Meet the Founders
PETER BARTKOWIAK
Pete Bartkowiak is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Co-Founder of New Leaf Organization (NLO), a dropout prevention and credit recovery charter school system dedicated to transforming the lives of disenfranchised students. With experience spanning operations, education, administration, strategic planning, and financial management, he ensures NLO’s operations align with its student-centered mission.
Pete’s passion for youth empowerment is personal—after losing his father in high school, he was profoundly impacted by compassionate teachers and coaches. This experience fueled his dedication to guiding students toward success. He holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Urbana University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton.
Before transitioning fully into education, Pete spent 19 years in the funeral industry, gaining resilience, empathy, and adaptability—skills that now shape his leadership. He is a strong advocate for integrating mental health and social services into education, recognizing their vital role in student success.
Since launching NLO’s first school in 2020 during the pandemic, Pete has helped expand the organization to five schools, earning exemplary state reviews and maintaining fiscally responsible operations—all while empowering 3,500 students to earn their diplomas. His mission remains clear: helping students reclaim their futures.
Connect with Pete Bartkowiak to learn more about NLO’s services and programs.
Contact:
pete@newleaforg.net
567-283-0058
Mary Snell
Mary Snell is the Chief Operations Director of New Leaf Organization, leveraging over 20 years of experience in launching and managing five successful dropout prevention credit recovery charter schools. A visionary leader, she has played a pivotal role in designing student-centered programs that address both academic and social-emotional needs, resulting in 3,500 at-risk students earning their high school diplomas—many of whom have gone on to college. With expertise spanning student enrollment, data management, and school operations, Mary’s innovative contributions include helping design the computer system to track student progress.
Despite not having a traditional education background, her real-world experiences and passion for fostering a positive, high-achieving school culture have propelled New Leaf to earn an exemplary designation in Ohio. Known for her ability to inspire and motivate staff and students, she remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for disenfranchised learners and ensuring long-term success in charter school management.
Sasho Dojcinovski
Sasho Dojcinovski, Chief Academic Officer and founding member of the New Leaf Organization (NLO), has 19 years of experience in education. He oversees curriculum development, grants, and new programs, supporting at-risk students in earning diplomas, developing job skills, and securing employment. Holding a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University, Sasho has led school turnarounds, improved standardized test scores, and contributed to multiple Dropout Recovery/Prevention schools. Committed to mentorship and lifelong learning, he is passionate about college planning, post-graduation advising, and anti-bullying initiatives. A problem-solver and advocate for student success, he remains a driving force in transformative education.
Contact Information:
sasho@newleaforg.net
419-967-4107
