Leadership

Senior Leadership Team

Read Bio Karen Johnson Headshot

Karen Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

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Dawn Antoine Forbes

Chief Operating Officer

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Michael Fletcher

Chief Talent and Equity Officer

Read Bio Rachel Kashner Headshot

Rachel Kashner

Chief Schools Officer

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Liza Potter

Chief Academic Officer

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Eugene Wood

Chief External Officer

School Leaders

Brittany Harper Headshot

Brittany Harper

Principal, Coney Island Prep Lower Elementary School

Melissa Elstone

Director of Operations, Coney Island Prep Lower Elementary School

Crystal Dewar Headshot

Crystal Dewar

Principal, Coney Island Prep Upper Elementary School

Kevin Pesantez Headshot

Kevin Pesantez

Director of Operations, Coney Island Prep Upper Elementary School

Ladeidra McCullough

Principal, Coney Island Prep Middle School

Erasto Beard

Director of Operations, Coney Island Prep Middle School

Christy Frembes-Boise Headshot

Christy Frembes Boise

Principal, Coney Island Prep High School

Sadia Basir

Director of Operations, Coney Island Prep High School

Board of Trustees

Domenick Priante

Yewande Salau

Brian Buckmire

Julie Goran, Board Chair

Joe Herrera

Jacob Mnookin, Secretary

Nkonye Okoh, Treasurer

Norian Watson

Shaping the story of Coney Island Prep

Wave Makers

A Legacy Group Creating Waves Since the Inception of Coney Island Prep

The Wave Makers are a special legacy group of donors whose steadfast generosity has shaped the story of Coney Island Prep from the very beginning. Their commitment has fueled our growth, expanded our impact, and opened doors for thousands of students.

These founding supporters have made a lasting mark on our community, not only through their philanthropy but through their belief in what’s possible when we invest in young people.

We were thrilled to honor James and Wendy Mnookin, founders of the Wave Makers Legacy Group at Surfside Soiree on April 24, 2025. Their leadership, vision, and generosity have created ripples that continue to widen year after year.