About Us

There is a need for affordable Christian Education.  Christians, who by the way supposedly make up about 31% of America are faced with options that are not affordable and/or do not align with Christian values.  There is a concern that American culture is leading children astray in public secular education through indoctrination of secular ideologies i.e. gender fluidity, tolerance for sin, etc..  VLA school will teach children how to live out the Holy Bible in this world.  The Village believes that in today's society, families should consider a school where their children are safer and in a more loving environment where they can learn about the world through a biblical perspective.

To cultivate young leaders through individualized Christian Education focusing on spiritual, intellectual, social, physical and academic growth.

To prepare and motivate our students for a rapidly changing world by instilling in them critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and a respect for Christian core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and compassion. 

Christian leaders in the Charlotte area that love God, love children and youth and love the truth of God's Holy word. 

 It is their intention to create a school to help raise a generation that has moral standards based on God’s word.  

It is their intention to create a village/community to help raise these children in a godly environment where they mature into intelligent, well-rounded Christian leaders.

Melanie Genwright, B.A., M.P.A, NC Educator Certified 

Head of School and Founding Board Member 

Melanie holds her relationship with Jesus very near to her heart.  She loves and is so grateful for her family that includes Pastor Maurice Genwright and their two sons Maxwell (17) and Matthew (16).  Melanie has grown in a diverse career that includes Entrepreneurship (Business Development), Christian Education, Public School Educator, Non-profit and Business Management.  Her passion is to invest in young people the truth of God’s word and see them grow to live their lives for Jesus.  Melanie is a native of Richmond, VA and has lived in Charlotte for more than 20 years.  She received all of her higher education in the Queen City.  She also loves to sing, loves music, animals and nature.  Her life’s ambition is to live a life that the Lord will say “well done thy good and faithful servant”. 

DeJon Ellison 

Founding Board Member 

DeJon Ellison is a husband, father, and “Poppa'' who resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Edna Charain. They have two children, a daughter, a son and one granddaughter. He is also a Pastor who enjoys singing, preaching, & ministering to his loving congregation. DeJon is also the Founder & serves as President of a 501c3 non-profit organization “A Future And A Hope Inc”.  DeJon has navigated the waters of School Nutrition for 6 years. He is currently the Assistant School Nutrition Manager at a local charter school here in Charlotte, NC. 

Latoya Turner 

Founding Board Member  

Latoya is a native of Statesville, NC and is married with two children who are being educated and was educated in the Cabarrus County school district.  Latoya graduated from Gardner Webb University with a B.S. in Management Information.  From 2015 to 2016, she helped lead the Strategic Planning Committee of Bridge Church to its current merger with Steele Creek Church of Charlotte.  For eleven years, Latoya was the Senior Manager of Operations at TransUnion.  She is currently the Senior Manager of Product Management at TransUnion. 

Daryl Williams Jr.

Founding Board Member

Daryl has matriculated through a career in education, from an inspiring teacher, to an influential coach, this dynamic speaker has empowered both students and teachers to achieve excellence. His energetic style and use of imagery make for a lasting impact on audiences of all sizes.

Daryl spent six years teaching middle school math, and two years as an Instructional Coach before transitioning into the role of Assistant Principal. Along the way he picked up a National Boards Certification, two Teacher of the Year awards, and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and School Administration from Johns Hopkins University and The University of North Carolina respectively. Currently as Assistant Principal, he coaches teachers to improve their practices in the classroom to increase student growth.

As founder of My Pursuit of Excellence, LLC, Daryl creates resources that are designed to develop students’ life skills, mindset, and character. He also provides tips, coaching, and professional development for teachers that are interested in maximizing student growth.

Michael Walsh 

Founding Board Member

Monique Jackson

Founding Board Member