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Meet the Team

Dr. Shaniquia Giovanni, Ed.D.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. Shaniquia Giovanni serves as the Head of School at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia, where she leads the school’s vision for high-quality virtual learning, strong academic outcomes, and meaningful student engagement across grades K–11. She is passionate about building systems that support students, empower educators, and create strong partnerships with families in a virtual learning environment.
 
With extensive experience in school leadership and instructional improvement, Dr. Giovanni has held leadership roles across diverse educational settings, including turnaround schools in New York City. Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening literacy instruction, improving student achievement, and developing leadership capacity among educators.
 
Dr. Giovanni holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and completed advanced studies at Fordham University and Bank Street College of
 
Education. Her leadership approach blends strategic thinking with a deep commitment to student-centered learning, ensuring that every decision supports students’ growth and success.
 
In addition to her work in education, Dr. Giovanni is also a writer and the creator of a reflective blog for women. Through her writing, she explores themes of leadership, personal growth, and navigating seasons of transition with purpose and clarity.
 
As Head of School, Dr. Giovanni is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning community where students are challenged academically, families feel connected to the school, and educators are empowered to do their best work.

Dr. Tamisha Blackshear

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

With 31 years of dedicated service in education, Dr. Tamisha Blackshear brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and heart to her role as Principal. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as an English teacher, Director of Credit Recovery, Night School Coordinator, Family Intervention Specialist, Dual Enrollment Director, 504 Coordinator, MTSS Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Alternative School Administrator, and Principal. Each role has strengthened her unwavering commitment to student success and educational excellence.

As the K5 Principal, Dr. Blackshear is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes education is a powerful pathway to prosperity and works tirelessly to ensure every learner is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Under her leadership, schools have fostered cultures of accountability, equity, and high expectations, while maintaining strong partnerships with families and the community. Her diverse background allows her to understand and support students from all walks of life, including those who need alternative pathways to achieve success.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Blackshear has been happily married for 29 years and is the proud mother of one daughter and grandmother to twin granddaughters. Family is at the center of her life and fuels her dedication to serving the families within her school community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, experiences that continually broaden her perspective and enrich her leadership.

Above all, Dr. Tamisha Blackshear remains driven by her belief that when schools cultivate opportunity, encouragement, and high standards, everyone can prosper.

Jovanghn Parks

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Jovanghn Parks is a dedicated educational leader with over 20 years of experience in education, serving students, families, and educators across a variety of learning environments. She is deeply passionate about building teacher capacity and believes that investing in educators directly impacts student success. Known for her high expectations and supportive leadership style, Jovanghn is also a strong advocate for continuous growth both professionally and personally. Outside of school, she enjoys working out and prioritizes wellness, bringing the same energy and discipline to her leadership that she brings to the gym.​​

Bryan Conyers

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

I am honored to serve as the High School Principal at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia, where we inspire minds and empower every student to explore, grow, and succeed. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and my Master of Arts in Teaching from Northeastern Illinois University. I later completed an IB MYP Certificate in Teaching and Learning through Bethel University and a Tier I Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership from the American College of Education.
 
Over the past 16 years, I have worked in education as a teacher, department leader, and assistant principal in both U.S. and international schools. My passion is creating engaging, student-centered learning environments, supporting teachers’ professional growth, and using data and technology to improve instruction and student success.
 
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, and families at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia to help every student learn, grow, and thrive.

Dondrill McFarland

HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Greetings! I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia (High School). I am a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Queens University of Charlotte. My 13 years of experience includes school counseling, special services (MTSS and 504), and administration.
 
At VPrep of Georgia, I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. With a passion for instructional leadership and student development, I work collaboratively with teachers, families, and the community to support academic excellence and social-emotional growth.

Sammie Edwards

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Sammie Edwards is a dedicated professional with a strong background in education administration, holding advanced degrees in the field, including a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. This solid educational foundation has equipped Sammie with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in school operations. Throughout his career, Sammie has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students, successfully navigating various challenges and contributing to the growth and development of educational institutions. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammie is passionate about traveling and meeting new people, which enriches his perspective and fosters a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and backgrounds. This, in turn, enhances his approach to education administration. Sammie’s core values and professional philosophy center around acceptance and inclusivity, believing in accepting everyone for who they are and where they are. This approach promotes a positive and inclusive educational atmosphere, driving Sammie’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in Education Operations.  

Brandon Binder

SPECIAL EDUCATION MANAGER

I am honored to serve as the Special Education Manager and bring more than 20 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I have supported students and schools in a variety of roles, including general education teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, district special education specialist, and district administrator. I have also taught at the university level, preparing future special education teachers as they worked toward their professional credentials.
 
At Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia, my focus is on ensuring that every student has access to the individualized services and supports they need to thrive in a virtual learning environment. I value strong collaboration with students, families, and staff, and I look forward to working together to make this a successful and rewarding school year for all.

Selena Doctor-Smith

STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR

Selena Doctor-Smith serves as the Student Success Coordinator for Virtual Preparatory Academy of Georgia @ Jenkins County, where she leads the school’s student success initiatives and oversees a team of Student Success Coaches dedicated to supporting students and families throughout their virtual learning journey.

With more than 35 years of experience working with children and families, Selena has served in a variety of educational and youth-centered roles, bringing a wealth of knowledge in student support, family engagement, and leadership. Her career has been rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to a supportive learning environment where they are seen, encouraged, and equipped to succeed.

In her current role, Selena leads efforts to strengthen student engagement, attendance, and academic progress through proactive systems of support. She works closely with students, families, teachers, counselors, and school leaders to ensure that students receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive. Selena plays a key role in coordinating Student Success Plans, supporting multi-tiered intervention strategies, and building structures that help identify and address barriers to learning early.

A strong advocate for partnership between schools and families, Selena is passionate about creating clear communication pathways and empowering families to actively participate in their student’s educational journey. Her leadership focuses on collaboration, accountability, and building a culture where both students and staff feel supported and empowered.

Selena is widely recognized for her thoughtful leadership style, her dedication to student well-being, and her ability to build systems that strengthen support for the whole child. After more than three decades serving students and families, her commitment remains deeply personal.

Selena often shares the belief that guides her work:

“Every child deserves at least one adult who refuses to give up on them. I choose to be that adult and I partner with families who believe their child’s future is worth fighting for.”