The Resident Principal program is designed to prepare the next generation of school leaders through hands-on leadership experiences, coaching, and mentorship. Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, these leaders will continue building the knowledge and skills needed to lead high-performing schools while supporting students, staff, and campus communities across YES Prep.

Please join us in welcoming our 2026–2027 Resident Principal cohort: Ana Lilia Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Gregory Richards, Katherine O’Hearne, and Le’Fondria Scroggins. Learn more about each of their experiences and leadership journeys below.

Ana Lilia Gonzalez-Rodriguez was born and raised in southeast Houston, Texas. She was the first person in her family to graduate with a four-year degree, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of St. Thomas. She later earned a Master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and completed a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University. Ana began her career in education as a classroom teacher at KIPP SHINE Prep in southwest Houston. During her seven years of service at KIPP, she held various roles, including Operations Chair, Grade Level Chair, and Lead Teacher. She then continued her work in the East End of Houston with Houston ISD, spending five years as an instructional specialist and two years as an assistant principal at Gallegos Elementary. Most recently, she returned to southeast Houston to serve as the Bilingual Assistant Principal at YES Prep Southeast Elementary.

 

Ana is passionate about educational leadership and is excited to continue her path toward a principalship at YES Prep by serving as a Resident Principal for the 2026–2027 school year. She is committed to supporting students, building strong school communities, and fostering academic success for all learners.

In her spare time, Ana enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering at an animal shelter, and traveling.

 

 

Gregory Richards is an accomplished educational leader with a strong track record of improving academic achievement and strengthening school communities. A native Memphian born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Gregory is deeply committed to serving the community that helped shape him. With a diverse educational background, Gregory has served as a Special Education Teacher, Literacy Coach, Title I Coach, District Literacy Coach, and Assistant Principal. These experiences have shaped his passion for instructional excellence, equity, and student achievement across all grade levels. Recognized for impactful leadership and instructional innovation, Gregory was featured on ABC24 Memphis News in 2018 for Cool School Instructional Excellence.

Gregory received his undergraduate degree in Finance from LeMoyne-Owen College, an MBA from Bethel University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from Freed-Hardeman University, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principalship from Arkansas State University.

In his current role as Assistant Principal, Gregory has played a significant role in improving student achievement and academic growth in both ELA and Math, contributing to a TVAAS Level 5 designation according to the Tennessee Department of Education accountability measures. Known for being data-driven while maintaining strong relationships with students and staff, Gregory focuses on building systems that promote high expectations, teacher development, positive school culture, and equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students. He is passionate about ensuring every student regardless of background, learning style, or circumstance.

Beyond education, Gregory is known for his dynamic personality, resilience, and ability to inspire others. He values family, faith, service, and community impact while remaining committed to continuous growth as a leader. In his spare time, Gregory enjoys traveling, exploring new experiences, and spending time at the dog park with his dog, Richie. Passionate about transforming schools and empowering people, Gregory believes leadership is ultimately about influence, trust, and leaving every environment better than it was before.

 

 

Katherine O’Hearne is a native Houstonian with 17 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to serving students and families in the city she calls home. She attended the University of Oklahoma, returned to Houston to be close to her family and joined Teach For America, launching her career in education.

Katherine began her journey at YES Prep Gulfton, where she taught middle school math and science. Over the years, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including Grade Level Chair, Dean of Instruction, Literacy Specialist, and Director of Academics. Her work has spanned multiple campuses across the network, including YES Prep Northbrook Middle School. For the past six years, Katherine has proudly served the YES Prep Northline community, where she supported teachers and students through a strong focus on instructional excellence and academic growth.

Katherine graduated in May from the University of Texas with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy as part of the Texas Principal Leadership Academy. She is intentional about her ongoing development as an instructional leader and focused on preparing schools to meet the needs of all learners. Katherine is excited to continue her leadership journey as a Resident Principal for the 2026- 2027 school year. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, her two dogs, and getting lost in a good book.

 

 

Le’Fondria Scroggins is an educator and instructional leader originally from Seattle, Washington. She attended Seattle University, where she earned a degree in Humanities for Teaching with a minor in Social Work. After college, she joined Teach for America and began her teaching career in rural Holmes County, Mississippi, where she taught for four years and developed a strong commitment to educational equity and serving underserved communities. In 2017, she relocated to Spring, Texas, and spent five years in Spring Independent School District as both a teacher and literacy coach, supporting student growth and strengthening instructional practices. She later served as an Assistant Principal of Instruction with KIPP Public Schools, continuing to grow as a leader, and now serves as a founding Assistant Principal at YES Prep Public Schools at #THEENRE, where she helps build strong systems, culture, and instructional excellence. In addition to her work in education, she is also an entrepreneur and the owner of A+ Bakery, which she founded in 2017. She believes leadership is rooted in relationships, clarity, and a commitment to excellence, and she strives to create environments where students and staff feel supported, challenged, and proud of their work.