TIM MARSHALL
Divisional Director

As Director of Abraxas Education Group, Mr. Marshall brings over 25 years of experience working with youth, including as an executive director with the Brown Schools.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Marshall has worked in various positions in both public and private education.  He earned his Master of Education degree from Brigham Young University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Utah.    

DAVID BAKER
Alternative Education Director

Mr. Baker began his career with Abraxas Education Group in 1990 as a physical education teacher, athletic director and coach at the Cornell Abraxas I facility.  In 1994, he assisted in the opening of Cornell’s Leadership Development Program, and later added oversight of various educational programs in Pennsylvania to his role.  In 2000, Mr. Baker was instrumental in activating the company’s first stand-alone alternative school in the Harrisburg School District.  Since that time, Mr. Baker has assumed the operational responsibility for all Abraxas Education Group programs.  Mr. Baker has a Bachelor of Science and teaching certificate in Physical Education and Health from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Education in Secondary Administration from Shippensburg University.  He is also certified as a Juvenile Gang Awareness and Intervention trainer through OJJDP.

TRAVES SAUNDERS
Interim Program Director, Philadelphia Alternative Education Programs

Ms. Saunders began her career in education in 2002 as a 1st grade teacher with the School District of Philadelphia. She joined Cornell Companies in 2004, working as an Intervention Specialist for the alternative education program in Philadelphia. After a year and half with the Philadelphia Alternative Education Program, she was promoted to Treatment Supervisor and recently assumed the position of Interim Program Director. Ms. Saunders graduated from Temple University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

BRYCE POIROT
Philadelphia Alternative Education Program

Bryce Poirot has been working with students with special needs for over 13 years. Prior to starting with the Abraxas Education Group’s Philadelphia Alternative Education Program as an Education Director, Bryce worked for NHS Human Services as the director of the Philadelphia Autism School, a Licensed Private Academic school for students age 5 to 21 diagnosed in the autism spectrum. Mr. Poirot has additional experience as the Director for the Early Childhood Special Education Program at the Green Tree School and in a residential treatment facility for individuals with mental, psychiatric and severe behavioral challenges.

Mr. Poirot obtained an Associates Degree from Ithaca College in Mathematics/Physics and his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education and Masters Degree in Special Education from Arcadia University. Mr. Poirot is certified by Pennsylvania to teach in all three areas.

ABIGAIL COOPER
Program Director, POLARIS Program

Ms. Cooper began her career with Cornell Companies in 1997, initially working in outpatient mental health services.  She later assumed a role as treatment supervisor at the William Penn A.C.T.S. program, ultimately moving into the director role at the POLARIS Program.  Ms. Cooper has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lafayette College. 

WILLIAM JERNEGAN
Education Director, Reading Leadership Academy

Mr. Jernegan joined Abraxas Education Group in 2006.  Prior to that time, he served as a District Special Education Administrator for Pennsbury School District in Pennsylvania.  An experienced educator, Mr. Jernegan has served in five different school systems as building administrator, supervisor, coordinator, coach and teacher.  In addition, he has been a school director for substance abuse, distance learning, and a number of other training programs for students, parents, and community partners.  Mr. Jernegan earned his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Lehigh University; his School Leadership and Administration Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania; and his Special Education Supervisor and Instructional II Teaching Certification from Millersville University.  Mr. Jernegan received a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education, both from Millersville University.

ROBERT JOHNSON
Director, William Penn A.C.T.S. Program

Mr. Johnson joined Abraxas Education Group in 2001 as clinical director of the company’s first stand-alone alternative education program, the William Penn A.C.T.S. Program.  He has since assumed oversight of the entire program.  Prior to joining Abraxas Education Group, Mr. Johnson gained relevant experience in the following areas:  student services in public schools, juvenile probation, and operation of adolescent group homes.  Mr. Johnson has a Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina.

NICOLE M. RANDICK
Program Director,
Alternative Education Program at Contact
and DuPage Alternative Education Program

Mrs. Randick joined Abraxas Education Group in 2007 as the Program Director of the Chicago Schools. She assisted in the opening and the operation of 3 alternative schools within existing residential facilities. She has over seven years of experience working with at-risk youth and over 5 years experience working in and operating alternative schools. Ms. Randick has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy from Adler School of Professional Psychology. She currently holds a license in Professional Counseling and is a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist.

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