Our Leadership Team

Racquel Barnes, NBC-HWC, founder and CEO of UrbanEd Rx, LLC, has dedicated her career to fostering a culture of wellness in urban schools. Drawing from her personal experience with chronic stress and burnout during her 14 years as a teacher, Racquel now empowers school leaders and staff through training, consulting, and coaching services. Specializing in self-care coaching, stress management, and burnout prevention, she combines her expertise with her extensive background in health and fitness to create custom workshops, retreats, and programs that nurture resilience and compassion within educational environments.

Charles A. Barnes II is an accomplished professor and legal consultant with a background in politics. As a former Deputy Chief of Staff for an NJ State Senator, he played a significant role in the New Jersey STARS program and served as Acting Director for Governor Corzine's Constituent Services. He is currently a professor at Rowan College where he teaches various courses and coordinates educational support for their DEI division. Pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Education, his research explores intersectionality in LGBTQIA+ and religious communities. Outside of work, Charles enjoys piano, reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones.