About Us

Mrs. Denise M. Allen

Denise M. Allen, M.Ed., is an accomplished transformational leader with 28 years of experience in educational leadership, instructional practice, and school improvement within Detroit’s K–8 learning communities. She currently serves as the Principal of Marion Law Academy, where she is committed to fostering academic excellence, building strong school culture, and ensuring that every scholar is equipped to Cope, Adapt, and Thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs. Allen’s career reflects a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, guiding her work as a bridge builder among students, staff, families, and community partners. Her leadership is grounded in fairness, consistency, and a demonstrated ability to cultivate meaningful relationships that strengthen school climate and elevate student outcomes. Throughout her career, she has led comprehensive initiatives in instructional improvement, talent management, operational oversight, and community engagement, consistently improving performance indicators through data-driven planning and high-quality teaching practices.

Prior to her appointment at Marion Law Academy, Mrs. Allen served successfully as Assistant Principal at Mason Academy and John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, where she directed climate and culture systems, assessment and instructional planning, enrollment strategies, and talent development. She has also provided leadership for district fine and performing arts programming, afterschool enrichment, and special education compliance. Her work contributed to significant academic growth, increased parent engagement, and improved school performance ratings.

Beyond her administrative experience, Mrs. Allen is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Inner City Dance Scope, a longstanding community arts program in partnership with the Detroit Opera House. She has also held leadership roles in district-level advisory committees, equity projects, and instructional leadership teams, and she has served as a hearing officer, Title IX coordinator, and assessment leader. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards, including multiple Educator of the Year recognitions, the Rosa Parks Foundation Alumnus of the Year Award, and honors from the Michigan Dance Council and DTE Foundation.

Mrs. Allen holds a Master of Education in General Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education and Health, both from Wayne State University. She is professionally certified in K–12 Administration and Dance/Health Education.

Dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment, Mrs. Allen leads Marion Law Academy with a vision rooted in service, collaboration, and high expectations. Her mission is to ensure that every scholar receives the opportunities, support, and encouragement necessary to become a confident, successful, and productive citizen.

Mrs. Casita Adams

Dear Marion Law Academy Family,

I am honored to be your ESE Assistant Principal. I bring with me 18 years of educational service in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. I am a graduate of Michigan State University and Saginaw Valley State University.

I understand the desire that all families in Detroit want a positive, quality education for their children. I believe that mentoring honesty, integrity and showing a caring empathy for those around you will help build the foundation to deliver that positive, quality education.

I am here to serve you, because it is your children that we are here to lead and show them what the world has to offer them. I will enlist the families and community to help guide our students on their path to achievement.

I understand that learning is a life-long endeavor, and I will mentor this in every student that walks through our doors. One of my most cherished quotes is, “Knowledge is power.” I tell this to the young scholars to help them deal with distractions that can take them off course in their life. I explain to them, that if they can understand (knowledge) the intentions of those around them, then they have the power to control their own actions when dealing with them. My goal is to get our young scholars to be thoughtful of their actions rather than impulsive, because that is when mistakes occur.

Reminder to all, my door is open to all, please stop in and say, “Hi”. You can always reach me at (313)866-3400.

Educationally Yours,

George Ames

Meet Dean Kerry Davis

One interesting fact about me is that I have an identical twin brother, which has been a fun conversation starter my entire life!

I have proudly served as a Dean since October 20, 2025, bringing a student-centered approach grounded in accountability, care, and connection.

I was raised on both the East and West sides of Detroit, experiences that deeply shaped who I am today. During my elementary and middle school years, I grew up near East 7 Mile and Dequindre, and during my high school years, my family moved to 8 Mile and Livernois in the historic Sherwood Forest neighborhood.

I am a proud graduate of Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School—the one and only!
Go Crusaders!!

For higher education, I earned my undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and completed graduate school at Eastern Michigan University.

My favorite colors are Red, Green, and Black, representing strength, growth, and excellence.

At Marion Law Academy, the impact I strive to have on students is rooted in support and advocacy. I want every student to know that when they meet with me, I am here to help—not to be seen as “the mean guy,” but as someone genuinely invested in their growth both inside and outside the classroom. I believe in holding students accountable while also recognizing positive choices, celebrating growth, and guiding them toward becoming better individuals and successful scholars.

I aim to lead with truth, consistency, and care, always keeping students’ best interests at the center of my work.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
— Ida B. Wells