Meet the Learning Support Team
Mrs. Kelsey Black - Department Head
Kelsey Black, M.Ed., is the Department Chair for The Learning Support Department 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.
Dr. Maria Leahy
Dr. Maria M. Leahy is the Director of Learning Support and Options Programs at Charlotte Catholic High School. She has served as an educator in many capacities, including K – 12 teaching and administration. Her passion and area of focus is providing students with learning differences and developmental disabilities the best possible learning environment. Dr. Leahy has created curriculum and designed programs to enhance the educational experience. She also teaches advanced graduate courses in leadership, curriculum, and instruction. With two daughters and a son-in-law who graduated from CCHS and future Cougars (6 grandchildren), Dr. Leahy is devoted to growing our academic programs.
Mrs. Leigh Anne Baker
Leigh Anne Baker, M.S., CCC-SLP is a Learning Support Specialist at Charlotte Catholic High School. Mrs. Baker joined CCHS in 2022, having spent her first 18 years as a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana and North Carolina. Her professional experience includes a diverse background of working with individuals with exceptionalities in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education as well as the medical field. In addition, Mrs. Baker brings experience as a clinical instructor, clinical supervisor, and medical consultant, having trained professionals and students in the field of Speech-Language Pathology and Education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University. Mrs. Baker is dedicated to cultivating the diverse learning styles of our high school students, ensuring that every student can achieve their academic potential.
Mrs. Carolina Figueiras
Carolina Figueiras, M.Ed., is a Learning Support Specialist 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.