Our Team
Aquaya Cole
Founding Director of Operations
acole@dobeartsacademy.org | 725-599-2988
Aquaya Cole grew up in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. (Go Knicks). She graduated from Colgate University, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Education. She is licensed in many states and holds certifications in other titles. Throughout her career journey, she worked for various entities, building a foundation, which she was able to provide services to children of all ages. She also provided multi-disciplinary services for children with special needs as well as being a lead teacher in a classroom setting. Not only has she been a part of the educational realm for many years, she has simultaneously owned and operated her own event planning an consulting business for over 10 years. Ms. Cole makes her voice known and is an advocate for the children that she serves. Ms. Cole has been implementing her curriculum “Real Talk Series
in the community for years and it has been impacting the lives of many young adults.
With the skills and knowledge developed over the years, she is able to use them to become a key player in the Operations World. This experience in operations has shown a proven ability to streamline processes, optimize team performance, and drive organizational growth. She is known for having a passion for fostering meaningful change.With a deep commitment to mentoring and empowering students, Aquaya Cole combines strategic management skills with a dedication to nurturing future leaders.
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Earliest Memory of the Arts: When I was younger, I participated in a production called "Treemonisha" and performed with my elementary school choir at Carnegie Hall. Throughout my childhood I was immersed in all artistic disciplines/curriculums arts including unique programs like circus arts. ​
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Margaret Simon
Founding Instructional Testing Coordinator
I’m an educator, mentor, and advocate with 14 years of experience working with K–8 and LA Job Corps learners. From the classroom to leadership, my passion lies in helping educators tap into their zone of genius so their scholars can thrive. I earned my Master’s in Organizational Management from the Forbes School of Business, but my real education came from consistently showing up for students and communities that needed more than the basics. My data-driven yet engaging approach to teaching has empowered both myself and the educators I’ve mentored to increase student engagement and drive meaningful academic growth. At the core of my work is a deep commitment to pushing the culture forward in education. I believe that when teachers are supported and empowered, schools are transformed, and when we center creativity, genius, and joy, we don’t just teach children, we inspire them.
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Andrea Paleyo
Office Manager/Community Engagement
Email: apelayo@dobeartsacademy.org
I am 23 years old and have called Las Vegas home since 2012. My professional journey began at Mt. Charleston Cabins (2020–2022), where I managed guest services and maintained essential documentation. I then served as Front Office Manager and Registrar at Nevada Prep Charter School (2022–2025), overseeing administrative operations and student records, earning a promotion due to my strong organizational skills. Currently, I hold the same position at Do & Be Arts Academy of Excellence, ensuring efficient office operations and a welcoming environment for students and staff.
My career aspirations include earning a Master's Degree in Psychology and opening a women's mental health clinic in Mexico, dedicated to providing accessible and culturally relevant care. Ultimately, I aim to expand globally to support mental health more broadly.
In my personal life, I am passionate about the color green and the symbolic meaning of sunflowers. An enthusiastic amateur baker, I specialize in making flan and have a strong affection for matcha beverages. In my leisure time, I enjoy snowboarding, playing volleyball, and reading extensively across various genres.
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ADA Policy - Americans with Disabilities Act
Do & Be Arts Academy of Excellence complies with state and federal guidelines in serving students and hiring and promoting team members who are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of your job or responsibilities as a student, you are required to notify your supervisor in writing (team member) or required to notify the school in writing (a parent/guardian of a student with a disability). In such writing you should specifically identify the nature and extent of your disability and request the accommodations that you believe are necessary to complete the essential functions of your job or as a student. You may be requested to also submit medical documentation to verify the nature and extent of your disability. Do & Be Arts Academy of Excellence will comply with federal law in making commercially reasonable efforts to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodation to disabled workers and students.
