Dr. LaMesa Marks-Johns earned a BA and Masters from the University of Louisville and her Ed.D from Spalding University. She taught first and fourth grades and then was Principal at McFerran Preparatory Academy, in Louisville for 7 ½ years. In 2016, she became the Coordinator of the Social Emotional Learning Department for the Jefferson County School District in Louisville, KY. Her department was responsible for providing training, support, and resources in the areas of social emotional learning, trauma informed care, and youth mental health first aid. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Superintendent of 21 schools in Jefferson County.