Dean of Curriculum & Instruction
LaToya Spurlock-Fluker is committed to educating students, colleagues, families, and the community through establishing strong connections. Ms. Fluker has been an educator for 12 years. She holds an M.A. in Arts and Teaching, a M.S. in Criminal Justice, and a B.S. in Speech Communication. Ms. Fluker has served as a Professional Learning Community chairperson, a teacher mentor, and a volunteer cheer coach. She is a graduate of Amanda Elzy High School.
Dean of Operations & Students
Cory Blaylock is thrilled for the opportunity to work with the students and parents of Leflore Legacy Academy and the community members. He was born in Greenwood and spent his early childhood years in Carroll County. He has been an educator for more than 20 years, with 16 of those years in grades 7-12. He holds a
B.S. degree in Biological Science and a M.S. degree in Educational Leadership. His parents are former educators, so education is his passion. Mr. Blaylock tries to live by this motto:
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
Office & Finance Manager
Karmeilla McGee holds a Bachelor of Office Administration and an MBA with an emphasis in Human Resources. Her professional experience ranges from administrative support with the Greenwood Public School District to collegiate experience at Tougaloo College and Jackson State University, where she served as an Administrative Professional and Budget Analyst. Ms. McGee believes every child deserves a fair chance at obtaining a quality education. She is a native of Greenwood.
Physical Education Teacher
Laderius Hooker is a native of Belzoni, MS, a former college football player, and a member of Omega Psi Phi. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and a Master of Arts in Teaching. He has taught PE for four years. He enjoys playing sports, spending time with love ones, and serving others. Mr. Hooker believes, “We should be lifting as we climb because no one deserves to be left behind.”
www.linkedin.com/in/laderius-hooker-1770021ab
English Teacher
Mikwaevonn J. Mills is a Brooklyn, NYC native who has worked in Greenwood for four years as an ELA teacher. She holds a Master of Social Work and a B.A. in English. Ms. Mills is committed to student success in the classroom and in life, and credits her upbringing for her passion to give back to her community. Her motto comes from Eartha Kitt: “I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.”
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikwaevonn-j-a775631a8
Social Studies Teacher
Whitney Christenson is from Dayton, Oregon, and has lived in Mississippi for 5 years. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education as a first-generation college student, then a M.Ed. in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education and an Ed.S. in Elementary Educational Leadership. She’s pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. One of her passions is family investment in the classroom and its positive impact on student success.
www.linkedin.com/in/whit
Math Teacher
Kasey Darrell Holman is from North Carrollton, MS where he graduated valedictorian of his class at J.Z. George High School. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics, and has taught math for the past 4 years. Mr. Holman, a member of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, enjoys exercising, reading, and playing with numbers during his free time. His motto is a quote by Margaret Shepard: “Sometimes our only mode of transportation is a leap of faith.”
www.linkedin.com/in/kasey-holman-244256a0
Special Education Teacher
Charlotte Arrowsmith was born in Manchester, England. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 17 and has recently become a U.S. citizen. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and is working on a Master’s in Counseling. Teach for America brought her to Greenwood, which she now calls home. Her teaching motto: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Fun Facts: In college, Ms. Arrowsmith was president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, and 2013 Homecoming Queen.
linkedin.com/in/charlottearrowsmith
Project Lead the Way Teacher
Gail Rayford-Ambeau was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Ms. Ambeau is a mother, educator, business owner and visual artist who holds a B.M. in Music Education and an MFA in Design. She uses her talents, creativity and skills to inspire people everywhere, including as an instructor at Alcorn State University, as a fashion designer, as a radio host, and as the columnist behind “Fashion Forward with Gail Ambeau.” She is also the author of “Plugging into Humanities,” published in 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-ambeau-9a553413/
Gifted & ACT Prep Instructor
Ms. Scott is a native of Swiftown, MS. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master of Arts in Convergent Media, and she is pursuing a Master’s in Education from Belhaven University. She has held the title of English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher for the past two years. She enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and writing children’s books.
AmeriCorps Program Manager
Iris Saffold is a native of Greenwood, MS and a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. Her professional background includes human resources, recruitment, admissions, professional liaison, social service, and customer service. Ms. Saffold’s professional motto is: “Work hard consistently and the results will come.” Iris is energetic, optimistic, and solution-oriented. She enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to music.
Operations & Maintenance Assistant
Mr. Holston is a native of Itta Bena, MS. He holds a career certificate in Automotive Mechanics Technology from Mississippi Delta Community College. Mr. Holston’s work experience includes school operations and maintenance responsibilities. In his free time, he volunteers as a coach and mentor for Little League football and baseball teams. His lives by the motto “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.”
Administrative Assistant
Mr. Cheeks graduated from Mississippi Delta Community College with Associate degrees in Mathematics and Biology. His professional experience includes math tutor, computer lab assistant, and office clerk. A native of Greenwood, Maurice describes himself as a devoted man of God, a husband, and a father.