ADVISORY BOARD
Lauren Adams Harris
has over 10 years of experience within the child care industry. Mrs. Harris has served as a director, lead teacher and counselor for child care schools and programs ranging in ages from toddlers to 5th grade students. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for Little Ambassadors’ Academy. Mrs. Harris holds a B.S. degree in Finance from North Carolina A&T State University and a certificate in early childhood education from Northern Virginia Community College.
Wesley Harris
has over 7 years of experience within the Information Technology and defense industry. His experience includes managing defense budgets ranging from $17M to $39M including mitigating a risk portfolio of over $46M. Mr. Harris has been responsible for leading both proposal and program teams to deliver requirements and capabilities to customers and end users. Currently, he is an engineering manager and the Systems Engineering Integration and Test lead for a software development program located in Northern VA and Maryland. Mr. Harris holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Hampton University and M.S. degree in Systems Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Gloria L. Adams
has over 25 years of experience within the educational industry. She has instructed adults, presented educational and business workshops to professional groups and published professional articles. Mrs. Adams also has over 10 years of business management experience in the telecommunication industry. She holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Virginia State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Virginia Commonweath University. She has lived in Northern Virginia for over 25 years, raising a son and daughter with her husband of almost 30 years.
Larry Adams
has over 30 years of experience within the health care industry. He has been responsible for managing multi-million dollar budgets purchasing vehicles, properties and additional assets for multiple health care companies. He served as the director of operations for a health care company located in Maryland. Mr. Adams holds a B.A. in Political Science from Slippery Rock University and a graduate studies degree in public administration.
Courtney Martin
has over 7 years of teaching experience in primary and secondary education. She has served in multiple teaching positions ranging from 1st to 5th grade. Ms. Martin has challenged students to master basic to advanced math concepts, directing a balanced literacy program and integrating Language Arts and Social Studies curriculums. She has served on Multicultural and Admissions committees and has worked in independent, college preparatory and public schools. Ms. Martin holds a B.A. degree in Sociology from Hampton University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Education in Elementary Education degree from Lesley University.
Little Ambassadors’ Academy Parent Representation
Thomas M. Ricketts, CFA
has over 17 years of financial management experience. He has served as research analyst for over 14 years. Currently he is a Sr. Research Analyst for an investment management firm located in Arlington, VA. Mr. Ricketts holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia.
Dr. Sonya G. Ricketts, DMV
has over 15 years of experience within the veterinary industry. She has served as a clinical veterinarian as well as an associate veterinarian for Columbia University and multiple animal hospitals across the east coast. She currently lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and daughter who is currently enrolled in Little Ambassadors’ Academy. Dr. Ricketts holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University and a B.S. in Biology and Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.