Across our YES Prep campuses, great leadership looks different in every setting but it always starts with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to students. In this next installment of our National Principals Month series, we’re proud to spotlight a new group of exceptional principals whose impact extends far beyond academics. From creating inclusive environments and building strong community ties to launching innovative programs that expand student opportunities, these leaders embody what it means to guide with purpose and passion.
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Jamelle Smith-North Central Elementary
As the incoming principal at North Central Elementary, Jamelle Smith has quickly demonstrated her ability to step onto a campus and into a community with humility, curiosity, and care. She leads by listening—honoring existing strengths while building authentic relationships that inspire trust and collaboration. Staff seek her out for support, families for guidance, and fellow leaders for advice. A founding staff member at White Oak Elementary, Jamelle brings invaluable experience in establishing systems, cultivating strong relationships, and setting a high bar for instructional excellence. Her dedication and vision continue to rally those around her as she builds on North Central’s legacy of student success.
Jonathan Martinez-North Central Elementary
Interim Principal Johnathan Martinez stepped into leadership during a time of transition and brought steadiness, grit, and heart to his campus. His ability to lead with both strength and empathy has provided staff and students with the consistency they needed most. Known for his deep support of English learners and students in Special Education, Johnathan builds environments where every child can grow and thrive. His impact as a coach and mentor is evident in every classroom—where teachers, inspired by his guidance, help students discover both academic success and joy in learning.
Tiffany Labrie-North Forest Elementary
Principal Tiffany Labrie is a coach at heart, able to meet people where they are and help them grow toward what’s best for kids. Known for her willingness to do the hard work and have the hard conversations, she leads with authenticity, care, and a relentless focus on improvement. Tiffany’s expertise has strengthened YES Prep’s approach to co-teaching and Special Populations, and she continues that work with excellence at North Forest Elementary. Even in moments of transition, her impact is evident: classrooms full of engaged students, motivated teachers, and a shared sense of joy and purpose.
Stephanee Dorsey-North Rankin Elementary
Principal Stephanee Dorsey leads with both heart and vision, creating a supportive school environment where students thrive, teachers feel valued, and families feel connected. Her unwavering commitment to student success and staff growth shines through in everything she does. Known for her warmth, energy, and enthusiasm, Mrs. Dorsey fosters a culture of excellence built on strong relationships and community trust. Her inspiring leadership continues to shape North Rankin Elementary into a joyful and thriving learning community.
Andrea Citchen-Southside Elementary
Principal Andrea Citchen is a steady and inspiring force at Southside Elementary—an anchor for the community and a champion for continuous growth. Known for their unwavering dedication and commitment to improvement, Citchen has built a culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and high expectations. Their leadership has strengthened the partnership between families, staff, and students, while placing a strong emphasis on early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong learning. The school’s remarkable academic progress reflects Citchen’s clear vision, determined leadership, and belief in every student’s potential.
Kaitlan Peterson-East End Secondary
Principal Kaitlan Peterson leads with purpose and drive, ensuring every student at East End Secondary has access to rigorous, meaningful learning opportunities. Known for her responsiveness to community needs, she’s spearheading the creation of a welding program, an innovative step that expands career pathways and aligns with the interests of East End families. A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, KP blends high expectations with a willingness to learn and grow alongside her team. Her passion for expanding access and opportunity defines her leadership and continues to shape what’s possible for her students.
Lily Macias-North Central Secondary
Principal Lily Macias embodies what it means to be a servant leader, deeply connected to her community and committed to creating a campus that feels like family. From dancing with students at lunch to covering the front desk when needed, Lily leads with humility, presence, and heart. She knows every role on campus and values every person’s contribution, building a culture of respect and belonging. As an instructional leader, she continues to learn, grow, and model what it means to hold both compassion and high expectations for her team and students.
Nicci Cole-Northside Secondary
Principal Nicci Cole leads with both heart and mind, balancing empathy with data-driven decision-making to create a culture where every voice matters. She empowers her team, listens deeply to students and families, and builds a community rooted in trust and shared purpose. Under her leadership, Northside Secondary continues to grow stronger, offering students meaningful leadership opportunities and a sense of belonging. Nicci’s impact is felt through the words of her students, who say they feel seen, valued, and empowered because of the care and opportunities she creates every day.
Naketchia Alfred-North Forest Secondary
Principal Naketchia Alfred leads with compassion, authenticity, and a deep-rooted connection to the North Forest community she has long served. A reflective and steady leader, she listens to understand while maintaining a high bar for excellence, turning shared goals into meaningful outcomes for students. From her early days as Director of College Counseling to her role as principal, Naketchia has consistently believed in what North Forest students can achieve. Her leadership continues to strengthen a culture of high expectations and college readiness across the campus.
Greg Little-White Oak Secondary
Principal Greg Little leads with curiosity, charisma, and a genuine commitment to knowing the people he serves. He takes the time to learn from students, families, and staff alike, creating a culture of trust and connection across the White Oak Secondary community. Greg’s innovative mindset challenges those around him to think creatively and push boundaries for student success and staff growth. His impact is clear,under his leadership, the campus achieved an eight-point increase in TEA accountability in just one year, a testament to his vision and drive.
Veronica Quiballo-Thrive
Principal Veronica Quiballo leads with both heart and excellence, creating a campus where students are supported, empowered, and inspired to succeed. At Thrive, she has built an environment centered on wraparound care that helps students grow academically and emotionally as they prepare to return to their home campuses. Veronica’s commitment to equitable systems ensures that every student receives the support they deserve. Her leadership embodies compassion in action and a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner.
These stories reflect the strength and dedication of YES Prep’s school leaders—principals who show up every day to nurture growth, connection, and possibility. Their work reminds us that leadership is not just about outcomes, but about people—about students who feel seen, teachers who feel supported, and communities that feel valued. As we continue to celebrate National Principals Month, we honor each of them for shaping schools where every child can thrive and every educator can lead with excellence.
Read about our next cohort of inspiring principals here.