About Flex Academies
Helping schools create high quality programs.
Industry leader in quality children’s programming
If you're looking to create an awesome before and aftercare program, enrichment program, or summer / vacation camp for your school, you've come to the right place. Flex Academies is guaranteed to WOW the kids, parents, PTA and school administration in your community. We provide a variety of safe and fun activities, complete program management, and certain programs can create a year long fundraiser for your PTA!
We know how to create successful school programs
Flex Academies was created in 2011 by Joshua Chernikoff, the Founder and President of Ashley Tutors. Ashley Tutors began tutoring in area schools, and Joshua realized the market inefficiencies of school-run enrichment programs. Today, Flex Academies serves more than 80 schools in 6 states with before and aftercare programs, enrichment programs and summer and vacation camps.
Experienced professionals bringing excitement to schools
Executive Team
Joshua Chernikoff
Founder and CEO
Joshua is an education entrepreneur. He created two companies that have transformed the education market, Ashley Tutors, which was sold in 2018, and Flex Academies. He holds a B.A. in print journalism from American University and a M.A. in broadcast journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Joshua is a die-hard sports fan (Go Caps! Go Nats!). He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter at their home in Washington, D.C.
Michael Fay
Chief Operating Officer
Michael leads operations for our entire field-based staff. Prior to joining Flex Academies, Michael held multi-state executive leadership roles at several major companies in both the retail and education space. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Gwynedd Mercy College and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Post University. In addition to his current role, Michael is the owner of several Subway Restaurants in Pennsylvania.
Operations Leaders
Carmen Senter
Director of Operations - North
Carmen is an educator and administrator with a decade of experience in operational excellence, as well as compliance monitoring. After spending five years managing 60+ out of school time programs across the nation, Carmen truly knows what it takes to keep the gears turning at a senior management level. In her spare time, this proud Colorado native enjoys anything involving sun and fun, live music, and all things canine related.
Rhondalyne Reed
Director of Operations - South
Rhondalyne has worked with children and youth in several capacities for over 25 years. Over those two and a half decades, she has worked in schools, child protective services, and daycare administration, to name a few. She has a background in social work, and earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree in the field. Rhondalyne is also a super proud mother to a 12 year old son who keeps her busy with his interests in technology, WWE, and music. She finds time to mentor and counsel the youth in our community.
Field Leaders
Connecticut/New York
Courtney Stafford
Area Manager
Courtney has been around children and parents for the last several years, most recently managing all aspects of a pediatric dentist office. With over seven years experience in management, Courtney will bring a wealth of knowledge to Flex Academies' operational proficiency. When she’s not working, Courtney can be found enjoying all the excitement that comes with living on the beach in Connecticut with her husband and two dogs. Courtney is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College with a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies and English.
Karen Izzi
Enrichment Manager
Karen holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education From the University of North London and is also a British trained nanny. Previously, Karen was the vice president of the after school program at Julian Curtiss School in Greenwich. She was an integral part to growing that program to the enrichment and after care powerhouse it is today. In her spare time she enjoys cheering on her daughter in her lacrosse and field hockey games.
New Jersey
Donna Baccaro
Area Manager
Donna is the previous owner and director of a dance studio, karate school, and gym. She brings over 30 years of experience working with children. She is currently teaching dance, sports and fitness to students of all ages in the greater NY area. Donna's reward has been a full circle of watching children participate, have fun, and then venture out with the confidence to succeed.
Michele Marino
Enrichment Manager
Michele’s background is strong in education and consists of both program management and classroom instruction as a teacher of visual arts. She joined Flex Academies after graduating from the University of Delaware and devoting several years to the field of education and empowering children throughout the local community. She’s excited to support student involvement in fun and engaging learning opportunities. In her spare time, Michele’s interests include painting or creating of any sort, animals/wildlife, reading, and traveling.
DC Area
Michelle Thompson
Enrichment Manager
Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience to her position at Flex Academies, both as a former second-grade teacher and as a writer and editor for a variety of educational publishing companies. She has authored nearly a dozen books for students and classroom teachers. Michelle is an active PTA volunteer for her daughters’ schools—so she truly finds joy in connecting with other PTA volunteers and helping them bring successful enrichment programs to their schools through Flex Academies. Michelle graduated from The University of Texas at Austin...and is a proud Texas Longhorn!
Brandi Pillow
Enrichment Manager
Brandi joins our team with strong experience partnering with schools to help create a positive culture. Most recently she lead the marketing efforts at “The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey,” a school initiative based on the success principles from Jon Gordon’s best-selling book, The Energy Bus! She is a proud firefighter wife, and a first time mother to a beautiful three month old baby girl. She graduated from Texas State University in 2014 with BA in Business Marketing.
Yachica Harrison Darden
Area Manager
Yachica has worked with children in several capacities for 20 years. She was previously an elementary/substitute teacher, as well as a site coordinator for a before and after care program in the DC area. Yachica has a Masters in Adult Education and Training. She also currently tutors part-time in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, live music, traveling, adult coloring books, and spending time with friends and family.
Industry leaders to manage the entire process
We know what needs to be done to build a successful program. Let us work our magic at your school. Your families, students and PTA will be thanking us.
