About Us
Learn To Thrive Education is a nontraditional learning center offering programs that support students who experience social and academic challenges due to learning gaps . We service every type of learner, including general education and neurodiverse learners. We have discovered, there is a need for high-quality, high support academic support for children with diverse learning and social needs. Students deserve opportunities to actively participate in inclusive environments that foster quality education, high support, and high expectations to achieve their highest level.
We understand the traditional "one size fits all"classrooms is not the best fit for students needing additional academic or social-emotional support. It is often very difficult for students to achieve success without high-level personalized support in traditional classrooms and as a result, they oftentimes become bystanders and have limited access to positive learning experiences. We understand that every student has a different way of learning and very student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and participate without barriers.
As a parent, finding highly supportive programs that best fit your child's unique needs may be challenging. We can relate to this as parents, who desire a high-challenge, high-quality, high-support education, for our children to have the opportunity to grow and thrive and enjoy learning.
We understand your desire to provide your child with the best educational and life experiences. No matter the area your child deserves a highly supportive environment that encourages and challenges them to reach their highest potential to achieve overall success. Learn To Thrive Education Center was designed to create those experiences specifically for children with diverse learning needs.
We understand the value of personalized instruction catering to the needs and enhancing the strengths of students. We understand that students need to find the way of learning that works best for them. This can be difficult to accomplish in traditional classroom settings. Our goal is to create a learning environment where students will be prepared for academic and social success in school and beyond.
We welcome the opportunity to partner with families and the community to create positive learning experiences that are nurturing, flexible, and reflect student strengths and interests to cultivate and enhance the skills and gifts of students, empowering them to build confidence and independence for a fulfilling future.
Meet the Owner
Kenyetta Russell, M.Ed
I am Kenyetta Russell. I have over 20 years of experience in the public education system. During my tenure as an educator, I became a multi-year "Teacher of the Year". I had the pleasure to serve as a certified special education coordinator, teacher mentor, and facilitator, and now—the founder and director of Learn To Thrive Education & Resource Center. Our school is a 2024 recipient of the VELA grant, a nontraditional educational organization fund that supports innovation in education.
My intention for sharing this background is for you to know - I am PASSIONATE and DEDICATED to teaching, serving and advocating for students with special needs and students with academic challenges. I was invested during that season of life, but my desire was much bigger. I wanted to provide a space for children to learn authentically, naturally, and without limitations. I realized I could no longer grow and fit inside a box that was created for me.
I understood the need for students to have a place to have their needs meet and feel seen and included. I wanted students to be given high expectations with the same level of high support to fit their needs. From that, I realized my purpose was to create Learn To Thrive Education Center, a place where neurodiverse learners and learners with diverse learning needs can learn, grow and thrive through a holistic approach..
Creating a place where learning goes far beyond policies, assessments, and standardized learning. We are a learning environment where authenticity is embraced, moments are filled with care, fun and enjoyment! Students love coming to school and are free to be kids!
I continue to work, advocating for all students inside and outside of the classroom to eliminate the opportunity and learning gaps for diverse learners. I am a proud member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
I have had the pleasure to be featured on several podcasts and in magizinnes sharing my mission to support and serve families of diverse learners. I have also served as a guest speaker for a nationally recognized corporate company to speak on inclusion and supporting persons with disabilities.
I have the hands-on, real-world experience and commitment you need and seek “to cultivate leaders for positive transformations”.
Our Team
Sheena Haynes, Administrative Assistant
Sheena Haynes is excited to join the Learn to Thrive Education team! Originally from Illinois, she relocated to Florida 11 years ago with her husband, a proud military veteran. Together, they are raising four wonderful children—three boys and one girl.
With over 10 years of hands-on experience in early childhood education, Sheena has a strong background in creating nurturing, structured environments where young children can grow and thrive. Her career includes operating a licensed family home daycare and serving as a Before and Aftercare Director and Administrative Assistant at a charter school—roles that have allowed her to work closely with
children, families, and educators every day.
Fun fact: Sheen enjoys hosting family gatherings and going on vacation with her loved ones!
Tarmeca Baity, Enrichment Coordinator/Parent Liaison
Tarmeca Baity is thrilled to embark on a new journey as an Enrichment Coordinator. Her experience as a Sunday school teacher has cultivated a deep love for children, along with patience and skill in organizing and creating lesson plans for her youth class. Tarmeca is a proud mother of three boys and has been happily married for nearly 13 years to a very supportive husband. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, with two sisters and one brother, Tarmeca has a professional background in finance. Tarmeca is passionate about her family and event planning.
Christopher Davis, Lead Teacher/Curriculum Design
Chris Davis is a dedicated and passionate educator with experience in Math instruction. With a strong
background in education, he is focused on creating engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning
environments. Chris Davis is committed to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning in all
students. Christopher is excited to become a member of the the Learn To Thrive community and demonstrate his expertise in curriculum and instruction.
Amariah Alvarez, Assistant Teacher
Ms. Amariah Alvarez is so excited to be joining Learn to Thrive this school year as a Teacher’s Assistant! She brings four years of experience in various roles within the education sector. Amariah is passionate about supporting students as they learn and grow, while adding fun and creativity to the classroom! When not at school, you can usually find her baking, by the pool, or spending time with family. She is an asset to our team and brings positive energy to our learning community. She looks forward to the year ahead and growing alongside our students and staff!
Barbara Rosario, Lead Assistant Teacher
Meet Barbara Rosario. We are honored to welcome her to our Learn To Thrive team as a lead assistant teacher for grades Kindergarten through 8th. Barbara is an enthusiastic and creative teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. She believes it’s important to create a learning environment that allows children to be themselves and lets their creative minds grow and thrive. She has over 18 years of experience working with children in various educational settings. Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. In her spare time, Barbara likes to spend time with family and friends. especially, her 2-year-old granddaughter. She is a boy mom, and loves sports A perfect day would include watching football, soaking up some sun, curling up on the couch watching movies, and even some Karaoke..lol She is excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and looks forward to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for them to thrive.
Lesley Tipton, Volunteer
Ms. Lesley Tipton joined the Learn To Thrive team and has been an incredible support to our school community. With over 50 years of experience as a medical professional, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work.
After retiring, Ms. Tipton was offered the opportunity to work with children and completed training in specialized skills to help and support both students and their families. This experience prepared her for her valued role as a volunteer at Learn To Thrive Education.
Today, she continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting the growth of our students—helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Bonnie McDaniel, Volunteer
Mrs. Bonnie McDaniel has been a part of the Learn To Thrive team since 2023! Ms. Bonnie came to us from traditional education as an administrator. After retiring from the public school system, Bonnie joined Learn To Thrive microschool and fell in love with teaching all over again. She loves working with the students and helping them recognize their successes and progress and acheive that “Proud” moment. She shows dedication to teaching and fostering growth academically and socially with every student.