About Us

Ms. Christa Reeves

Principal Christa Reeves

Ms. Christa Reeves was recognized as the Detroit Public Schools Community District Principal of the Year in 2018. She is a product of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, attending Chrysler Elementary School, Burton International Middle School, and Cass Technical High School. She graduated from Southfield High School and continued her education at Florida A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education, and the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. This summer, Principal Reeves received her Montessori Administration certificate.

Principal Reeves possesses twenty-seven years of educational experience in K-12. She taught English and Social Studies primarily at the middle school level. Her administration career has span over 18 years. She is embarking on her 5th year as the proud Principal of Palmer Park. At the helm Principal Reeves has successfully improved student academics, attendance, culture and climate and parent, community involvement. She is excited to lead Palmer Park Preparatory Academy and continues to embrace its legacy while providing a specialized and unique Montessori program. A premier public school Montessori program featuring exceptional certified Montessori teachers, hands-on learning where students make creative choices, discover and explore knowledge in collaborative groups to develop their maximum potential in their classrooms. While developing it into a wall-to-wall Montessori school, and phasing out traditional grade bands, Principal Reeves has transformed both communities to become exceptional and premier model schools.

Before leading Palmer Park, Principal Reeves served as Interim Principal at The School at Marygrove and Principal at Bagley Elementary School of Journalism & Technology for 4 years. Under her leadership, Bagley became a premier school in DPSCD, offering a new themed Journalism & Technology school. In her first year as Principal at Bagley, the school exited the Michigan Department of Education's Priority School status because of students' progress and growth academically. Her administrative experiences include Vice Principal at Cass Technical High School for five years, Southeastern High School for two years, and a Curriculum Leader for three years.

Principal Reeves is a bridge builder, developer, and collaborator, dedicated to the success of all her students, and establishing strong relationships with staff, students, families, partners, and community stakeholders. Her vision is to embrace Palmer Park’s legacy, as well as become a gem and beacon of light in the community and the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Principal Reeves was recognized by the City of Detroit in April 2024 with the Spirit of Detroit award for her outstanding service to the Detroit community; and was recognized as a 2022 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence honoree. She is committed to serving her community broadly as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and Plymouth United Church of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, traveling, watching football, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Kamilah Teasley

Kamilah Teasley is a proud alumnus of Detroit Public Schools Community District who has taught in DPSCD for over 20 years. She has a Professional Teaching Certificate, a Masters of Arts in Teaching, and a certificate in both Elementary & Secondary Administration from Wayne State University.

Mrs. Teasley has served as a teacher and an Elementary Math Master Teacher during her educational career. She has served in various leadership roles. Such roles include Parent Teacher Home Visit Coordinator, School Canvassing Coordinator, March Madness Math Bee Coordinator, Wellness Committee Coordinator, and School Survey Coordinator. She is also a School Improvement Institute participant, and an Instructional Leadership Team member. She has completed both the Aspiring Assistant Principal and Emerging Leaders Programs offered by DPSCD.

With her extensive educational experience, Mrs. Teasley is excited about her new chapter as the next Assistant Principal at Palmer Park Preparatory Academy. Mrs. Teasley is a compassionate, visionary leader who believes every student can be successful. With the use of student data, she will be strategic in her efforts to ensure that every student at Palmer Park Preparatory Academy continues to rise and be successful.

During Mrs.Teasley's pass time, she enjoys reading, walking, playing chess and spending time with her family.

Mr. Willie Jenkins

My name is Willie Jenkins, the Dean of Students at Palmer Park Academy located in Detroit Michigan that serves grades Kindergarten through Eighth grade. I joined the Detroit Public Schools Community District in 1994. I am the Dean of Culture at Palmer Park Academy.

I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I have worked as a Dean at Palmer Park Academy for the last two and a half years and I am proud to be in the service of the students, staff, and community. As a product of those who worked hard to support the community, I have pledged my life’s work to do the same. I am a firm believer and supporter of the district’s 2020 Model to educate and support all students in becoming a great leader and I work to be a positive influence on all that I encounter.