of our students. 

Hi my name is Greg Little, and I am a results-oriented leader who believes deeply in the potential of all students and staff to achieve at high levels. As a principal, I see my role as creating the conditions necessary for both to thrive—whether that means setting a vision for academic excellence or substituting a classroom so that teachers can focus on instruction.

I’ve led schools to measurable gains in academic achievement, staff engagement, and college readiness, with a leadership approach grounded in relationships, accountability, and equity. My leadership style is grounded in relationships, accountability, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child and staff member. At the end of the day, I go home to my two sons, Tre (5) and Liam (2), who keep me rooted in my “why” behind this work, and my wife, Danielle, who keeps me inspired. I am a Teach for America alumnus and hold a Master’s in Education from the University of St. Thomas.

My name is Matt McMahan, and I am entering my twelfth year in education and my fifth year in school administration. Before serving as Principal and Resident Principal at YES Prep Southeast Elementary, I held roles as Director of Campus Operations and Literacy Specialist at Brays Oaks Secondary. This year, I have the incredible honor of founding YES Prep White Oak Elementary.

As a leader committed to continuous improvement, I prioritize developing my team and those around me to reach their fullest potential. I believe the work of running a highly effective and equitable campus—while often challenging—is deeply meaningful and vitally important, now more than ever. It is our responsibility as leaders to empower and support our teams so they can show up every day for students, ensuring a joyful, consistent, and high-quality educational experience.

My name is Selina Hall-Swope, and I am entering my 17^th year in education. I am a proud Floridian, receiving a BA in English from Florida State University in 2006, and my M.Ed in English Education from Florida A&M University in 2008. I taught for one year in Florida before moving to Houston to teach 8^th grade ELA in the 5^th Ward community. I joined YES Prep Brays Oaks as an English I teacher in 2012 and have called YES Prep my home ever since. While at Brays Oaks, I served as the Literacy Specialist/Reading Lab teacher for two years before taking on the Dean of Instruction role.  I spent 3 years coaching teachers in multiple contents and working closely with the Dean of Students to bridge the gap between academics and culture. During this time, I served as Course Leader and Course Facilitator for 7^th Grade Reading Lab and participated in the Aspire Cohort of Leading Excellence in 2018. After 6 years at Brays Oaks, I transitioned to YES Prep Northbrook HS as the Director of Academics. During my time at Northbrook HS, I had the unique experience of working at a partnership school and a campus that was founded on restorative justice practices. During the 20-21 SY, I was part of the Principal Pathway Program, serving as Resident Principal at YES Prep Northbrook Middle School. I returned to my home campus, Brays Oaks, to lead as Principal in 2021 and am entering my 5^th year as the proud Principal of the Cavaliers. I consider myself a life-longer learner, and my approach to leadership is one of unwavering integrity and optimism. I believe that the more you lead from your values and approach each day with what is possible, the greater impact you can have on your campus and the community. I strive to amplify what is possible for the students and families I am privileged to serve, and I remain unapologetic about doing whatever it takes for students to receive an excellent education. My commitment to equity is driven by my number one role as life-long caretaker for my brother with Autism. Eddie attended a school that put a limit on what was possible for him, and my purpose for the work that I do is to create a school where we tap into the infinite potential in all our students and create pathways of opportunities for them to live up to their true potential. I am excited to be in my 2^nd year as Lead Principal and continue my path as a leader for change at YES Prep Public Schools.

Chea Hudgins is a passionate educator hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a first-generation college graduate, she epitomizes the transformative potential of education. Chea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from Grambling State University. She then went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a decade of experience in education, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to student success and educational equity. Chea began her teaching career in 2014 at Medard H. Nelson Charter School in New Orleans, where she served in multiple roles including middle school ELA teacher, Kindergarten teacher, Student Activities Coordinator, and cheerleading coach where her dedication and versatility quickly became evident. After four years, she joined KIPP New Orleans, and by 2021, transitioned to KIPP Texas in Houston, at KIPP SHINE Prep as a Kindergarten teacher and Grade Level Chair, then KIPP Legacy as a Dean of Instruction. Chea went on to serve in key leadership positions such as Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, and 504 Coordinator with BakerRipley Community Schools. Chea is excited to join the YES Prep family and remains steadfast in her commitment to becoming an exceptional leader who empowers students while fostering community transformation through education. Currently, Chea is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Xavier University of Louisiana, furthering her commitment to professional growth and effective leadership. Beyond her academic pursuits, Chea actively engages with organizations such as the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators and the Houston Urban League of Young Professionals, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and advocacy within the broader educational community. In her free time, Chea enjoys singing, reading, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Deja Laws is a proud Galveston, Texas, native and passionate educator who is stepping into the role of Resident Principal after 10 years of dedicated service at YES Prep West. She began her journey at West and has called it her second home ever since, deeply committed to the students, staff, and families who make the campus such a vibrant community. Deja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Texas Southern University (2015) and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Prairie View A&M University (2018). Over the years, she has served in various roles, most recently as Director of Student Support, where she built systems of care and advocacy for students and families, navigating academic and personal challenges.

As a leader, Deja is known for her unwavering empathy, collaborative spirit, and ability to turn vision into action. She leads with both heart and strategy, coaching teams, building capacity, and ensuring that every student feels seen, safe, and supported. Her leadership is grounded in trust, equity, and the belief that students thrive when adults work in deep partnership on their behalf. When she’s not on campus, you can find her dancing, reading, assembling puzzles, watching great television, or diving into a cozy video game.

As she steps into the Resident Principal role, Deja is excited to continue growing as a leader and to serve the broader YES Prep community with the same passion, purpose, and deep belief in every student's potential.

Emily Vanderbilt is a native Texan who grew up with a dream of becoming an elementary teacher. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006, she joined Teach For America and began her career in education teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA and U.S. History in Philadelphia. After earning her Master’s in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Emily was eager to return to Texas and joined the Teach For America Houston staff where she coached and supported first and second year teachers across Houston in HISD, Alief, Aldine, KIPP and YES Prep.  Her work across these diverse districts fueled her passion for understanding what drives success in classrooms, leading Emily to join YES Prep North Central as a Dean of Instruction. After seven years at North Central as a Dean of Instruction and Director of Academics and celebrating the graduation of her original Vanderbilt homeroom, she joined the KIPP Texas Talent team to help design and implement a teacher evaluation system as part of the transition from KIPP Houston to KIPP Texas. Realizing a long-held dream, Emily taught Pre-K before ultimately becoming an Assistant Principal at KIPP Unity, where she has served for the past four years. Emily lives in west Houston with her husband Eric, their two daughters Ainsley and Linden and their golden retriever, Birdie.  Outside of work, Emily enjoys taking long walks with Birdie, camping with her family, reading and experimenting with new recipes.

Evelyn Gutierrez is a first-generation college graduate and the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She earned her degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. While her studies initially pointed her toward a different path, her experiences in college ignited a passion for education and a desire to serve communities like the one she grew up in. That same year, she joined Teach For America–Houston and began her teaching journey. Evelyn started her career as a 3rd grade English Language Arts teacher at KIPP Texas Public Schools. Over her four years at KIPP, she fell in love with the classroom, honed her instructional practice, and took on leadership responsibilities as a grade level chair and teacher mentor. With TFA-Houston, she continued to grow, serving as a bilingual content specialist, corps member advisor, and leadership coach.

In 2018, Evelyn joined YES Prep Public Schools as a founding bilingual Kindergarten teacher at YES Prep Southeast Elementary. She further expanded her impact by serving as a grade level chair and leading school initiatives. Driven by a commitment to educational equity, she earned her master’s degree in Primary Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. Since 2022, Evelyn has proudly served as Assistant Principal at YES Prep East End Elementary, supporting students, staff, and families since the campus’s founding year. She is excited to continue her leadership journey with YES Prep. Outside of work, Evelyn is a proud dog mom, book lover, true crime junkie, and avid traveler.

Jamelle K. Smith was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Illinois, where her educational journey was shaped by attending a magnet school that offered an alternative learning path. It was there that her passion for education first took root. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Bradley University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Jamelle began her career at George Henry Corliss High School in Chicago, where she taught students with disabilities. She also served as the Special Education Case Manager, advisor of the peer jury, after-school program coordinator, and track and field coach. As a member of the school’s Leadership Team and the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement Team, she represented the special education department with distinction.

In 2011, Jamelle joined KIPP Chicago as the Special Education Coordinator for two campuses. In 2015, she relocated to Houston, Texas, where she continued her impact in education through her work with YES Prep Public Schools. There, she held a variety of leadership roles, including Special Education Manager/Compliance Specialist, Dean of Instruction, Director of Academics, and Assistant Principal.

Outside of her professional work, Jamelle enjoys crafting, watching Hallmark movies, spending time with family and friends, and staying active with her sorority. Her career has been driven by a deep commitment to student success, equity, and building strong school communities.

Jeevan Moses was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in both International Studies and Anthropology. He joined Teach for America in 2012 and moved to Houston where he became a middle school math teacher at YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary. Jeevan joined the College Initiatives team at Brays in 2014 and became the Director of College Counseling in the Fall of 2017. At a district level, Jeevan has served as Lead Director of College Counseling since 2022 and has helped plan the APIA, now Heritage Ignited, Summits since 2019. Jeevan’s parents are both from Southern India. He is a member of Rhythm India, a Bollywood dance group in Houston, and, in his free time, enjoys traveling and spending time with his mom and sister, who recently moved to Houston.

Sheporah K. Johnson is a proud native of Texarkana, Texas, and a graduate of Texas Southern University. Though she earned her Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice with plans to serve through the justice system, her passion for creating lasting impact in children’s lives led her to education—a path where her purpose became clear.

In March 2017, Sheporah joined YES Prep Public Schools as a math intervention teacher with no prior classroom experience. Within three years, she became a transformational force on campus, earning recognition as Campus MVP, YES Prep Southside’s Giant of the Year, a TEA Teacher Incentive Allotment recipient, and a nominee for Texas Alternative Certification Association Intern of the Year.

Her leadership journey continued in 2020 when she was named Dean of Students. In this role, Sheporah championed equity-focused practices, elevating student voice and fostering accountability-driven environments. During this time, she also earned her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, further equipping her to lead with both heart and strategy.

In 2022, she became Director of Student Support at YES Prep Southside, where her leadership sparked a cultural turnaround. Through data-driven coaching, social-emotional supports, and restorative practices, she led meaningful improvements in student behavior, engagement, and outcomes.

As of August 2024, Sheporah proudly serves as Director of Academics. In this role, she continues to drive student achievement and instructional excellence through strategic planning, intentional programming, and a relentless commitment to equity. Her work builds a culture where educators thrive, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential.

Outside of her work in education, Sheporah enjoys traveling, trying new dining experiences, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Sean Little is originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area but is proud to now call Houston home.  After graduating from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s in business administration, he joined Teach For America where he taught 6^th – 8^th grade math in Memphis, Tennessee. He joined YES Prep East End Secondary in 2014 and has been an Explorer for the last decade in a variety of roles. Sean previously served as a 6^th and 7^th grade math teacher, grade level chair, and Dean of Instruction. He has served as the Director of Campus Operations at East End for the last 4 years. Sean is passionate about creating opportunities for students by providing an excellent education and is excited to learn more about becoming a strong YES Prep Principal. In his spare time, Sean loves to travel, spend time with his friends, family and cat, Ghost.