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.
Brandon Rothkopf
Brandon Rothkopf is an attorney and risk-management professional based in the St. Louis area. He has built a career focused on organizational risk oversight, real estate law, and commercial
litigation, particularly within nonprofit and institutional settings.
Brandon currently serves as the Director of the Office of Risk Management at the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where he oversees programs related to property and casualty risk, liability exposure,
and organizational compliance. In this role, he manages risk strategies designed to protect the archdiocese’s assets, operations, and affiliated institutions.
Brandon and his wife, Jane, have been married since 2000. They have five children: Jack (22); Joe (21); Theresa (18); Lucy (16); and Will (9). They enjoy attending the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra together whenever they can. Brandon enjoyed coaching baseball for many years, while Jane can frequently be found in area thrift stores.
Fiscal Agent
Aisha Johnson
Aisha Johnson serves as PVAC’s Fiscal Agent, bringing extensive experience as a Financial Controller and Certified Public Accountant. She oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and the management of scholarship funds. Aisha ensures that every dollar invested in PVAC is handled with integrity, transparency, and
Aisha Johnson serves as PVAC’s Fiscal Agent, bringing extensive experience as a Financial Controller and Certified Public Accountant. She oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and the management of scholarship funds. Aisha ensures that every dollar invested in PVAC is handled with integrity, transparency, and strong internal controls, reinforcing trust with donors, partners, and the community. In addition to many hats she wears, Aisha is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sority, Inc.
Meet Our Teachers & Staff
Christopher Lewis
Bianca Garcia Espinal
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 Bache
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.
Laura Russell
Bianca Garcia Espinal
Christopher Lewis
Laura Russell is a Registered Dietitian with 14 years of experience in her professional career. Her professional journey has allowed her to gain insight in supporting health and wellness for individuals in any of life's stages. She received her formal degree at Fontbonne University which includes a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics as we
Laura Russell is a Registered Dietitian with 14 years of experience in her professional career. Her professional journey has allowed her to gain insight in supporting health and wellness for individuals in any of life's stages. She received her formal degree at Fontbonne University which includes a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics as well as a Masters Degree in Multidisciplinary Health Communications. That's basically a fancy way of saying she has cultivated the skills to translate health needs with personal desire and will to create change. It is truly her passion to empower people to take control of their health while being met where they are at the moment.
She also has over 20 years of experience in personal development and trauma awareness. This provides her the unique ability to confront food and health challenges with the often deeper root of the cause. She currently serves on the board for Woman Within LLC and is forever a proponent of self awareness through mindful and healthy lifestyles practices. It is her goal to share these concepts with the young minds that attend camp this summer. To open them up to the concept that our mind and bodies are connected and you must nourish and care for them both!
Bianca Garcia Espinal
Bianca Garcia Espinal
Bianca Garcia Espinal
Bianca Garcia Espinal is a passionate educator with over eight years of experience in ESL, special education, and elementary classrooms. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she brings a deep love for language, culture, and tradition into her work with students.
She has taught in Spanish language immersion programs, where she creates engaging,
Bianca Garcia Espinal is a passionate educator with over eight years of experience in ESL, special education, and elementary classrooms. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she brings a deep love for language, culture, and tradition into her work with students.
She has taught in Spanish language immersion programs, where she creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect language with real-world meaning. Bianca holds a Master of Science in Special Education and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Cultural Studies.
Bianca is especially passionate about dance, cultural expression, and traditions that bring people together. This summer, she is excited to create a fun and meaningful experience where students explore culture, movement, and creativity while building confidence and joy in learning.
Bianca García Espinal es una educadora con más de ocho años de experiencia en ESL, educación especial y nivel elemental. Nacida y criada en Puerto Rico, aporta un profundo amor por el lenguaje, la cultura y las tradiciones en su trabajo con los estudiantes.
Ha enseñado en programas de inmersión en español, donde crea experiencias de aprendizaje dinámicas y prácticas que conectan el idioma con situaciones reales. Bianca posee una Maestría en Ciencias en Educación Especial y actualmente está cursando un Doctorado en Estudios Culturales.
Bianca siente una gran pasión por el baile, la expresión cultural y las tradiciones que unen a las personas. Este verano, está emocionada de crear una experiencia divertida y significativa donde los estudiantes explorarán la cultura, el movimiento y la creatividad, mientras desarrollan confianza y disfrutan del aprendizaje.
Michelle Hanson
Kori Thomas-Emrick
Bianca Garcia Espinal
Michelle Hanson is a Special Education Teacher with 24 years of experience supporting individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. She loves working with youth, giving back to her community, and helping others feel confident, supported, and valued.
Kori Thomas-Emrick
Kori Thomas-Emrick
Kori Thomas-Emrick
I'm a Dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse with 10 years of hands-on experience delivering quality patient care. At 29, I bring a strong clinical foundation, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting patients’ well-being. I’m passionate about building meaningful connections with those I care for and contributing
I'm a Dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse with 10 years of hands-on experience delivering quality patient care. At 29, I bring a strong clinical foundation, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting patients’ well-being. I’m passionate about building meaningful connections with those I care for and contributing positively to my team. Outside of nursing, I enjoy spending time outdoors, which helps me stay balanced, energized, and ready to give my best each day.