Leadership
At DKH Academy, leadership is rooted in relationships. Our leadership team works closely with children, families, and teachers each day to preserve the warmth, community, and educational excellence that have defined DKH for generations.
Supporting Nancy are two leaders whose strengths complement one another and help ensure DKH remains a place where children, families, and teachers thrive.
Over more than 25 years, Becky Aleman has helped shape the heart of DKH through her deep relationships with families and generations of students. As DKH continues to grow, Melanie Brissette brings nearly 30 years of experience in social work, early intervention, behavioral support, and early childhood education to the leadership team. Together, their unique strengths help preserve the relationship-centered culture that makes DKH feel like home.
Becky Aleman, Assistant Director
Becky has been part of the DKH family for more than 25 years and remains one of the most beloved and recognizable faces on campus.
Known for her extraordinary memory and deep relationships with families, Becky remembers generations of DKH children, including her own granddaughter who attended the school.
Becky was part of DKH before the current preschool building was constructed and remembers a time when space limitations meant having to turn families away. Today, she continues welcoming prospective families through campus tours and is grateful to help open DKH’s doors to more children as the school grows alongside the surrounding community.
Melanie Brissette, Assistant Director
Melanie Brissette has spent nearly 30 years supporting young children, families, and educators through roles in early intervention, behavioral support, social work, and early childhood education. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Administrative Practices and brings extensive experience in child development, parent support, teacher coaching, and social-emotional learning.
Since joining DKH Academy in 2012, Melanie has served in a variety of roles including substitute teacher, assistant teacher, lead teacher, and behavioral support specialist. Her work supporting classroom management, teacher development, and student success has helped strengthen learning environments across the school.
As Assistant Director, Melanie partners with teachers and families to ensure children receive the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive. She is passionate about building strong relationships, supporting educators, and helping every child feel known, valued, and successful.
Nancy Parra, Head of School
Nancy’s connection to DKH Academy began long before becoming Head of School. Both of her children attended DKH, and prior to stepping into leadership, Nancy taught at DKH after previously teaching 3rd grade.
Under her leadership, DKH has expanded into First and Second Grade, earned Cognia Accreditation, launched the AgriSTEAM program, and opened the Dee Seal Gross Motor Lab while continuing to preserve the relationship-centered culture that families have loved for decades.
Nancy is deeply involved in the surrounding community and actively supports organizations and service initiatives including Hood to Coast and United Way.
