Ms. Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director and Principal
Ms. Nichols holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Malone University in Canton, Ohio and completed additional coursework in reading education (Eastern Michigan University) and developmental disabilities (CPCC). She taught for nine years in Michigan before moving to North Carolina and changing careers. After several years in sales and management, she entered the non-profit field. She is a certified grants writer and seasoned fundraiser working with organizations such as InReach, The Arc of Mecklenburg, The American Red Cross, and Discovery Place. Jennifer most recently worked at The John Crosland School as Director of Institutional Advancement. For eight years she was responsible for fund development, program development, marketing and public relations. The opportunity to start the Foundation and serve as Executive Director of Aspire Carolinas marks the culmination of a lifetime dream. She always wanted to start an educational non-profit that would address the needs of underserved populations such as students with learning differences, Asperger’s and those needing career and technical options.
Mrs. Davi Racquer, M.Ed.
Director of Curriculum and Compliance
Mrs. Racquer brings over a decade of experience in education, with a strong interdisciplinary background that blends instructional leadership, information technology, and regulatory compliance. She holds a Master’s in Education, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and an Associate of Arts from Florida State College, along with a 150+ hour TESOL concentration from Arizona State University.
Her career includes several years in data science within the education sector, where she developed expertise in data management, cybersecurity, and network engineering. She has also spent over five years teaching English as a Second Language, equipping her with deep experience in cross-cultural communication and curriculum adaptation.
As Director of Curriculum and Compliance, Mrs. Racquer is committed to strengthening the school’s technological infrastructure, supporting instructional design, ensuring compliance with educational standards and policies, and providing strategic leadership across IT operations and academic programming.
Mr. Robert Racquer
Director of CTE and Facility Services
Mr. Racquer is a U.S. Navy Veteran, having honorably served as a Hospital Corpsman, where he developed a deep foundation in medical care, leadership, and operational readiness. He holds an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and is a Nationally Certified Phlebotomist. He also maintains a CDL-B license with both P and S endorsements, reflecting his versatility and commitment to safety and logistics.
With over a decade of experience in healthcare management and more than ten years working as a professional tradesman in the tree climbing and landscaping industry, Mr. Racquer brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his role. He has also spent over five years in the field of education, teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which has given him valuable insight into student engagement, instructional support, and cross-cultural communication.
As Director of Career and Technical Education and Facility Services, Mr. Racquer is passionate about preparing students for real-world success through hands-on learning and vocational training. He is also dedicated to maintaining safe, functional, and inspiring learning environments. A true jack-of-all-trades, Mr. Racquer is excited to contribute his diverse expertise to support both the infrastructure and instructional goals of the Phoenix family.
Ms. Suzanne Evans
Director of Finance and HR
Ms. Suzanne Evans brings over 14 years of experience in administrative leadership within the education and non-profit sectors, with a strong focus on financial operations, human resources, and organizational support. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to operational excellence and community impact.
Ms. Evans previously served as a Senior Administrative/Finance Secretary & Data Manager in Charlotte, where she was responsible for overseeing budgets, managing payroll, coordinating fundraisers, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. She played a key role in training staff and club advisors on financial procedures, contributing to a culture of accountability and transparency.
In her role as an Administrative Secretary in the Exceptional Children’s Department in Charlotte, Ms. Evans successfully managed complex departmental operations, demonstrating her ability to balance strategic planning with daily logistical execution.
With deep experience in financial oversight, HR support, and administrative coordination, Ms. Evans is well-equipped to lead both finance and human resource functions with integrity and precision. As Director of Finance and HR, she is dedicated to fostering fiscal responsibility, staff development, and efficient operations that support the overall mission of ATHS.
Ms. Martha Sanders
Director of EC Services
Martha Sanders serves as Director of EC at Aspire Trade High School where she is passionate about empowering students through the skilled trades. With a strong background in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Psychology, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between students’ needs and the career opportunities ahead of them. She is TESOL certified and brings experience teaching English as a Second Language.
In addition to her classroom work, she has taught Psychology, worked in college admissions, and served as an instructor and advisor for Kaplan Test Prep. She believes in building supportive, collaborative relationships with students and families to help every learner thrive.
In her free time, she enjoys creating new memories with her two boys and spending time with family and friends.