Learning Education & Achievement Foundation Board
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Doctorate Gwen Johnson brings a passion for equitable education and achievement to Accelerated Learning Academy. With almost 30 years of experience with autism and special education, Dr. Johnson is committed to progress for every student.
A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Dr. Johnson attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, before earning her graduate degree from The Ohio State University. She joined the autism field after seeing an advertisement encouraging her to “come to make a difference in a life of a child.” Despite knowing nothing about autism, she fell in love with her work after hearing a child struggling with speech say her name for the first time.
“I had no idea what I was getting into but would not trade it for the world,” says Dr. Johnson. “To watch a child grow and see all the steps of their success makes all the tough moments worth it. Our field has evolved greatly from when I started, and I continue to see great strides in how we teach the kids we serve and what we learn and gain from them in return."
Mr. Carrick comes to us with over 25 years of preK-12 educational experience. Having taught every grade from PreK through dual-enrollment high school/college classes, James brings extensive knowledge and experience in best practices for teaching, curriculum design and implementation, and assessing student learning and retention. In addition to teaching ELA, science, social studies, US History, Am/AZ Government, and physical education; James served as a school administrator at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
Mr. Carrick also brings a great deal of practical experience working with local and international non-profits. James spent thirteen (13) years traveling with and working for People to People International. He served on the Executive Board of Directors for Fountain Hills Sister Cities for three years and served as the Vice President of the Executive Board of Directors for one year as well.
Mr. Carrick is excited to join the Board for L.E.A.F. and shares a passion for education and ensuring that ALL students have access to the highest quality educational opportunities.