Dr. Mills, born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, always possessed a fervent affection for providing urban youth with an alternative perspective on life. As a high school student, he quickly acknowledged the significance of becoming an educated African-American male in his community. He sought empowerment through education, discovering its significance to personal and societal development.
After earning a B.S. degree in Math Education from Montclair State University, Dr. Mills began teaching math at East Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. While working full-time, he earned a Master’s of Educational Leadership at American Intercontinental University and later a doctoral degree in administration, policy, and curriculum from Seton Hall University. Later, at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, Dr. Mills served for two years as Math Department Chairperson and one year as Vice-Principal. At the age of 27, Dr. Mills was made Principal of this school, one of the most troubled in the Newark Public Schools District. With a history of low-test scores, MXS was threatened with the possibility of closure. Dr. Mills formulated a strategy of education reform, using his strengths as an accessible and relatable leader to recreate a safe school atmosphere where students and staff believed again in themselves, their school, and in education. Under his leadership, test scores drastically improved. School pride and a sports culture were also restored. The school’s turnaround has been featured in the Sports Illustrated award-winning series “Underdogs,” NBC’s “Positively Black,” an Emmy award-winning documentary “Saving Shabazz” produced by NJ.com, and articles by The Atlantic, Fortune, and Crain business magazine.
Dr. Mills not only serves as Executive Director of CAPS Paterson but also leads Academics across the CAPS network.
Since a young age, Ms. Cook has possessed a love for education. She long aspired to play a vital role in the successful operation of an educational institution and now leads operations at CAPS Paterson.
Dr. Phillips earned a B.A. degree in both Communication and African Studies from Rutgers University before completing a master’s degree in Education Administration program at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Phillips acquired her doctoral degree of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in December 2020. In 2003, Dr. Phillips began her career in education serving Paterson students as a first-grade teacher. During these years, she worked to instill the importance of education and make long-lasting connections with students while using an individualized, differentiated approach to develop student growth.
For the past two decades, Mr. Denard has worked as a teacher, teacher-leader, and Principal in Paterson and Newark, N.J. Mr. Denard is a Newark-born educator and graduate of University High School (’99). He holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Kean University (’04) and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University (’08). He was a middle and secondary English teacher before accepting a position as a Humanities Department Chair in 2009.
Dr. Denis is a conscientious, caring servant leader who provides students, teachers, and administrators with research-based methods of instruction. He has extensive training and expertise in Closing the Achievement Gap. He served as a Mathematics Teacher, Basketball Coach, Math Department Chair, Supervisor of Mathematics, Assistant Principal, Coordinator of School Safety and Student Affairs, and High School Principal.