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Thea Dennard
Founder of IGLC & The Nest
Thea Dennard, a proud Georgian, has dedicated over 16 years to working with children and their families in various capacities, including coaching, serving as a preschool teacher, and founding and directing the Team 3 After School Program since 2016. Throughout her journey, Thea has drawn inspiration from numerous educators and leaders in the fields of education and youth development. Notable influences include Trecisa Brown, a long-time private homeschool educator known for her remarkable ability to achieve educational breakthroughs with students many had given up on; Dr. Bettina Love, whose advocacy and passion for equitable educational opportunities for Black and Brown children resonate deeply; and her mother, Latasha Dix, along with her youth track coaches, whose unwavering belief in her potential instilled in her the conviction that she could achieve anything.
Thea earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Clemson University, a BS in Nursing from the University of South Alabama, and a Child Development Associate credential. Shortly after graduating from Clemson in 2007, she pursued a degree in education at Liberty University. However, after a year, Thea felt called to create impactful change in children's lives beyond the traditional educational system. Recognizing her divine purpose as a change agent, she shifted her focus to private early childhood education.
Firmly believing that many individuals, especially children, do not realize their full potential due to a lack of confidence and vision, Thea is committed to being a catalyst for change. Her mission is to develop programs that nurture resilient, responsible, bold yet respectful, kind, and God-honoring individuals. As a mother of three boys, her passion for advocating for children has intensified.
Thea has been married to her co-founder, Ivory “Coach D” Dennard, since 2009, and they are the proud parents of three young kings: Israel, Elijah, and Samson. In her leisure time, Thea enjoys family outings, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.
Cindye Crawford
Director of Development
Ms. Crawford has over 20 years of professional experience working with Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. Her areas of specialization included grant-writing, corporate contributions, program development, and management. However, she found her true passion when she discovered her calling as an educator. For the past 14 years, Ms. Crawford has served as an educational leader in various roles, including as a Parent Educator, teacher, principal, and administrator, and most recently, as the operations leader for new state charter schools.
Ms. Crawford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Boston University and a master of arts degree in education, specializing in culturally responsive education, from the University of Arizona. Yet, she firmly acknowledges that her most valuable and transformative insights come from 26 years of being a mom and now, four months as a grandmother.
In her own words Ms. Crawford states, “As an educator, my goal is to support the creation of inclusive, intentional, and wonder-filled learning environments that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and inspire joy. As a business owner, coach, and educational professional, my goal is to help organizations do the same."
Chrystal Johnson
Director of Curriculum & Super Saturdays
Chrystal Johnson discovered her passion for education at the age of 14 while working as a summer counselor during her sophomore year of high school. After graduating from Cedar Grove High School, she enrolled at Lane College, where she began her studies in math education. After two years, Chrystal transferred to Kennesaw State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education.
She embarked on her teaching career at Young Middle School within the Atlanta Public Schools, where she taught middle school math to students in grades 6 through 8. While at Young Middle School, Chrystal pursued her master’s degree in middle school education at Cambridge College in Massachusetts.
After five years of teaching at Young Middle School, Chrystal decided to shift her focus to the preschool sector. She joined Pride and Joy Daycare Academy as a Pre-K assistant and now serves as the director of Pride and Joy in McDonough. With over 20 years of experience in working with preschoolers and managing curriculum, she has made a significant impact in early childhood education.
Throughout her career in preschool education, Chrystal has attended numerous conferences and has been a Georgia-approved trainer, educating fellow teachers on instructional methods. She also serves as a CDA professional development assessor and a First Aid/CPR instructor. Her passion lies in witnessing those “a-ha” moments and supporting teachers in their mission to educate students in diverse ways. Chrystal finds great joy in helping others advance in their careers.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family, tending to her plants, and indulging in her love for gardening.
Shere' Cooper
Director of Tutoring
Shere’ is passionate about students saying, “I get it now” and helping parents.
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Shere’s son began struggling with English in the 8th grade and then math in the 9th grade she began working diligently with him nightly. His grades began to improve, however the amount of time spent to accomplish this began to affect other things. She began searching for a tutor to assist and after a year of mediocre tutors she finally found 2 that truly made a difference. This experience lead her to working with the tutoring program at Intentionally Great Learning Center.
Shere’ Cooper holds a Bachelor Degree in Finance Georgia State University and a Master of Accounting Degree from Keller Graduate School of Business. For over 10 years she has been the Director of an Early Learning Center where she continues to create and foster a learning environment that caters to the individual child.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children. She also enjoys reading, singing and working with youth at her church.
Dorothy Pinkston
Center Stage Specialist- Lead Navigator
Dorothy is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and experience in the entertainment sector, where she's worked alongside renowned companies like Warner Brothers, Tyler Perry Studios, and Netflix, focusing on various aspects of production such as hair, makeup, wardrobe, and set design.
As a mother of two, she integrates her personal insights with her professional childcare expertise. With over nine years in this field, Dorothy possesses a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has taken on roles as a daycare owner, director, and teacher. Dorothy is the founder of Royal Learning Academy, a Montessori-inspired program devoted to nurturing creativity, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Dorothy's approach harmoniously blends her artistic background with personalized, hands-on care to promote growth and confidence in every child.
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Martina Woods
Let's Figure It Out - Lead Navigator
Martina has a distinctive and varied background that enriches her approach to teaching. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Martina dedicated 23 years to serving with Delta Airlines, where she honed her skills in customer service and collaboration. Before her time at Delta, Martina completed a four-year commitment in the United States Marine Corps, which instilled in her a strong sense of leadership and discipline.
Upon retiring from the airline industry, she decided to follow her passion for education and embarked on a journey to become a life science teacher. Martina's enthusiasm for instilling a love of science in her students drives her teaching practices. Martina holds a degree in Middle Grades Science/Math from Mercer University, along with a certification in secondary education. Over the last five years, Martina has taught middle school students, guiding them through the captivating realm of living organisms. She emphasizes hands-on learning and frequently incorporates interactive labs into her lessons to bring science to life. Martina's aim is to cultivate curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a comprehensive understanding of the natural world.
In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and shopping.
Quick Points:
Darsha has a BA in Commercial Design with a concentration in Graphics.
Darsha has a MA in Innovation Design.
Darsha has taught public school middle grades for 6 years.
Goal: Push creative minds!
Contact info: darshajackson92@gmail.com
Darsha Jackson
Art & Design Specialist-Lead Navigator