Shailendra Thomas, Ed. D.

Head of School

Dr. Thomas’ experience in education extends over 30 years, serving as elementary school teacher, instructional specialist, educational consultant and adjunct college professor, Sr. Administrator/Principal at Fellowship Christian Academy and Scofield Christian School, Dallas Co-Director of the Texas Private School Association, and Regional/National Accreditation Commissioner and Field Director for the Association of Christian Schools International. Under Dr. Thomas’ leadership, Fellowship Christian Academy received its’ initial accreditation status from the Association of Christian Schools International and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, expanded to middle school, implemented a college preparatory curriculum, successfully incorporated computer technology into the adopted school curriculum, and experienced exponential growth.

During her service at Scofield Christian School (SCS), she worked to accomplish the school’s mission of providing children with an academically challenging education that was well-balanced, comprehensive, and integrated with Biblical truths and principles within a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. As Head of School at SCS, Dr. Thomas and the faculty strategically grew enrollment 61 percent.

Dr. Thomas is currently the inaugural Head of School of The King’s Academy. She is excited about the opportunity to offer an exemplary education to youth in the Southern sector of Dallas. Dr. Thomas believes that education involves more than a child’s intellectual abilities; it should ultimately inspire learners to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, entertaining, teaching Bible courses to women and couples, speaking, and traveling. Dr. Thomas co-authored two Amazon best-selling new releases in children’s books, titled “Image Bearer” and “Genesis: The Beginning”. However, Dr. Thomas’ primary ministry is to her husband of forty years, Richard, three grown daughters, Lorren, Hillary (son-in-love Dorian), and Chelsea, and two grandchildren, Landon Blake and Berkley Sarai.

Rebecca Harsila

Director of Development

Rebecca serves as the primary leader in the creation, implementation, and management of the annual giving strategy. She brings 16 years of experience in nonprofit development, which includes collaboration with individuals, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. Most recently, Rebecca served as Executive Director of Carry The Load, a fast-growing, grassroots, movement aimed at creating awareness and a public recommitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. She launched Carry The Load in 2011 alongside two local Navy SEALS. The charity thrives today and at this time has raised over $25 million toward its mission and worthy nonprofits directly serving military, firefighters, police, and first responders. Rebecca received recognition from the Communities Foundation of Texas and Blackbaud company for the most organic growth by a nonprofit during her time leading Carry The Load.

A native Texan, she is a graduate of Texas Tech University and began her career shortly after at the Baylor Tom Landry Center and had an opportunity to hone her skills in event logistics during a stint living in Heidelberg, Germany. Rebecca trained in nonprofit development working for the American Heart Association – Dallas Division raising critical funds and handling all aspects for one of the top two Heart Walks in the nation and later went out on her own to support several nonprofits. While freelancing, she spent several years developing the fundraising efforts and event production for the Dallas Global Proclamation Academy of Global Pastors for RREACH, located on the Campus of Dallas Theological Seminary.