Our Leadership Team

Charlotte Pickett rejoined Nea in 2022 as Lead Facilitator (Principal), bringing with her a deep commitment to academic excellence, equity, and innovation, along with a strong foundation in instructional leadership and school administration. She is passionate about cultivating a collaborative, inclusive school culture and works in close partnership with learners, families, and staff to ensure every Nea student receives an exceptional educational experience—one that prioritizes both rigorous academics and social-emotional wellness.

Ms. Pickett previously served as a kindergarten facilitator at Nea from 2012 to 2018. She then joined the San Francisco Unified School District as an Assistant Principal, where she spent four years supporting diverse school communities. During this time, she worked at both a comprehensive middle school serving over 700 students and a PK–8 campus, leading the development of systems and structures responsive to the unique academic, social, and operational needs of each site. Her leadership was grounded in continuous improvement, equity-centered practices, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Ms. Pickett holds a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Berkeley, and credentials in Administrative Services and Multiple Subjects. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and taking dance classes. She is excited to reunite her love of creativity, collaboration, and youth development in her return to the Nea community.

India Perkins joined Nea in 2019 as a member of the Special Education Department and has since demonstrated exceptional growth, versatility, and leadership across multiple roles within the school community. Throughout her tenure, she has served as a paraprofessional, Family & Learner Liaison, and Dean of Students for TK–5th grade. In these roles, she played a critical part in strengthening school culture, supporting positive student behavior, and building strong, collaborative partnerships with families. She currently serves as the Assistant Lead Facilitator, where she continues to support instructional quality, staff collaboration, and student success.

Ms. Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Athletic Program Leadership and Administration from Goucher College. Prior to joining Nea, she worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis Instructor, equipping her with a strong foundation in behavior supports, relationship-building, and data-informed practices that inform her work with learners today.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Maryland, India brings a deep appreciation for connection and community to both her professional and personal life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing basketball, and cooking.

Eddie Garrett - Mr. Eddie joined our organization in 2019, bringing with him more than a decade of experience from Love Elementary, where he dedicated eleven years to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. During his tenure, he led targeted social-emotional learning groups, facilitated small-group math instruction, implemented behavior interventions, and provided individualized one-on-one support to learners. He also has specialized experience working with students with autism, applying thoughtful, student-centered strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

Eddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has worked as a PE teacher, Basketball Coach and worked as a Dean of Students for over six years. Beyond his professional work, he remains deeply engaged in mentorship and teamwork through athletics—playing in an adult basketball league and volunteering to support athletics in our local community. In his free time, Eddie enjoys spending time with his two amazing daughters, fishing, watching science fiction films, listening to music, and exploring his love of seafood.

Anne Cronin serves as the School Counselor at Nea CLC and joined the CLCS team in 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s College of California. Anne brings a holistic, student-centered approach to her work and is deeply committed to supporting learners, facilitators, and families in fostering social, emotional, and academic growth and development.

A lifelong Alameda resident, Anne has strong roots in the community and raised her three children here. She brings years of experience as a special education advocate and grounds her counseling practice in equity, inclusion, and social justice. Outside of school, Anne enjoys spending time with her children, paddling with her Dragon Boat team, and celebrating her love of all things Snoopy.

Jasmine Yip joined Nea as School Operations Manager in 2021. A proud Nea alumna (Class of 2016), she earned her Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies at UC Santa Cruz. Jasmine is a talented manager and multi-tasker who brings a calm and friendly vibe to the Nea Office. We are grateful to have her back at Nea.

Heather Mahaffey serves both ACLC and Nea as the Office Manager and has been part of our organization since 2016.  Heather has also served three years on the ACLC Board.  She is the proud mom of an ACLC alumni from the class of 2021.

Heather says, "I love our school, our learners, and staff members.  This community is a strong, special group that I am proud to be part of."

Heather is an East Bay native and resides in San Leandro.  In her spare time she loves to read, swim, bike, travel, go to the beach and concerts, and spend time with friends and family.