Leadership Team

Dr. Cheryl Harris

Interim Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Cheryl Harris was selected by the Joint Executive Governing Board (JEGB) to serve as Interim Superintendent during an executive board meeting on April 14, 2026. She joined NSC in August 2017 and brings a wealth of experience across K–12 education. Her previous roles include Assistant Superintendent of Support Services and Director of Federal Programs for NSC, as well as principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, classroom teacher, and reading specialist.

She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University in 2011. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Harris-Stowe State College, a Master of Arts in Teaching (Curriculum and Instruction) from Fontbonne University, and an Education Specialist degree from Webster University.

A proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve, Dr. Harris brings discipline, resilience, and a mission-driven approach to her leadership. She is actively engaged in professional and civic organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

As Interim Superintendent, Dr. Harris is working closely with school officials and staff to support academic success and ensure a strong close to the 2025–2026 school year.

Dr. Tony O. Brooks

Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services

Dr. Tony O. Brooks serves as Executive Director of Student Support Services. Dr. Brooks has more than 22 years of leadership experience, serving in administrative roles in the Hazelwood, Decatur, and Cahokia, Illinois school districts. He’s served as an adjunct professor at Harris-Stowe State University and as a board member of the St. Louis Association of Secondary Schools Principals.

Dr. Brooks has been an administrator at all k-12 levels of education. He is a graduate of the 2011 SUPES (Superintendent) Academy. He has earned degrees from SIU-Edwardsville, Maryville University, Lindenwood University, and Webster University.

Norman Campbell

Director of Safety and Security

Chief Norman Campbell serves as the Director of Security for Normandy Schools Collaborative, where he leads district-wide safety strategies focused on prevention, preparedness, and the well-being of students and staff.

A proud product of the Normandy community, Chief Campbell holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Concordia University. He also brings a distinguished background in military and law enforcement service, including service in the United States Navy during Operation Desert Storm and a decorated career with the St. Louis County Police Department, where he retired with the rank of Lieutenant. He later served as Chief of Police for the City of Northwoods.

Since joining Normandy in 2021, Chief Campbell has expanded the district's security team, enhanced surveillance and access control systems, and strengthened emergency preparedness through advanced technology and training. Known for his collaborative, data-driven leadership, he works closely with law enforcement and community partners to foster safe, secure, and supportive learning environments across the district.

Lori Chalmers

Chief Human Resources Officer

Lori Chalmers serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Normandy Schools Collaborative, bringing 27 years of experience in public education. She leads the district's human resources efforts, focusing on recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional employees while fostering a positive and supportive workplace.

Before joining Normandy Schools Collaborative, Chalmers held leadership roles with East St. Louis School District 189, including Director of Pupil Services and Director of Educator Recruitment & Retention. She also served as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, school improvement specialist, and elementary teacher.

Chalmers earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Harris-Stowe State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. She is committed to building strong school communities through collaborative leadership and a focus on student success.

Lavenia Draper

Chief Financial Officer

Lavenia Draper serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Normandy Schools Collaborative, overseeing the district's financial operations, budget development, and business services. With more than a decade of experience in public school finance, she has held leadership roles with the Ferguson-Florissant School District and the City of St. Charles School District, bringing expertise in financial planning, budgeting, compliance, and auditing.

Draper is committed to responsible fiscal stewardship, transparency, and accountability, ensuring the district's financial resources support student success and long-term organizational stability. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and remains actively engaged in professional organizations focused on educational finance.

Alonzo Nelson

Director of Maintenance

Mr. Alonzo Nelson Sr. is a transformational educational leader with more than four decades of experience driving excellence, equity, and innovation in K–12 education. Over his 41-year career, he has served as a high school mathematics teacher, High School Principal, Director of Pupil Services and School Safety, and Director of Building Operations, building a reputation for leading meaningful and sustainable school improvement.

With deep expertise in school turnaround, restorative practices, leadership development, and organizational change, Mr. Nelson partners with school districts to redesign systems that strengthen school culture, improve climate, and increase student achievement. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to developing educators have helped schools create safe, inclusive, and high-performing learning environments where students and staff can thrive.

Beyond the classroom and central office, Mr. Nelson has made a lasting impact through athletics as a former basketball coach and recipient of the High School Athletic Director of the Year award. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to empowering students, supporting educators, and helping school communities achieve lasting success.

Dr. DeAndria Player

Director of Special Education

Dr. DeAndria Player is an accomplished educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in education, including 28 years with the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of impactful roles, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) paraprofessional, special education teacher, special education coordinator, and special education director. In addition to her district leadership, Dr. Player serves as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University, where she prepares and mentors aspiring educators.

Dr. Player earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University. She also holds an Education Specialist degree in School Leadership and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Webster University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Tennessee State University.

As Director of Special Education, Dr. Player provides strategic leadership to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality special education services. She oversees the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education programming, with a focus on curriculum, instructional practices, progress monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Her work is centered on building systems that promote student achievement while empowering educators to deliver exceptional instruction.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to educational equity, Dr. Player is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every student and educator has the opportunity to thrive. She believes in fostering strong relationships, developing the capacity of others, and leading with integrity, empathy, and excellence to ensure all learners reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Dan W. Redden Jr.

Interim Director of Information & Technology

Dr. Dan W. Redden Jr. is an experienced information technology leader with a proven track record of managing IT operations, developing technology strategies, and driving organizational excellence. He has extensive expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cross-functional leadership.

Dr. Redden has more than 15 years of experience in the information technology and audiovisual fields across the corporate and education sectors. He completed one of the first graduate certificates in cybersecurity at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication – Multimedia Production from Lindenwood University, a master's degree in Cybersecurity from Webster University, and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Rockhurst University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Redden has successfully implemented innovative technology solutions that improve efficiency, enhance security, and support organizational growth.

Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to exceptional service, Dr. Redden is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and create meaningful impact for the organizations and communities he serves.

Barbara Sharp

Chief of Schools

Barbara L. Sharp serves as Chief of Schools for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. In her role, she is responsible for leading the development and alignment of all local and state assessments, curriculum, instruction, professional learning, leadership development, intervention programs, CSIP, MSIP 6, Title IX compliance, Board policy compliance, and support and supervision of all Pre-K-12 schools.

With more than three decades in public and private school education, including more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, Ms. Sharp has dedicated much of her career to serving the Normandy community. She has held numerous leadership roles, including  English teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal at Normandy High School, and Principal at Normandy Middle School. Additionally, she has served as a teacher, high school interventionist, high school principal, Professional Development Coordinator, and Executive Director of Continuous Improvement/Title IX Coordinator in several neighboring school districts.  

Ms. Sharp earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English and a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She also earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Leadership and Management from Webster University and is currently engaged in the completion of her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at Maryville University.

A respected educational leader, Ms. Sharp has a proven record of driving systemic improvement in high-need school districts. Her expertise includes school turnaround, instructional leadership, continuous improvement, federal program oversight, Title IX compliance, and the development of comprehensive professional learning systems.

Throughout her career, Ms. Sharp has led initiatives that strengthened instructional practices, improved student achievement, aligned district systems with state accountability requirements, and expanded Professional Learning Communities. She has also overseen multimillion-dollar federal funding initiatives while building strong partnerships with educators, families, and community stakeholders.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Ms. Sharp is passionate about developing leaders, empowering teachers, and ensuring equitable opportunities and high-quality outcomes for every student.

Ms. Sharp is also the proud mother of three sons—Jerrold, Steven, and Terrence Sharp—two of whom are graduates of the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Chris Trahan, APR

Director of Communications

Chris Trahan joined Normandy Schools Collaborative in July 2022, bringing more than 30 years of experience in communications, public relations, and marketing. He has worked in school public relations and communications, including as director of communications for East Baton Rouge Parish School System. In Washington, D.C., Trahan worked for the U.S. Senate and various associations, including managing the government relations department and leading lobbying efforts for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. He also has experience with non-profits and public relations and communication agencies.

Trahan holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and is a past president of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana. He earned his Accreditation in Public Relations certification in spring 2024.