EXCEL LEARNING’S MISSION

After twenty-eight years in secondary public education, I am transitioning to Director for Excel Learning Academy. Excel provides what students and parents need, and what every classroom teacher wants: positive intervention and tutoring, centered on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Excel’s unique approach to learning ensures success for everyone. What makes us different from the others? Our staff of tutors are highly qualified professionals in their fields of study. Each staff member has a degree in their teaching area and has served as a public educator for at least five years – some as many as thirty-five years! I’m proud to be associated with them and I’m proud to be leading this team of exceptional educators. I believe a person’s story reveals the core of who they are. Let me share the best part of mine: I’m a Christian. I believe the most vital relationship in my life is my relationship with Christ. Ask me about it sometime. I’m a wife. Forty years ago I married my best friend and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world because he chose me to be his wife. I have three intelligent, delightful children – Tommy, our son, and Chelsea and husband, Kody. Between the two families, they have given us six incredible, unique, adorable grandchildren. Those kids have taught us more about life, parenting, and unconditional love than any other experience we’ve ever had. I’m a teacher. Not because I have to be or because I couldn’t do anything else, but because I’m called to be. I love what I do and I’ve come to understand that a great teacher can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life. I have taught seventh through twelfth grade, and am certified in English 6-12, English As A Second Language, Reading (all level), and Speech. I’ve spent the past twenty-six years of my teaching career within Arlington Independent School District, with twenty-four years at Martin High School, teaching freshman-senior English. TSI, SAT, and ACT tutoring/test preps have also been a part of my yearly schedule. I’ve received two Teacher of the Year nominations, and have served as Level Leader for Senior English for the past three years. I'm honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Tarrant Academy of Faith & Arts.

I was born in Louisiana and moved with my family to Arlington in the 1970’s when my father was transferred here. l attended Nichols, Shackleford and eventually graduated from Lamar High School. From there I attended Midwestern State University and graduated with a BS in Education and English and later obtained my Master’s degree in history. I love being in the classroom and wanted to become a teacher from my earliest days. I taught in Fort Worth for one year before I moved with my husband and children to Seattle, Washington. While living in Washington I homeschooled my children for 15 years before we returned to Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I spent homeschooling my children and feel that it was a blessing to them as well as to me. I have many happy memories of those days and our experiences. After our return to Texas, I began teaching in Mansfield ISD and later moved to Arlington ISD. I am currently teaching English at Martin High School. In addition to my English certification for grades 1-12, I am certified in history, journalism and ESL. I have a deep love for literature and history and try to incorporate both into my lessons to help my students form their own personal connection to literature and develop a lifelong love of reading. I live in Arlington with my husband and our three dogs. My husband and I love to travel and do so whenever possible. We also love camping, fly fishing, gardening and woodworking. I have three sons and two daughters. Most of them live in this area so I am able to see them and my nine grandchildren frequently which is one of the greatest joys of my life.

Baleigh Alverson received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Dallas Baptist University. She taught 1st grade for 3 years at Dunn Elementary School and is trained and practiced in the Science of Teaching Reading. Baleigh is passionate about breaking down the walls that convince children they "can't" read, and finding the strategies that work for each child. She has a special focus and passion on phonics, reading and writing. Baleigh uses a program called "Secret Stories" that cracks the reading code with the brain in mind. She has found phenomenal success with her students using this method and is excited to share it with many more. Baleigh grew up in Arlington and graduated from Martin High School, Go Warriors! She enjoys traveling and hanging out with her two pups Nala and Lilo. Baleigh is a huge Disney fan, quiz her any time! During her free time, you can find her hanging out with her community group from church, snuggling up on the couch for a Marvel movie or, most often, reading.

Travis Ellison is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, but after graduating from UTA found a home in Arlington. He has had a lifelong love of teaching and helping people find self-confidence. He has trained in martial arts for over 15 years including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kombatan, Krav Maga, and Tang Soo Do. He is a 3td degree black belt in martial arts. Travis lives in Arlington with his wife Grace, and their two fur-babies, Cricket and Mouse. He loves teaching, encouraging others, sit-coms (his favorite is The Office) pushing himself in the gym, and competing. Travis's goal in life is seeing others achieve theirs!

Penny Thompson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, with special distinction from the University of Oklahoma. She has taught students from second grade through twelfth grade. Penny is currently teaching ESL, Special Education, Reading Improvement, and Dyslexic students at the junior high level. Her teaching career spans 25 years. Penny’s goal is to teach children the skills of encoding and decoding, so they become successful readers. She makes lessons fun and engaging to encourage students to become lifelong learners. Penny is excited to become a part of students’ journeys to success! Penny lives in Arlington and is mom to Bodie, 18 years old, and Chloe, 15 years old. She enjoys yoga, reading, podcasts, movies, and traveling. She also shares her home with Violet, her Great Dane, and Blue, her Husky. Penny loves spending time with her family and friends. There is never a dull moment in the Thompson household!

David Rakes is a transplant from the East Coast where he grew up in Maryland and Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University in Computer Science and has worked as a Systems and Software Engineer for over 43 years. His job brought him to Arlington over 25 years ago, and he is glad to be here! David has taught classes at his company in C++ and Monte Carlo simulations. He is a registered math tutor with the AISD school system. David is married to Carol Rakes, who recently retired from Martin High School where she worked over 16 years as an Attendance Clerk. They raised three children, all graduates of Martin High School and Baylor University. They also have five grandchildren with one on the way! David is looking forward to retirement where he can travel with his wife as well as help students excel in their studies, particularly in the area of math.

Debbie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. Debbie taught 8th grade math and Pre-AP Algebra I for 26 years at Gunn Junior High in Arlington, Texas. She also taught high school Geometry in Mansfield. Debbie lives in Arlington with her husband, Curtis. They have two adult children, Alison and her husband Chris, and Jonathan and his wife Bethany. Debbie is a very proud Nana to Jonathan and Bethany’s adorable sons Caspian (3) and Theo (1). After retiring in 2018, Debbie has enjoyed a variety of hobbies including quilting, gardening, traveling, and volunteering. Debbie looks forward to sharing her passion for math with her students.

I believe that every student can learn to confidently write well and deserves to see writing as a gift and not a chore. Students can learn to write well for any purpose, audience, or occasion, and I am passionate about helping them fall in love with writing. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, and then I went on to get my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching for thirteen years and my classroom experience includes both nine years teaching at the high school level and four years teaching at the elementary level. I have taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and English I, Pre-AP English I, English II, Pre-AP English II, World Experience: Pre-AP World Literature, English III, and AP English III: Language and Composition. I firmly believe that God has given me opportunities to work with both elementary and secondary students in order to bridge the gap between them and develop strategies for both alignment and confident content acquisition for writing in kindergarten through twelfth grade. While I am certified in ELAR and ESL, I most love helping students discover and improve their writing skills. I live in Arlington with my husband, Brandon, and our three sweet kiddos. I love Jesus and love serving in my local church. I love to walk and spend time adventuring with my family. I currently teach 5th grade English and History at a local elementary school, and I have the privilege of working with teachers to help students EXCEL in their writing! I’d be honored to partner with you to catalyze your student’s success in writing!

Julie Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Mathematics and English from Stephen F. Austin State University. She then went on to earn a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. She spent five years in the classroom, and was promoted to a middle and elementary school vice-principal for 5 years. After 10 years in education, she resigned to begin staying at home with her children. She has homeschooled her children for the last 11 years and continues to teach other homeschoolers mathematics. She loves to help others and see that light bulb moment when they begin to understand concepts. Julie lives in Crowley with her husband of twenty years, Erik. They have three children that keep them busy with band concerts, theater shows, ballet recitals and choir concerts. In her spare time, she is volunteering with her church children’s and youth ministries and at her children’s school.

Prior to graduating with honors from ATI Career Training Institute in 1996, Pat was a stay-at-home mother and school and church volunteer. After graduating, she began her award-winning Graphic Design career with a local design firm. After three years of rush hour traffic, the decision was made to do free-lance graphic work, and as of last year, another monumental decision - RETIREMENT! Seven years ago, after reading about the adventures of a women’s-only camping group, Pat purchased a vintage travel trailer and started her “glamping” journey. Shortly after joining the group, she was introduced to the ukulele and helped a group of gals in California put together a ukulele song book to be used in a large camping event. She combined the best of all three worlds - graphics, camping, and ukulele! At the very beginning of her camping/ukulele adventures, while attending a campout, the hostess of the next event announced that there would be a ukulele workshop at her campout, and that Pat would be leading it! Now, six years later, Pat has taught multiple workshops in campgrounds around the state of Texas, sharing the love of ukulele with hundreds of women. She is excited about teaching ukulele with adults and children at Excel Learning!

Teresa Wilson is currently serving in her 48th year in public education. She obtained a B.A. degree in Education (English major/ History minor) from Howard Payne University and a Masters of Education/Administration degree from Tarleton University. Teresa taught 7/8 English in Everman ISD for 11 years, served as an adjunct Professor in the UTA Department of Education for 16 years, and then taught for 21 years on the campus of Young Jr. High by tutoring, starting the Grade Recovery Program, teaching 7/8 English, and then implementing and coordinating the AVID Program for 11 years. After her “official” retirement in 2017, she continues to remain active on that campus as an AVID tutor and a substitute. Teresa and her husband David are west Texas natives, moving to Arlington in 1975. Their two children grew up attending Arlington ISD schools. She is an avid community volunteer, with long years of service on the Miss Arlington Board of Directors, Junior League of Arlington, and A.W.A.R.E Foundation Board of Directors, as well as numerous other community volunteer capacities. Teresa is a proud Texas PTA member since 1985, having served on Pre-School, elementary, junior high, and high school PTA boards. She looks forward to having a positive connection with your students and assisting them in being successful in their educational pursuits.

Janet has been married to her high school boyfriend, David, for the past 43 years! David and Janet have two beautiful daughters, two fantastic sons-in-law, and four precious grandchildren. Janet was born in Arlington and never left. Janet graduated from Texas Wesley University with a degree in elementary education and taught in AISD for 36 years at Butler and Dunn. She has taught Kinder, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades and was the Team Lead for 5th grade from 2005-2019. Janet received two Teacher of the Year awards from AISD - 1981 from Butler Elementary and 2016 from Dunn Elementary. She also received the Masonic Teacher of Excellence award for the Arlington High School cluster in 2016 and was additionally awarded the Masonic Teacher of Excellence award for AISD that same year. In her honor, Dunn Elementary now gives an exceptional 5th grade student the "Moore Giving Award" for giving "more" to everything: academics, behavior, service to school and community. Janet's legacy of going above and beyond continues to be recognized in the lives of the students at Dunn Elementary.

Laura Ebanks graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Science Education, and has a Masters Degree in Education, also from Texas Christian University. Laura is certified to teach 4-12 Science, and has experience teaching Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Earth and Space, and Environmental Science. She has taught for eleven years, the last five in Arlington ISD at Martin High School. Laura is a Google Certified Educator, a club sponsor at Martin, and loves volunteering when she can. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, with the dream of visiting every state and continent (she’s half-way there!). One of her favorite things to do is read about scientific and historic discoveries that she can incorporate into her teaching to give students real examples that can be applied to their learning.

Deborah Conant has been teaching Spanish at Martin High School since 2003, the year she moved from New York to Texas. Although her college degree is a B.A. in Spanish, her initial intent was not teaching. While raising three children, Deb worked as a youth director at a YMCA. Besides promoting children’s programs and daycare, she taught aerobics and tutored various kids. She substituted for a while to see if teaching was a good fit. Feeling that teaching actually was her calling, Deb furthered her education and obtained her teaching certification and Master’s degree in Education. After teaching Spanish in a local high school for 3 years in NY, the south was calling her! She has taught levels 1-4 and currently teaches levels 2 and Advanced 3. Her favorite pastime is FaceTiming with her 4 grandchildren in NY. Deb also enjoys spending time with her family, walking, swimming and playing cards.

Loretta Ross is a retired Elementary Teacher and Elementary Principal. She retired from Grapevine Colleyville ISD in 2009. She has taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade in the school setting. She has also taught 3-year-olds and Kindergarten in her church. She is currently teaching 2nd graders in Sunday school each Sunday. Ms. Ross has enjoyed retirement but has not left teaching children. She teaches Bible Study Fellowship children and is a CASA volunteer for foster children. Ms. Ross loves planning and teaching children. Loretta Ross is a single lady who truly loves children. She enjoys being with her friends and family. She loves to laugh, watch sports, play games and working jig saw puzzles. There is always a puzzle up on a table at her house. Ms. Ross has a new dog whose name is Dirk. He is named after the great Dirk who is probably the tallest man, she knows that every played basketball. The most important thing about Ms. Ross is she loves Jesus and loves sharing Jesus with children.

I knew at an early age that I wanted to be a teacher of young children. Growing up in Arlington, I attended area elementary and junior high schools, and graduated from Arlington High School. I attended UTA, graduating with a BA in English and Elementary Education. Soon after, I began my teaching career at Ditto Elementary, where I taught first grade, and then fourth grade. As my children were born, I was a stay-at-home-mom, yet expanded my interests and worked part time jobs which included proofing and scoping for court reporters. It wasn’t long before I returned to early childhood education, becoming the Director of the Early Childhood Program at Lake Arlington Baptist Church for six years. I returned to public education in 2001, teaching first grade at Mary Moore Elementary School, until my retirement in 2015. My certifications include: English as a Second Language as well as Gifted and Talented endorsement. After retirement, I tutored kindergarten at Dunn Elementary and then transitioned to Literacy Tutoring for Kinder-2nd grade at Duff Elementary. My goal is to share my love and passion for reading with the students I teach and tutor. I’ve been a member of Lake Church for 37 years and have been blessed with three grown married children, as well as nine grandchildren, ranging in age from two years old to seventeen years old. My happiest and most joyous times are when I am able to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends.

Dean Parlin is a proud product of Arlington ISD. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a degree in Speech Communications with a teaching certification. Dean added an additional teaching endorsement in Math and has taught secondary Mathematics, with specialization in Algebra and Geometry for the past twelve years. He has also coached football, basketball, volleyball, track, and soccer. Dean currently teaches Algebra and Geometry at Martin High School. Dean lives in Arlington, sharing the blessings of life with his beautiful wife, Katrina, and their amazing one-year old daughter, Tea. He enjoys golf, bicycle riding, gardening, and changing diapers! He considers it an honor to serve his community as a teacher and coach.

Susan Hall graduated from Texas Tech University earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Music Certification and a Master of Education in Supervision. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 33 years total and 30 years in Arlington ISD. During her tenure in Arlington, she earned certifications in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented studies. Since retirement, Susan has been tutoring Reading, Math, and Science for grades K-6 at Duff Elementary where she spent the last 28 years of her career. Susan has been married for 40 years to Murry, her college beau. They have 2 adult sons, 2 wonderful daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren ranging from newborn to 5 years old. In her choice time, she enjoys attending Lake Church, cooking, playing board games, watching sports (pre-2020, anyway), traveling, and time with family and friends.

Brianna Lavelle, a beach girl at heart, has lived in Arlington for eighteen years. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her juris doctorate from Southwestern School of Law in Los Angeles. She began teaching five years ago at Martin High School and loves it more each year. Algebra I and Algebra II, Pre-AP and Regular, as well as Geometry, are her favorite classes to teach. She understands that building confidence and encouraging students to think creatively makes learning math more personal and more fun! Brianna lives in Arlington with her husband, Jim, their three children, and dog. She enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and spending time with her family. Brianna’s heart is truly the heart of an educator – she loves helping others.

Pam Elliott grew up in Arlington, Texas, and attended Arlington schools. She is a hometown girl and knew she wanted to be an educator in Arlington. Pam attended Texas A&M – Commerce, receiving a degree in English and Sociology with teaching certification. She returned to Arlington and fulfilled her dream: teaching secondary English and Sociology for thirty-six years, with the last twenty-three years teaching at Martin High School. Upon retirement, Pam chose to tutor elementary and high school students for AISD. Her areas of expertise are Reading and Writing, as well as building self-esteem and confidence in the students she works with. Pam lives in Arlington with her husband, Kevin. She enjoys reading, working out, visiting friends, and singing. Pam has two grown sons, Nick and Grant, one grandson, Declan, and another grandson due in July. She is passionate about teaching and looks forward to using her time and gifts to help students.

Sally Cagle graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Speech Communications. She has been teaching English Language Arts for ten years. Sally is certified in ELA 4th-12th grades, Education Generalist 4th-8th grades, English as A Second Language, and Special Education. Sally enjoys working with students to improve their reading and writing skills, study skills, as well as building test taking confidence. Sally was born and raised in Arlington. She enjoys family life with her husband, Brady, and their two children, Scout, age six, and Ranger, age three. You can find them on the soccer fields, riding bikes along Arlington’s biking paths, or camping on the weekends. Sally loves to laugh and strives to create an environment for learners that is positive, creative, and fun.

Lydia Berry graduated from Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Lydia is certified to teach high school Chemistry, Biology, and Math. She has taught Honors Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry for thirteen years at Martin High School, and has been a teacher in AISD’s prestigious STEM Academy for the past five years. Her life’s purpose is helping young adults achieve their college and career goals. She takes joy in seeing her former students become successful dentists, doctors, engineers, and achieving their future aspirations. Lydia lives in Arlington with her husband, Patrick. She has two children, Cade, who works as a mechanical engineer and Katie, a recent graduate of Rice University. She enjoys walking, hiking and the mountains. Lydia would love the opportunity to help your student achieve their educational goals and dreams.

Rhonda Dunn received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska. She has been teaching English for the past twenty-four years. Her classroom experience includes: English I, English II, English III, English IV, Pre-AP English II, AP Literature and Composition. She has a special emphasis in Writing. Rhonda currently teaches AP Literature and Composition to seniors, and has experience teaching ESL students in a regular, as well as advanced classroom setting. Rhonda is trained and practiced in teaching close reading and analytical writing strategies. She especially enjoys helping seniors craft and shape essays for college applications and scholarships. Rhonda lives in Arlington with her husband, Patrick, who is also a teacher and coach, and her four children. Rhonda coaches volleyball and soccer, and loves coaching children of any age and skill level. Her Saturdays are spent on one of Arlington’s athletic fields, and her Sundays are spent at Lake Church where she volunteers in the Children’s Ministry as a teacher in KidsRock, and as a drama leader in Cross Trainers.

Susan Reynolds received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Abilene Christian University. She taught in elementary schools for thirty years. Her teaching career has been in public as well as Christian schools. She has continued to be a reading and math interventionist during the last seven years at Viridian Elementary School. She enjoys children and loves to see the “light bulb” go off as they grow in knowledge of a new concept. Susan attended Arlington schools herself during elementary school and junior high school and graduated from Arlington High School. She lives in Arlington with her husband, Mark, where they have raised their three children. Her son, Brennan and daughter, Jennifer are teachers at Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth. Her eight grandchildren are blessings in her life. They are now ages seven to twenty-two years old. Watching them grow in the Lord is a delight in her life.

I love working with students who are struggling with their academics for a variety of reasons. It is my desire to assist students in developing a love for reading and writing and to understand they can be successful in those areas even if they have struggled with them in the past. I want them to realize how reading and writing are essential skills in any phase of life. I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, Austin and my Master of Divinity from Arlington Baptist University. I went on to get my certification in Education from Texas Wesleyan University, and my Master of Educational Administration from Dallas Baptist University. My teaching experience includes both elementary and secondary levels in both public and private school settings. I live in Kennedale with my husband, Doug. Our three children are all grown and out on their own, and I enjoy spending time with them and our three grandsons. My husband and I are both retired and enjoy spending time traveling, both by car or ship. I would be honored to work with your student to enhance their reading and/or writing skills.

Callie Jennings received her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from East Tennessee State University in 2015. After graduating college, Callie felt led to pursue Christian Education, so she packed her bags and moved from Tennessee to the great state of Texas where she studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She received her Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2018. Callie began her teaching career at Tate Springs Christian Academy in August of 2019, teaching first grade. She loved teaching as much as her students loved her! Callie realized how important phonemic awareness and reading was to K-3rd grade students. She also understood that an excellent foundation in reading was, and is, essential to the success of students in every other subject. Callie’s approach to teaching reading and language arts stems from a wholistic format: students must see, hear, and touch letters. Her strategies for teaching and tutoring centers around kinesthetic activities and phonics. Knowing the sounds and linking them with familiar words enables students to understand spelling rules, increasing their comprehension skills, and expanding their vocabulary. Callie is passionate about training up the next generation to believe they can be lifelong learners, capable and brave individuals, and kind people who make a difference in the world. She has taught a wide range of age groups, from 4 years olds to 10th grade. She currently teaches at the secondary level but loves to tutor K-2nd. Callie grew up right on the state line of Virginia and Tennessee. She loves getting to visit her family back home and being in the beautiful mountains of East TN! Her happy place is sitting in a local coffee shop with a book in hand and being with her daughter and husband. Callie loves cheering for Ole Miss, eating chips and salsa at Chuy’s, and learning new things!

Serving children and families has been one of my passions for over 25 years! I've had the joy of being in a variety of roles including mother to three delightful children, a pediatric & school-aged speech-language pathologist and supervisor, parent communication trainer, Children's Ministry volunteer and later director, and a mother's day out director. I have been blessed to co-lead church small groups and community groups consisting of newlyweds, young parents, and young adults along with my husband. I have also mentored ladies from college-aged to my own peers and taught conversational English as a second language locally and overseas. My professional career began as I received my Master of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the area of Speech-Language Pathology. I have current licensure through the state of Texas, and national certification + accreditation with ASHA. Settings for performing speech-language pathology have included: private practice, university clinical service with graduate student supervision, outpatient, pediatric home health, preschools, private schools, and ECI. Group and individual teaching opportunities have also abounded. I have taught parents how to communicate in a variety of ways with their child(ren) having special needs. Educational pre-reading, phonetics, and early reading skills have been a pleasure to teach. Teaching early American Sign Language to parents of infants and toddlers is a fun experience. I have had the privilege of being a guest speaker in the area of speech and communication development within young children in university classes, in parent training classes, and within preschool staffing events. I have taught about feeding disorders amongst area gatherings of psychologists, sociologists, parents, and developmental specialists. I have found that following the various paths placed before me by my Lord, Jesus Christ, has given me incredible adventures along with the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from all over the world! I hope to continue with the goal to empower young children and students, as well as their parents to be partners in helping them develop foundational skills needed for success within social and educational activities so they can grow confident in communicating well within the world. Thank you and good night! May you know the true source of joy in life! Romans 15:13

Lynen is finishing her freshman year at Texas Christian University as an Entrepreneurship and Innovation major. She is also studying to complete her certification in Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Lynen is passionate about all things dance, and has been taking classes since she was four years old. It wasn’t until high school, however, when God began to reveal her love of teaching to her. She coached a season of Girls on the Run and discovered the importance of encouraging, inspiring, an educating the future generations. Her experience throughout the years in teaching all kinds of dance classes and choreographing for her high school’s musical theatre group, as well as fellow artists who have created original musicals, has prepared her for teaching and fueled her passion for dance. Lynen has experience with all kinds of dance such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip-hop. One of her favorite activities is to country dance with her family and friends. When school lets out for the summer, she works as Head Lifeguard for a local waterpark, and is CPR certified! She lives with her family and two tabby cats, all of whom she loves very much!

Jenna Kemp is a teacher at heart and loves children of all ages. She is a life-long learner and enjoys getting others excited about what excites her. Jenna loves to have fun, be challenged and find the adventure in everything! A proud graduate of James W. Martin High School (and student of Mrs. Rynthia Clements!!), Jenna then attended UTA, where she received her B.S. in Exercise Science. After completing an internship at the Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas and additional group fitness certifications, she taught a variety of group fitness classes at UTA and Gold’s Gym. She also taught swim lessons through the Cooper Swim Academy, as well as privately, and did some personal training. Throughout high school and college, Jenna worked at Camp Thurman for a total of 9 summers, where she was known as “Corny”. The following 3 summers she worked as a camp counselor and then assistant camp director for the Fit & Fun Summer Camp at the Cooper Fitness Center. Continuing in her love of teaching, Jenna transitioned from the gym and outdoor classroom to the indoor, traditional classroom, after receiving her 4-8 teacher certification. She taught 7th grade life science and an 8th grade student leadership class in Plano, Texas for 3 years, where she also served as the science department head and NJHS sponsor for 1, before moving back to the Arlington area with her husband. Continuing in her love of children, Jenna and her husband became licensed foster parents. Over the course of the next 5 years, they had the privilege of welcoming and caring for several precious foster children in their home. They are very blessed to call 5 their own through adoption. Most recently, Jenna has jumped back into the world of fitness. She played several seasons of ice hockey in both a women’s and co-ed ice hockey league and then joined a gym before getting the itch to teach group fitness again. Jenna enjoys traveling with her husband on disc golf road trips, homeschooling her children, serving in the children’s ministry at her church and telling people about foster care and adoption!

Mark grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, where his father was a pastor for 28 years. While in Pueblo Central High School Mark was the season captain of a state championship football team and was all-state. He received his bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University (ACU) majoring in education and history and his master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Mark is a certified history teacher. Mark and his wife Susan, who is a tutor at Excel Academy, have been married for over fifty years and have three children and eight grandchildren. Both Mark and Susan are active Christians and have firm beliefs that Jesus is the Son-of-God and only He can save us. For over ten years Mark worked in local governments: Pueblo, Colorado, the city of Ft. Worth and has served as City Manager of Weatherford, TX. While City Manager he led the development of software for municipal utility billing, and IBM invited Mark to speak at customer user meetings all over the US. Mark was Senior Vice-President for economic development and membership sales for the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce (DCC). While in that position the DCC was recognized as the number one economic development organization in the US by USA Today newspaper. Mark also led economic development missions that included the Dallas Mayor and other business leaders to England, France, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul in the Far East. He has traveled to over twenty-one countries and all fifty states.

Lori Craig graduated from Texas Tech University earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in Reading for grades 1-12 and general elementary education. After teaching 3rd grade elementary classes for three years in San Angelo, Lori began her career as a reading teacher. She taught junior high reading for 17 years in San Angelo, Irving, and Arlington. The last twenty years, Lori has been a reading improvement, dyslexia support, and SAT Prep teacher at Martin High School in Arlington. Upon retirement, Lori chose to work with AISD with the Academic Decathlon Team as well as a substitute teacher. Her areas of expertise are Reading and Writing. Lori lives in Arlington with her husband, Mark. She enjoys reading, walking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Lori has one grown son, Will, who lives in LA. Lori loves to teach and help students. She is excited to be a part of Excel Learning where she can continue to help students reach their goals.

Coming Soon!

Beverly Jordan is a retired Speech-Language Pathologist and Educational Diagnostician. She worked in Texas Public Education for 35 years in Plainview, Ector County, Mansfield, Kennedale, and Arlington ISD. She has worked with pre-school, elementary, jr. high, and high school students as a Speech Pathologist in evaluating and providing therapy for students with difficulties in articulation, language, fluency, and social skills. As a Diagnostician, she evaluated students of all ages with learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dysgraphia, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments (ADHD), auditory impairments, emotional disturbances and autism. She also prepared and chaired ARD (Admission, Dismissal, Review) meetings for students with disabilities and their parents. She worked in the private sector for The Learning Center of North Texas (now called Link-ED) in Fort Worth, Texas, evaluating students of all ages, including college students and adults. Bev earned her undergraduate degree at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, in Speech and Hearing Therapy. She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education with a Diagnostician’s Certification at Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas. Bev is married to her husband, Bill, and they have two children, Kaleb and Makenzie that attended Arlington public schools. Bev also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for 15 years at Lake Arlington Baptist Church in preschool through 6th grade. She also enjoys being around her friends and family, playing Pokeno, gardening, reading, traveling, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)and going to the gym. Bev is looking forward to working with your family to improve your student’s educational needs.