Meet the Crew Behind Plant Street Academy Mission Control
Plant Street Academy may have launched in March 2026, but the experience, passion, and vision behind it have been decades in the making. In just a few short months, our homeschool enrichment and youth development programs have become a place where students build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen communication, explore entrepreneurship, and discover what they're capable of achieving. Parents often ask, "Who is behind all of this?" The answer is simple: an incredible crew of educators, mentors, innovators, and leaders who believe today's students are tomorrow's leaders.
Welcome to Mission Control, the team responsible for guiding, inspiring, and empowering the next generation. From cultivating curiosity and building confidence to teaching leadership, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and AI literacy, each member of our crew brings a unique superpower to the mission. Together, we're creating a forward-thinking learning community where students don't just prepare for the future, they learn how to shape it.
Chief Vision Builder
Founder
Lenka Brady
Every mission needs a visionary, the person looking beyond the horizon and helping others see what's possible. As the Founder and Chief Vision Builder of Plant Street Academy, Lenka combines her passion for education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development to create learning experiences that prepare students for the real world. Her belief is simple: when young people develop confidence, communication skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, they become capable of building extraordinary futures.
With more than 25 years of experience in education, professional training, and leadership development, Lenka has dedicated her career to helping people grow. From leading training programs at JetBlue University to mentoring students through Take Stock in Children, Lake-Sumter State College, DECA, and her Young Founders programs, she has spent decades helping individuals discover their strengths and unlock their potential. As the founder of Start a Business LLC and a multi-year Best of South Lake award recipient, Lenka brings big ideas, practical experience, and a relentless belief that today's students are tomorrow's leaders.
Chief Curiosity Cultivator
Director of Homeschool Education
Dorothea Holcomb
Every great mission starts with curiosity, and that's exactly where Dorothea shines. With 18 years of homeschool teaching experience, a degree in Media Studies, a background in literacy education, and more than 75 classes taught, she has helped hundreds of students discover that learning can be exciting, meaningful, and fun. A gifted curriculum designer, Dorothea creates learning experiences that connect with students' interests, spark imagination, and inspire them to think beyond the textbook. Her work has even extended beyond the homeschool community, contributing to curriculum development for the WonderLab at Give Kids The World Village, where she volunteers teaching STEM activities to children with critical illnesses.
Dorothea is the creator of Unmuted, Plant Street Academy's signature communication and public speaking program that helps students build confidence, think independently, and find their voice. Known for her engaging teaching style, creative curriculum design, and ability to bring out the best in every learner, she leads our homeschool program with one simple mission: inspire students to ask bigger questions, think deeper, and discover just how capable they truly are. It's no surprise that her classes routinely fill with waitlists and leave parents saying, "I wish I had learned that way."
Chief Excellence Commander
Head of Strategic Growth
Norman Keller
While vision sets the destination, excellence determines whether you get there. As Plant Street Academy's Chief Excellence Commander, Norman helps ensure that every student, parent, and community partner experiences the high standards and exceptional service that define our mission.
Norman brings years of experience from the luxury and exotic automotive industry, including his work with Lamborghini, where exceptional customer service, brand reputation, and long-term client relationships are the foundation of success. An Air Force veteran and father of two remarkable sons, he understands the importance of discipline, integrity, and leading by example. Through his work with our Young Founders programs and student mentorship initiatives, Norman helps young people understand that success is rarely about talent alone, it's built through good choices, strong character, personal accountability, and a commitment to continuous growth. His mission is simple: help students develop the habits, mindset, and standards that lead to excellence both in business and in life.
Leadership Architect
Coach Dan James
Great leaders aren't born, they're built. As Plant Street Academy's Leadership Architect, Dan helps students develop the confidence, character, and decision-making skills they need to navigate life with purpose. Whether he's teaching leadership principles, personal responsibility, goal setting, or teamwork, Dan challenges students to think bigger, lead well, and become the best version of themselves.
A U.S. Army Veteran, entrepreneur, certified John C. Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach, and DISC Assessment Consultant, Dan brings decades of real-world leadership experience to the classroom. His background includes eight years in management with The Walt Disney Company, serving on the Lake County Schools Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee, and more than 30 years working with youth and families. As a father of four homeschooled graduates and founder of Trim the Wick Leadership and Personal Development Solutions, Dan is passionate about helping young people discover their purpose, make wise choices, and develop the leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
AI Navigator
Margarita “Maggie” Grisales
The future belongs to those who know how to work with technology, not fear it. As Plant Street Academy’s AI Navigator, Margarita helps students understand the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and innovation. She brings a forward-thinking perspective that helps students develop the skills they’ll need to thrive in a technology-driven future while learning how to use AI responsibly, creatively, and effectively.
With more than 20 years of marketing and digital strategy experience, Margarita is the founder of Minerva Digital Marketing Consultants and has worked with nationally recognized brands including Golf Channel, NBCUniversal, and Smith & Eulo Law Firm. Her expertise spans SEO, digital marketing, content strategy, and emerging technologies. As a first-generation immigrant, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner, Margarita is passionate about showing students that education, curiosity, and adaptability can open doors to incredible opportunities. She brings both real-world experience and future-focused thinking to Plant Street Academy’s Mission Control team.
Mission Specialists
Our Mission Specialists are coaches, mentors, educators, and industry professionals who bring real-world experience, fresh perspectives, and specialized expertise to Plant Street Academy. From entrepreneurship and leadership to music, college preparation, communication, and emerging technology, these experts help our students explore new possibilities and discover their potential.
Success Coach & Mentor
Stephen Howell
Stephen Howell brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in aviation, safety, training, customer experience, and organizational development. Currently serving as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA, Stephen has also held senior leadership positions with Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, where he led large-scale teams, developed leadership programs, and oversaw training, safety, and operational excellence for thousands of employees. Passionate about mentoring future leaders, Stephen combines real-world executive experience with expertise in leadership development, communication, coaching, and organizational performance. His unique ability to inspire, challenge, and guide others makes him an invaluable mentor for students as they explore their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for future success.
Music Coach
Kevin Farmer
Kevin Farmer helps students discover that music is more than notes and chords, it's a powerful way to build confidence, creativity, discipline, and self-expression. As the founder of KF Music Studio, Kevin brings more than 22 years of experience as a performer, educator, worship leader, and mentor, helping students develop both their musical abilities and their confidence along the way.
A graduate of Bluffton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business, Kevin has spent his career inspiring the next generation through music education and mentorship. His experience includes classroom teaching, family ministry leadership, live performance, and instruction across multiple instruments. Known for his encouraging and engaging teaching style, Kevin creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, learning new skills, and discovering the joy that comes from making music.