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. 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

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