Joann Henry, Ed.D., program director, began her educational career as a clerical secretary in Richmond Public Schools. She later transitioned to the corporate world, working numerous years for Ethyl Corporation. While gaining experience in the corporate world, she began to pursue her Bachelor Degree in Business Education at Virginia State University. After graduating with her Business Degree, she began teaching at the high school level in 1992; rising to the positions Cooperative Office Education Coordinator, and Department Chair for Richmond Public Schools for the next 12 years. In 2002, she earned a Masters in Business Education and Administration Supervision. Shortly thereafter, she began working as an assistant principal on the high school level. While serving in this capacity she observed a number of students were dropping out of high school and began working with those students after school to help them obtain their high school diplomas, all while working on her Doctorate. In 2008, she received her Doctoral Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Education Leadership. During the past eight years, she has worked as an adjunct associate professor at Virginia State University, and continues to work as part-time instructor at Virginia College and Executive Director of Dream Academy.

In 2010, she created Dream Academy Richmond for students who were failing and turned off by the traditional school setting. Using an approved curriculum from the Virginia Department of Education and is tailored for adults to obtain a high school diploma rather than a GED. This has caused many adults to understand that they can realize their dreams by completing the requirements to get a high school diploma.

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