Leadership Team

Julie Locey

Principal

Julie Locey is committed to offering young men of Rochester the high-quality learning environment they deserve. Julie has worked in education for over 20 years. From her beginnings as a fourth-grade teacher and middle school Social Studies teacher, Julie advanced through positions of Campus Minister, Dean of Students, Vice Principal, and Principal. During nine years as Principal of Bishop Kearney High, Julie spearheaded the change from the traditional school model to a 1:1 Laptop Program, helping to move the school to a 100% graduation rate over the last six years of her tenure. Julie joined the Vertus team in May of 2016 as Special Education Coordinator and later served as Director of Academics. In her current role as Principal, Julie furthers the Vertus mission of Building Leaders of Character, and works to offer the young men of Rochester opportunities not available in their former schools or the Rochester City District. Inspired by the work of Vertus founders Leigh McGuigan and Perry White, Julie builds on their vision to create the most successful school in Rochester – a school where students receive top-tier academic and career experiences alongside lessons in character development. Seeking to expand positive influence on the lives of students and their families, Julie is leading our effort to fine-tune existing Vertus program for possible growth in the future. Julie holds NYS Certification in Secondary Social Studies and School Supervision and Administration, with a Bachelor of Arts in History at SUNY Geneseo, a Master’s Degree in Science in Secondary Education from SUNY Brockport, and School Administrator Certification from the University of Rochester. jlocey@vertusschool.org

James Daniels

Director of Student Support Services

James Daniels is dedicated to empowering urban youth through unparalleled student support services. James has over 10 years’ experience in urban education and social justice.  Beginning as a youth program facilitator and advocate for Boys & Girls Clubs out of Franklin High School, James supported youth programs and rec center operations.  James also managed the Center for Youth college preparatory program; an effort that showed such remarkable first-year success it won a two-year extension.  Through his later work with Learn to Earn, a job readiness and GED preparation (now TASC) program, James facilitated advancement of homeless and independent youth. Since James joined Vertus as one of the original staff members, his personal and professional experience have informed his roles as Preceptor, Lead Preceptor, and Senior Preceptor.  As Director of Student Support Services, James continues to refine Vertus’ delivery of student services – attending to the human needs of each student.  This experience, and his origination from the same community as many Vertus students allows James to relate first-hand to the challenges, and opportunities, particular to Vertus Men. On June 23, 2018, as Vertus celebrated its first commencement, James possessed unusual insight into the triumphs of the graduates, having worked closely with many of them since the opening of the school.  Many of these young men did not see themselves wearing a cap and gown when they first came to Vertus, and many are the first males in their families to graduate or go to college.  James believes that Vertus students deserve the very best in education, and is honored to play his part in the family-tree changing events offered by Vertus High School. James holds a B.A. from University of Wisconsin in Business Administration and Finance. jdaniels@vertusschool.org