Our Board of Directors

Tom is a co-founder of True Light Shines Ministries, Inc. and currently works as  Network Administrator for the Lewis Center for Educational Research (LCER).  Tom supplies technical network support for the LCER, which operates two charter schools and works in partnership with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA.  He has certifications from Cisco, NEC, Juniper, HP, Trapeze, ShoreTel, and Foundry. He currently resides in Apple Valley in Southern California.

Ruth attends and is a member of Grace Assembly Church of Wake Forest, NC. She is a Registered Nurse and graduated in 1982 from Garden City Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She practiced nursing at Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas, for 18 years and had actively worked as an independent contract RN for 10 years and is now retired. Ruth received her Childbirth Education Certificate from Educational Resources, Inc. in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Ruth is married and has a large family with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in a variety of states. She has lived in North Carolina for a number of years.

John received his Associate Degree in Electronics from Central Florida Community College; served in the U.S. Army; and worked in the private sector for several years, including one position associated with the space program. The Lord called him into ministry in 1977. He went back to school, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and his Master of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Florida. He was ordained in 1980, and has served in ministry in both Florida and North Carolina. John is active member of Grace Assembly.

David has many years experience in both public  and private school as well as providing professional teacher training.  In addition, David served as Curriculum Developer and Lead Trainer of teachers for a partnership program between NASA and the Lewis Center for Educational Research, then as Director of Curriculum Development and Global Programs where he worked directly with NASA scientists overseeing the radio astronomy educational partnership.  David received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Diego State University,  California, and completed graduate level studies in Elementary Education. He earned a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (K-12) from California and holds a Standard Professional Teaching License from North Carolina.

Nancy has many years experience in the field of education and administration. Over her extensive career, she has served as a public classroom teacher and charter school principal, as well as teaching and administrating at True Light Shines Academy.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from California State University, San Bernardino, and completed graduate level studies in elementary education and school administration. She received her Standard Teaching Credential (K-9) in California.

Jennifer is the Children's Pastor of Grace Assembly in Wake Forest, NC, and is an Ordained Pastor with the Assemblies of God. She has extensive experience in working with children and families as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She teaches, manages, and leads the children's ministry at Grace Assembly and has also worked with non-profits helping families through crisis management, parenting skills, and social skills development of children. Jennifer received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a mother of two adult boys.

Pastor John currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Grace Assembly of God. He loves serving God and the people in our community, which includes serving True Light Shines Academy and pastoring the students of TLSA. John was employed with the Town of Wake Forest for 15 years; working as a lineman, Electrical Superintendent, and then the Assistant Public Works Director for his last 8 years there. He has lived in North Carolina all of his life, and has been married to his wife, Sherry, for over 40 years. He has a son and a daughter.