Administration

Mrs. LaFrieeda Busby
Executive Administrator

Mrs. LaFrieeda Busby brings more than 30 years of administrative and operational leadership experience, with deep expertise in Human Resources, Finance, and educational leadership. With over a decade of experience in charter school management, she began her work in education in 2016, helping successfully open a charter school in the Huntersville area. Since then, she has supported the launch of two additional charter schools and has played a key role in strengthening school communities across North Carolina.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Busby has been instrumental in the redirection of two declining schools, contributing to improved academic performance, increased enrollment, and restored financial health. She attributes her success to understanding and honoring the essential partnership between parents, students, staff, and administration—relationships she believes are foundational to any thriving educational institution. Her passion for students and commitment to providing the support and resources they need remains at the heart of her work.

Mrs. Busby has collaborated with organizations including the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools—where she served on numerous internal school boards—and the Boy Scouts of America. She is also a writer, speaker, counselor, and intentional leader dedicated to removing barriers that hinder success for individuals of all ages. She holds an Associate Degree in Christian Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, and she is a proud member of the National Association of Christian Counselors, the National Association of Collegiate Scholars, and the Psi Chi Psychological Honor Society.

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. Tiffany Williams
Director of Curriculum & EC Compliance

Tiffany Williams has dedicated the past 18 years to the field of education, including 12 years of experience working in Special Education with students who bring a wide range of strengths, needs, and learning styles. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, a Master of Education in Special Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

While her academic achievements reflect her commitment to excellence, Tiffany’s greatest focus has always been on building meaningful relationships with students, listening to their needs, and helping them develop confidence in their abilities.

She believes education has the power to transform lives by giving students a voice, a sense of purpose, and hope for the future. Her work is guided by the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and to recognize their own potential—especially during moments when they may struggle to see it for themselves.

Ms. Iesha Williams
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Iesha Williams is a dedicated mental health counselor with eight years of experience supporting individuals through emotional, behavioral, and personal challenges. Originally from High Point, North Carolina, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. She went on to complete both her Master of Arts and Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling at Gardner-Webb University.

Throughout her career, Iesha has developed a strong passion for working with teens and young adults, helping them navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. She believes in the importance of early intervention, empowerment, and providing consistent support during these critical developmental years.

Outside of her professional work, Iesha enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling to new places, and relaxing with a good book. Her compassionate approach and commitment to student well-being make her a valuable part of the Aspire Trade High School community.

Ms. Saige Lyall
Academic & Enrollment Advisor

Ms. Saige Lyall represents a new generation of educators and student advocates who believe success doesn’t come in just one form. Originally from Wilkes County, North Carolina, she is a proud graduate of Wilkes Central High School and has called the Charlotte region home since 2021. She graduated from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business in 2024, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Communication Studies.

During her time at UNC Charlotte, Saige was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, where she held multiple leadership roles, including serving as Chapter President in her final year. Her involvement deepened her passion for philanthropy, service, and understanding that every individual is walking a different path. With a strong interest in how systems, processes, and organizations work, she brings a thoughtful and innovative perspective to the education field.

Saige is passionate about helping students discover what excites them and supporting them as they build meaningful futures. She is especially inspired by the mission of trade education, believing skilled careers will always be essential in an ever-changing world. She is proud to be part of a school community that is redefining achievement and proving that not every student must follow a traditional four-year college route to be successful. Outside of Aspire Trade High School, she enjoys spending time with her family, being a proud aunt, reading, and exploring new places.