Board of Trustees

Anita Vega-Kaiser, President

akaiser@ap-schools.org

Mrs. Anita Vega Kaiser is a Senior Veterans Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her work includes processing claims for disability compensation, providing one-on-one mentorship and training to new employees. This requires her to maintain up-to-date information on Federal Laws and Regulations set by Congress.

In her former role as Legislative Assistant for State Rep. John J. Taylor, R-Pa., Mrs. Vega Kaiser worked with Juanita neighborhood community members to resolve problems ranging from issues with a drivers license to acquiring birth certificates to abandoned cars. During her six years with Rep. Taylor, she organized the first Hispanic Community Fair and assisted in outreach efforts to the Hispanic community.

She is a 2011 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Psychology and Social Science.

Dr. Martha J. Ritter, Vice President

mritter@ap-schools.org

Dr. Martha J. Ritter is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for equitable and transformative education. With a Ph.D. in Education from the University of New Hampshire, her career spans roles as an elementary school, professor, and department chair across institutions including Cabrini University. She is currently faculty in the Teacher Education Department at Saint Joseph’s University, teaching at both their Hawk Hill campus in Philadelphia and in a partnership program for early childhood teachers with Hunan Normal University in Changsha, China.

Dr. Ritter’s research and publications focus on global learning, moral education, and social studies education. She has led initiatives supported by Fulbright-Hays grants and other funding, advancing global partnerships and innovative teacher residency programs. Throughout her career, Dr. Ritter has been a mentor to aspiring educators and a champion for social justice in education, inspiring students and colleagues alike with her dedication to learning, equity, and the power of education to sustain democracy.

Teresa Grumbrecht, Treasurer

tgrumbrecht@ap-schools.org

Mrs. Teresa Grumbrecht is a Manufacturing Development Representative for DVIRC (Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center).  A lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia, Teri is also an Abraham Lincoln High School graduate and is married with 2 adult children.

Formerly in the banking industry for over 25 years, she served the Northeast Philadelphia area where she enjoyed school outreach in the community through financial education classes, executive reading days and summer reading programs. She began her career as a part-time teller continuing through all customer services levels, to acquiring her license to sell investments and becoming a lead sales representative for PNC Bank. In 2004, Teri was hired as an officer at Commerce Bank (now TD Bank), where she was promoted to Assistant Vice President and later Vice President as she expanded her retail, small business and commercial relationships. These roles all fostered Teri’s love of community outreach.  Teri later served as Membership Director of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce growing business connections and community outreach.

Over the years, her nonprofit boards and committees have included NE Family YMCA Board Advisory, past President and Vice President of the Frankford Northeast Philadelphia Rotary Club, past board member of the Mayfair Community Development Corp., and selection committee member of the NE Philadelphia Hall of Fame.

Shoshana Skates, Secretary

sskates@ap-schools.org

Mydirah Littlepage-Saunders, Trustee

mlittlepage-saunders@ap-schools.org

Ms. Mydirah Littlepage-Saunders is a senior graduate researcher, anticipating receiving her Ph.D in Neuroscience. Her current area of focus will contribute to the advancement of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) research. Ms. Littlepage-Saunders is the recipient of the Society for Neuroscience’s Neuroscholar Program Fellowship. She has also received the graduate fellowship award from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS).

Ms. Littlepage-Saunders is strongly committed to academic excellence and community engagement. Throughout her graduate education, she has served many roles ranging from peer mentor to graduate student representative of several committees. Ms. Littlepage-Saunders is a major advocate for STEM and encourages the youth of Philadelphia to consider careers in science. She continues to stay committed to community service through various organizations. She also stays connected to her alma mater, First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School by participating in events such as career day.

Ms. Mydirah Littlepage-Saunders holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Biology and one in Pan-Africana Studies from The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. She also has a certificate in Introduction to Foundations in Health Professions Education

Pablo Mateo, Trustee

pmateo@ap-schools.org

Pablo Mateo has been working for Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS), which falls under the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety, since February 2005. He serves as a Pablo R. Mateo Operations Director and Community Support Specialist, working in the East and North Central Divisions. His responsibilities include organizing communities, developing and training Town Watch groups as part of the Town Watch Eyes and Ears, and managing the Patrolling Town Watch Program in those divisions. Pablo has also recruited and trained volunteers for the Safe Corridor programs, deploying them to patrol around schools in those areas to ensure student safety during commute times. Additionally, he has assisted school personnel by facilitating conflict resolution sessions with students experiencing peer issues; he would conduct home visits to inform parents of the concerns and collaborate with them to resolve conflicts. Pablo demonstrated leadership when he enthusiastically and professionally undertook projects alongside his colleagues. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Field Director in 2007, overseeing the Northeast, North, South, and East regions of Philadelphia to ensure his colleagues maintained the same high quality of work he exemplifies both in the office and in the field. In 2010, Pablo was promoted to Operations Director, responsible for managing TWIS’s citywide operations. He has been developing and updating Town Watch and Safe Corridor training programs, creating PowerPoint presentations to keep staff and volunteers engaged. He continues to introduce new ideas, conduct training, and develop presentations to enhance TWIS programs, celebrating over 19 years of service. Before joining TWIS, he worked with The Philadelphia Anti-Drug and Anti-Violence Network as a Field Coordinator. In that role, he engaged in community conflict resolution, developed community programs and activities, supervised the deployment of Community Liaison and Intervention Specialists, evaluated incidents to determine appropriate response teams, tracked case progress, and maintained data systems. He produced data summaries for monitoring and management purposes, responded to crises across Philadelphia, assisted the Philadelphia Police Department in collecting incident information (such as shootings, stabbings, and assaults), and engaged in crisis response, conflict resolution, and community organizing. He also serves on several boards, including First Philadelphia, and is Vice-Chair at Memphis Street Academy Charter School.

Khaled Ashraf, Trustee

kashraf@ap-schools.org

Khaled Ashraf is a seasoned school leader with experience across education, counseling, and community service. He brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his work in student equity and second-chance initiatives, always focused on creating access and opportunity for those most often overlooked. His leadership is defined by innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping every learner thrive.