Director/Administrator

Executive Director of all Rise Schools
Martha J. Cook, Ed.D.
Doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education, The University of Alabama. Director of the Rise program, The University of Alabama. She has made hundreds of state, national and international presentations at professional conferences. She also has numerous published research articles, television appearances and features in print media.

Director of The Rise School of Houston
Jan Stailey
Bachelors in Early and Middle Childhood Education from Ohio State University. Masters in Education with certification in special education from The University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Additional certifications include: Educational Diagnostician, Supervision in both regular and special education and mid-management.
She has experience in education as a teacher, educational diagnostician, director of an early childhood center, and central office administrator, facilitating staff development sessions in early literacy education and technology for students with special needs.

Development Director
Ashley S. Kress
Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science, Rice University
Master’s Degree in International Relations, Rice University
Her experience includes working in the audit Department, Price Waterhouse, Houston, Texas.  Five years experience as a History Teacher at Alice Johnson Middle School and St. Agnes Academy.

Office Assistant
Kem Kennemer
She has over 20 years experience in office administrative duties including The University of Houston, Clear Lake, Friendswood I.S.D., and the banking industry.