Marcus Bratton is a Denver native with over a decade of experience in K-12 public education. Before joining the Colorado Education Initiative earlier this year as Director of Implementation and Partnerships, Marcus was a school administrator at a K-8 in Denver, and prior to that, a high school teacher in Aurora. His work has always been guided by his belief that public education should give every student the opportunity to create the lives they want for themselves. Marcus has been married for 14 years to his wife Krista, who is a Seventh Grade Teacher, they have a son (7) and a daughter (3).

Elise Topliss is a Policy and Performance Manager with the State of Colorado, Office of Economic Security. Elise earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services – High Risk Youth from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. Elise is passionate about education and ensuring all children have access to safe and quality schooling, which includes minimizing the nutritional disparities among varying populations. Additionally, Elise is committed to ensuring professionals in the education field have resources and supports to be effective in their chosen field as well as have job satisfaction. Elise and her husband Jesse are the proud parents of two High Point Academy students.

Devaki Parma is a Director of Wi-Fi Product for Charter Communications. She earned her degree in Economics from Spelman College and her International M.B.A from the University of Denver. Devaki’s passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion causes has led her to mentor women in the technology industry.

Devaki has lived in the High Point community for 4 years with her husband, Robert and their children, one of which attends High Point Academy. In their free time, Devaki and her family enjoy camping, traveling – near and far, and exploring museums.

Mirela Phillips has been living in the High Point (HP) community since 2014 with her husband and two children. She is a Healthcare IT professional for Cognizant Technology Solutions with over twelve years of consulting experience. Mirela enjoys welcoming new neighbors to HP and loves helping the families settle into their new community including highly recommending High Point Academy for preschool through 8th grade.

Clarissa Barnett is High Point Academy’s Elementary School Assistant Principal. 2020 marks her first year at High Point Academy. Previously, she has served as K-12 MTSS Coordinator, K-5 Instructional Coach, K-3 Interventionist and First/Second Grade Looping Teacher. Clarissa earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She also earned a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. Clarissa is Reading Specialist certified and has been Reading Recovery trained. She has also completed an Instructional Coaching Credential Program in Madison, Wisconsin. Clarissa has attended both a Reading and a Writing Institute in New York at Columbia University, Teachers College. In her free time, Clarissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She also has an aussiepoo, Tucker.

Kyle Forsyth is High Point Academy’s Dean of Students and Culture. Kyle joined the leadership team in the summer of 2020. Prior to working at High Point Academy, Kyle was a founding teacher of Compass Academy in Denver Public Schools where he taught 6th and 8th grade science for five years. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he began his educational career right after college as a City Year AmeriCorps member with Boston Public schools. He served for two years in a 7th grade English Language Arts Classroom before moving on to teaching 5th grade. Kyle then moved to Denver, CO, in 2015 to help open up Compass Academy in Southwest Denver. Mr. Forsyth earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from West Chester University. In 2019, he went on to complete his master’s degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania: Graduate School of Education where he also received his Public School Principal Certification for grades K-12. In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors; snowboarding, hiking, climbing and mountain biking being some of his favorite hobbies.

Jennifer García Rosendo is a Colorado native with over 20 years experience supporting families with young children. She is currently the Family Engagement Manager at Early Learning Ventures, an organization dedicated to increasing access to high quality early educational experiences for all children and families. She has a Bachelors in Psychology from Adams State University and a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Denver.   Jennifer is passionate about ensuring that children and the adults who care for them have strong support systems that enable them to thrive. Jennifer and her husband Simon are the proud parents of a 2^nd grader at HPA.

Langston Jacobs is High Point Academy's 5th-8th Grade Dean of Students. He has served as a High School Dean of Students, Middle School ELA instructor, Middle School Special Education Center Program teacher, Building Guest Teacher and Special Education Paraprofessional. Langston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University (Ohio) and a Master of Arts from Liberty University (Virginia). Langston is a Certified Specialist in Restorative Justice and trainer. Other community work includes, former Program Director at Boys & Girls Club, substance abuse counselor, including years of non-profit work. Langston has a passion for justice and equity. He is an “outside the box” educator who loves R&B music and Soul Train dancing. Langston is also a poet and public speaker. His family includes a wonderful wife and three awesome boys.

Jessica Newsome joined the High Point Academy (HPA) family as the Middle School Assistant Principal for the 2021-2022 school year. She is now in her newly elevated position as the Director of Learning Support Systems. Prior to joining the HPA family, she had experience as an Administrative Teacher on Special Assignment, Special Education Department Coordinator, Interventionist, Special Education Affective Needs Teacher, and Early Childhood Educator. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Langston University and her Master of Education degree in Special Education: Cross Categorical from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry at Grand Canyon University. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Jessica had the opportunity to attend the University of Denver’s Organizational Leadership and Policy Studies program which allowed her to attain her principal license after its completion. While her educational endeavors are special to her, nothing can top her greatest accomplishment to date: becoming a licensed and ordained preacher. Outside of participating in ministry activities, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing, collecting t-shirts, and being able to easily sport sneakers and stilettos.

Theo Shaw serves as Director of Equity and Community Partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools. Theo earned his Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of Education degree from Xavier University, an Academic and Intellectually Gifted Licensure from Duke University, and is scheduled to earn his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver next spring. Theo joins us with diverse personal experiences and a commitment to equitable outcomes for every student.

Theo got married in the summer of 2022 to his wife, Crystal. They have two boys, thirteen and eight.