EQA

Elizabeth Ostberg, CEO

"I know every student is brilliant so I expect everyone to be their best selves and work hard for their dreams.”

Ms. Elizabeth developed Educators for Quality Alternatives and The NET in response to the high drop out rate in her beloved adopted city. After teaching students who had dropped out of high school in Philadelphia, Ms. Ostberg moved to New Orleans to help re-build The New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School after Katrina. She then served as Director of Talent Management/HR for FirstLine Schools as it expanded from one school to a CMO of 5 schools. She holds a MEd from Harvard University with a focus on education in crisis zones. Ms. Ostberg says that if she can travel she would visit all her nieces and nephews. She also enjoys baking cakes but isn't good at decorating them yet. Hopefully, she will soon.

Biography by NET student JaNaria

Shane Colman, COO

“I believe that education is a fundamental human right.”

A graduate of Northeastern University, Mr. Shane started his education career teaching 8th grade English in Tuscaloosa, AL before relocating to New Orleans and joining The NET in 2012. Mr. Shane has taken on a variety of roles at The NET, including designing and leading the online credit-recovery lab, teaching film production classes, and managing student enrollment. In his free time, he enjoys biking around the city, reading, and seeing live music. Mr. Shane enjoys working with a team of dedicated educators who are intensely passionate about improving the lives of our students.

Biography by NET student JaNaria

Sandra S. Johnson, Special Education Coordinator

“I have a great love for learning, a need to help others, and a passion for children, so I wanted to pass on

my knowledge and love for learning on to others.”

Sandra is from New Orleans. She is a mother of one son and a dog. She consults in several schools regarding Special Education and Section 504 procedures. She is never too tired to provide current information to others who provide services to children with disabilities. Sandra loved high school. She says high school was wonderful and it helped her mature and decide what it was she wanted to do in life. She enjoys reading, spending time with family/friends and catching up on TV shows.

Biography by NET student Jenea

Aaron Jura, Operations Manager

Mr. Aaron has been working in schools since 2013 and has taught English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Special Education. He is excited to move into an operational role in order to support EQA staff and students.

Adam McElwee, School Nurse

“I expect my students to make a healthy living through healthy choices.”

Mr. Adam is intrinsically motivated and embraces the responsibilities of his profession to facilitate normal development and positive client response to interventions; promote health and safety including a healthy environment; intervene in response to actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build client and family capacity for adaptation, self- management, self advocacy, and learning. He is a proud nurse of students at both NET campuses.

Biography by NET student Troyneisha

Lauren Neupert, Director of HR and Talent Management

Ms. Lauren is excited to be a member of the EQA team as the Director of HR and Talent Management. She has a passion for supporting students and teachers in New Orleans and has been doing so since 2010. She has an English degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and a MBA from Tulane University. In her free time, Ms. Lauren likes to spend time outside or with her family, friends, and her daughter Emma.

Monique Robertson, Accountant

Aaron Valeska, Financial Controller

Mr. Aaron earned undergraduate degrees in Finance and Economics from the State University of New York at Fredonia and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is excited to be part of the EQA team as we expand our impact for students across New Orleans.

Amber Zu-Johnson, Student Enrollment Manager

“Both my parents were educators, it’s in my blood.”

Ms. Amber joined The NET after working in operations and administration at New Orleans College Prep, Cafe Reconcile and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She is proud to be a New Orleanian and a Howard University Bison! Ms. Amber welcomes families to The NET, helps them navigate the city-wide enrollment system, and get settled comfortably. During her free time she enjoys watching TV (1960s is her favorite), reading historical texts, visiting archives, going to concerts, and hanging out with her mom. She also keeps everyone at the school on track with her amazing organizational skills. Ms. Amber lives for the summer Olympics. Her favorite Olympic sports are gymnastics, swimming, and track and field. Ms. Amber will be joining the staff at the Gentilly campus for the Fall 2018 semester.

Biography by NET student Gerrick