Our Leadership

DAMION FRYE, SCHOOL LEAD
dfrye@cresthavenacademy.org 

Damion Frye 
A veteran school administrator and educator, Damion Frye brings more than 23 years of educational experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer for Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Prior to this new role Mr. Frye was the Grants Coordinator for East Orange Public School, the Director of the Remote School for Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School and Lead Administrator for METS Charter School. During his tenure at METS Charter School, Mr. Frye expanded the Dual Enrollment program, added additional CTE certificate programs and ushered in middle school basketball, volleyball and track. Mr. Frye also embraced a Restorative Justice approach to student discipline, reducing suspensions by 260% in just 1 year.

A member of professional organizations such as the The School Superintendents Association and New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, Damion Frye previously was Principal of Seth Boyden Demonstration School, Special Instructional Assistant for Newark Public Schools, Director of Mathematics with District 79 New York City and held English and math teaching roles with The Equity Project Charter School, Montclair High School, North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, and Benjamin Banneker Charter School. He also served as an adjunct professor at New York University and Montclair State University.

Mr. Frye is currently ABD from Teachers College, holds a master’s degree in teaching from Brown University and a bachelor's degree in African American studies from Bates College, where he was a four-year varsity football player and president of the school's Black Student Union.




 

 

ERICA FORRESTER, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS  
eforrester@cresthavenacademy.org

Erica Forrester is the Director of Operations at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Erica holds a B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University with a minor in Human Resources Management and Mathematics, as well as an M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. With prior experience as a Senior Talent Operations Associate for a K-12 Charter School in Trenton, Erica is excited to bring her data analysis, recruitment, administrative, and various policy and system utilization skills to Cresthven. Delighted to be a part of this school community, Erica looks forward to enhancing the Cresthaven experience for scholars, staff, and families, year after year.

 

KENDRA HOUSER, UPPER CAMPUS PRINCIPAL  
khouser@cresthavenacademy.org

Ms. Houser is a Jersey City native and seasoned urban educator with experience in charter and traditional public school districts.She began her career as a 1st grade teacher's assistant at The Mustard Seed School in Hoboken while a freshman at New Jersey City University. Now, 18 years later, she has served as an English Teacher, Reading Specialist, Dean of Students, Academic Dean and Principal. Ms. Houser has a dual bachelor's degree in English and elementary education from New Jersey City University and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in children's literature from Penn State University. She is certified as a K-6 elementary teacher, K-12 teacher of english, supervisor, and principal. Her leadership style is warm but firm, centered around community and nurturing positive relationships. She is the proud mother of a growing middle schooler and enjoys day trips, dining out, and traveling in her leisure time

 

Dr. CRAIG JACKSON, UPPER CAMPUS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 
cjackson@cresthavenacademy.org

Dr. Craig R. Jackson is the Assistant Principal at the Cresthaven Academy Middle School Campus. Dr. Jackson graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music, Master’s degree in Theological Studies, Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Advanced Educational Leadership. Dr. Jackson has over 18 years of educational experience that includes serving in roles as a classroom teacher, a building administrator, and a district administrator. Dr. Jackson enjoys reading, mentoring, music, sports, and spending time with his family. He is eager to continue fostering strong relationships with the Cresthaven community.

 

STEPHANIE NIEVES Ed.D, LOWER CAMPUS PRINCIPAL  
snieves@cresthavenacademy.org

An experienced school administrator and educator, Dr. Stephanie Nieves brings more than 14 years of educational experience as a Principal of the Lower Campus. Prior to this role, Dr. Nieves served as an Elementary Assistant Principal for Edison Public schools and as a Middle School and High School Assistant Principal for METS Charter School. 

Dr. Nieves received both her Masters in Educational Leadership as well as her Doctorate in Education from New York University. She attended Montclair State University for her bachelor's degree in Spanish Education K-12, and minor in Psychology. During her time at Montclair State University she also participated in their Urban Teaching Academy. Lastly, she has studied abroad twice during her Undergrad and Masters program, and traveled to both Spain and Argentina. She is a firm advocate in cultural representation for all students and scholars

KELLY A. GAYLE, LOWER CAMPUS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL  
kgayle@cresthavenacademy.org