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Our Team

School Leadership

The hardworking leadership team at Memphis Merit Academy ensures each student receives the education they need in an environment that is safe, positive and encouraging. They are the heart and soul of our school and have a direct and positive impact on every child.

Lakenna Booker
FOUNDER & HEAD OF SCHOOL
Lakenna Booker
FOUNDER & HEAD OF SCHOOL

Mrs. Lakenna Booker, MAT, has an extensive background in STEM education with over a decade in urban education. In 2013, she published The 5E's of Inquiry-Based Science with Teacher Created Materials, Inc.


Mrs. Booker grew up in the Parkway Village community. She attended Goodlett Elementary School and graduated valedictorian from Sheffield High School in 2002. Through philanthropy from the Memphis Rotary Club, she attended Phillips Exeter Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Exeter, NH. The experience showed Mrs. Booker that education looked different in other places and that education is truly the foundation for a successful future. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration on Cell and Molecular Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Mrs. Booker joined an alternative teacher licensing program through the University of Memphis. Mrs. Booker quickly discovered her purpose in life - to teach and unlock opportunity for others through the impartation of knowledge. Mrs. Booker is beyond proud to have started a high-performing charter school in her childhood community and is motivated each day by the students and families she has the privilege to serve.

Dr. Alexis Gwin-Miller
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOL/ LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Alexis Gwin-Miller
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOL/ LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Greetings Memphis Merit Family!


I am thrilled to share the exciting news that I have been appointed as the Interim Director of Lower School. It is an honor to step into this role and serve our vibrant community of students, parents, and educators.


As I embark on this journey, my focus remains steadfast on the well-being and education of our children. I believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. With this responsibility, I am reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela, who once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This resonates deeply with me, emphasizing the transformative power that education holds in shaping the future.


Our commitment to serving children goes beyond the confines of the classroom. It involves creating an inclusive and supportive environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Maya Angelou's wisdom captures this sentiment perfectly: "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color."


I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to collaborate with our dedicated faculty, engage with our passionate parents, and most importantly, guide and inspire our incredible students. Together, let us continue to cultivate an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.


I look forward to working closely with each of you and contributing to the continued success of our Lower School.




Best regards,




Dr. Alexis Gwin-Miller


Interim Director of Lower School


Memphis Merit Academy Charter School

Keva Taylor
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Keva Taylor
DEAN OF STUDENTS

Mrs. Keva Taylor is Memphis Merit Academy's Founding Dean of Students. Keva Taylor is a Memphis native and licensed professional school counselor for 10 years. Mrs. Taylor is a proud graduate of Sheffield High School. She is a first-generation college student. She attended and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Memphis. She obtained her Master’s degree of Education from Cambridge College in School Counseling. In 2021 she obtained an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Mississippi. Mrs. Taylor also is a licensed K-12 school administrator. She was inspired to become a school counselor and start her educational journey after watching a 60-minute feature on 20/20 of Memphis, TN infant mortality rate.  She enjoys motivating students and working with students and families to provide support in all aspects during their educational journey. Mrs. Taylor mission is to help students learn about themselves and develop in three areas: personal/social, education, and career. She believes that every student can learn and become successful students & citizens. She advocates for students to ensure that all educational and behavioral needs are met.


Tamika Ford
DEAN OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Tamika Ford
DEAN OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Mrs. Ford has been a part of Memphis Merit Academy Charter School since the founding year in 2019. Mrs. Ford began her career as the Student Support Coordinator for MMA in 2019 and has advanced over the years to the Dean of Special Populations. Mrs. Ford brings a genuine love for ensuring ALL students have an equitable, rigorous, and supportive education. Mrs. Ford is responsible for the overall compliance of MMA's special populations inclusive of special education services, ELL learners, Section 504, Characteristics of Dyslexia, and more. Mrs. Ford obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of Memphis, and continued her education at Freed-Hardeman University gaining a Master's of Education and Education Specialist degree. Mrs. Ford is also a licensed administrator as designated by TDOE. 

Angelina Mccoach
INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITATOR
Angelina Mccoach
INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITATOR

Mrs. Angelina Mccoach is the Founding Instructional Facilitator for MMA. Mrs. Mccoach brings a wealth of knowledge with her background in accounting, math instruction, and dynamic experience as a highly effective educator. Mrs. Mccoach has obtained a Bachelor's of Arts in Accounting from the University of TN at Martin and a Master's of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis. Mrs. Mccoach serves as MMA's direct supervisor for federal programs compliance. 

Jennifer Ellis
INSTRUCTIONAL COACH & RTI COORDINATOR
Jennifer Ellis
INSTRUCTIONAL COACH & RTI COORDINATOR

Mrs. Jennifer Ellis is an experienced educator and champion for learning. Mrs. Ellis brings a wealth of knowledge in instructional leadership and teaching in English Language Arts. Mrs. Ellis is focused on ensuring all scholars have  rigorous and high quality learning while matriculating at MMA. 

Lenora Eubanks
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Lenora Eubanks
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Mrs. Lenora Eubanks is a nationally board certified professional school counselor. Mrs. Eubanks brings to the MMA a wealth of knowledge in supporting scholars in crisis prevention and intervention. Mrs. Eubanks is a the direct manager for threat assessments, Section 504, and counseling services for scholars. Mrs. Eubanks believes ALL scholars have a voice and can learn in a supportive environment. 

Jose Alvarez
ENROLLMENT & RECRUITMENT MANAGER
Jose Alvarez
ENROLLMENT & RECRUITMENT MANAGER

Mr. Jose Alvarez is a dynamic leader and voice for our school community. Mr. Alvarez brings a wealth of knowledge with his background of service in the United States Marine Corps as a Communication Specialist, several national experiences as a bilingual ambassador for the Hispanic community, ESL teacher for grades K-8, and as a Community Engagement Manager for other local successful charter networks. Mr. Alvarez is indeed an advocate for the ensuring equatable high quality education for all students with an atuned and affectionate advocacy for the Hispanic community in the Greater Memphis area. Mr. Alvarez has obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and Masters in TESOL in Applied Linguistics from Boricua College. 

Tasia Mitchum
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Tasia Mitchum
OPERATIONS MANAGER

Ms. Tasia Mitchum brings to MMA a wealth of experience in operational excellence focused in accounting and vendor relationships. Ms. Mitchum is equipped with business acumen to support school operations and make key decisions regarding operational excellence. Ms. Mitchum is a dynamic operational leader for MMA ensuring each scholar's educational experience is not hindered by non-instructional challenges and that they are filled with supportive systems and structures to allow MMA to thrive. Ms. Mitchum is a proud graduate from THE Jackson State University with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science in Chemistry. Ms. Mitchum's eagerness and passion for learning makes her particularly atuned for leading operations at MMA and carrying out the mission of Memphis Merit Academy Charter School. 

Eden Swinney
MENTOR TEACHER
Eden Swinney
MENTOR TEACHER

Mrs. Eden Swinney brings to MMA a wealth of knowledge in creating a strong learning environment. Mrs. Swinney brings a joy for learning to her scholars everyday at MMA. While doing so, Mrs. Swinney works to support newly hired teachers and novice teachers to thrive at MMA. 

Faculty Portal

Board Members

Our dedicated board members provide oversight of our school. They work tirelessly to ensure the school is running smoothly and to the best of its ability. 

Public Notice of Meetings & Agendas Board Policies
Angelia Allen
BOARD TREASURER
Angelia Allen
BOARD TREASURER

Angelia Atkins Allen developed, implemented, and managed compliance and risk operations in the financial services industry with a focus on consumer protection, economic development, and community advocacy. After a career in the financial services industry, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector and is currently a member of the executive leadership team at United Way of the Mid-South. As the Chief Program Officer, she is responsible for leading program assessment, funding strategies, and management of key relationships with collaborative and partner organizations, agencies, and community stakeholders. Allen is proud to be part of the process designed to create positive community change by leveraging collaboration among stakeholders to provide equitable access to resources that can transform the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

She has been a board chair and executive leadership team member for several non-profit entities focused on community and economic development. Allen has advocated for senior welfare, child safety, and early childhood education. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-South and is a member of the founding Board of Directors for Memphis Merit Academy Charter School.

Timorie Belk
BOARD SECRETARY
Timorie Belk
BOARD SECRETARY

Timorie Belk joined the Memphis Merit Academy Board of Directors in 2021. Her family moved to Memphis when she was in elementary school when her mom was stationed in Millington, TN with the U.S. Navy. Timorie graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Journalism. After graduation, Timorie moved back to Memphis and spent 8 years working for local nonprofits - coordinating volunteers and fundraising. In 2017, she transitioned to the marketing world, joining VMLY&R to execute events for the U.S. Navy. She was with VMLY&R for five years before taking a remote position with a small marketing agency based in New Orleans called LIGHT+CO. Timorie has one daughter and uses her unique blend of professional event-planning and marketing experience and personal experience as a mom to support the faculty, staff and scholars at Memphis Merit Academy.

Dimika Cavalier
Dimika Cavalier

Dimika joined the Memphis Merit Academy Board of Directors in 2022. Dimika earned a B.S. in Biology from Hampton University and a Master of Forensic Sciences from National University. She left her career in forensic sciences due to health reasons. Dimika collaborates with various groups sharing her experience and insight, while also advocating for diversity and inclusion in healthcare and research. She is co-chair of the Research, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) Council at iConquerMS – a network which brings together people living with MS, their care partners, researchers and others to understand MS and search for solutions. She also serves on the iConquerMS Governing Board. She is a member of the Patient Engagement Research Council (PERC) for Janssen Scientific Affairs. She is also a Consumer Reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. 


Tressa Johnson
Tressa Johnson

Tressa V. Johnson is an employment law attorney and a founding partner of Johnson & Bennett, PLLC, in Memphis. Tressa represents workers in the Memphis metropolitan area and throughout Mississippi in employment litigation matters. Over the course of her career, Tressa has recovered considerable amounts in verdicts and settlements for her clients. In honor of her accomplishments, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum invited her to become a life member of the organization, which is composed of attorneys who have obtained recoveries of $1 million or more for their Clients. She has been named as a Mid-South Super Lawyer from 2018-2023. In 2019, Tressa won Best of Bar in Small Firm through the Memphis Business Journal. In 2020, Tressa and her partner were featured in Super Lawyer’s Magazine.

Outside of her practice, Tressa enjoys staying active in her legal community. She enjoys serving as the Governance Committee Chair for the Memphis Merit Academy and the Treasurer for the Memphis Chapter of the Ladies of Charity. Raised in New Orleans, Tressa earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Tressa cherishes and loves her husband and four children. They are a huge part of the reason behind all of her efforts.

Lashawn Lester
Lashawn Lester

Aurelia McBride
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Aurelia McBride
BOARD VICE CHAIR

Aurelia V. McBride serves as Associate Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, representing the United States Government in immigration proceedings. Prior to joining DHS, Aurelia was in private practice at the law firm of a Glanker Brown, PLC, focusing on commercial litigation and personal injury law. Aurelia has also worked with the law firm of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Aurelia received her Bachelor’s Degree from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and her Juris Doctorate from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis in 2015. 

Aurelia is an active member of the Memphis community and also serves on the Board of Directors for Memphis Area Legal Services. As a wife and mother of three, she is committed to access to education and justice for all.

Joseph McKinney
Joseph McKinney

Joseph is a native Memphian who enjoys the privilege of serving his community. Joseph holds a deep passion for community service. This passion is rooted in his recognition that he has benefited greatly from the sacrifice and service of those who came before him and that he has a responsibility to serve those who will come after him. Joseph is currently a Senior Counsel on the Global Data Privacy team at FedEx, where he focuses on helping FedEx remain compliant with data privacy laws around the world.

Joseph is a product of legacy Memphis City Schools. After graduating from Central High School, he went on to attend Rhodes College where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration. Joseph received his J.D. from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.

Joseph began his legal practice as a civil litigator in the Nashville office of Dickinson Wright PLLC, TN. While there, he served on the Napier Looby Bar Foundation Board of Directors for several years before being elected President of the Foundation. He also served as President-elect of the Napier Looby Bar Association, a member of the Nashville Bar Association’s Minority Opportunity Committee and Young Lawyer’s Division Board of Directors.

Joseph returned to Memphis in 2017 after taking a job at ALSAC-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Joseph began serving on the Shelby County Mayor’s Young Professional Council and Board President for Aster College Prep Charter School. Joseph currently serves as a member of the Memphis Bar Association’s Leadership Scholars Committee, Chair of the Ben F. Jones A.A. Latting Awards Committee, and as Board Member (Director at Large, West Tennessee) for the Association of Corporate Counsel -Tennessee. Joseph also enjoys serving on the Educational Committee and Youth Ministry at his church. In his spare time, Joseph is a family man to his heart and enjoys being a loving husband to his wife LaChina and father to their three children.

Melisa Moore
BOARD CHAIR
Melisa Moore
BOARD CHAIR

Melisa Moore is a native Memphian and founding member of the Board of Directors of Memphis Merit Academy. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Martin, with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in English. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law where she was a member of Law Review and research assistant for well-known civil procedure professor, Robert Banks. Following law school, Melisa practiced at a regional insurance defense firm in Memphis before transitioning to Burch Porter & Johnson PLLC as an associate. In 2018, Melisa became an equity member at Burch Porter where she focused her practice on insurance defense and general civil litigation matters. In November 2022, Melisa joined the Office of General Counsel at UTHSC and handles FERPA issues, student discipline and accommodations, Title IX, and other employment, academic, and student affairs matters. Not only is Melisa a legal whiz, but she is also a parent and lends both her professional and personal experiences to the betterment of Memphis Merit Academy through board service. 

Talunja Prophet
Talunja Prophet

Stacey Richards
Stacey Richards

Stacey Richards is a senior vice president and financial advisor for Pinnacle Financial Partners in Memphis. Stacey began her career in financial services in 1991 at National Bank of Commerce, where she worked her way up to money market manager. In 1996, she left NBC and took an opportunity to be an assistant branch manager for First American National

Bank. She stayed there until she joined First Tennessee Bank (FTB) in 1998 and began a new career as an Investment Officer in the company’s brokerage division. Stacey later returned to her banking roots and was a Senior Vice President with First Tennessee's Memphis Private Banking group for over ten years. In 2015, she left FTB and was a part of the group that started

Pinnacle Bank in Memphis, where she continues to enjoy her career in Private and Business banking.

A native Memphian, she graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Management

from the University of Memphis. Stacey is active in the greater Memphis community. She is currently serving as a board member

for Memphis Museum of Science and History. Stacey has two sons, Tyler Richards, who graduated Summa Cum Laude in May

2022 from Washington University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Bryce Richards, who is a rising junior at UT Knoxville and is studying Computer Science. She 

attends church at St. Michael Catholic Church, and enjoys biking, Orangetheory

Fitness, gardening, and cooking.


Job Opportunities

Would you like to join our team and contribute to the success of MMA and the scholars we serve? Please take a look at our open positions. If you have questions or would like to apply, please reach out to us!


  • Classroom Teachers (certified K-6th Grade)
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Assistant
  • Interventionist (K-2)
  • Enrichment Teacher (STEM, Music, Foreign Language)
  • Substitute Teachers
  • Tutors
  • Aftercare attendants
CONTACT US
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