Melissa is President and owner of Legacy Academy, Inc. In her role as president, she has successfully overseen the development and opening of every Legacy Academy for Children early care and education center throughout several states. Melissa is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and has had a successful career in banking, managing a billion dollar wholesaler of mortgage loans. She has successfully overseen SBA loan applications with her franchisees. Melissa received Governor Sonny Purdue’s appointment to the Georgia Early Care and Learning Board in 2005. Melissa and her husband served as the owners of Legacy Academy for Children in Oakwood, Georgia from 1997 to 2002. Under Frank and Melissa Turner’s leadership, they successfully achieved NAEYC Accreditation in 2000. This hands-on operational experience has proven to be a huge asset as they support new owners. Frank and Melissa Turner are the proud parents of two children – two huge reasons for their decision to commit to the early care and education industry.

Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Georgia. She started her career in childcare in 1997 with the opening of the very first Legacy Academy. She has always been a strong advocate for quality care and education for children as well as education on the importance and urgency of brain development before the age of 5. She is proficient in state licensing as well as NAEYC accreditation and has been hands on with school set up and opening. She held a secondary career in the Hall County school system as an elementary school substitute teacher. Her love for children and early childhood development is a strong force and drive in her decision to once again serve at Legacy Academy where she can help teachers and families with communities of learning and offer the quality education that each child deserves.

Jennifer Delfin has been in the Early Childhood Education Field for over 20 years. She has worked in every aspect of a childcare center and understands the importance of quality childcare for children and their families. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Mass Communication and Elective Studies in Education from Shenandoah University. Jennifer believes that while ages 0-5 are the most important in a child’s development, it is an often underserved and under-supported field. She is excited to support franchisees, school directors, and teachers to ensure that quality education starts in infancy and lasts through graduation.

Rushton Turner brings more than a decade of experience in government, law, and national security to her work supporting the continued growth and evolution of the early childhood education industry. Having served at the White House, in the House of Representatives, at the Department of State, and within the national security community, Rushton has built her career helping complex organizations strengthen operations, navigate change, and turn ambitious ideas into effective strategies. As a consultant, Rushton brings that experience to Legacy Academy with a focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, quality, compliance, and communications. She works across the organization to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen internal systems, and develop initiatives designed to support both organizational growth and an exceptional experience for children, families, educators, and school leaders. Prior to entering the childcare industry, Rushton served as Director of Intelligence Programs at the White House National Security Council, where she advised senior White House officials, led policy initiatives, and supported the oversight and reform of complex government programs. Her career has also included senior advisory work at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), service as Counsel and Professional Staff Member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and diplomatic assignments with the U.S. Department of State, including at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.Rushton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University, a Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston, and an LLM in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center. Throughout her career, Rushton has been drawn to organizations with an important mission and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. She brings that same perspective to early childhood education, combining strategic thinking, high standards, and a fresh perspective to help build stronger organizations prepared for the future.

LaSondra holds a degree in nursing and brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and operational insight to the child care field. Her career began in healthcare, where she developed a strong foundation in safety, attention to detail, and compassionate care, skills that translate seamlessly into her current business role supporting Legacy Academy. Driven by a deep passion for mission-driven work, LaSondra is dedicated to fostering environments that prioritize quality care, family values, and community engagement. She is proud to contribute to a company that shares her commitment to excellence in early childhood education.