DLA MEET OUR TEAM
At Dayton Leadership Academies, our team is more than a staff — we are a family united by a shared mission to empower every student to lead and succeed. From dedicated teachers and support staff to our leadership team, each member of the DLA community brings passion, purpose, and care to their work every day. Together, we create a safe, supportive, and joyful learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
FAST FACTS
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.
Dean of Students
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Dean of Students
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Mr Matthews graduated from Stivers High School for the Arts. He is certified in Violence Prevention, Youth Specialist, and Rites of Passage.
He has worked with youth for over 15 years and is the founder of Chosen Generation Mentoring Program.
He loves the school culture, friendly environment, and the love for family engagement.
Family Engagement Coordinator
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Mrs. Brown was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Stivers school for the Arts- Choir and Band. She serviced children and families for 18 years with emphasis in preschool education. She is a wife and a mom of 5 and a bonus mom of 4. She and her Husband are founders of Verb Ministries where they hope to continue to expand. She am also a parent of DLA which has been an added bonus to her position as Family Engagement Coordinator, to be able to share a space with her children while at school. She truly enjoys assisting and being a service to children and families and people in general and helping to make positive changes and connections.
So the role as Family Engagement Coordinator is the perfect fit.
Dean of Academics
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Brooke Ellington was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Thurgood Marshall STEM High School in 2014 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4–9) with a certificate from the Urban Teacher Academy at the University of Dayton in 2018. After college, Miss Ellington began her teaching career at Dayton Leadership Academies, where she served as the 5th Grade ELA teacher for six years. During her time at DLA, she returned to school and earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati in 2022.
Following her graduate studies, Miss Ellington took on leadership roles at DLA, first as the 3–5 Teacher Representative on the Lighthouse Team, and then as the English Department Chairperson—a position she proudly still holds. She is thrilled to serve as the 3–5 Dean of Academics, continuing her mission to support teachers and empower students. In addition to her role at DLA, Miss Ellington is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Wright State University. Passionate about student achievement and lifelong learning, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of both her 3-5 and college students.
Outside of her professional life, Miss Ellington is a proud mother to two energetic toddlers who keep her hands full and her heart even fuller. She enjoys traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Senior Dean of Academics
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Sharell Benson was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She earned her highschool diploma from Colonel White School of the Arts. After a few years in the field of early childhood education she pursued her Bachelors Degree. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Central state University.
Ms. Benson worked in early childhood education for over 15 years, which adds up to 20 years in education. Her passion for education began during the early years of parenthood, where she became highly invested in her children’s education. This brought forth a strong passion for education as well as the understanding of what strong family and teacher relationships have in educating the whole child. She began working in the preschool setting and formed and bonded with students and families on this level.
From there and shortly after graduation, she became a Kindergarten teacher at a local charter school in Dayton. The same charter school her children attended during elementary. After spending one school year there, she joined the DLA family in 2016. Best decision of her life she says. She spent the last 3 school years working in 1st grade and the last school year working in 2nd grade. Along with being a 2nd grade teacher she has also held various positions throughout the school. She is the K-2 House team Coordinator as well as the Summer Launch Director.In addition to those titles positions she also volunteers on the PAC committee as well as tutored the boys basketball team this school year.
She is a proud mother of 2, ages are 23 and 21. Teaching and nurturing became my life as she grew with her own children. Working with the team at DlA has afforded her the opportunity to learn from great leaders and teachers. Her passion for education has been strong since her own kids were young and DLA has allowed her to strengthen her passion in every aspect of education.
She enjoys teaching students and seeing the growth throughout the year. She also enjoys working with families, had she not been a teacher that would have been the next calling. Family and education go hand and hand to me. Building relationships with students and families help support students academic growth and teaches the whole child not just part of the child. Mentoring fellow educators has been another passion, since she was a young mom, she’s always felt like she had a story to tell and has always wanted to help others better themselves and reach their fullest potential. In her free time she enjoys cooking, watching food network, reading, watching football, and shopping.
Principal
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Mrs. Kreischer was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and two Master Degrees in Reading and School Administration from Bowling Green State University. After graduating from BGSU, she moved to Las Vegas, NV where she taught preschool and 1st grade for 5 years. She served as the grade level chair and teacher mentor.
In 2017 she joined DLA as a kindergarten teacher, and shortly after stepped into the teacher coach role. As the Teacher Coach for Data and Instruction, she worked with the administration team to lead professional development, coach teachers, and analyze school data. She also served as the track coach for the past two years and is passionate about helping our students find the best in themselves. She is excited to continue to help grow DLA to be an amazing education opportunity for students in our community.
Executive Director
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Mrs. Asinjo was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College, teaching certificate from San Francisco State University, and Master’s degree in School Leadership from DePaul University.
Mrs. Asinjo started her career in education with Teach For America and taught second and third grades in East Palo Alto, CA and Chicago, IL. As a Teach For America Program Director, Mrs. Asinjo coached over 200 teachers in Chicago. In 2006 she became the Founding Principal of East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School in Northwest Indiana. She expanded the school from 110 to 300 students and led the school to be recognized by the Indiana DOE for the third highest growth (59.5% growth) on NWEA Mathematics out of all schools in the state.
From there, Mrs. Asinjo joined the national team of Lighthouse Academies as the Director of Recruitment and Selection and then served as the Senior Vice President of the Research, Design, and Strategy Team. In that role, she trained and developed school leaders, conducted school quality reviews, and served as an internal consultant for 17 schools in 7 states.
In 2015, Mrs. Asinjo was looking to be back in a school setting and joined the DLA team, first as the Assistant Principal and then as the Principal. In that role she led the team to increase student enrollment from 325 to 500 students, increase staff retention to 90%, increase DLA's report card ratings to 3 stars in Progress and K-3 Literacy, and secured two charter renewals.
In July 2023, Mrs. Asinjo became the Executive Director. In this role she oversees strategic planning, school partnerships and community relations, and HR and talent management. Mrs. Asinjo serves as an ex-officio member of the school board. Additionally, Mrs. Asinjo is an adjunct professor at Wright State University in the School of Education, is an active member of the DREAM Diversity Recruitment Association and serves on the Central State University School of Education Advisory Council.
Mrs. Asinjo and her husband have two children who keep them very active and entertained. When she has time, she likes cooking, hiking, reading novels, and travelling.
Middle School Coordinator
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Debra Walls was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Dunbar High School. She attended Wright State University where she received her Bachelors of English degree to teach Middle and High School English. She received a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Antioch University. After completing her education, she left Ohio to move south, She has lived and taught middle school English in Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis Tennessee.
She returned to Dayton six years ago where she began working at DLA as a 6th grade English teacher. In the time she has been at DLA, she has been a Teacher Leader in multiple ways. She was the English Department Chair for two years and spent one summer as the Summer Launch Coordinator. Ms. Walls has also been the DLA cheerleading coach for the past 5 years. After teaching 6th grade English for five years and being a Reading Interventionist for one year, Ms. Walls is excited to step into her new role as the Middle School Coordinator.
Ms. Walls has one child, a five year old daughter who keeps her very busy and young at heart. Ms. Walls has always been passionate about working with middle school inner city students. She finds great joy in helping grow students academically as well as socially. Ms. Walls strives to prepare students for not just high school, but the real world and help them realize that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.
OPERATIONS TEAM
Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.
Data Manager
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Mrs. Chapman graduated with her Bachelor's degree in business administration and project management from Southern New Hampshire University. She has experience as a human resources assistant, accounts payable manager, and project development.
She is excited to work in a school and loves the welcoming environment!
School Office Coordinator
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Mrs. Loretta is a proud graduate of Jackson State University. She has over 30 years experience in traditional education, 8 years in medical education and extensive administrative skills. She likes the love and compassion the teachers exude toward the students and she enjoys the student, parent and staff interaction.
Health Clinic Coordinator
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Nurse Jodi has been at the Dayton Leadership Academies since February 2011. She obtained her degree locally and attended Miami Jacobs in Troy, Ohio. She has experience in Trauma, Home Health Care, General Practice, Emergency and Pediatrics. She is also a Certified CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She is also a Certified A.L.I.C.E instructor and leds DLA school safety drills. Nurse Jodi loves the students and loves health, fitness and the great outdoors. Joining DLA as the Health Clinic Coordinator was the perfect match for her!
CULTURE TEAM
Dean of Students
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Attendance Officer
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Ms. Dillard was born in Dayton Ohio. She graduated from Roth High School and attended Central State University where she major in Communication/ Radio and TV. Since 2010 she has been humbly honored to work at Dayton Leadership Academies. As Office Manager, Ms. Dillard has learned best practices to operate with excellence in a school office setting, as well as assisting students to make good choices and to become a positive leader. For the past 20 years, Ms. Dillard has served as Neighborhood Assistance Office with the Dayton Police Department. Her favorite part of DLA are the students and being able to serve her community! She loves the great outdoors and spending time with family.
Dean of Students
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Mr Matthews graduated from Stivers High School for the Arts. He is certified in Violence Prevention, Youth Specialist, and Rites of Passage.
He has worked with youth for over 15 years and is the founder of Chosen Generation Mentoring Program.
He loves the school culture, friendly environment, and the love for family engagement.
K-2 TEAM
Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Byrd has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. She brings a solid foundation in child development and effective teaching techniques to the classroom. Her approach emphasizes cultivating a love for learning through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and collaborative projects. In our warm and inclusive environment, your child will be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and build important social-emotional skills. She values open communication with parents and believes that together, we can create a supportive community for your child's growth. She looks forward to a year of exciting discoveries and meaningful learning experiences!
K-2 Instructional Aid
Mrs. Eyler graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio
B.A. psychology She also studied at Mount Saint Mary’s University in
Emmitsburg, Maryland MBA. She worked as a Detention Counselor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She also worked as a Special Education Teacher in Hagerstown, Maryland and a Probation and Parole Officer in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She has also worked as an Instructional Aide in Special Education at Northmont Schools.
She likes the supportive culture of the staff as well as the students here at DLA. The teachers are dedicated to educating the students and helping them excel. She feels the various ceremonies are great self esteem and motivational concepts.
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Hooks has 10 years of experience in the Early childhood education field. This is her first year being a first grade teacher! She is a graduate from Ponitz ctc, Alumni of the sister school to DLA (Dayton Academy), She has 2 children (girls). She is excited to work with dla helping enhance children's learning experience.
Kindergarten Teacher
Miss. Houser has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. She has been working with kiddos for a couple of years now. Although this is her first year as a teacher. Miss. Houser is dedicated to ensure student success and leadership. She is looking forward to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment within her classroom. Miss. Houser is excited to work within the DLA community. Go Eagles!
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. McDaniel was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Attended Wilberforce University and has a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and has been in the education field for 14 years. Second year working as a First Grade Teacher. What she loves about DLA is being a Voice to the Parents to spread the awareness of how Education is Very Important and Key.
2nd Grade Teacher
Hannah Salaiz graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She loves that the DLA community is supportive, welcoming, and dedicated to fostering leadership.
Kindergarten Teacher
Caitlin Triolo-Knight is a third year Kindergarten teacher. She moved here after teaching in Cincinnati for two years. Before Cincinnati, she lived in Colorado and grew up in California. She just finished her Teach for America program and graduated from University of Colorado Springs in 2022 with her Masters in Sociology. In her free time, Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and one year old son. She has one very orange cat and one dog. She also likes to hike, build Lego sets and swim.
3-5 TEAM
5th Grade Science
Introducing Mr. McClure, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher with a passion for empowering students to make a positive impact on the world. With prior experience as a science teacher at Fairview Elementary and as the head swim coach for Ponitz High School, he brings a dynamic approach to education. Mr. McClure believes in creating a safe, inclusive space where students can explore their interests and grow as responsible global citizens. Join his class at DLA and embark on an inspiring journey of learning and personal development.
3rd Grade Teacher
My name is Treeial Dotson I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Central State University. I have a Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. I have taught in the Education Field for sixteen years and I really enjoy what I do. I love inspiring the minds of the future.
5th Grade Math Teacher
Hello! My name is Terriona Green, and I am excited to join Dayton Leadership Academies as the 5th grade math teacher. I am a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in education. As a first-year teacher, I am passionate about helping students build confidence in math by making learning engaging, meaningful, and connected to real-world experiences.
3rd Grade Teacher
Shontel Harris is a dedicated third-grade teacher with a passion for creating engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Planning. With over three years of teaching experience, Shontel is committed to helping all students grow academically and socially.
4th Grade Math
My name is Shirmaine Vaughn, 4th grade Math teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Speech and Theater Art at Philippine Normal University - National Center for Teacher Education. This is my 7th year teaching. I taught 2nd grade in the Philippines for 2 years, preschool in Japan for 2 years, and 3rd grade here in the United States for 2 years as well. I love how DLA invests and supports their teachers to make sure students get the best education and be successful in everything they do..
6-8 TEAM
7-8th Grade Math Teacher
Siobhan Brown is a graduate of Columbia Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration. She also attended Sinclair Community College, where she earned her Associates of Science. She spent over 10 years in the Real Estate industry before deciding to become a teacher and joining Teach for America.
6th Grade ELA
Ms. Foster has always had a passion for children and education since a young age. She graduated with a Bachelors in Middle Childhood Education from Wright State University. She is currently working on her Master's degree at Grand Canyon University. She has been in the education field and serving students of all backgrounds for 5 years. Ms. Foster is entering her 5th year as an ELA teacher with Dayton Leadership Academy. She is excited to embark on this new journey with DLA, and she is ready for the many opportunities that lie ahead. Ms. Foster believes that education should be engaging, rigorous, and be used as a gateway to new doors in life.
7th-8th Grade Science, Athletic Director
Mr. Kreischer went to college at BGSU and majored in Middle School Math and Science Education. He graduated in 2014.
DLA was his first teaching job and this is his 9th year here. He loves DLA for so many reasons but his favorite would have to be the students, staff, and focus of DLA. Education is important but making sure the learning is fun makes the whole journey enjoyable and more worthwhile for the students and the staff as well.
7th-8th Grade Writing and Social Studies
Ms. Lynn has a Bachelors of Science from Wright State University College of Education and Human Services.
She has been working in the Education field for over 2 years and has volunteered with children for over 2 years before working with DLA.
Ms. Lynn is dedicated to making sure our students have a voice and feel that they are important. "I found my passion for working with students at Dayton Leadership Academy and I could not imagine working anywhere else".
7th-8th ELA
James E. McDaniel III was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and has always had a heart for teaching. James’ alma martyr is Stivers School for the Arts where he served as the school ambassador and Sergeant at Arms. James has successfully completed his Associate of Art in Teacher Education at Eastern Gateway. He is now studying Middle Childhood Education 4-9th grade, focusing on ELA and SS. He was a Life Coach for Males of Color in The Office of Cultural Engagement and Inclusion at Dayton Public Schools where he has served at Roosevelt Elementary School, Kiser Elementary School, Ruskin Elementary School, Edison Elementary School, and Horace Mann Elementary School. James’ ministry is teaching others, especially young adults. James is a force of power, with a heart of service to serve others.
6th Grade Math Teacher
Selda Seppala is an experienced educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters degree from Lesley University. Selda brings a diverse international perspective to the classroom, having taught in various countries around the world. Recently, she has made Ohio her new home and is excited to bring her passion for education to the local community.
7th-8th Social Studies
Daisha Williams grew up in West Dayton, attending Thurgood Marshall STEM High School and furthering her education at the University of Dayton. This is where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a certificate in the Urban Teacher Academy, specializing in cultivating a culturally responsive classroom for a new generation of students. Ms. Williams pursued education because of the impact teachers left on her throughout her school career. She believes in advocating for all students and their unique needs, as they are the future of the country and need to be supported, challenged, and cared for as much as possible.
SPECIALS TEAM
Music Teacher
Mr. McCall is the Music Teacher/ Music Director of Voice of DLA Choir, here at The Dayton Leadership Academy with over 25 years of experience in General Music Education, Choral Singing, Music History. He is a Native of Detroit ,MI., where he began his education. He received his B.A. in Vocal Performance from Wilberforce University. He also has a Degree in Audio Recording Engineering from International College of Broadcasting. McCall has done Graduate studies work at University of Dayton and is currently working on his Master’s in Education at Grand Canyon University. Mr. McCall is an excellent singer who has appeared on 10 cd’s .McCall has Produced, Arranged , and Composed music for himself and Artist around the country. His latest song being The DLA school song completed .
Mr. McCall has enjoyed developing the young minds of thousands of youth and young adults around Montgomery Country as they explore the journey into the never ending world of Music. McCall believes by teaching them music, it will make a lasting impression in the world. Last year Mr. McCall started the Voices Of DLA and they had great success. The Choir consists of 25 Voices starting at 3rd - 5th Graders. They finished the year with four Performances.
“Music is a Universal language that reaches all, starting from the heart”, (RMcCall).
Physical Education Teacher
Miss Phelps is a native of Dayton, Ohio and joined Dayton Leadership Academy in 2015. She is a graduate of Colonel White High School and Central State University where she received her Bachelor’s in Physical Education. She has been able to leave a mark in the education field for over ten years serving in the areas of administration, counselor, tutor, and educator. She enjoys basketball, something that secured her scholarship to Central State University, and she still plays today. She is currently Assistant Coach of the girls basketball and track teams at Dayton Leadership Academy.
The unique thing about DLA is everyone is integrated well and all want the best for each student. It truly is a team effort for the better good of the students and the staff. Becoming a part of the DLA staff was an easy decision once she realized how the school’s goals for student success aligned with her goals. She aspires to empower students with the belief that they can do anything if they set goals and work hard.
Art Teacher
Miss Maiya graduated high school in Yellow Springs Ohio and obtained a bachelors of science in Fine Art from Skidmore College in upstate NY in 2014. She had the privilege to study abroad in Florence Italy where she furthered her Art education at (SACI) Studio Arts College International.
She has over 7 + years of experience teaching Art with various techniques to ALL ages.
She loves that DLA is such a close-knit community and could not ask for a better working environment. She thinks the staff pushes her to be a better version of herself.
INTERVENTION TEAM
3-4th Grade Intervention Specialist
Mrs. Herron was born and raised in Dayton,OH. She has her Associates Degree, and is currently attending Central State University to finish her Degree in Education. Mrs. Herron has six years of experience in Education; three of those years were spent with DPS. She has two children that inspire her everyday to be a better educator.
4-6 Reading Intervention
Mrs. Kisker attended Wheaton College, IL. BA, English Literature, Brandeis University. MFA, Acting and the London Academy of Performing Arts, London, UK. Shakespeare Performance. She is certified in Wilson Phonics and The Writing Revolution
She has taught middle School Drama, Weston, MA (1 yr); Kindermusik, Prince Georges County, MD (9 yrs) ; Preaching, MDiv Program, Drew Theological Seminary (1 yr) and Wesley Theological Seminary (9 yrs); Substitute Teacher, Pathway School of Discovery (2 yrs); Reading Interventionist, Dayton Leadership Academies (8 yrs)
She loves collaborating with creative teachers. At DLA, we are a team with a unifying vision. We have a strong presence of love and support, and a rich sense of humor. She especially love the students. She teaches in order to draw out the best in each young person. Regardless of their past performance or challenging circumstances, each student has multiple opportunities to step forward and shine; academically, personally, and as a crucial member of various smaller communities within the school.
5th-6th Grade Intervention Specialist
Mrs. Kraft has her Masters in Middle School Teaching. This is her second year at DLA. She loves the DLA model and how invested the school is in helping students be successful.
Intervention Specialist 4-5th Grade
Mr. Lewis attended Sinclair Community College and received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. He also has a B.A. in Organizational Leadership. He has served as a mentor in the inner city group for 17 years, been a youth Pastor and a youth specialist at Omega Baptist Church and Fort McKinley Church. He loves the flexibility, resources and loving atmosphere of DLA.
Intervention Coordinator
Ms. Mitchell has her Masters in Educational Leadership. She has been a teacher for 17 years! She enjoys collaborating with the DLA staff and learning new information to assist student learning experiences.