Andrea Hermitt 

Co-Founding Director 

Andrea Hermitt is the co-founding director of Hazelwood Prep, a homeschool program created to support families facing barriers to homeschooling. She graduated from the State University of New York in 1991 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of the People in 2022.

Andrea homeschooled her two children from 2003 until 2013, when her youngest graduated at 16. Her children have bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Over the years, she has contributed to numerous websites and homeschool blogs, sharing her expertise with a wider audience.

Since graduating her children, Andrea has been actively involved in theatre arts and continues to counsel and support homeschooling families, drawing on her extensive experience and passion for education. 

Mere Jones

Co-Founding Director 

Mere Jones is a co-founding director of Hazelwood Prep, an alternative educational non-profit helping families provide the best educational opportunities for their homeschool, hybrid school, and digital learning students. She graduated with a BA in English from the University of Georgia in 2005, completed the Art Direction program at the Creative Circus in 2013, and earned a Master’s of Education degree from the University of the People in 2022.

Mere has two children, one graduated from his homeschool journey in 2024 and will be attending college in the fall of 2024. The other is halfway through his high school adventure.

Theatre and performing arts have been an integral part of Mere’s life and an important part of her children’s education. As a director, designer, and producer she has extensive experience in live theatre. Additionally, Mere is a key figure in writing, illustrating, and layout of the Cheese Press History collection of books used in the Hazelwood Prep combined History and Language Arts classes 

Nyeesha Williams

Executive Director 

Nyeesha D. Williams is a visionary leader in the creative industry, with over two decades of experience empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and excel both personally and professionally. With a unique expertise that blends mental health, emotional resilience, and creative expression, she is the trusted guide for high-performing artists, executives, and performers looking to navigate the challenges of the entertainment world and thrive on and off the stage.

With a background rooted in healthcare, trauma recovery, and creative empowerment, Nyeesha understands the unique pressures that creatives face. She has developed a comprehensive approach to well-being that fosters resilience, enhances performance, and supports sustainable success in high-stakes environments.

Nyeesha’s credentials speak to her deep expertise. She is an alumnus of Renaissance Life Therapies under Dr. Libby Seery and a recent attendee of Harvard University and has also achieved professional certifications from the National Institute of Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, Mental Health First Aid through the National Council of Mental Well-Being, and Question, Persuade, and Refer, a program designed to decrease suicidal behavior and save lives. Now pursuing a Music Industry Professional Certificate from NYU Tisch, she is uniquely equipped to support the creative journeys of her clients while navigating the demands of the entertainment industry. - As the Owner of The Serenity Haus and Executive Director of Hazelwood Prep, Nyeesha creates spaces for artists to nurture their craft, strengthen their mental health, and achieve sustainable success. Her leadership extends to her work as a specialist for NAMI and her advocacy for mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in corporate and creative spaces.

Nyeesha has been recognized with numerous accolades, including “Best Business Influencer,” “Maternal Health Maverick,” and “Women Leader of the Year.” Through global initiatives like Sacrit Devas, she also empowers girls in Africa to embrace education, self-discovery, and personal growth, extending her impact far beyond the creative industries.

Nyeesha’s philosophy is grounded in a simple yet powerful principle: true success in the arts comes from balancing creative ambition with personal well-being. Whether mentoring artists to refine their craft or guiding executives to build sustainable careers, Nyeesha’s work transforms lives, helping creatives achieve excellence without sacrificing their health or happiness.

With her extensive experience, leadership, and passion for empowering creatives, Nyeesha D. Williams is redefining what it means to thrive in the entertainment industry and beyond. 

Shalandra Royal

Music & Executive Administrator 

Shalandra Royal is the Executive Administrator at Hazelwood Prep, where she seamlessly blends her organizational expertise with her diverse passions. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Music, Shalandra specializes in Opera Performance, and has performed on stages in countries including South Korea and Italy. Her background in music, particularly opera, complements her work in administration, bringing creativity and a strong work ethic to everything she does.

As Hazelwood Prep expands its Arts program, Shalandra is excited to lend her talents and expertise to both the music and theater departments. Her multifaceted career and artistic background make her an invaluable resource for the school’s continued growth and artistic development.

Outside of her administrative duties, Shalandra is an independent professional wrestler, balancing her athletic career with her love for modern and classical music, video game music, and creative pursuits like writing and filming. Whether performing, wrestling, or contributing to Hazelwood Prep, Shalandra continues to inspire and innovate across multiple disciplines.