MEET THE BOARD
FOUNDER & HEAD OF SCHOOL
Meet Jill B. Jones — the Visionary Founder and Head of School at Chamal Academy.
ill Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia. Jill has over 20 years of nursing experience caring for patients throughout their lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics, in various inpatient and outpatient settings. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Old Dominion University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from The Catholic University of America. She later completed her Post-Master's Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University.
Jill's passion for education began long before Chamal Academy existed. As a young girl, she watched her mother teach with an unshakable belief that knowledge could change lives. That example—rooted in compassion, strength, and a commitment to empowering others—shaped Jill’s own understanding of what education can and should be.
Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Jill developed a deep conviction: that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, to be challenged, and to unlock their God-given potential. Over the years, her work in education, leadership, and youth development strengthened that conviction and fueled a bold vision—one that would eventually become Chamal Academy.
CO-FOUNDER & HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
Meet Kelly Jones --“What’s Your Passion?” — A Vision That Shapes Every Athlete.
At Chamal Academy, Head Coach Kelly Jones leads with a simple but powerful question: “What’s your passion?”
For Coach Jones, passion is the driving force behind excellence—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout life. He believes that every student-athlete has a unique spark, and his mission is to help them discover it, fuel it, and turn it into something extraordinary.
With years of coaching experience and a reputation for developing disciplined, confident, and resilient athletes, Coach Jones brings a philosophy centered on purpose-driven growth. He challenges his players to understand why they train, why they compete, and why they strive for greatness.
Under his leadership, Chamal Academy is more than a training ground—it’s a place where students learn to chase their goals with intention, integrity, and heart.
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Coach Jones’ Vision:
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Find your passion.
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Build your character.
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Commit to your growth.
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Compete with purpose.
Coach Kelly Jones inspires every athlete to ask the question that defines their journey:
What’s your passion—and how far will it take you?
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
J. Kyle Nicholson
Chamal CDC, CEO
J. Kyle brings over 20 years of mental health experience, and more importantly, spiritual leadership and mentorship. He is a 2003 graduate of St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC. He holds a BA in Psychology and is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and pastor. His leadership ensures that every student-athlete thrives on and off the court.
LaTonya Jones, MS, LPC
Chamal Academy Board Member
LaTonya’s area of interest is empowering women and teenage girls. She has worked with adults, teens, children, couples and families. LaTonya provides a range of therapeutic and psychotherapy services to include depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, addiction and life transitions and anger management. ​
LaTonya strives to empower her clients to ultimately arrive at a place of resiliency. Initiating a sense of resiliency allows them to overcome all types of challenges to include trauma, tragedy, personal crises and life stressors.
Through rapport building, LaTonya creates a safe and trusting environment that allows the client to “Trust the Process”. LaTonya utilizes different theories and therapeutic interventions ranging from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Solution Focused Therapy to assist the client to better understand behaviors and emotions that contribute to their mental instability.
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Lauren N. Jackson, Ph.D
Chamal Academy Board Member
Lauren N. Jackson, Ph.D., is a passionate and transformative leader with nearly two decades of experience in higher education, career development, and DEI advocacy. Dr. Jackson currently serves as the Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives at the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia, where she leads statewide strategic efforts to expand access to internships and other forms of WBL initiatives to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Dr. Jackson held several leadership positions in higher education in the areas of testing and tutoring, academic and career advising, and student life and activities within the Commonwealth of Virginia. In July 2021, Dr. Jackson was appointed the Inaugural Director for First and Second-Year Experiences and Transitions at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Progressively serving in VCU positions as a first-year academic advisor, student success instructor, and as the Associate Director of Academic Advising, she led great efforts to close the educational and achievement gaps, to include developing programs and initiatives to engage students through holistic learning experiences with a goal of becoming productive citizens in society.
David Anderson
Foundation Academy Sports, CEO
With a background in athletic training, Coach David helps our players develop their conditioning and mental toughness. He’s passionate about preparing athletes for high-level competition.
La-Donna Mills, Ed.S
Chamal Academy Board Member
La-Donna Mills is an experienced educational leader with more than 22 years of experience in
elementary and secondary education. In her role as Director of Student Services. She leads
systemwide initiatives to strengthen compliance, enhance specialized instructional supports, and
promote inclusive, data-informed practices that improve outcomes for all students.
Her career includes roles as Lead Special Education Teacher, Child Study Coordinator, 504
Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Supervisor of Personnel Services, and Principal. A former
school selected Teacher of the Year, La-Donna holds an Ed.S. in Administration & Supervision,
an M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.S. in Public Administration. She is currently pursuing a
doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.
As a servant leader, her commitment to service and leadership aligns with the biblical guidance
found in Proverbs 11:14, which reminds us that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
She looks forward to contributing her experience, integrity, and faith-centered perspective to
support the continued growth and mission of the a
Jason Kilgo
Assistant Basketball Coach
Coach Jason focuses on building strength and agility for our athletes, helping them reach peak performance. His training programs are designed to improve speed, strength, and injury prevention.