KACS Administration
Dr. Claudia Lyles, CEO
Dr. Lyles is an experienced educator with an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Temple University. She is certified as a special education teacher, school psychologist, elementary principal, and superintendent. Each of her degrees was earned from Temple University. Dr. Lyles has worked as a Principal/Central Office Administrator in three suburban Philadelphia districts. Dr. Lyles co-directed the Delaware Valley Minority Student Achievement Consortium at the University of Pennsylvania and served as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s University. As an independent consultant, she mentored teacher and principals and provided professional development on topics including the achievement gap and cultural competence. Dr. Lyles was appointed CEO of Keystone Academy Charter School in August 2013 and began the process of building the Board, leading the charter renewal process, implementing fiscal controls, balancing the relationship between the board and CEO, enhancing Board training, and initiating the purchase and construction of the new building.
Dr. Kathryn Makar, CAO
Dr. Makar is an experienced educator with a PhD. in Educational Psychology from Temple University and a Master’s in Education from Bloomsburg University. Dr. Makar also carries a Principal (K-12) Certification from Temple University. Dr. Makar has been employed as an Elementary Teacher, Computer Technology Teacher, Principal of a Philadelphia Charter School, Director of Technology, and Principal of Keystone Academy. After ten years as Principal of Keystone Academy, Dr. Makar began serving as the Chief Academic Officer (CAO). Dr. Makar was first employed at Keystone Academy Charter School in 2011 and since then, she has been instrumental in refining the curriculum and overseeing its implementation to ensure that the school continues to meet academic success. Her intimate understanding of curriculum allows her to effectively supervise instruction and to make purposeful recommendations so the teachers may improve pedagogy.
Mr. Michael Browning, Principal
Mr. Michael Browning is an experienced educator with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Holy Family University. He holds a Principal (K-12) certification. Mr. Browning has been employed as a Classroom Teacher and Instructional Coach for Mathematics and Data. Mr. Browning began employment at Keystone Academy Charter School in 2012, and in that time has developed a strong understanding of Keystone’s mission and vision for the future. He has experience with instructional coaching, professional development implementation, social-emotional learning, student assistance services, and data analysis. Mr. Browning began his service as Vice Principal of Keystone Academy in 2022 and as Principal in 2023.
Dr. Natasha Cox, Vice Principal
Dr. Natasha Cox is an experienced educator with more than 20 years of service in education, 10 of which were served in the Philadelphia school district. She aims to work with educators and schools to find effective and sustainable ways to transform their practices. Dr. Cox has earned a B.A. in Elementary Education, M.S. degree in Education Administration (K-12 Principal certified), Ed.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in special education, and an Ed.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her experience includes a broad range of competencies and roles as teacher, coach, principal/vice principal, professional development facilitator, and special education liaison in various educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Cox joined the KACS team in 2022 as a Vice Principal for grades K-4 and is looking forward to serving KACS stakeholders in this supportive role.
Ms. Adeshola Adekunle, Vice Principal
Ms. Adeshola Adekunle is a passionate and experienced educator with 15 years of experience. Her educational background consists of an undergraduate degree in Biology and a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education from Lincoln University. She also holds a (K-12) Principal certification from Eastern University. Ms. Adekunle has a vast dynamic background in both elementary and middle-level education as a 4th-grade Teacher (in all content areas),7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher, and Vice Principal. In addition, she is the CEO of a non-profit organization that targets adolescent girls in the areas of mentoring, academic excellence, and sisterhood. Her professional skills include instructional coaching, professional development implementation, cultural awareness development, classroom management development, and data analysis. Ms. Adekunle joined the KACS team in as a Vice Principal for grades 5-8.