Meet Our Team

Ms. Marjorie Lofton

 "As an early childhood educator, I aspire not only to help children learn fundamental skills but encourage them to be excited in exploring new things. I strive to provide creative experiences that will forever impact a child's life. I am a childhood educator because I want to change the world. I know education is where I can have the greatest impact, therefore I feel blessed to work with Transformative Leadership Academy. I look forward to growing with your children and creating a bright future." 

(432) 888-1914

marjorie.lofton@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Charla Marcum

"I feel blessed to be part of the innovative Academy. At Transformative Leadership Academy, our focus and our sense of community plays a major role in fostering the love of learning. A great educators nurtures the individual; believes in and celebrates their uniqueness, while fostering that child specially. Exploration should be major emphasis in teaching and not an afterthought. Without exploration, creativity, and confidence cannot be developed to it's full potential. I am very excited to be part of the Transformative Leadership Academy and look forward to many successful years." 

charla.marcum@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Yumira Marquez

yumira.marquez@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Traci Collins

"As an educator, it is my goal to inspire students to become lifelong learners. Every child is capable of greatness and I want to motivate them to use their curiosity and imagination to learn about whatever excites them. I believe this type of student-centered learning will not only produce well rounded students, it will cultivate lifelong learners who will become successful adults who will change the world."

traci.collins@thetlacademy.com 

Ms. Abby Neel

"As a child, I was instilled with a love for learning and I strive to do the same for all my students. I will create a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment. Students are full of curiosity and as an educator, I want to help nourish and build that curiosity, not only with their education, but for all aspects of their life. I believe at the Transformative Leadership Academy, students will grow physically, mentally, and emotionally and be able to grow as a creative learner. I am excited to be part of this team, and will bring as much positivity and excitement as TLA does! "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

abby.neel@thetlacademy.com

Ms. LaNi Beryl

' Children are a joy. They each have their unique learning styles, interests, and personalities which afford teachers an amazing opportunity to work with them to create innovative opportunities for learning, growth and development of skills and abilities applicable to real life. 

Learner-centered learning, project-based activities, growth mindset, 21st century skills, and teaching with love and logic are my preferred methods for supporting students on their educational journey. 

I'm looking forward to the experience!"

lani.beryl@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Lori Salazar

"All children should experience a learning environment that will enhance their curiosity and imagination. This environment will lead to a real understanding and connection to the fast paced world and the experiences will direct students to success in a path of their choice. As an educator, I believe this academy provides a method of education that will lead to lifelong learning experiences, and with confidence, a bright future for our children." 

lori.salazar@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Melynda Heller

 "I am so excited to be joining Transformative Leadership Academy. I believe that each student has their own unique strengths, abilities, and interests that when activated, will help them to learn and grow. I feel that when we respect each learner’s individualized learning path, we help them to reach their ever-evolving potential. I am especially excited to help the students learn and grow through literature. There is so much we can learn from other’s experiences that are invaluable lessons. "

“Reading is important, because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.” -Tomie dePaola   

(432) 853-2998

melynda.heller@thetlacademy.com

Mr. Cody Smith

" I believe that in teaching, one should help children and teenagers gain the knowledge and tools to go farther and faster. They can already achieve great things, and a teacher should help set them up so they are prepared for whatever road they decide to travel. The best place for this is one where they want to ask questions, where they want to learn and know more. Somewhere they have support for things they're familiar with and when tackling something new and unknown. "

cody.smith@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Amy Dutcher

 "I believe that teaching and education is not a one size fits all. I believe that all students learn best when they are in a positive learning environment where they feel included, comfortable, and safe with each other. I am grateful to be part of Transformative Leadership Academy."

amy.dutcher@thetlacademy.com

Ms. Deborah Puckett

deborah.puckett@thetlacdaemy.com

Ms. Kelly Barron

kelly.barron@thetlacademy.com