Meet Our Founder

As a young girl, I remember insisting my brothers and sister play school with me. Of course I was the teacher, as only the older and bossy sister should be! We would play regularly with me encouraging to get the answers correct. What fun times at the Lewis home!

Furthermore, my older brother had several academic and physical challenges. He had cerebral palsy, grand mal seizures. By today’s terminology, he would be classified as Severe-Profound MR. However, that didn’t deter me from including him in my class sessions.

Eventually, I enrolled in Grambling State University, majoring in education. My first 6 years as an educator, I taught Special Education at Southside Elementary School in Lake Providence in a Mild/Moderate classroom. I moved with my family to Fort Wayne, Indiana. I became a teacher for Fort Wayne Community Schools for 36 years while continuing my academic studies at IPFW. In my role as an educator, I held several roles teaching elementary in grades 2nd-3rd, Language Arts grade 6, ELL teacher, Instructional Coach, and Student Learner Advocate supporting teachers by collaborating and providing interventions for students with learning academic and behavioral issues.

On this journey, I learned being a teacher was more than what I do, but it was who I am. Many believe that those who can’t perform in other areas, teach. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Whatever profession you are in, it began with a teacher. Consequently, upon retirement, I decided to continue my role as an educator in a different capacity by starting Solid Foundation Learning Center to “Empower Students in grades K-5 from then Inside Out” through trauma-informed instruction using therapeutic moments through the Arts to relieve stress with the same enthusiasm I had from the onset of my career. Being a teacher matters!

In my leisure time, I love to read adventure, mystery and romance novels. I also like listening to gospel and jazz, playing card games and traveling. Mostly I love spending time with my husband (date nights!) children and grandchildren. I truly love being a part of the grandparent club!