Smart Diehl Academy
Board of Directors

Jayme is the founder and Executive Director of Smart Diehl Academy, a nonprofit private school dedicated to fostering a love of learning through personalized education and hands-on experiences. With a background as a teacher, instructional coach, and educational leader, Jayme brings over a decade of expertise in curriculum development, literacy intervention, and innovative program design. Driven by her passion for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments, Jayme left her full-time teaching career to build Smart Diehl Academy from the ground up. Under her leadership, the academy has grown into a thriving educational community known for its individualized approach, unique program offerings, and support for students with diverse learning needs. As Board Chair, Jayme oversees strategic direction, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships while continuing to advocate for accessible, high-quality education for all children.

Stephen is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in operations, business development, and human services. He has held executive roles across senior living, investment services, and operational management, consistently delivering measurable growth and positive outcomes. Most recently, Stephen served as Area Director of Operations for Wickshire Senior Living, where he oversaw four communities in North Carolina and Georgia, increasing revenue by 21% and occupancy by 17% while reducing expenses by 11%. His leadership experience also includes successfully guiding communities through complex transitions, such as acquisitions and the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining high performance and care standards. Prior to his work in senior living, Stephen built a 20-year career with The Vanguard Group, where he led large-scale teams, drove process improvements as a Six Sigma Black Belt, and advanced customer-focused solutions across multiple divisions. Stephen holds a Master of Arts in Human Services from Wake Forest University, an MBA in Management from St. Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from the University of Western Ontario. As Vice Chair of Smart Diehl Academy’s Board of Directors, Stephen brings expertise in leadership, operations, and strategic growth — as well as a strong passion for serving others and supporting educational innovation.

Master License Partner - Office Evolution Portugal. Successful entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience. I have owned 8 businesses across 2 major franchise organizations - personally overseeing HR, Accounting, Marketing and Operations.

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AmySue Salvatore is the Director of Sunflower Club Outreach and founder of Kairos Farm, where she leads initiatives in education, wellness, and food security. With a background in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and youth development, AmySue has a passion for supporting neurodiverse learners and empowering families through holistic and entrepreneurial programs. A community advocate and mentor, she brings experience in board governance, curriculum design, and strategic partnerships. AmySue is also an ambassador for the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce and a recognized leader in local small business support and education.

Nadia Jackson is the business owner of The Knight School, and a community partner with several schools and centers across Charlotte. As a former marketing executive, she has held senior roles across industry-leading Food and Beverage organizations, including Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Sodexo. In addition to her professional experience, Nadia is committed to advancing equity, education, and mentorship. Her volunteer experience includes Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program, and serving on the executive board for a local non-profit. As someone who benefited from access to a solid educational foundation and mentorship, she has a strong belief in the transformative power of education and a deep commitment to community-focused leadership. Nadia is a proud daughter of immigrants and raised in New York City. She attended Binghamton University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature and certification from Universidad Internacional (Cuernavaca, Mexico). She is also a Consortium Graduate Fellow and holds an MBA in Marketing and Organizational & Competitive Strategy from the University of Rochester. Nadia is a M.O.M. (Mother of Multiples) to twin girls and resides in South Charlotte with her family.