Dr. Manning is the Executive Director of Journey Community Schools. He has been instrumental in several turnaround schools in Memphis, Tennessee through his work as an assistant principal, principal, and associate superintendent. During his time in these roles, all of his schools experienced double-digit academic gains. Throughout his career, Dr. Manning has received training through New Leaders for New Schools, Harvard Principals Center, Urban Education Center, and Research for Better Teaching. In his fifteen years of being an educator in both district-run public schools and public charter schools, Nickalous served in several capacities including: teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal resident, principal, director of strategic partnerships, director of curriculum, and associate superintendent.

Dr. Manning has been named Airways Teacher of the Year, was featured in the Tennessee Education Association’s training video, “Leadership Series,” and has led a host of leadership teams and professional development series. Moreover, Dr. Manning has been a distinguished lecturer at Christian Brothers University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Memphis City School’s Teaching and Learning Academy, Urban Education Center, and adjunct professor for Performance Learning Systems in conjunction with Christian Brothers University.

Dr. Manning earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Secondary Education with concentrations and certifications in Economics and U.S. and World History. He also completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. While completing his Doctorate at Trevecca, his dissertation on single gender education earned him the coveted Trevecca Nazarene University’s Dissertation Award.

Dr. Manning resides in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife, Lequite, and two sons, Miller and Maxwell. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and supporting the development of children.

A Native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Monique Cincore, currently serves as the VP of schools at Journey Community Schools, dedicated to helping leaders reach their leadership pinnacle through coaching.
Over a span of nearly three decades, Ms. Cincore has served in a number of roles, including Elementary Teacher, grades 1-6, Resident Principal, Founding Principal at Journey East Academy, formerly Aspire East Academy, Summer School Principal, ELA Common Core State Coach, graduate of the Relay National Principal Academy Fellow Program, and a GASL and Ryan Fellowship Principal Mentor. Mrs. Cincore was also named Teacher of the Year in Louisiana.
Mrs. Cincore states, “Educating our youth is a calling and I am excited to serve.” She also understands the importance of walking alongside teammates to help them achieve their goals.
Mrs. Cincore is a wife of almost 3 decades and is the mother of two wonderful children.
Mrs. Cincore’s motto is “Stay positive, maintain communication, and do the right thing

Matt serves as the VP of Finance and Operations, bringing over 20 years of experience as an educator and leader to the role. Matt previously served as the Managing Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Aspire Public School’s Memphis region. He began his career in education as a teacher in Compton, CA before joining Aspire as a founding lead teacher at Antonio Maria Lugo Academy, Aspire’s first school in Los Angeles. Following his original cohort of students, Matt served as a founding middle school and high school administrator, ultimately serving as high school principal. In 2013, Matt joined the Memphis regional office leading work in data and assessment, information systems, teacher evaluation, state assessments, and academic team operations. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, he holds a master’s in education administration from California State University, Northridge. Matt lives in Memphis with his wife and three children. When he is not working you will likely find him with his family, in front of a book, on the soccer pitch, or behind a drum kit.