Leadership Team
Noe Ortega, Principal
Mr. Noe Ortega serves as the proud principal of Sugar Grove Academy, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success within the Houston Independent School District. An HISD alumnus, Mr. Ortega began his journey in education as a high school clerk and has since held various leadership roles, including bilingual teacher, teacher specialist, instructional specialist, and assistant principal. He was honored as the 2021–2022 HISD First-Year Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.
At Sugar Grove Academy, Mr. Ortega fosters a structured, student-centered environment where high expectations and support go hand in hand. Instructional practices include dedicated time for direct instruction in core subjects, frequent mini-review sessions to check for understanding, and strategic small group instruction based on student performance. Multilingual support, including Spanish-language tutors, ensures that emergent bilingual learners thrive.
Mr. Ortega also emphasizes smooth transitions and school-wide consistency, with clear procedures in place to maximize instructional time. While standardized lessons are provided, he empowers teachers to bring creativity and personal flair into the classroom. A visible and engaged leader, Mr. Ortega connects with students daily—often greeting them in Spanish—and strives to create a positive and welcoming school culture.
He holds a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership for Linguistically Diverse Learners from the University of St. Thomas. Under his leadership, Sugar Grove Academy continues to grow as a place where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to “Level Up."
Dr. Catherine Inoma, Assistant Principal
Dr. Catherine Inoma serves as the 7th Grade Assistant Principal at Sugar Grove Academy Middle School, bringing more than 21 years of dedicated experience in education. With a strong foundation in multilingual education and data management, she is committed to creating inclusive learning environments and leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance student achievement. Dr. Inoma’s leadership is rooted in equity, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to student success.
Dr. LaToya Stallings, Assistant Principal![]()
Dr. LaToya Stallings brings 17 years of experience in education, having taught across multiple content areas in grades 1–8. Her professional journey spans several states—including Mississippi, Louisiana, Maryland, Georgia, and Texas—providing her with a broad and diverse educational perspective.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Health Education from Mississippi University for Women, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston–Clear Lake.
Dr. Stallings is a passionate advocate for student success and believes that all students thrive in safe, engaging environments that support continuous growth. She is dedicated to fostering classrooms where trust, structure, and high expectations empower students to reach their full potential. As a school leader, she is committed to building a culture of communication and connectedness, developed and maintained through structure and accountability for the academic achievement of every student.
Cormean Thomas, Assistant Principal
As one of the Assistant Principals at Sugar Grove Academy, Mr. Cormean Thomas proudly enters his eighth year in education and second year in campus leadership. His educational journey began in the classroom, where he taught 8th grade math for six years—five in another district and one at Sugar Grove under the NES model. That pivotal year in HISD reshaped his perspective and reignited his sense of purpose, making the transition into leadership one of the most rewarding decisions of his career.
After just one year at Sugar Grove, Mr. Thomas was honored to be promoted to Assistant Principal, taking on the role of supporting the math department he once served as a teacher. In this role, he has continued to impact student achievement on a broader scale, working alongside educators to build a high-performance culture where high-quality instruction is delivered with excellence each day.
Mr. Thomas is deeply passionate about teacher development, consistently modeling what excellence looks like—not only in instruction, but in leading with integrity, communicating transparently, and fostering accountability through connection and trust. His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that great outcomes are achieved when people feel respected, supported, and inspired. Through collaboration, coaching, and an unwavering focus on student success, he strives to lead by example.
At Sugar Grove Academy, Mr. Thomas remains committed to creating an environment where both students and teachers are empowered to level up each day, knowing that high expectations, when paired with strong relationships and clear structures, can transform a campus into a thriving academic community.
Brandon Wilcher, Assistant Principal
Mr. Brandon Wilcher brings a dynamic blend of scientific expertise, instructional leadership, and data-driven decision-making to his role as Assistant Principal at Sugar Grove Academy. He holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. With a background in biology, epidemiology, and healthcare administration, Mr. Wilcher has successfully led teams in both educational and public health sectors. He has over seven years of experience as an educator and previously served as the Department Chair of Biology, where he championed rigorous instruction, curriculum development, and teacher mentoring. His commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and staff development is reflected in his strategic planning and collaborative leadership style. At Sugar Grove, Mr. Wilcher is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and achievement-focused environment where all students are empowered to "Level Up."