Launch Academy

Last but not least…

📣 Staff Spotlight

Mr. Richard
The man with multiple plans 📋 and an amazing team beside him.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and an MBA, Mr. Richard brings both knowledge ✨ and heart ❤️ to everything he does.

For nearly 20 years, he has worked with neurodiverse students, building an incredible wealth of experience and understanding. 🧠 He founded Launch with a vision not only to educate students, 📚 but to equip them with the life skills needed to become confident and independent.

One of his greatest gifts 💝 is his ability to recognize each student’s unique strengths 💪 and challenges, then help guide them toward reaching their full potential.

Fun fact: Mr. Richard can play just about any instrument — and sing, too! 🎶

He’s also known for his quick wit 🃏 and perfectly timed humor that keeps everyone laughing. 😂 And let’s just say… he’s never met a microphone he didn’t like. 🎤

When he’s not at Launch, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, traveling, ✈️ 🏂 and listening 🎶 to and playing 🎸🪕🎹 music.

Thank you Mr. Richard for making your vision of a school a reality for us. ❤️

📣 Staff Spotlight

Ms. Dara✨
Many people are surprised to learn that she lives in Chicago 🌬️ — because despite the distance, she does so much behind the scenes every single day. She’s often the very first voice people hear and is always just a phone call 📞 away, ready to help however she can. 💛

Fun fact: Her son attended and graduated from Launch! 🎓

She’s also the proud owner of an adorable (and slightly judgmental) dog 🐕 named Savannah, and together they brave those snowy Chicago days. ❄️🐾

Did you know Ms. Dara has a music degree? 🎶 While very few people have ever heard her play piano 🎹 or sing, 🎶 rumor has it she gives unforgettable performances during car 🚗 rides!

Lately, she’s been discovering a passion for cooking 🧑‍🍳 and loves trying recipes from cultures all around the world. 🌍✨🍴

She enjoys spending time with her husband and son. Every chance she gets, she comes to Sugar Land and visits her Launch family.

📣 Staff Spotlight

Ms. Hannah R.
So many of the behind-the-scenes details that keep things running smoothly happen because of her.

When she does teach, she has an incredible gift for it 📖 and explaining concepts in a way that makes learning feel approachable 💕 and understandable for every student. Her patience, kindness, ☺️ and intelligence make a lasting impact every single day. 💛

Fun fact — Ms. Hannah and Mr. Richard are siblings! Not only that, but they’re both musically talented 🎶 as well.

Did you also know she has a degree in fashion? 👗 While she mostly channels her creativity 🪡 into handcrafts and textile arts rather than clothing design, it’s still one of her biggest passions.

And one more little-known fact: Ms. Hannah is an expert whistler 😚 — arguably one of the most random (but impressive!) talents someone can have. 😉✨

📣 Staff Spotlight

Ms. Violet ✨
This is her third year with Launch, and she does a little bit of everything! From administrative work 💻 and leading small groups 📚 to planning special events 🪩and stepping in wherever needed, she’s always ready to help. 💛

One thing about Ms. Violet — if there’s something that needs to be done and she doesn’t already know how to do it, she’ll learn. 📖 Her determination and willingness to jump in make her an incredible part of the team.

Fun fact: Ms. Violet loves Halloween. She’s creative and uses this day to go full out festive!

Ms. Violet is also a proud 🥹 mom of twins who attend Launch, 🏫 along with three adult children and a grandson. Her home is just as lively with three dogs, 🐕🐶🐶 a duck, 🦆 and chickens! 🐓

When she’s not working, she’s usually in full dance 💃 mom 👩 mode — spending evenings and weekends at the dance studio or cheering at competitions.👏🏻

📣 Staff Spotlight

Mr. Cody
He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in History 📚minoring in education from Texas State University!

His love for history comes from childhood family 🗺️trips 🚙 with his parents and grandparents. The events of our past tell a story of who we are and where we are going.

When not at work, Mr. Cody spends his time with his wife Katy and two kids Cooper 💙 and Macey 🩷.

He also performs playing guitar 🎸, harmonica, and singing 🎤 professionally in his group, the Cody Ray Henry Band.🎶

📣 Staff Spotlight

Ms. Kristin
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology 🧠 ✨ from University of Houston. Go Coogs!

Fun fact - she’s engaged! 💍

Outside of the classroom, 📓 she works with an organization dedicated to empowering girls 🧒🏾👧🏾 to fully develop their talents, 🎤🎶🎭🎨 explore academic 📚 and career interests, and build healthy relationships.

Ms. Kristin is truly passionate about helping students connect their goals with real-life success and opportunities.❤️

📣 Staff Spotlight

Mr. Obi
He is one of those teachers 📚who has not only trained for years in neurodiverse spaces, but has also tapped into his own intuition 💫 of a student's behavior pattern before they have even realized it themselves. ❤️

Some say, “In mathematics 🧮, he doesn’t solve problems… problems resolve themselves around him. ✖️Fractions simplify out of respect. Algebraic expressions whisper their secrets 🟰 before he even picks up the pencil.” 😂

Others say, “He doesn’t just teach English—he negotiates peace treaties between verbs and their subjects ✏️. Commas fall into place when he enters the room 📝. Even dangling modifiers find purpose in his presence.” 🤓

Some facts about Mr. Obi: he is allergic to pet dander 🐕 and octane (your regular vehicle gasoline ⛽️, of all things!).

Beyond his love for his students, Mr. Obi enjoys playing ice hockey 🏒 locally and eating Asian cuisine whenever he can 🍜.