Meet Our Founder

My name is Kira, and I’m an educator deeply committed to transforming the way we serve children—especially those who, like me, grew up facing countless challenges and misfortunes. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and now reside in Arizona, where I continue to follow my passion for education, equity, and advocacy.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Illinois State University, followed by a Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Education with a focus on Organizational Leadership (K-12) at GCU, driven by a desire to reimagine what learning environments can be for all children—especially those who are often left behind.

With over 10 years of experience in education, I’ve worn many hats: classroom teacher, tutor, mentor, basketball coach, and high school principal. These roles have given me a front-row seat to both the potential and the systemic challenges our students face daily.

The most powerful shift in my journey came through my son. Watching him struggle in traditional school settings—settings not built with neurodivergent learners like him in mind—changed everything. I began to see him in so many of the students I worked with: bright, curious, full of promise, but too often misunderstood, unsupported, and underestimated. His experiences became the inspiration behind my mission to create something different.

That mission led to the birth of NeuroCatalyst Academy, a school designed to serve neurodivergent students—especially Black and Brown children—by creating a learning environment that celebrates their strengths, nurtures their growth, and helps them realize their full potential. This school is more than a dream—it's a movement to build spaces that fit our kids, not the other way around.

I believe that when we design education with empathy, flexibility, and cultural awareness, we unlock the greatness already inside every child. I’m here to help do exactly that.