Administration
Valentina Pettway, M. Ed
Principal
Welcome to PACE Academy! As Principal, I am honored and excited to build on my six years of experience with PACE, including the last four years as Director of Curriculum. Transitioning into this new role is both a privilege and a joy, and I am eager to make a greater impact within our school community.
My career in education spans over 14 years, with extensive experience in both charter and public school systems. I began my journey in Detroit, where I graduated from the Detroit Public School System. I hold a B.S. and M.A. in Education from Oakland University and am currently pursuing an Education Specialist Degree.
At PACE Academy, my goal is to ensure that every student thrives in a supportive, enriching, and dynamic learning environment. I am committed to fostering academic excellence, nurturing personal growth, and working collaboratively with our dedicated team of educators.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and three children. My interests include reading, exploring new travel destinations, shopping for unique finds, and engaging in community volunteer work. Balancing these passions with my role as Principal brings me great joy and fulfillment.
I look forward to continuing to serve our exceptional community and working together to achieve our shared vision for student success.
April Weems, Ed S
Director of Curriculum
I am Ms. April Weems, the Director of Curriculum at PACE Academy. I am excited to continue my journey as a Warrior in my fifth year here at PACE. It has been a pleasure building relationships with so many of you over the past four years, and I am committed to maintaining those connections while establishing new ones with our incoming families. I firmly believe that student success is a collaborative effort, and the partnerships we form within our community are essential. At PACE, we hold teamwork and collaboration in the highest regard as we work together toward excellence.
I want to share a little about myself. I’ve been an educator for over 15 years, and I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, where I graduated from Southeastern High School of Technology. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Baker College of Michigan and both my master’s and educational specialist degrees from Regent University of Virginia. Over the years, I have taught a variety of grade levels, including grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. I spent two years in Kuwait teaching American history at the 8th-grade level, and five years serving as an assistant principal.
As a mother of two beautiful daughters, now 29 and 33, my greatest joy continues to be my family.
This year, our theme is “A Year of Excellence,” and I am committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive. I am always here to assist you and your child in any way I can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
LaTonya Ramirez, MEd, MSE
Director of Operations
Education is truly a work of heart. It ignites an undeniable joy within me to lead and serve the staff, scholars, and families in the PACE Academy community.
I have had the honor of belonging to the PACE family for more than 17 years. I can use words such as belonging and family because of the welcoming warmth that flows from smile to smile and heart to heart throughout the building. Prior to PACE, I served in three other Michigan charter schools and one public school. Yet, PACE is where I chose to educate my own children.
In over 27 years in the field, I have earned two Masters degrees and a wealth of knowledge and experiences. I have taught nearly every grade K-8th, with certifications in K-8 self-contained, MS English Language Arts, and Special Education Learning Disabilities K-12. These opportunities have enabled me to serve in times such as these.
Away from PACE, I get to live life to the fullest as a devoted wife and proud mother of three. I find pure joy in spending time with family, serving in my church, and baking and eating cookies!! A warm blanket, a bucket of popcorn, and a good movie is my remedy for a rainy day!
We have a mighty work ahead of us to prepare our scholars for the future. I am committed to working with and for every member of the PACE Academy community to ensure our scholars’ success!
Darice Robbs, M.A. ED
4th - 8th Assistant Principal
My name is Ms. Darice Robbs, and I’m elated to continue to serve as an Assistant Principal at PACE Academy. This year, I have the pleasure of leading our upper elementary and middle school, grades 4-8. As a servant leader, I look forward to partnering with each of you in building positive relationships. I’m eager to work as a team in building our “Warrior Way” in excellence and student achievement.
With excitement and confidence, I continue in 17 years of education and leadership at PACE Academy. As a PACE Warrior, I taught third grade for 9 years and second grade for 3 years. I also supported our learning community as the K-3 Instructional Math Coach and Ed Tech Coach for 4 years. Last year, I learned and grew as the Elementary Assistant Principal (K-5). This is going to be a fantastic year full of new programming and growing in excellence!
Originally, I am from Topeka, Kansas, and I am the oldest of seven children. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Music at Mississippi Valley State University in May of 2003. In June 2008, I completed my Master of Arts and Teaching Degree with certification in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. I have paused my Doctoral work at Walden University in this season of my life. I enjoy singing, traveling, ministry, and adventures with family.
Lastly, my philosophy of education, in short, is simple; I believe that all children can learn in a safe and comfortable environment. My goal is to ensure that each child has a successful year and is prepared to meet the challenges of their life-long learning experiences. I look forward to working with you to help your child reach their full potential. As PACE family, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Let’s have a great year!