Team & Board

Education was a life-changing opportunity for Tamara “Tam” Shear. A proud first-
generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. in Economics from the University of
California, Riverside, before launching her education career as a middle school math
teacher through Teach For America in Washington, D.C. While earning her Master of
Arts in Teaching, Tam spent five years in classrooms and school leadership roles seeing
firsthand how high expectations and strong support enable students to thrive
academically and personally.

Ray was born in Henderson, but grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He moved back to Las Vegas to attend UNLV and got his degree in Physical Education with a Minor in Athletic Coaching. After graduating, he accepted a full time job with the YMCA.

Patricia is the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Opportunity 180 and Executive Director of Policy for Battle Born Kids Matter, where she leads efforts to advance policies that expand access to high-quality education for every student in Nevada. She brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, and education advocacy.

Delshon Henry is an accomplished educator with extensive experience spanning K-12 education and higher education. A passionate advocate for student success, Delshon has served in various leadership roles, including Teacher Leader, Academic Dean, Principal, and Founding School Leader.

Jared, a Las Vegas resident for over 10 years and born in Mesa, Arizona, graduated as from UNLV with a Masters degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences (with a emphasis in development) and an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in neuroscience as a McNair fellow.

Andrew grew up in rural Ohio, later moving to the City of Findlay where he earned a B.A. in 3D Art and Design from the University of Findlay. After University, he moved to Colorado, where he began assisting highly regulated businesses with competitive licensing, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

Jackson Olsen, Ed.D., has spent the last 15 years as a teacher, athletics coach, principal, and most recently a coach and trainer of principals and principal managers for KIPP Public Schools.

Cesserly Rice is currently the Senior Director of School Launch at Opportunity 180. Over the past eight years, she has been a teacher and served in several leadership capacities including K-8 instructional coach, and charter school principal.

Jennifer is a dedicated business professional who was born in California but grew up in Las Vegas and she is currently finishing her bachelor’s in Business at CSN.

Deseree Whitt grew up in the Central Valley of California, earning her B.A. in theatre arts from Fresno State University. After earning her degree, she joined an organization that aimed to develop aspiring teachers.