Executive Director, Head of School

My name is Brandi Williams and I am Kent Academy's Head of School/Executive Director. I have been in education for over 18 years. I am originally from New Jersey, but spent my teenage and adult years in Pennsylvania. I graduated from Kutztown University where I earned a Bachelors in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. I then proceeded to get my Masters in Education with a concentration on Curriculum and Instruction. I have taught students from various backgrounds including alternative education and early college. I believe that every child can learn, and we just have to identify the best way to teach each child. Education should be individualized and not a “one size fits all.” When not at Kent, I can be found spending time with my husband and six children, or trying to train my doodle to do awesome tricks.

Middle School Chair/Teacher, HS Math Teacher, Yearbook Facilitator, Media & Marketing Coordinator, Technology Facilitator

My name is Jarvis Miller; I am originally from a small town, Laurens, SC. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from South Carolina State University; I also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. I have always possessed a passion for mathematics and computers and later developed an even bigger passion for teaching. I started my career in education teaching GED courses to juveniles who struggled to learn in public schools. Two years ago, I started teaching introductory computer science courses at a local college. I started teaching middle school mathematics in the spring of 2021. Outside of the classroom, I serve as the Church Administrator at my church and a manager for the Center for Digital Equity at Queens University Charlotte. Although I have only been at Kent for a few months, the students, faculty and parents have made me feel like I have been a part of the Kent family for years. I look forward to pouring knowledge into the students as they pour knowledge into me.

4th-6th Grade Teacher, Field Trip & Summer Camp Coordinator

I was born and raised right here in Charlotte, NC. My parents, sister, and brother and sister-in-law along with my nieces and nephew, all live in Charlotte. I graduated from Independence High School in 2000 and went to UNC Charlotte for college where I studied to be a teacher and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2003. I’m certified to teach Kindergarten through sixth grade. I’ve taught school for 18 years and during that time, I’ve taught all elementary school grades in different capacities. I began my career at Newell Elementary in the CMS system, then was a nanny for a couple of years for younger children, followed by a stint at Mountain Island Day School. I’ve been at Kent Academy since the fall of 2012 and wouldn’t want to be teaching anywhere else :). In addition to teaching lower school at Kent, I run a baseball league, called YMCA Miracle League for children and adults with special needs at the Keith Family YMCA. In my free time, I love playing sports and hanging out with my family and friends.

High School Co-Op Chair, Middle & High School English/Language Arts and Writing Teacher, School Newspaper Facilitator

My name is Katie Sherman. I graduated from West Virginia University with B.A.s in News Editorial Journalism and English Language & Linguistics (2006). I have been fortunate to work in the English departments of several noteworthy universities including The International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago, IL, Southern Piedmont Community College in Monroe, NC, and Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. I taught everything from Introduction to Literature to Fashion Publicity. In 2018, I received an MFA in Creative Writing and this past year, my first collection of short stories was published through a small independent press. I believe all students have the innate ability to be successful. I strive to bring enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom so students can realize their true potential. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis with my husband, Ben, and reading books with my daughters, Ella (9) and Addie (6).

K-3 Teacher

My name is Kaitlyn Rivera and I graduated from Mitchell College of CT with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, and have my teaching certification in CT. I also hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science, and have my school librarianship certification in CT. I have been teaching since 2011 in Kindergarten and K-3 special education classrooms as well as K-12 school libraries. My philosophy of teaching rests on the pillars of learning through play, respecting each child as an individual, and building a foundation for confident, enthusiastic learners. My passion in teaching is centered around my love of reading and storytelling. I strive to instill this love in my students with the hope of creating lifelong learners like myself. I work to create a special environment in my classroom where we can create, play, sing, dance, and learn with joy. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me avidly reading, playing with my two dogs, or exploring the city with my husband. To wind down I like to meditate, practice yoga, and have tea in my hammock.

3rd-5th Grade Teacher

My name is Beth Kelly and I have been given the wonderful honor of teaching students for the last 22 years. I am originally from Buffalo, NY, where I received my BA in Sociology, but in 1997 I decided to move to Charlotte, NC and within a year realized I wanted to pursue teaching. I attended UNC Charlotte where I received my teaching certification in Special Education and have been teaching ever sense. If it’s one thing I have learned, it is that every student learns differently and can be successful and excel in the right learning environment. I have worked in a variety of schools where I have taught students with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Emotional Trauma, and Learning Disabilities. This is my passion and I feel so fortunate to be able to teach these awesome kids every day!

Lower School Teacher Assistant

My name is Synetria Stowe and I attended Clemson University where I majored in Early Childhood Education. I have a love for teaching and nurturing each child. I have worked in the education field for over 25 years and it just warms my heart to see children grow and flourish.

Over the years, I've taught first grade, worked with infants through 12 years old, 3rd in charge in management and an assistant director of a school. Even though each job's role description may differ, there's always a teaching moment in anything you do. I'm delighted and excited to be a part of Kent Academy's family.

Upper School Teacher

My name is Nick Leader. I graduated from the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in both History & Philosophy. I also hold Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, which I earned from the University of Montevallo in 2023. I served as an engineer in the United States Marine Corps for six years. My educational philosophy is centered around the social experience of the classroom. I believe that students learn best through open discussion, collaboration, and problem solving, and I strive to incorporate these methods in every lesson that I teach. This will be my first year at Kent Academy. My wife, daughter, and I recently relocated from Birmingham, Alabama to Charlotte, and we are excited to explore the city and make Charlotte our home! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy gardening, weightlifting, and hiking. I am also a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi in pretty much any form—movies, books, and computer games.