Meet Our Founder
Erica Jackson
A lifetime of dedication to empowering youth and building healthier communities
A Journey of Service
Erica's journey began at just 14 years old, working in daycare and discovering a profound calling to work with children. This early start ignited a lifelong passion that would span over three decades of dedicated service to youth.
Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse and challenging environments - from the public school system to foster care, from Child Protective Services to the Texas Juvenile Justice Parole system. Each experience deepened her understanding of the complex needs of children and families.
Recognizing the power of youth empowerment, she founded "Just Me! Sport and Fitness", a revolutionary youth group built on a youth-leading-youth model. Through this organization, she organized basketball tournaments, book clubs, talent shows, and youth entrepreneurship events, giving young people the tools to lead and inspire their peers.
Areas of Expertise
Decades of hands-on experience across multiple youth-serving sectors
30 Years Working with Youth
Started at age 14 in daycare, building a lifelong passion for child development
Public School System
Extensive experience working within traditional educational frameworks
Foster Care & CPS
Dedicated work with foster children and Child Protective Services
Texas Juvenile Justice
Experience with Texas Juvenile Justice Parole, working with at-risk youth
Youth Group Founder
Founded "Just Me! Sport and Fitness" with youth-leading-youth model
Community Programs
Organized basketball tournaments, book clubs, talent shows, and youth entrepreneurship events
The Vision Behind Flight Academy
After witnessing firsthand the challenges facing today's youth - from lack of social skills to emotional immaturity - Erica recognized a critical need for early intervention. Statistics show that 80% of teachers report students lack essential social skills, and only 48% of K-8 students score at or above grade level in reading.
Flight Academy was born from a simple yet powerful belief: prevention is better than intervention. By focusing on mental wellness and emotional intelligence from ages 3-10, we can build a foundation that supports children throughout their entire lives.
This micro school represents the culmination of Erica's 30 years of experience, bringing together proven approaches from various youth-serving sectors to create a truly unique educational environment focused on building whole, healthy children.