Meet the Academic Achievement Team
Dr. Maria Leahy - Director of Academic Achievement and Options
Dr. Maria M. Leahy is the Director of Academic Achievement and Options Programs at Charlotte Catholic High School. She has served as an educator in many capacities, including K – 12 teaching and administration. When time allows, she also teaches advanced graduate courses in leadership, curriculum, and instruction. She has authored several books and articles. Her passion and area of focus is providing students who have learning differences and developmental disabilities the best possible learning environment. Dr. Leahy has created curriculum and designed programs to enhance the educational experience. With two daughters and a son-in-law who graduated from CCHS and several future Cougars (6 grandchildren), Dr. Leahy is devoted to growing our academic programs.
Mrs. Carolina Figueiras- Department Head
Carolina Figueiras, M.Ed., is the Chairperson of Academic Achievement at Charlotte Catholic High School. Mrs. Figueiras joined CCHS in 2021, having spent her first 6 professional years as an educator in charter and public schools in Spain, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Her professional experience includes a diverse background of working with individuals with exceptionalities in elementary and secondary education. In addition, Mrs. Figueiras brings experience as English teacher, having earned a master's degree in secondary education with a focus on English. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mrs. Figueiras is devoted to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students of all abilities to thrive academically and personally.
Mrs. Kelsey Black
Kelsey Black, M.Ed., is the Academic Achievement Test Coordinator at Charlotte Catholic High School. Mrs. Black joined CCHS in 2019, having spent previous professional years as a Case Manager and as the Department Head of Learning Support at a small private school in Charlotte. Her professional experience includes a diverse background of working with individuals with exceptionalities in elementary, middle, and high school. In addition, Mrs. Black brings experience as an Executive Functioning Coach, having taught courses in metacognition and working memory. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Tampa and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Villanova University.
Mr. Nii Yartey
Originally from Accra, Ghana, Mr. Nii Yartey attained his Bachelors in Philosophy, and BA in Art with concentration in Digital Media and Graphic Design, as well as his Masters in Ethics and Applied Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mr. Yartey has taught various topics in Philosophy at Central Piedmont Community College, and UNC Charlotte as well. Mr. Yartey first began with Charlotte Catholic High School in 2022 as a Substitute instructor, and is currently a member of the Academic Achievement team as a Testing Proctor.
Email: nii.yartey@cchsemail.org