Meet the A+UP Team

Leadership Team

Man with white beard and hair, wearing a plaid shirt and dark blazer, standing against a blue background.

Kap McWhorter,
Superintendent

kmcwhorter@aplusup.org

With over 17 years of education experience as both teacher and administrator, Kap has been able to empower students to change their lives and achieve meaningful impact in their local and global communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theology from Houston Baptist University (HBU). He proceeded to obtain his Master’s in Arts and Theological studies from HBU as well. His career began in ministry and includes work within small churches, local non-profit organizations, and humanitarian relief in Mozambique and Malawi, Africa. Shortly after his time in Africa, Kap began his teaching career as a speech teacher for Humble ISD and launched a new class called Social Action. This course provided tools for students to become involved in making a difference in their communities and opportunities to serve abroad. After successfully launching the Social Action course, he became the Service-Learning Coordinator for 6 years, creating service opportunities for all students for the entire district.
For the past four years, he has had the privilege of being the Campus Principal at A+UP. He loves how A+UP is like a family, working directly with students and parents. When he’s not working, he is spending time with his own family. He is married to his college sweetheart, Wendy, and has two sons, Knox and Max, and a daughter named Camille. Fun fact: Kap started a nonprofit organization called Finding Heroes. The goal of this organization is to assist other school districts in launching social action courses.

lleonard@aplusup.org

Serving children has always been my passion and purpose. From a young age, I felt a deep calling to serve, uplift, and guide young people toward becoming the best versions of themselves. This calling led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Sociology with a focus on Adolescent Development. My graduate work centered around how civic engagement and mentorship can serve as powerful tools to prevent youth delinquency, deepening my commitment to supporting young people through meaningful relationships and community connection.
My vision has always been to be a vessel of love, service, and purpose, impacting change in ways that honor God and uplift others. I strive to lead with compassion, listen with empathy, and act with unwavering dedication, especially in spaces where resources are limited and hope is most needed.
When I found A+ Unlimited Potential, I immediately knew it was where I was meant to be. The mission, vision, and culture of the school aligned seamlessly with my core beliefs and my passion for serving youth. For nearly seven years, I have had the honor of working in almost every capacity across our campus. Each role has allowed me to pour into our students, build strong relationships with families, and contribute to a learning environment rooted in love, equity, and high expectations.
I believe that life is fragile and time is sacred, so I live and lead with intention. My greatest strength is showing up fully and authentically for those I serve. At A+UP, I am committed to continuing this journey of service, empowerment, and transformation, helping every student believe in their potential and build a future they can be proud of.

LaTrice Leonard,
Principal

Kayla (Hartman) Fisher,

Assessment Coordinator

KFisher@aplusup.org

Kayla has been a coach with A+UP for almost 7 years now. She comes to Texas State University.

Terrie Roberts,

Person with short hair and glasses smiling against a blue background, wearing a black top and silver necklace.

troberts@aplusup.org

Terrie brings a wealth of experience from across industries, giving her a unique perspective and a versatile skill set. Over the last 30 years, she has worn many hats—working as a corporate travel agent, managing operations and finance for a multi-million-dollar packaging company, coordinating large-scale events, and even owning and running her own Hawaiian-themed food truck, Mahalo Munchies. Each role sharpened her customer service expertise and deepened her ability to manage complex business operations with creativity and grit. And here’s a little secret—Terrie is also a former professional athlete. Ask her about it sometime; you’ll get a great story!
Today, Terrie serves as the Business Operations Manager, Finance Manager, and Recruiter for A+UP, where she keeps the heartbeat of the school running smoothly. From overseeing day-to-day operations to ensuring financial stewardship and bringing in top talent, Terrie is at the center of what makes A+UP thrive. Her diverse background allows her to approach challenges with both practicality and innovation—making her a true cornerstone of the school’s success.

Business Manager & Director of Enrollment and Finance

Silhouette of a blue phoenix with outstretched wings inside a partial red circle on a white background.

Kendall Benford-Ijeoma
Registrar, Student Data (PEIMs)

kbenford @aplusup.org

When you walk through the middle school doors at A+UP, the first smiling face you’re likely to see is Kendall Benford. She began her journey with us as a receptionist and, through her dedication and talent, has grown into an indispensable part of our team.
With a background in early childhood development, Kendall brings patience, empathy, and strong organizational skills to her role. She has a natural ability to multitask and manage the many moving pieces of a busy campus while keeping both parents and students at ease. Clear, effective communication is always her top priority, ensuring that families feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.
For Kendall, the greatest joy of her work is watching scholars grow into confident young adults—knowing she plays a part in their journey from the very first “hello” at the front desk.

Christine Guidry
School Lunch Program Lead and Front Office - High School

cguidry@aplusup.org

Christine Guidry comes to us from A+UP’s afterschool program. Her compassion for our students, and her background as a paralegal made her to perfect fit to head up the new high school.

Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white blouse with black floral patterns against a blue background.

Knox McWhorter,
Administrative Assistant

knoxmcwhorter@aplusup.org

Knox comes to us as a student from Sam Houston University

Coaches

  • Kap McWhorter

    STUDENT NEEDS TEAM
    Coach Map or Coach Kap
    kmcwhorter@aplusup.org

  • LaTrice Leonard

    STUDENT NEEDS TEAM
    Coach Latrice
    lleonard@aplusup.org

  • Sarena Johnspon

    ART TEAM
    Middle School
    Coach Sarena
    sjohnson@aplusup.org

  • Drew Campbell

    HISTORY TEAM
    Coach Drew
    dcampbell@aplusup.org

  • Kimberly Woodard

    SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
    Coach Woodard
    kwoodard@aplusup.org

  • Daesha Parker

    Houston Community College Assistant
    High School
    Coach Day
    dparker@aplusup.org

  • Kayla (Hartman) Fisher

    ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR
    Coach Kay
    kfisher@aplusup.org

  • Merit Youssef

    SCIENCE TEAM
    Coach Merit
    myoussef@aplusup.org

  • Bree Murray

    MATH TEAM
    Coach Bree
    bmurray@aplusup.org

  • Akilah "KiKi" Prince

    MATH TEAM
    Coach Ki
    aprince@aplusup.org

  • Collins Egbe

    MATH TEAM
    Coach Egbe
    cegbe@aplusup.org

  • Dwayne McCarty

    ENGLISH TEAM
    Coach McCarty
    dmccarty@aplusup.org

  • Aaron Tolbert

    ENGLISH TEAM
    Coach Tolbert
    atolbert@aplusup.org

  • Joseph Rumbaut

    MATH TEAM
    Coach J
    jrumbaut@aplusup.org

  • Paiton Young

    ENGLISH TEAM
    Middle School
    Coach Paiton
    pyoung@aplusup.org

  • Raniya Grays

    ENGLISH TEAM
    Middle School
    Coach Grays
    rgrays@aplusup.org

  • David Hill

    SECURITY
    Campus Wide
    dhill@aplusup.org

  • Jayvier Green

    HISTORY TEAM
    Coach Green
    jaygreen@aplusup.org

  • Janiah Thomas

    SCIENCE TEAM
    Middle School
    Coach Thomas
    jthomas@aplusup.org

  • Jose Laguna

    SPANISH TEAM
    Middle & High School
    Coach Laguna
    jlaguna@aplusup.org

  • Marchello "Chello" Gothe

    PHYS ED. TEAM
    Middle School
    Coach Chello
    mgothe@aplusup.org

Board of Directors

  • Stephen Amante

    BOARD TREASURER

  • Jess Arnold

    BOARD SECRETARY

  • Tom Elsenbrook

    BOARD TRUSTEE

  • Elbert Johnson

    BOARD TRUSTEE

  • Greg Sangalis

    BOARD TRUSTEE

  • Kathy Welch

    BOARD PRESIDENT

Contact us.

info@aplusup.org
713.955.7587

2410 Hamilton Street
Houston, TX 77004