We Are Hiring!!
Founder
Dr. Hollie Russell-West
Dr. Hollie Russell-West has served more than 20 years in urban education. Her dedication to serving children and families is anchored in her belief that children are the future, and we can only expect from our future what we have invested today. Dr. West started her career as a substitute teacher and subsequently became a special education teacher, high school assistant principal, and elementary school principal in St. Louis. She recently joined The Opportunity Trust as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and is currently the founder of St. Louis Voices Academy.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Masters’ Degrees in Special Education from Fontbonne University and Education Administration from Lindenwood University. Dr. West entered the New Leaders Program that trains successful teachers to become successful principals and earned an Education Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia. To complete her academic journey, she completed her Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Maryville University.
Every day, she remains committed to creating a culture of excellence for students and teachers and raising the standards for underserved students and the individuals who serve them.
Interim Executive Director
Dr. Jazzmine Nolan-Echols, DBA, MPA
Dr. Jazzmine Nolan-Echols serves as Interim Executive Director of St. Louis Voices Academy, bringing deep executive leadership experience across education, business, government, finance, and economic development. Her appointment followed her tenure as Vice Chair of the School’s Board of Directors, where she played a central leadership role during one of the most consequential periods in the School’s history.
As Board Vice Chair, Dr. Nolan lead the governance response to complex operational, financial, compliance and regulatory challenges facing St. Louis Voices Academy. Her work focused on institutional stability, compliance integrity, leadership accountability, and the protection of students, families, and staff. This governance leadership directly informed the strategic and operational reset now underway at the Voices.
Upon appointment as Interim Executive Director, Dr. Nolan assumed day-to-day executive responsibility for stabilizing operations, restoring organizational controls, strengthening financial systems, and re-establishing trust with the Voices Community. Under her leadership, the School has navigated an active turnaround phase focused on sustainable governance, disciplined operations, transparent financial management, fund development and continuity of academic programming.
Beyond St. Louis Voices Academy, Dr. Nolan is an experienced executive and systems strategist whose career sits at the intersection of education systems, entrepreneurship, public policy, finance, and economic development. She has built businesses alongside founders, nonprofit leaders, private sector executives and public-sector directors on operational performance, governance structures, financial strategy, and company transitions. Her work emphasizes long-term institutional health, ethical leadership, and systems-level problem solving.
Dr. Nolan holds advanced degrees such as a Bachelors of Science in Management from Harris Stowe State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Lindenwood University, a Doctorate in Business Administration from National University among a host of certifications and licenses across 12 industries and sectors. Dr. Nolan is widely recognized for her ability to lead through complexity with clarity, discipline, and integrity no matter the circumstances. Her leadership approach centers on building resilient institutions that are both mission-driven, operationally efficient and effective.
Head of Schools
Bridgette Taylor
Bridgette Taylor began exploring her journey in education as a Head Start teacher in 1999. For almost two decades, she had the privilege of teaching core subjects in elementary schools and middle school math as a continuing substitute teacher. Ms. Taylor is guided by focus on all students' academic success and enabling them to reach their full potential. She also believes that each student's academic performance is individualized and unique, necessitating the use of outstanding teaching practices. She continues to be committed to providing families with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. Ms. Taylor joined St. Louis Voices Academy of Media Arts in 2021 as an Educator in Residence and is currently the School Operations Manager.
Our Board of Directors
Robert Payne
Dr. Robert K. Payne is a dynamic K-12 instructional leader, adjunct professor, and
professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in education, business, and
telecommunications. As an Assistant Principal, he leads school-wide initiatives focused
on equity, restorative practices, student support, and professional learning. He is known
for building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating collaborative, student-
centered school cultures. As an adjunct professor, he prepares future educators and
professionals by connecting real-world leadership practices with academic growth. Dr.
Payne proudly serves on the boards of the St. Louis Voices Academy, the YMCA of
Greater St. Louis, and the Guide Right Foundation of St. Louis, and is a member of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Sheldon Jackson
Sheldon Jackson is a business transformation and product strategy leader who partners with CEOs and executive teams to drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer impact through full-cycle product management and innovative technology solutions. With deep expertise in enterprise software, SaaS, and HR tech, Sheldon aligns strategic objectives with user needs, leading cross-functional Agile teams and scaling award-winning platforms recognized for industry excellence.
Diamond Spence
Diamond is a distinguished leadership professional and a cornerstone of the St. Louis Voices Academy Board of Directors, where she lends her extensive expertise to the Finance Committee. A true "servant leader," she brings a treasure trove of experience in quality analysis, auditing, and performance management to ensure the Academy’s operations remain transparent and efficient. Known for her ability to navigate complex workflows with precision and adapt quickly to change, Diamond provides the high-level oversight and quality feedback necessary to safeguard the school’s resources. Her dedication to excellence and strategic mindset makes her an invaluable asset in guiding the Academy’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
Mahlik Good
Mahlik G. is a social worker, entrepreneur, and community leader with over 13 years of entrepreneurial experience and more than three and a half years working in education and youth-serving systems. He brings a strong background in program development, youth advocacy, and culturally responsive practice to his role on the board of St. Louis Voices Academy.
Mahlik is deeply committed to the academic success, social-emotional wellness, and economic mobility of Black youth—particularly Black boys and young men. His work centers on addressing systemic barriers through community-based initiatives, mentorship, and intentional support that affirms identity, builds resilience, and expands opportunity. Guided by both lived experience and professional training, Mahlik is dedicated to ensuring educational spaces are safe, empowering, and equipped to meet the holistic needs of Black students and their families.
Bethany Allen
Bethany is a Compliance Lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she manages global conflicts of interest, legal ethics, and regulatory compliance across the firm’s international offices. Drawing on her background in family law and tax consulting, she provides strategic guidance to firm leadership, using sound judgment to navigate complex ethical "gray areas" and mitigate risk. A graduate of Texas Southern University and an alumna of the Missouri Bar Leadership Academy, Bethany also serves as an adjunct professor and mentor dedicated to lawyer well-being and professional development. When she’s not solving high-stakes puzzles at work, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and discovering new restaurants.
Danielle Mullins
Danielle Mullins is a seasoned finance and investment executive with deep expertise in New Markets Tax Credits, community development finance, and complex multi‑tier investment structures. As an NMTC Project Manager, she leads high‑stakes transactions, investor engagement, and risk‑management strategies that enable catalytic economic development in underserved communities. Danielle’s leadership spans oversight of syndicated funds, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional execution across U.S. Bank’s affordable housing, and renewable energy platforms. She brings a strong foundation in financial assurance from PwC and holds an MBA that reinforces her strategic, analytical, and operational rigor. Recognized for her ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, mission‑aligned decisions, Danielle is committed to advancing equitable investment, organizational stewardship, and long‑term value creation at the board level.
Keisa Johnson-Monroe
Keisa is an award-winning corporate transactions attorney and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience in health law, regulatory compliance, and complex contract negotiation. Currently serving as Associate General Counsel at Elevance Health, she provides critical legal guidance on provider contracting and federal regulations, including the No Surprises Act. A dedicated leader and educator, Keisa teaches transactional drafting at her alma mater, Saint Louis University School of Law, and serves the wider community through her roles with the Missouri Supreme Court Advisory Committee, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her career is defined by her commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions while mentoring the next generation of healthcare attorneys.
Demetrius Neal
Demetrius is a commercial still-life photographer with extensive experience producing high-end imagery for luxury footwear, accessories, and apparel brands. His work focuses on translating brand vision into compelling visual stories, collaborating closely with agencies and professional organizations to curate commercial product imagery and oversee the full production of visual assets used across advertising and digital media platforms.
As a board member of St. Louis Voices Academy, Demetrius applies this creative and strategic expertise to support the school’s mission of amplifying student voice through storytelling, media arts, and whole-child education. His professional background informs the development of high-impact marketing, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives that help position the school with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
Through his work on the board, Demetrius helps bridge creative education with real-world application, exposing students to how visual literacy, communication, and storytelling can shape opportunity and future career pathways. His contribution supports both the school’s immediate goals of enrollment growth and donor engagement, as well as its long-term vision of empowering students to find and use their voices
Ways to Get Involved!
