Our Team

Yuri Thornton - Principal

Principal Thornton is a Cleveland native and proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High. She started her career teaching in Cleveland Metropolitan Schools before transitioning to a leadership path that took her across the country and around the world.

Ms. Thornton spearheaded teacher development networks in Cincinnati, Texas, and Beijing, China. She spent the last decade building a portfolio of innovative programs that help teachers of all grades and content areas enhance critical pedagogical skills.

Now, Principal Thornton has returned home to lead The Brilliance School in Garfield Heights and promote her vision of equitable education access for local students and teachers. She is hands-on, accessible, and commited to cultivating a culture of excellence, gratitude, and joy.

Principal Thornton holds a Masters in Education from Lynn University.