With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis brings a powerful blend of expertise, innovation, and heart to her role as the founding principal of DOTT Academy in Palm Beach County, Florida. Her journey spans work as a speech-language pathologist, classroom teacher, school administrator, and nationally recognized educational consultant. At the heart of her work is a profound belief, when families understand and embrace the purpose of a competency-based education, children don’t just learn, they flourish. A lifelong advocate for equity and student-centered learning, she founded DOTT Academy to break free from the limitations of traditional education. She is devoted to creating a school experience where every child feels seen and supported to reach their greatest level of personal and academic growth. She strives to ensure that students and families engage in the most essential elements of this model, because these are the experiences that build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Her commitment is simple yet powerful, to guide each child toward their fullest potential, while walking hand-in-hand with the families who believe in them.