Meet the A+UP Team
Leadership Team
Kap McWhorter,
Superintendent
kmcwhorter@aplusup.org
With over 17 years of education experience as both teacher and administrator, Kap has been able to empower students to change their lives and achieve meaningful impact in their local and global communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theology from Houston Baptist University (HBU). He proceeded to obtain his Master’s in Arts and Theological studies from HBU as well. His career began in ministry and includes work within small churches, local non-profit organizations, and humanitarian relief in Mozambique and Malawi, Africa. Shortly after his time in Africa, Kap began his teaching career as a speech teacher for Humble ISD and launched a new class called Social Action. This course provided tools for students to become involved in making a difference in their communities and opportunities to serve abroad. After successfully launching the Social Action course, he became the Service-Learning Coordinator for 6 years, creating service opportunities for all students for the entire district.
For the past four years, he has had the privilege of being the Campus Principal at A+UP. He loves how A+UP is like a family, working directly with students and parents. When he’s not working, he is spending time with his own family. He is married to his college sweetheart, Wendy, and has two sons, Knox and Max, and a daughter named Camille. Fun fact: Kap started a nonprofit organization called Finding Heroes. The goal of this organization is to assist other school districts in launching social action courses.
lleonard@aplusup.org
Serving children has always been my passion and purpose. From a young age, I felt a deep calling to serve, uplift, and guide young people toward becoming the best versions of themselves. This calling led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Sociology with a focus on Adolescent Development. My graduate work centered around how civic engagement and mentorship can serve as powerful tools to prevent youth delinquency, deepening my commitment to supporting young people through meaningful relationships and community connection.
My vision has always been to be a vessel of love, service, and purpose, impacting change in ways that honor God and uplift others. I strive to lead with compassion, listen with empathy, and act with unwavering dedication, especially in spaces where resources are limited and hope is most needed.
When I found A+ Unlimited Potential, I immediately knew it was where I was meant to be. The mission, vision, and culture of the school aligned seamlessly with my core beliefs and my passion for serving youth. For nearly seven years, I have had the honor of working in almost every capacity across our campus. Each role has allowed me to pour into our students, build strong relationships with families, and contribute to a learning environment rooted in love, equity, and high expectations.
I believe that life is fragile and time is sacred, so I live and lead with intention. My greatest strength is showing up fully and authentically for those I serve. At A+UP, I am committed to continuing this journey of service, empowerment, and transformation, helping every student believe in their potential and build a future they can be proud of.
LaTrice Leonard,
Principal
Dwayne McCarty,
Assistant Principal
& Assessment Coordinator
dmccarty@aplusup.org
With over 15 years in education, Coach McCarty has established himself as a passionate leader, innovator, and advocate for student success. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Coach McCarty is widely recognized as a turnaround specialist, having led the transformation of three schools previously identified as “Needs Improvement.” He is also the author of Keys to Academic Intervention, a resource equipping educators with proven strategies for at-risk students.
Guided by the belief that every student can learn regardless of ethnicity, background, or circumstance, Mr. McCarty brings a wealth of knowledge in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and academic intervention. His mission is to ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Terrie Roberts,
Terrie brings a wealth of experience from across industries, giving her a unique perspective and a versatile skill set. Over the last 30 years, she has worn many hats—working as a corporate travel agent, managing operations and finance for a multi-million-dollar packaging company, coordinating large-scale events, and even owning and running her own Hawaiian-themed food truck, Mahalo Munchies. Each role sharpened her customer service expertise and deepened her ability to manage complex business operations with creativity and grit. And here’s a little secret—Terrie is also a former professional athlete. Ask her about it sometime; you’ll get a great story!
Today, Terrie serves as the Business Operations Manager, Finance Manager, and Recruiter for A+UP, where she keeps the heartbeat of the school running smoothly. From overseeing day-to-day operations to ensuring financial stewardship and bringing in top talent, Terrie is at the center of what makes A+UP thrive. Her diverse background allows her to approach challenges with both practicality and innovation—making her a true cornerstone of the school’s success.
Business & Operations Manager, Director of Enrollment and Finance Lead
Kendall Benford-Ijeoma
Registrar, Student Data (PEIMs)
kbenford @aplusup.org
When you walk through the middle school doors at A+UP, the first smiling face you’re likely to see is Kendall Benford. She began her journey with us as a receptionist and, through her dedication and talent, has grown into an indispensable part of our team.
With a background in early childhood development, Kendall brings patience, empathy, and strong organizational skills to her role. She has a natural ability to multitask and manage the many moving pieces of a busy campus while keeping both parents and students at ease. Clear, effective communication is always her top priority, ensuring that families feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.
For Kendall, the greatest joy of her work is watching scholars grow into confident young adults—knowing she plays a part in their journey from the very first “hello” at the front desk.
Christine Guidry
School Lunch Program Lead and Front Office - High School
cguidry@aplusup.org
Christine Guidry comes to us from A+UP’s afterschool program. Her compassion for our students, and her background as a paralegal made her to perfect fit to head up the new high school.
Knox McWhorter,
Administrative Assistant
knoxmcwhorter@aplusup.org
Knox comes to us as a student from Sam Houston University
Coaches
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Drew Campbell
HISTORY TEAM
Coach Drew
dcampbell@aplusup.org -
Collins Egbe
MATH TEAM
Coach Egbe
cegbe@aplusup.org -
Marchello "Chello" Gothe
PHYS ED. TEAM
Middle School
Coach Chello
mgothe@aplusup.org -
Raniya Grays
ENGLISH TEAM
Middle School
Coach Grays
rgrays@aplusup.org -
Jayvier Green
HISTORY TEAM
Coach Green
jaygreen@aplusup.org -
David Hill
SECURITY
Campus Wide
dhill@aplusup.org -
Sarena Johnson
ART TEAM
Middle School
Coach Sarena
sjohnson@aplusup.org -
Jose Laguna
SPANISH TEAM
Middle & High School
Coach Laguna
jlaguna@aplusup.org -
Bree Murray
MATH TEAM
Coach Bree
bmurray@aplusup.org -
Daesha Parker
Houston Community College Assistant
High School
Coach Day
dparker@aplusup.org -
Akilah "KiKi" Prince
MATH TEAM
Coach Ki
aprince@aplusup.org -
Joseph Rumbaut
MATH TEAM
Coach J
jrumbaut@aplusup.org -
Janiah Thomas
SCIENCE TEAM
Middle School
Coach Thomas
jthomas@aplusup.org -
Aaron Tolbert
ENGLISH TEAM
Coach Tolbert
atolbert@aplusup.org -
Kimberly Woodard
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
Coach Woodard
kwoodard@aplusup.org -
Merit Youssef
SCIENCE TEAM
Coach Merit
myoussef@aplusup.org
Board of Directors
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Stephen Amante
BOARD TREASURER
-
Jess Arnold
BOARD SECRETARY
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Tom Elsenbrook
BOARD TRUSTEE
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Elbert Johnson
BOARD TRUSTEE
-
Greg Sangalis
BOARD TRUSTEE
-
Kathy Welch
BOARD PRESIDENT
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October 21, 2025
July 16, 2024 - Emergency Meeting
May 16, 2023
April 18, 2023
March 4, 2023
February 21, 2023
January 24, 2023
December 20, 2022
November 15, 2022
September 20, 2022
August 16, 2022
June 21, 2022
May 17, 2022
April 19, 2022
March 1, 2022
January 18, 2022
November 16, 2021
November 3, 2021
October 19, 2021
September 21, 2021
August 17, 2021
July 14, 2021
July 13, 2021
June 2, 2021
May 20, 2021
April 7, 2021
March 12, 2021
March 3, 2021
March 1, 2021
February 3, 2021
January 6, 2021
December 16, 2020
December 2, 2020
November 30, 2020
November 12, 2020
October 7, 2020
September 9, 2020
September 2, 2020
July 22, 2020
July 16, 2020
June 18, 2020
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October 21, 2025 - Agenda - Budget
September 20, 2025
August 1, 2025
July 22, 2025
July 10, 2025
June 17, 2025
May 20, 2025
April 22, 2025
March 18, 2025
February 18, 2025
January 25, 2025
December 17, 2024
November 19, 2024
October 15, 2024
September 27, 2024
August 27, 2024
July 27, 2024
July 16, 2024
June 18. 2024
May 21, 2024
Contact us.
info@aplusup.org
713.955.7557
2410 Hamilton Street
Houston, TX 77004