Dr. Christine Keck is a visionary PK–12 educator and school leader with over a decade of experience in school turnarounds and innovative model design. A Teach For America alumna and graduate of Vanderbilt, Columbia University, and the University of Rochester, she is the founder of The Meliora School, a proposed 6th–12th grade charter in Gwinnett County. Her career includes achieving 100% teacher retention at Harbins Prep, coaching leaders at Columbia University, and contributing research on AI in education, positioning her as a thought leader committed to schools where students and educators thrive.

Lyschel Shipp is a seasoned educator, strategic leader, and design thinker with over a decade of experience. She holds a BA in English (GSU) and MA in Education (NYU) along with certificates in UX Design and AI. She has taught in Dougherty, Bibb, and Gwinnett County Public Schools and at Clark Atlanta University. Her excellence in teaching earned her multiple recognitions, including Teacher of the Year, where she was also named a Top 5 educator districtwide. Lyschel has presented nationally with organizations such as NCTE, SREB, and the Harvard Alumni of Color Conference, and her work has been published in NCTE’s English Journal, Council Chronicle, and Growing Writers: Principles for High School Writers and Their Teachers.

Patty Jackson is an innovative educator, entrepreneur, and Gwinnett County resident with a BBA and MBA. A former math teacher with over seven years of classroom experience, she founded Cobachi C.R.E.A.M., transforming a STEM project into a six-figure business that inspires students through hands-on learning. She also co-developed a STEAM program centered on equity, critical thinking, and creativity, forging partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to expand opportunities for student success and innovation.

Polly Flinch, Esq. is a summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law and currently serves as in-house counsel for a global organization, advising on complex business matters. With a background in psychology and eight years of experience in marketing, she brings a unique perspective to her legal work. As a member of The Meliora School board, Polly contributes integrity, business insight, and a strong commitment to equity and excellence in education, guided by her law school’s motto: Truth and Service.

Rodney Goodwin is a Commercial Real Estate Broker with JLL Atlanta, where he works alongside Southeast Market Lead Tim McCarthy while building his portfolio and client base. He began his career at the College of Charleston, serving in multiple leadership roles with the Carter Real Estate Club and helping expand its membership from 40 to over 200. A member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors’ Young Commercial Realtor program, Rodney is committed to advancing in his field while mentoring and creating opportunities for future professionals.

Zenat is a community outreach and health educator with a Master’s in Public Health from Chamberlain University and an MBBS from Bangladesh. She has worked across both profit and non-profit sectors, advocating for vulnerable populations while remaining active in community initiatives. As founder of TNP Wellness, she leads programs that integrate mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices into schools and communities. A certified yoga and mindfulness instructor with advanced training from Brown University, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and MMTCP, Zenat is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where students and educators can thrive.