Our Team
Dana
Dana is excited to be the Co-Founder of Academy 7! A dream that started many years ago when she knew students should be at the center of their learning experience and that there should be more breaks, recess and endless fun.
With 17 years of experience in education, school counseling and curriculum design, she has a passion for teaching to the whole-child and project-based learning.
Academy 7 represents a long-held vision of a place where learning is not only about mastering subjects but positive mental-health and building confidence, curiosity and a love for lifelong learning! She is excited for the future of education at Academy 7!
Kentucky Educator Certificates:
Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education: Northern Kentucky University
Masters in Teacher Leadership:
University of Cumberlands
Rank 1 in School Counseling:
University of Cumberlands
Other Academic Accomplishments:
Curriculum Design Leader:
Common Assignment Study
Director of Content & Learning
Melissa
Melissa is excited to be the Co-Founder of Academy 7! She has always believed in the power of stories to transform lives. From her earliest days in the classroom, she knew that reading was more than just a subject, it was a gateway to imagination, empathy, and personal growth. Her passion for literacy has shaped her entire career and fueled her dedication to helping children find their voice through literacy and writing.
At the heart of her teaching is a deep commitment to the whole child. Whether she's designing a lesson around a powerful novel or guiding a student through a breakthrough moment, Melissa brings warmth, creativity, and a love of learning into everything she does.
Academy 7 is the culmination of her vision—a school where literacy is a foundation for confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Kentucky Educator Certificates:
Master of Arts in Teaching: Northern Kentucky University
Other Academic Accomplishments:
Curriculum Design Leader:
Common Assignment Study & The Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky
English Language Arts Consultant
Bachelor of Science, Marketing: Northern Kentucky University
Project Management Professional Certification Course: University of Kentucky, Gatton College of Business
Our Story
It all started in the halls of a traditional school. We spent several years as educators, dedicated to helping students succeed, but we felt something was missing. As proud parents of children in the traditional public school system, we know firsthand how valuable that experience can be. However, we also recognized that not every child thrives in that setting. We believe education should be more than just textbooks and tests—it should be flexible, filled with outdoor time, and centered around sparking curiosity and nurturing creativity. Each child’s unique learning journey should be celebrated, not confined by rigid schedules.
With a deep passion for academics, project-based learning, and social-emotional development, we understood the critical connection between emotional growth and academic success. This vision led us to create Academy 7—a school where learning is hands-on, personalized, and designed to inspire.
Soon, Academy 7 will open its doors! With a team of dedicated educators, Academy 7 is building a community where students are encouraged to explore their passions, ignite their curiosity, and grow into confident, lifelong learners. What started as a dream is becoming a reality. Academy 7 will be a place where every child thrives—academically, emotionally, and socially—a school where learning is dynamic, innovative, and deeply personal.