Our Staff

Angela Perry is the founder and executive director of 4th-Dimension Leaders, an organization dedicated to disrupting discrepancies in opportunity.

Angela began her career in education as a middle school math teacher. After seven years in the classroom and five years serving in school- and systems-level leadership roles, she spent six years working in national education non-profits, cultivating partnerships, managing development efforts in new markets and leading program design. A proud alumna of Pahara-Aspen’s Next-Gen leadership program, Angela has more than 15 years of teaching and leadership experience, is a widely recognized adult learning facilitator, panel moderator and entrepreneurial program designer through her founding work at ENCORE Facilitation Partners.

Krista Vandetty is the Director of Development at 4th-Dimension Leaders. Krista first began with 4th-Dimension Leaders as the Manager of Operations in September 2019. In this role she helped to launch the Equity Practitioner Program, grow the Lead For Delaware program, and run the day-to-day operations. In addition, Krista taught elementary students in Madrid, Spain and has worked on community development and research in the environmental nonprofit space. Krista holds a BA in International Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development from Susquehanna University.

Lisa Hastings-Sheppard is Director of Programs at 4^th-Dimension Leaders. Lisa spent 22 years at Delaware Technical Community College as an instructor, executive communications manager, assistant vice president of marketing, and senior programs director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Instruction, both from the University of Delaware. Lisa served on the Commission for Early Education and the Economy during the Markell administration and currently is a member of the Board of Directors at Wilmington Montessori School.

Rachel Valentin is currently the Principal & Instructional Leader of Charter School of New Castle Elementary Campus serving grades K – 4 (425+) students. Rachel has been instrumental in leading collective change and transforming the culture of the Charter School of New Castle during a difficult leadership transition in 2014-15.  During her tenure, the school experienced a major turn-around that resulted in improved student and parent experience, consistent routines & systems; positive staff culture and academic programming.  

 Rachel relocated to Delaware to participate with the Delaware Leadership Project a Principal Fellowship developed by Innovative Schools. Rachel has served as an adjunct professor with Relay Graduate School of Education Delaware and now with 4th Dimension Learning.  Prior to relocating, Rachel was a Teacher with Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn, NY. She has also served as Math Curriculum Planner and Instructional Coach.

 Rachel has earned a M.Ed. in Education from Hunter College in New York. In addition, Rachel has earned an M.A. in Political Science with a central focus on Urban Affairs/Policy & Public Administration) Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, NY. Rachel has also earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Writing from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.

 Rachel’s professional experience began at JPMorgan Chase. While there she was responsible for the strategic development and launch of new products for high profile clients, and strategic management of traditional credit and banking products. She is a professionally trained Project Specialist, Data Specialist and Relationship Manager.

 Leader Message:  At the Charter School of New Castle, I am committed to ensuring that students receive both the academic and personal skills needed to be college and career ready. We provide teachers with consistent coaching, best practices, high leverage targeted feedback, and data analysis to improve student academic results. My vision is that all students can and will graduate from high school and college with the tools to be successful in life. It is our responsibility to set no limits to student learning because this work matters and our students matter.  All students, all students will, we will get them there! 

Nakia is currently the principal/administrator of the Christina Adult Education & Literacy program and serves as an adjunct faculty for 4th-Dimension Leaders’ Lead for Delaware program. Nakia Fambro has been an educator for over fourteen years previously serving as an assistant principal at Middletown High School for two years and at Glasgow High School for five years. Nakia demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence by guaranteeing that all students are provided with the curriculum, instruction, assessment and support they need in order to meet rigorous achievement standards. In addition, she enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities for all students and families while relying on her grit, charisma, core values, and the eagerness to improve each day. Nakia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in biology education from Delaware State University and a Master’s Degree in Applied Technology in Education from Wilmington University. She also completed a Certificate in School Leadership from the Delaware Leadership Project. Nakia enjoys spending time with her eight-year-old daughter Brielle who is in third grade. She loves eating at different restaurants, traveling, spending time with friends, and everything beach