Leadership

Jessy Torchon

Jessy Torchon is a passionate educator, school leader, and lifelong advocate for the students and families of Providence. A proud product of Providence Public Schools, Jessy attended Flynn Elementary School, Nathanael Greene Middle School, and graduated from Classical High School. His connection to education began early, following in the footsteps of his father, who is also a Providence Public Schools principal.

Jessy’s career in education began in behavioral intervention programs, where he quickly discovered his passion for supporting young people and helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. What began as an entry into education became a lifelong commitment. Over the course of nearly 15 years, Jessy has worked extensively in special education and behavioral support, serving as a Behavioral Support Assistant, Registered Behavioral Technician, and Behavior Interventionist. Throughout his career, he has supported students and families through a wide range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional situations, always believing in the potential of every student.

Jessy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Central State University and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. His educational journey reflects his belief that effective school leadership begins with understanding students, building strong relationships, and creating environments where young people feel supported, valued, and capable of success.

Beyond his work in schools, Jessy has coached almost every sport you could imagine for Nathan Bishop and Esek Hopkins middle schools. He is also the co-owner and creator of JadAway Sports, an afterschool program provider for the Providence After School Alliance. Through JadAway Sports, he provides youth with opportunities to participate in sports, develop positive relationships, build teamwork skills, and strengthen their social-emotional development. His commitment to serving young people extends beyond the school day and into the broader Providence community.

Today, Jessy is excited to live out his dream of giving back to the community that has shaped him throughout his entire life. As a school leader, he is committed to creating opportunities, building relationships, and ensuring that every student has the support and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.

Outside of education, Jessy is happily married to his beautiful wife, Karen, with whom he has shared nearly 15 years of marriage. Together, they are raising their 8-year-old princess, Kaia. Their family also includes Stella Tortilla, their 4-year-old dog, whose name was lovingly chosen by Kaia.

For Jessy, education is more than a career, it is a calling. As someone who grew up in Providence, attended Providence schools, and has dedicated his professional life to supporting youth, he is proud to return to the community that helped shape him and to help create a brighter future for the next generation of Providence students.

Manny Odugbela

Manny is a lifelong Providence resident and proud Providence kid who is deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped shape him. With over 12 years of experience working with children and young people, Manny has dedicated much of his professional life to supporting, mentoring, and helping young people recognize their potential. After growing up in Providence and experiencing firsthand the people, schools, and community that influenced his journey, Manny considers it a blessing to now have the opportunity to serve students and help create meaningful change within his own community.

Manny attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he spent four years as a student-athlete playing basketball while earning his degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Administration. His experience as a college athlete helped shape his approach to leadership, teaching him the importance of discipline, teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.

Outside of his role in school leadership, Manny is a Strength and Conditioning Coach, where he works with athletes to help them develop physically, mentally, and personally. Through coaching, he has learned that meaningful growth requires consistency, accountability, encouragement, and someone willing to challenge young people while also believing in them. He brings that same mindset into his work with students.

As Director of School Operations, Manny is committed to creating a school environment where students feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. He believes that a successful school is about more than academics. It is about creating a place where students can build confidence, develop leadership skills, learn from their experiences, discover their strengths, and feel prepared to take their next step in life.

Manny is passionate about creating positive change and building a school culture where students understand that their voices matter and their futures are worth investing in. At the heart of Manny's work is a belief that every student deserves someone in their corner. He understands that students may face challenges that extend beyond the classroom, and he believes schools have an important responsibility to meet students where they are while helping them see where they can go. Through strong relationships, accountability, mentorship, and opportunity, Manny is committed to helping students recognize that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.