Meet Our Founders

Theron is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, who pursed his academic journey at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus on child development.  Alongside his role as a dedicated educator, Theron serves as the youth director, where he plays a vital role in guiding and mentoring young individuals.  He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  With marriage spanning fifteen years, Theron finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and six children.  His passion for child development, teaching and community involvement shines through his works, and making a positive impact on those around him.  

Ashley is a proud St. Louis, Missouri native, and completed her studies in psychology and child development at The University of Missouri Kansas City.  With a fervent passion for education and nurturing future leaders, Ashley is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students.  Beyond her role in education, Ashley is a member and holds a leadership role with Jack and Jill of America, Inc, and is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc .  Celebrating over fifteen years of marriage, Ashley and her husband are grateful parents to six amazing children, embodying love, support and inspiration to their family life, Ashley is committed to empowering students and creating a positive impact within her community and beyond.  

Meet Cynthia Diggs, an accomplished executive assistant and entrepreneur born in Colon, Panama.  She received her Bachelor degree in Fashion Design.  A dedicated mother of two, she balances her family life with a passionate career focused on transforming lives and spaces through strategic and organizational concepts.  With extensive experience in the educational sector, Cynthia is grateful for her role at Leadership Faith Academy, where she work tirelessly to support the next generation.  Her commitment to fostering an inspiring environment reflects her deep dedication to the academy's vision.  Cynthia enjoys movies, travel, fashion and decor as hobbies.

Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Curtasia Lenton is a graduate of Texas Woman's University, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Her primary goal is to enrich the student experience and elevate the vision of LFA. In addition to her role at the academy, Curtasia is the proprietor of a financial services firm. Proudly serving as an auntie, she adores her nieces and nephews. 

Jackie is a dedicated Kindergarten teacher with over seven years of experience in education.  She is passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering their development. She is thrilled to share the LFA vision, and work with our world changers!  Jackie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Arts from Texas Women's University.  Jackie and her husband have a beautiful daughter and she enjoys shopping, reading and dancing.  

Coach Lonai earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Hardin-Simmons University and boasts over two decades of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has imparted knowledge to students ranging from PreK to 4th grade, demonstrating a strong dedication to instilling foundational reading skills in children. Hailing from McKinney, Texas, Coach Lonai resides with her husband, three children, daughter-in-law, and one cherished grandson.

From Kansas City, Missouri Kennard later moved to Arkansas where he attended The University of Central Arkansas and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science Administration.  Kennard later continued his studies and went into education, with his first experience in Frisco ISD. Kennard and his wife, Stephanie are the proud parents of an incredible son.  He is an esteemed member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kennard is  focused on enriching the lives of students within the LFA community.   

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Coach Tierra brings a wealth of experience and passion to our 1st and 2nd grade class. With over 15 years of experience in education, nonprofit work, and corporate America, she has a diverse background that enriches her teaching approach.

Coach Tierra earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English and Business Administration from Texas Woman's University. Her academic journey, combined with her professional experience, equips her with the skills to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for her students. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Tierra strives to embody the principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood in both her personal and professional life.

At home, Coach Tierra and her husband are proud parents of a kindergartner, who also attends LFA, and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their newborn baby girl. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and collecting sneakers!

Coach Christi is thrilled to be apart of the LFA family. Originally from Dallas, TX, she holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Texas: one in International Studies and another in Spanish. These degrees have fueled her passion for cultural exchange and language acquisition. With five years of teaching experience, including positions in Madrid, Spain, and Cheonan, South Korea, she brings a global perspective to her classroom.

Dallas, TX native, Shakedra attended Texas Southern University and later earned her Degree in History.  Currently, as a coach at LFA, she is honored to help students develop their skills and reach their full potential.  She is passionate about History, and education.  Having over five years of classroom experience, Coach Shakedra prides herself in the ability to connect and motivate her students.  She truly enjoys reading, shopping and spending time with her family.  

 Dr. Latres M. Bell, Ph.D., MPH, is native of Charleston, South Carolina, where she truly holds her Gullah/Geechee Culture to heart. She is the wife of Patrick D. Bell, a native of Birmingham, AL, and mother of fraternal twin boys who are 7th graders at LFA. She is a proud graduate of Howard University – Biology cum laude. She has a Master of Public Health degree from Arizona School of Health Sciences (Delta Omega Honorary Society) and completed her Infectious Diseases training from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She earned a PhD from Liberty University in Developmental Psychology. She has completed the University of Pennsylvania’s Resilience Program which focuses on cognitive behavior and social problem-solving skills.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America – Greater Frisco Chapter and The Links, Incorporated. Dr. Bell enjoys spending time with her family, cooking/baking and traveling.

Keena is a mom to four, ranging in age nine to thirty.  Her youngest son, Micheal is an LFA student.  While earning a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English with a concentration in Secondary Education from Iowa State University, Keena became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  After graduating from Iowa State University, Keena began her teaching career in Chicago but soon discovered a love for retail, which moved her to Dallas, TX.  With over twenty years planning and buying to product development, Keena experienced a lay off, that led to the faith move into entrepreneurship.  She is the proud owner of a Batteries Plus Franchise in Irving, TX , alongside her husband.  Having a business gave Keena the flexible to return to the classroom and use her creativity to teach at LFA.  

Casha Slater, a Detroit native and wife of a personal trainer.  Together they have made fitness & health enjoyable lifestyle. She is a high-energy personal trainer, dance coach and affectionately called "Coach Cash" by the LFA students. Her and her husband Paul are the proud parents of one of LFA’s original worlds changers. When she’s not training others towards a successful path of health and wellness, she enjoys traveling, shopping and spending time with her family and friends. 

Damien Gibson, a native New Orleanian, picked up his first instrument, the guitar,
in the third grade.  Damien continued his musical studies at Loyola University, studying under Joseph Hebert, Dean Angeles, Steve Cohen, Valerie Poulette, and John Reeks. At the University of North Texas, he completed graduate studies under the tutelage of Angel Brusilov and James Gillespie. Damien was very humbled to be distinguished as a Concerto Competition finalist at both Loyola University and the University of North Texas.  Damien enjoys teaching music, and sparking a passion in youth.  

LaToria grew up in Irving, Texas, and later graduated with an associate degree from Tyler Junior College. During that time, she developed a passion for pouring into the next generation through her work with the Mentoring Alliance. Currently, she is majoring in Commercial Music and minoring in Public Relations at the University of North Texas. LaToria enjoys serving her church and community.  She also loves hiking, writing, live music, and spending quality time with friends.