Get to Know our Board
James Robinson III
Mr. James Robinson III (JR) is the Founder of Pura Vida Academic Champions and a dedicated champion of dual-language education. He developed his Spanish fluency through formal study and immersive international experiences, including studying abroad in Costa Rica an opportunity that deepened his belief that language unlocks culture, builds confidence, and expands access to opportunity. For years, JR has advanced world language programming across St. Louis, partnering with schools to cultivate learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to excel.
With more than eight years of experience in educational leadership, including serving as Principal of St. Louis Language Immersion School, JR is known for delivering both heart and measurable results. Under his leadership, SLLIS was ranked No. 1 in Missouri in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Charter Elementary School rankings. He holds two master’s degrees and is currently completing his doctoral degree with a focus on dual-language implementation. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., JR leads with a strong commitment to scholarship, service, and community impact.
Through Pura Vida Academic Champions, he works to reduce opportunity gaps by designing high-quality, culturally responsive learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional school day.
Kellie Willis
A K-12 certified, professional school counselor with over twenty years of experience in Education. As a native of St. Louis, MO, she hold degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri Baptist University. Her mission is to support students with developing goals and creating a pathway towards success. In the words of Cicely Tyson: To soar towards what's possible, you must leave behind what's comfortable".
Ms. Willis enjoys traveling and has a deep appreciation for live musical performances.
Shakira Allen
Shakira is a compassionate Behavioral Health Clinician dedicated to supporting children and strengthening healthier family relationships. A Chicago native now residing in Indianapolis, she brings a holistic, strengths-based approach to her work, helping clients build resilience, self-awareness, and lasting emotional wellness. Her practice is grounded in both clinical expertise and a deep belief in the power of healing through connection.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Community Psychology from Martin University, academic experiences that shaped her commitment to culturally responsive care and community-centered support.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the mother of a Howard University graduate, Shakira is deeply devoted to service, education, and empowering future generations. Inspired by the late Nikki Giovanni’s words, “If you don’t understand yourself, you don’t understand anybody else,” she champions self-reflection and personal growth as essential pathways to healing, meaningful relationships, and transformative change.
Kayla Kowal Marcum
Kayla is a physical therapist that grew up just outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois. She found a love for soccer starting at the young age of 4 years old and continued to play until her senior year at Maryville University. She spent 6.5 years at Maryville graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science (2020) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2022).
She began her professional career as a physical therapist in 2023 in an outpatient orthopedic facility and recently transitioned to working in a performance gym. Kayla loves sharing her passion of soccer with the younger generations and aspires to combine physical therapy, personal training, and sports performance with all age groups for a more holistic approach to athletics. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, going to the gym with her husband, and spending time with friends and family.
Meet Our Teachers
Christopher Lewis
Christopher Lewis is an experienced educator and STEM instructor with over 26 years in education. He taught in Chicago Public Schools for 23 years and has spent the past three years serving students in the Ritenour School District, where he continues to focus on student growth, engagement, and real-world learning.
Christopher holds a B
Christopher Lewis is an experienced educator and STEM instructor with over 26 years in education. He taught in Chicago Public Schools for 23 years and has spent the past three years serving students in the Ritenour School District, where he continues to focus on student growth, engagement, and real-world learning.
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. His work centers on hands-on, experiential learning that builds confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students.
He is also the author of The 2%, a book reflecting on his journey in education and his commitment to representation, mentorship, and student impact. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Christopher remains dedicated to service, leadership, and community engagement.
This summer, Christopher will lead the STEM Innovation Lab, where students will explore engineering, science, and technology through interactive, project-based experiences designed to inspire curiosity and prepare them for future success.