Our History

Just the Beginning

On January 2, 1990 Pamula Edwards welcomed six children into her In-Home childcare facility, Just Beginning Day Care. A business birthed from a need for quality childcare for her young son.

Over the next ten years, Mrs. Edwards, and her daughter Lisa Northington, worked diligently to establish a reputation as a haven for children in the community.

Education as the Foundation

A stickler for education, Mrs. Edwards introduced an Early Learning curriculum to her students at a very young age. This coupled with her desire to “Do More”, lead Mrs. Edwards to convert her In-Home daycare into a private homeschool academy.

2001 Inspired by her mother’s new venture, Lisa Northington established and opened Dream Keepers, an in-home learning academy.

2010 Pamula Edwards and Lisa Northington combined their businesses and opened Edwards Academy of Excellence, a full day private school for grades Kindergarten through 5th.

No Dream Deferred

2016 After 26 years of dedicated service in her community, Pamula Edwards retired, passing the baton to Lisa Northington and Andretta Kaleto.

August 8, 2016 Lisa Northington and Andretta Kaleto ushered the first group of young Dreamers through the hallways of Dream Keepers Academy, an academic based, performing arts school nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, GA.

Our Leaders

Lisa S. Northington

Lisa S. Northington is an educator, entrepreneur, and published author. She is the Co-Founder and Principal of Dream Keepers Academy in Fayetteville, GA.

With over 30 years of experience in education and business, Northington has been a pillar of success in her community and a “Change Agent” in the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career.

In 2015, Northington wrote and published her first children’s book, “Rubee Gold, Too Many First Days”, while simultaneously launching an empowerment organization for young girls, SheezMee, Inc.

It is her deepest desire to not only encourage young girls to love themselves, but also to empower them to follow their DREAMS, relentlessly and unapologetically.

Northington is currently working on her second children’s book, as well as a Self-Empowerment Blog and Workshops for woman of all ages.

Northington refers to herself as the “Dream Midwife” because of her strong belief that her number one purpose in life is to help others give birth to their dreams.

Andretta Kaleto

Andretta Kaleto is a native of Shannon, MS where she was reared and strongly influenced by an educator of 42 years.  She continues the legacy of her grandmother through Dream Keepers Academy by helping to ensure a well-rounded quality education.

Andretta graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a B.A. in English and Minors in Elementary Education and Music from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS.  She earned her M.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Alabama A & M University in Huntsville, Alabama.  Andretta currently holds a state license and national certification to practice Speech Language Pathology which she does so within her very own practice.

Dream Keepers Academy was birthed out of passion and determination to see children reach their highest potential artistically and academically.  “Lisa and I were aligned in our beliefs that children deserve an out of the box, education without walls type of experience during their early years.”

Andretta, Co-Owner of Dream Keepers Academy, has been recognized for her leadership and community service throughout her life. She uses her gifts and talents by helping to implement an academic and arts program that will impact the lives of future generations.

Andretta mostly enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years on their farm.  She has always served in her local church and believes that you make a life by what you give.

Our Board of Advisors

Dr. Tawann Jackson, Ed.D, LCPC, NASP

Dr. Jackson graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work. She worked with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services for one year, before moving to Chicago to further pursue her career. For 8 years, Dr. Jackson provided social work services for children and families through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Continuing to work with children, Dr. Jackson earned a specialist degree in School Psychology (Ed.S) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she was the class representative and delivered the commencement speech for the class of 2009. She began working in the educational environment, where she continued to provide social emotional supports for children, facilitated professional developments, supported home/school collaborations, and became a mentor for teens with special needs. While working with students from preschool through post-high school, Dr. Jackson earned her doctorate degree in Education (Ed.D) from Loyola University Chicago. This degree was also in school psychology, with an emphasis on mental health services, which also prepared Dr. Jackson to sit for State licensing to provide counseling/therapy services. She became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and after 10 years as a school psychologist, Dr. Jackson left the public sector to work independently. With a total of 20 years working with children and families, Dr. Jackson now owns and operates LEGACY Psychological Services, where she continues to provide school psychology services to school districts throughout the United States, and is building her practice to provide counseling/therapy services to urban children and families.

Cheryl Clark

Cheryl Clark, an educator of 21 years now, is a native of MS.  She began her education career in Macon, MS where she taught for 2 years before relocating to Georgia.  She has served in various sectors in education as an English Language Arts teacher, an educational consultant for the Georgia Department of Education, as well as an ELA Academic Coach.  Cheryl is currently a 9th grade Academy Administrator-Assistant Principal at Central High School in Carrollton County.

Mrs. Clark obtained her B.A. in English from Rust College where she participated in several Arts programs.  She received her M.S. in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University and her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University.  She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority where she serves to impact the lives of young women; however, her most acclaimed roles are being a wife and mother to her daughter.  Cheryl firmly believes that educational excellence is maintained through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders which is why her knowledge and experience will serve Dream Keepers Academy well as an advisor.

Dr. Qiana A. Johnson

Qiana A. Johnson, DNP, FNP-C attained a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, where she studied to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Forensic Nurse.

Johnson is a board- certified family nurse practitioner. Dr. Johnson is currently the owner of Lotus Family Wellness Clinic, Adjunct Faculty for Chamberlain College of Nursing, and Forensic Medical Program Director for Day League AKA DeKalb Rape Crisis Center (DeKalb County’s 1st and only Forensic Medical Center).

Johnson previously worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children where she assessed and treated pediatric victims of abuse. Prior to advancing her degree, she has worked at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory Midtown, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Emergency Department.

Dr. Johnson is a wife and mother of 3 children. She resides in Fayetteville, GA with her family, and in her spare time, she enjoys cooking and writing.

Cameron Morris

Cameron Morris, Youth Pastor/School Chaplain, is a young man with a heart for God and has dedicated his life to ministering to the youth in the surrounding communities.

Cameron studied Finance at Georgia State University where he realized his passion and purpose for life. Cameron began his pastoral journey as a children’s pastor for three years. It wasn’t long before God promoted him to serve as a Youth Pastor for Free Chapel where Pastor Jentezen Franklin is Senior Pastor.

Cameron understands that his first ministry is his amazing wife, Vicky, and daughter, Eden. He desires to be the best example of Christ to them each and every day. This makes him a perfect addition to our advisory team. His wisdom, spiritual guidance, and sense of balance will serve the students and staff at Dream Keepers Academy well.