Meet our team

Debroah Mays joined ACCEL Schools in 2015 with over 17 years of experience in K-12 Education and Human Resources Management. As Regional Vice President, Ms. Mays oversees leadership development, instructional programming, fiscal responsibility, daily operations,and strategic planning for multiple schools in Northeast Ohio. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Ms. Mays served as Superintendent, Principal, and Teacher in urban schools, and Associate Vice President at an employment and training consulting firm. Ms. Mays is a self-motivated executive with high performance standards and the ability to articulate a clear vision and objectives to all stakeholders. She has proven experience implementing multi-million dollar school budgets, and analyzing and controlling expenditures with an understanding of instructional programs and the budgeting process. She is an experienced and well-rounded leader with expertise in areas of counseling, public relations, budget oversight, and academic administration. Ms. Mays holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Notre Dame College and a Master’s degree in Education–Adult Learning & Development from Cleveland State University.

With more than 27 years in education, Dr. Theodore Robinson brings a deep commitment to student achievement, strong relationships, and educational leadership to his role as Principal of the Lower School at Northeast Ohio College Preparatory School. A proud graduate of Cleveland John F. Kennedy High School, where he served as Senior Class President, Dr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Mississippi Valley State University, where he also played Division I-AA football for the Delta Devils. He later earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Tennessee State University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Robinson began his career in 1999 as a physical education teacher at his high school alma mater. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, including athletic coach, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, high school principal, and K–8 principal. Inspired by the outstanding educators who shaped his own journey, he has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and succeed. His vision for NEO is to build upon the school’s strong traditions by fostering a student-centered, family-oriented learning environment where scholars thrive and staff members grow within a supportive, professionally enriching community. He believes a positive school culture begins with leading by example, developing meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, community partners, and other stakeholders, and always keeping student learning and achievement at the center of the work. Raised by his mother alongside his sister in Cleveland, Dr. Robinson grew up in a family that placed tremendous value on education. Inspired by grandparents who had limited educational opportunities themselves but modeled hard work, love, and leadership, his family has gone on to earn approximately 20 degrees across three generations, including 15 from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This legacy has reinforced his belief in the life-changing power of education and its ability to create generational change. Outside of school, Dr. Robinson enjoys traveling, spending time with family, attending sporting events, and going to concerts. He is proud to serve the NEO community and looks forward to welcoming scholars, families, and staff for a tremendous school year.