Board Members

Mrs. April Briscoe

Mrs. April Briscoe has been in education for 35 years. She has experience working with students from early childhood through high school, including special education, and is currently the elementary principal at Wetumka Elementary School. Mrs. Briscoe’s vision for students, teachers, and leaders, aligns with Prosper Academy’s core values. She has joined the Advisory Board to lend her years of experience and wisdom as a support to Director Kelsie Brooks and the entire Prosper Academy Team.

Lucas Simmons

Lucas is an acclaimed artist and adjunct professor at Oklahoma Baptist University. He lives in Shawnee and is a respected member of the community. Currently, Lucas has been commissioned to paint 4 pieces for the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Courtney Phillips

Courtney Phillips has been an educator for over 10 years. She lived in Shawnee after graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She worked at Will Rogers Elementary until her family moved to Edmond. She currently works for The Beacon School in Edmond, OK as a part of their admin team.

Aaron Williams

Aaron Williams comes from a family of educators and has 13 years of teaching experience including seven years as a middle school science teacher in Mid-Del Schools and three years at Will Rogers Elementary in Shawnee. He lives locally with his wife, Tiffany, and their two daughters. He is currently employed as the Business Development Manager for Indaco Metals in Shawnee. Aaron earned his Bachelors of Education from Oklahoma City University.

Brittany Da silva

Brittany Donnelly Da Silva and is a mom, wife, and currently works at the University of Oklahoma’s Education Abroad Office as the Global Engagement Fellowship & Scholarships Coordinator. She also serves as a Course Instructor for both University College and the College of International Studies at OU and has been working in Higher Education at various institutions since 2014. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Oklahoma Baptist University and a M.A. in Applied Anthropology from the University of North Texas. As a Higher Ed professional working with college students, she knows just how important an excellent early childhood education experience is as an indicator for these students’ future success! She is so happy to support Prosper Academy in Shawnee because of the dedicated, caring and qualified teaching staff, the Christian environment, individualized learning plans and the Montessori-style learning practices.

Advisory Team

Belinda Collins

I believe the education system should always evolve toward developing the most positive learning experience for children. Prosper Academy offers a degree of learning beneficial to students and parents. The innovative curriculum supports the individual child’s needs while enhancing the learning experience through more of a tailored per student need. Upon hearing of the opportunity to be involved in bringing this innovative learning experience to the children of Shawnee, I immediately was on board in full support of this educational endeavor.

Bachelors of Science in Business, Saint Gregory’s University 2002

Financial Career of 40+ years including 20 years “by trade” accounting.

Currently employed as a Credit Analyst at a financial institution.

Ryan Brooks

Ryan Brooks serves as the director of Uplift Mentoring. I have been committed for the past 10 years to building a network of support for children in Shawnee to grow holistically through mentoring relationships. I graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology. I believe in the approach to learning that Prosper Academy offers to equip children with the tools necessary to take ownership of their learning experience and realize their full potential.