Meet the A+UP Team
Leadership Team
Kap McWhorter,
Superintendent
KMcWhorter@ aplusup.org
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Kap McWhorter serves as Superintendent of A+ Unlimited Potential (A+UP), a Houston public charter school dedicated to helping students reach their full potential through personalized learning, strong relationships, and real-world experiences.
Kap has spent the past nine years at A+UP, serving as Principal, Head of Schools, and now Superintendent. During his tenure, he has helped lead the growth of A+UP from a small middle school into a unique secondary school model serving student through both middle and high school. Under his leadership, A+UP has built a culture of high expectations and personal connection while achieving strong academic results, including three academic distinctions at the middle school and an A rating with six academic distinctions at the high school from Texas Education Agency (TEA). A+UP High School also provides every student with access to college coursework, professional internships, and a pathway to earn an associate degree or industry certification before graduation.
Kap hold a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theology and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Houston Baptist University. His career in education began as a speech teacher, where he developed a passion for helping students discover their purpose, and use their gifts to make a difference in their communities.
Is married to his college sweetheart, Wendy, and they have three children, Knox, Max, and Camille. He is passionate about building schools where students are known, challenged, supported, and prepared to lead lives of purpose.
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
Dwayne McCarty,
Assistant Principal
& Assessment Coordinator
DMcCarty@ aplusup.org
With over 15 years in education, Coach McCarty has established himself as a passionate leader, innovator, and advocate for student success. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Coach McCarty is widely recognized as a turnaround specialist, having led the transformation of three schools previously identified as “Needs Improvement.” He is also the author of Keys to Academic Intervention, a resource equipping educators with proven strategies for at-risk students.
Guided by the belief that every student can learn regardless of ethnicity, background, or circumstance, Mr. McCarty brings a wealth of knowledge in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and academic intervention. His mission is to ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Terrie Roberts,
troberts@ aplusup.org
Terrie brings a wealth of experience across industries, giving her a unique perspective and a versatile skill set. Her career has included corporate travel, business and operations management for a multimillion-dollar packaging company, and corporate event planning, where she coordinated large-scale events. She also owned and operated her own Hawaiian-themed food truck, Mahalo Munchies. Each experience strengthened her customer service expertise and her ability to manage complex operations with creativity, resourcefulness, 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 and Operations Manager for A+UP Charter School, helping keep the heartbeat of the school running smoothly. Her responsibilities span finance, human resources, enrollment, facilities, technology, procurement, and campus safety. Terrie brings a practical approach, a creative spirit, and a deep commitment to the school community.
Business & Operations Manager, Director of Enrollment and Finance Lead
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 the perfect fit to head up the new high school.
Knox McWhorter,
Administrative Assistant
KnoxMcWhorter@ aplusup.org
Knox comes to us as a student from Sam Houston University.
Coaches
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Drew Campbell
HISTORY TEAM
Middle School
Coach Drew
dcampbell@ aplusup.org -
Ashley Darden
MATH TEAM
Coach Darden
adarden@ aplusup.org -
Sarah Delgado
MATH TEAM
Middle School
Coach Sarah
sdelgado@ aplusup.org -
Matthew Edoho
History Team
High School
Coach Matthew Edoho
MEdoho@ aplusup.org -
Marchello "Chello" Gothe
PHYS ED. TEAM
& BASKETBALL COACH
Coach Chello
mgothe@ aplusup.org -
David Hill
SECURITY
Campus Wide
dhill@ aplusup.org -
Everett Johnson
ART TEAM
CoachJohnson
evjohnson@ aplusup.org -
Ingrid Kelley
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
Coach Ingrid
ikelley@ aplusup.org -
Jose Laguna
SPANISH TEAM
Coach Laguna
jlaguna@ aplusup.org -
Bree Murray
MATH TEAM
Middle & High Schools
Coach Bree
bmurray@ aplusup.org -
Brandon Parker
SCIENCE
High School
Coach Parker
bparker@ aplusup.org -
Daesha Parker
Houston Community College Assistant
High School
Coach Day
dparker@ aplusup.org -
Akilah "KiKi" Prince
SCIENCE TEAM
MIddle School
Coach KiKi
aprince@ aplusup.org -
Tezlynn Tillmon
ENGLISH TEAM
Middle School
Coach Tillmon
TTillmon@ aplusup.org -
Argelia Venegas
English Team
Coach V
avenagas@ aplusup.org
Board of Directors
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Stephen Amante
BOARD TREASURER
-
Jess Arnold
BOARD SECRETARY
-
Tom Elsenbrook
BOARD TRUSTEE
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Elbert Johnson
BOARD TRUSTEE
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Greg Sangalis
BOARD TRUSTEE
-
Kathy Welch
BOARD PRESIDENT
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Chris Wolski
BOARD TRUSTEE
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October 24, 2026 - Retreat
September 15, 2026
August 18, 2026
July 21, 2026
June 16, 2026
May 26, 2026
May 20, 2026
April 21, 2026
March 24, 2026
February 7, 2026
January 20, 2026
December 09, 2025
November 19, 2025
October 21, 2025 - Agenda - Budget
September 20, 2025
August 1, 2025
July 22, 2025
July 10, 2025
June 17, 2025
May 20, 2025
April 22, 2025
March 18, 2025
February 18, 2025
January 25, 2025
December 17, 2024
November 19, 2024
October 15, 2024
September 27, 2024
August 27, 2024
Contact us.
information @aplusup.org
713.955.7557
2410 Hamilton Street
Houston, TX 77004

