Meet Our Founder
"Ms. Ako, like taco without the T"
LauraJeanne "Ms. Ako" Faye Harvey is a certified educator, curriculum developer, and advocate for culturally responsive teaching with nearly a decade of experience in education. She has worked across diverse educational settings, including public and private schools, homeschool programs, and community-based learning environments. Her work centers on empowering students through literacy, critical thinking, and identity-affirming instruction.
Ako holds a Master’s degree in Adolescent Literacy from St. John’s University, where she was honored with the 2018 Teaching Literacy Award for her innovative, student-centered approach to learning. During her graduate studies, she focused on using project-based learning to support students with STEM-related learning differences, such as Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics Education, which supports her interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven teaching practice.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Ako is an experienced curriculum developer, designing engaging, standards-aligned lessons and educational programs that combine academic rigor with creativity and cultural relevance. Her lessons are built to reflect student identities, explore real-world issues, and inspire confidence through meaningful learning experiences.
Her teaching philosophy is grounded in equity, engagement, and empowerment. Ako believes that education should be both a mirror and a window—reflecting the lived experiences of students while opening doors to new knowledge, perspectives, and possibilities.
Key Achievements
- Certified Teacher with nearly 10 years of classroom and tutoring experience
- Recipient of the 2018 Teaching Literacy Award, St. John’s University
- Member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society
- Master’s Degree in Adolescent Literacy, with a focus on PBL and STEM-related learning differences
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physics Education
- Experienced Curriculum Developer for interdisciplinary, standards-aligned learning
- Specialized in culturally responsive pedagogy and literacy-centered instruction
Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Ako is deeply engaged in creative expression, youth mentorship, and environmental education. For the past three years, she has led guided nature walks in Tampa, Florida, blending mindfulness, ecology, and community-building. As a certified herbalist, she incorporates plant-based knowledge into both her personal practice and educational programming, helping learners of all ages reconnect with the natural world.
Ms. Ako has also served as a soccer and track coach, using athletics as a platform to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork in young people. Her coaching style reflects the same core values that guide her teaching—equity, encouragement, and empowerment.
A passionate storyteller at heart, Ms. Ako is an accomplished creative writer, spoken word artist, and screenwriter. Her work explores themes of identity, imagination, and liberation. She is currently completing her debut novel, and her screenplay was named a finalist at the 2018 Slim Cinema Film Festival. Whether performing on stage or writing for the screen, Ms. Ako’s artistic voice reflects the same care and vision she brings to her work in education.
