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Meet Our Team
Dr. Avina I. Ross, PhD, MS
Visionary Officer, Executive Director
Dr. Avina I. Ross is a proud mother, scholar, and equity strategist with a lifelong commitment to justice. At Love + Choice, she brings her gifts as an educator, thought partner, and advocate for culturally affirming learning spaces. With more than 18 years of experience across nonprofits, academia, and government, including Princeton University, Dr. Ross grounds her work in love, liberation, and learning. Her expertise includes culturally responsive education, trauma-informed approaches, gender-based violence prevention, and strategic program design and evaluation. She is the founder of AIR Consulting LLC and formerly served in senior diversity and strategy roles. Dr. Ross holds a PhD in Social Work and a Masters degree in Sociology. At Love + Choice, Dr. Ross supports our vision of holistic, identity-affirming education that uplifts core academic learning and cultural exploration. For joy and self-care, she loves adventuring with her son, savoring cold brew coffee, and soaking in live music.
Ms. Avencia Ross, M.S.Ed. SpEd., M.A.Ed.
Education Specialist
Ms. Avencia Ross is the Education Specialist for Love + Choice. With over 14 years of teaching experience in Virginia public schools, including Gloucester, Newport News, and Williamsburg-James City County, she brings both depth and heart to her leadership. Ms. Ross holds a Masters of Education in Special Education, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Literacy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies and Education. She is pursuing an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University and holds two Virginia educational licenses: a Provisional Special Education License (valid through 2026) and a Postgraduate Professional License (valid through 2032). At Love + Choice, Ms. Ross provides individualized instruction, coaching, educational advocacy, homeschool support, competency-based tracking, and other specialized services centered around each student’s needs.
Board of Directors
Aleshia Johnson, M.A.Ed. serves as Treasurer and Secretary of
Love + Choice Learning Collective, bringing over a decade of experience in public education and a deep commitment to student-centered learning and community service. Ms. Johnson currently teaches as a 6th Grade Master Teacher, certified in Reading and Language Arts for grades 4–8 in south Texas. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As an educator, she is known for strengths in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Johnson is a lifelong community servant, having led PTA chapters, supported military and veteran causes, and participated in environmental and humanitarian service projects. Her leadership reflects her belief in nurturing relationships, honoring student voice, and advancing equity in education.
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Donn Kirkland, M.A., ABD is the Board Chair for Love + Choice and is a strategic communication professional with expertise in marketing, branding, strategic planning, and social media. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked with brands including the Miss America Organization, withPIPER, Samuel Hubbard, and Ruby’s Place. Donn is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness, striving to make affordable care accessible to all, and works to empower men of color with resources and support. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he contributes to initiatives that uplift communities of color. He is a storyteller at heart and loves creating content that engages and inspires. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Media, Donn explores underreported issues such as human trafficking while advancing communication excellence and advocacy.
Kenneth “Kenny” Williams, Jr., M.A. is a cultural commentator and visual storyteller from Detroit and is a board member for Love + Choice Learning Collective. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Michigan State University. Kenneth is dedicated to amplifying Black voices and experiences and is a freelance writer for Business Insider, UPTOWN Magazine, and Forbes through ForbesBLK. Previously, he served as Press Manager at Color Of Change, managing press events and media responses during pivotal moments. As Communications Director for For Our Future MI, he led comprehensive media plans that secured positive coverage and advanced organizational goals. His strategic approach to communication and advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact.
