Dr. Christine Keck is a visionary educator and dynamic school leader with over a decade of experience in PK–12 education. A Teach For America alumna and an alumna of Vanderbilt, Columbia University and the University of Rochester, she has led successful school turnarounds and founded innovative school models rooted in equity, community, and academic excellence. As the founder of The Meliora School, a proposed 6th–12th grade charter school in Gwinnett County, Dr. Keck is leading efforts to integrate entrepreneurship and computer science into a student-centered curriculum.

From achieving 100% teacher retention at Harbins Prep to coaching leaders at Columbia University, her work reflects a deep commitment to creating schools where students and educators thrive. Her research on AI in education and her global involvement with networks like Teach For All position her as a thought leader shaping the future of learning.

Lyschel Shipp is a seasoned educator, curriculum designer, and former department chair with over a decade of experience in secondary and postsecondary education. She holds degrees from Georgia State University and NYU, and has taught English at high schools across Georgia as well as Clark Atlanta University.

A two-time award-winning teacher, Lyschel was honored as Teacher of the Year at Central High School and named a Top 5 educator out of 1,500 in Bibb County. She is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English, where she has served as a presenter, proposal coach, and reviewer. Her published work includes contributions to English Journal, Council Chronicle, and the textbook Growing Writers. Passionate about student achievement and literacy, Lyschel continues to shape the future of education through her writing, speaking, and curriculum development.

Patty Jackson is an innovative educator, entrepreneur, and longtime Gwinnett County resident with a BBA and MBA. With over seven years of experience as a math teacher, she blends business and education to create meaningful learning opportunities. As the founder of Cobachi C.R.E.A.M., she transformed a STEM project into a successful six-figure business that inspires students through hands-on learning.

Patty co-developed a STEAM program focused on equity, critical thinking, and creativity, and has built strong partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Her deep local ties and visionary leadership make her a powerful advocate for student success and educational innovation.

Dr. Christina Anagonye is a dedicated educator, mentor, and community leader with a passion for equity, academic excellence, and youth empowerment. She holds an M.D. from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where she also earned a certificate in Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved, as well as an M.B.A. in Global Supply Chain and International Business from Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Anagonye is the Founder and Executive Director of Uloma Immigrants’ House, where she leads programs that support marginalized communities. Her work in mentorship and youth development includes instructing at Reach Out to Youth, facilitating with MSU’s Health Sciences Scholar Institute, and mentoring through organizations like Peckham and the Student National Medical Association. With experience in research, public health, and systemic advocacy, she brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to community-based education to The Meliora School board.

Polly Flinch, Esq. is a distinguished legal professional with a unique background in law, psychology, and marketing. A summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Polly currently serves as in-house counsel for a global organization, where she provides strategic legal guidance on complex business matters.

Before entering the legal field, Polly spent eight years in marketing, honing her skills in communication, strategy, and problem-solving. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester, giving her a well-rounded perspective on human behavior and decision-making. As a member of The Meliora School board, Polly brings integrity, business insight, and a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in education—guided by her law school’s motto: Truth and Service.

Danielle Brunson, Ed.S (she/her/ella) is an educator, wellness expert, and the founder of TNP Wellness. With over two decades of experience across public and private education, Danielle has held roles from classroom teacher to principal and district leader—always with a focus on educator support and whole-child development.

Now through TNP Wellness, she leads innovative programs that integrate mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices into schools and communities. Danielle is a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor, holding over 500 hours of YACEP training and additional certifications from institutions like Brown University and Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. She’s also a graduate of the prestigious Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP).

Blending her expertise in education and wellness, Danielle helps create safe, inclusive spaces where students and educators can thrive—emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Rodney Goodwin is a commercial real estate broker with JLL Atlanta. He began my real estate career at The College of Charleston, where he studied and received mentorship under the Real Estate Director, Dr. Elaine Worzala. While attending the College of Charleston, he held three (3) Executive Leadership roles with the Carter Real Estate Club as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. He assisted in the growth of the Carter Real Estate Club from forty (40) members to 215 members within the four years studying Business and Real Estate in college. 

In 2018, he transitioned to Atlanta assuming the role as a Commercial Real Estate broker with Ackerman & Co. After working for Ackerman & Co. for almost three years, he then was sought out and selected for an Associate role within JLL Atlanta. I work directly with the Market Lead of the Southeast for JLL, Tim McCarthy. He is currently developing and growing my book of business within commercial real estate. 

He is also a Young Commercial Realtor Member with the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors. His goals are to continue to evolve within the career and join organizations where he can assume Leadership roles on Executive Boards such as Meliora School to help the future generation of leaders evolve and provide opportunities of exposure conducive to their career and life goals.