Ellie Schollmeyer
Managing Director
Ellie Schollmeyer joined Voyager Academy as the new Managing Director on July 1, 2020. Ellie brings educational leadership, business experience, professionalism, enthusiasm, and passion to Voyager Academy. She has over 30 years of experience in education and business. Her collaborative leadership style and innovative school improvement initiatives involving all key stakeholders have contributed to fostering improvement in student achievement. Ellie is thrilled to lead Voyager Academy and focus on the vision of “inspiring lifelong learning in every Viking”.
Ellie is excited to create a culture of excellence through curiosity, confidence, reflection, empathy, and integrity for all students and staff. Inspiring a diverse learning community that engages in rigorous, experiential, project-based learning that empowers all students to grow and become world changers and history makers is her passion. Ellie thrives while collaborating and supporting educators and students as they strive to discover their passions and pursue their dreams.
She holds certifications as a School Administrator, Principal, and Teacher. In addition to her North Carolina Charter School leadership experience, Ellie served as an educational leader in traditional public schools in New Jersey in many capacities including: Principal; Dean of Programs and Students; Academy Director; Supervisor; and, Teacher. Ellie also has business management experience in the telecommunications industry and has launched 10 new products.
Ellie has earned a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Montclair State University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Rider University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Gettysburg College. Ellie is honored and thrilled to lead Voyager Academy and partner alongside the dedicated team of educators, board members, students, and families to support the mission and vision. She enjoys getting to know everyone in the Voyager community and deepening connections in Durham so that all students have the opportunity to find their passion and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Tony Manning
Elementary Principal
Tony Manning has been an educational leader for over 29 years. He began his career as a 3rd and then 5th grade teacher at Holt Elementary School in Durham, where he won Teacher of the Year during his 3rd year of teaching. Mr. Manning then set his eyes on striving for academic excellence as he earned a Masters degree in school administration from North Carolina Central University. Tony was named school principal for a private K-8 school in Durham where he served as head of the school for 24 years. In 2020 Tony was invited to join the amazing staff at Voyager Academy where he will work to help boys and girls develop their academic, social, and emotional skills as they seek to become life-long learners. Mr. Manning loves to encourage students to embrace their gifts and abilities, to always strive for excellence, and to make someone smile every single day!
Gwen Johnson, MSA
Middle Principal
Gwen has thirty-five years of experience in education. She spent most of her career teaching kindergarten, first, and second graders at Oak Grove Elementary in Durham Public Schools. She became the Curriculum Coordinator at Oak Grove. After receiving her master’s degree in school administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, Gwen became principal of Mangum Elementary School in Durham Public Schools. During her time as principal of Mangum, Gwen was named Principal of the Year for Durham Public Schools. Gwen served as Mangum’s principal for six years. She was then given the opportunity to join TE21/CASE21, an educational company that creates benchmark assessments. During the four years at TE21/CASE21, Gwen spent most of her time working with school districts in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Missing the halls of a school, Gwen decided to return to “school”. She had the opportunity to join Voyager Elementary School as assistant principal. At the end of the year, Gwen moved to Voyager Middle School. Working with students in grades four thru eight has been extremely rewarding. Gwen is passionate about her work, puts students first when making decisions, and embraces Voyager’s vision – “Inspiring life-long learning in every Viking!”
Charles Nolan, Ed. D.
High Principal
Dr. Nolan began at Voyager Academy High School in July 2016, with 18 years’ experience as a public school administrator. Prior to VAHS he served a Principal at Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College, for 11 years (having opened the school in 2005). From 2000 to 2005, he was the Principal/Director of Orange Charter School, where he directed the acquisition and building of a new school and campus. His teaching experience ranges from Philadelphia to Florida to Colombia to Ecuador, all in the area of middle and high school Social Studies. Chuck received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and also holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
