Meet our dedicated board of directors

At Better Green Academy, Inc., our vision is powered by a team committed to making a difference. Discover the passionate individuals guiding our mission to foster community growth and educational success.

Mr. Leonte Benton -Board Member

As President of T. Dallas Smith & Company, Mr. Benton brings extensive leadership, education experience and business acumen to our board, further underscored by recognition in Forbes books (books.forbes.com)

Mr. Benton previously served as a member of the Georgia State Board of Education representing the 6th Congressional District. This district included portions of the following school systems:

  • Atlanta Public Schools
  • Cobb County School District
  • Coweta County School System
  • Douglas County School System
  • Fayette County Public Schools
  • Fulton County Schools

As a 2009 graduate of Morehouse College obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree, his strategic insight is invaluable in shaping the future of Better Green Academy and ensuring our programs remain impactful and sustainable. Mr. Benton is deeply committed to helping others achieve success, embodying the core values that guide our mission.

Pastor Daunta A. Long - Board Member

Pastor Long serves as the Senior Pastor of Seed Planters Church in McDonough, Georgia. Drawing on his experience as a pastoral leader, he brings a wealth of community engagement and missionary guidance to Better Green Academy. His work is further enriched by his educational background from Beulah Heights University, equipping him to make a meaningful impact in both ministry and education.

Jennifer E. Howard, Ed. D -Board Member

Ms. Howard brings many years of experience to Better Green Academy as an accomplished educator and retired principal from Dekalb County School District (Georgia). Her distinguished career in education provides valuable leadership and insight, strengthening our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Ms. Howard brings a wealth of accomplishments and recognition to BGA. Her honors include being named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2006) and serving as a charter member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education at Clark Atlanta University (2006). She has demonstrated strong leadership as a Church School Superintendent (2005) and earned multiple Academic Excellence Awards from Clark Atlanta University between 2002 and 2005. Additionally, she was recognized with the Character Development Award by the Atlanta YMCA (2001) and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1992.

Organization of DeKalb Educators (ODE), National Education Association (NEA), Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated., Notary Association, Congress of Christian educators, Progressive National Baptist Association.

Ms. Howard’s dedication to education continues to inspire both staff and students, supporting our mission to foster growth, learning, and achievement. 

Ms. Blanche LaFavor - Board Member

 

Ms. LaFavor is an entrepreneur, educator, and Christian leader with a longstanding commitment to advancing the spiritual, academic, and personal development of children. As the former Owner and Operator of Precious Lamb of God Child Care & Learning Center, she spent more than eight years cultivating a Christ-centered learning environment that positively impacted hundreds of children and families.

Ms. LaFavor also demonstrates exceptional teamwork and commitment as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues to serve and uplift her community.

With over fifteen years of experience teaching Sunday School, Ms. LaFavor has dedicated her life to nurturing young people in faith, character, and academic excellence. Through her leadership, many children have been well-prepared for future success, including placement in gifted education programs and strong academic achievement.

Ms. LaFavor is deeply passionate about empowering children to discover and fulfill their God-given potential. As a member of the Board of Directors for Better Green Academy, she is honored to support the school’s mission of delivering exceptional Christ-centered education and developing future leaders grounded in faith, knowledge, and purpose.

 

Ms. Shantay A. Souter - Board Member

Dr. Souter is an accomplished educational leader with more than 28 years of experience in K–12 education, including 14 years as an Assistant Principal and 5 years as a Program Manager for the Math/Science State Center Upward Bound TRIO Program at Morehouse College. She currently serves as a 7th Grade TAG Mathematics teacher where she is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and student achievement. She has completed her Gifted Endorsement, enhancing her expertise in supporting advanced learners and promoting innovative instructional practices.

Throughout her career, Dr. Souter has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity, leadership development, and community engagement. Her experience spans instructional leadership, curriculum development, teacher coaching, student support, and program management. She is passionate about creating opportunities that empower students, strengthen schools, and cultivate future leaders.

Dr. Souter brings a wealth of educational expertise, strategic leadership experience, and a deep commitment to serving the community through collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

 

Mrs. Carla Simmons Harris, CFO

Mrs. Harris serves as a Horticulture Educational Specialist & Coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge in environmental education, informed by her background as a native of Bermuda. Her expertise ensures that our curriculum not only educates but also inspires a deep connection to nature and sustainable practices, enriching the lives of our students and the broader community. She shares our vision of empowering others to succeed, embodying the values at the heart of Better Green Academy.

"Together, our board brings many years of helping others grow for success, united by a shared vision to make our community better."

The Better Green Academy, Inc. Board of Directors