Darius Pettway, MAS, is an author, educator, behavioral health leader, and nationally recognized youth advocate dedicated to transforming the lives of young people and families through mentorship, education, and community-based support. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Life Skool, Darius has devoted his career to creating pathways of hope, opportunity, and long-term success for youth facing adversity.
In 2014, Darius became the first student-athlete in his family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. During his academic career, he was inducted into the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma, and later earned a Master of Administrative Science degree. His educational achievements, combined with his professional experience, have fueled a lifelong commitment to youth development, behavioral health advocacy, and community empowerment.
Under Darius’ leadership, Life Skool has grown into a dynamic organization providing behavioral health services, mentoring, skills development, caregiver support, and community-based programming throughout North Texas. Through strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders, Life Skool continues to help youth and families build resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Darius remains driven by a simple but powerful belief:
“All children deserve a chance to make a mistake and learn from it without it costing them their livelihood.”
Through his leadership, speaking engagements, writing, and community service, he continues to inspire young people to recognize their value, pursue their goals, and become the best version of themselves.
Emely Marquez is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families build resilience and reach their full potential. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University and has experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, tutoring and mentoring youth, and teaching in educational settings. Emely has always been passionate about serving young people through the nonprofit mental health field and hopes to one day establish her own organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, writing, creating art, and spending time with her husband and their dog.
Rodney W. Taylor Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor; Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor; Licensed Child Care Administrator, Certified Public School Teacher, Ordained Minister
Rodney has an extensive history of working with youths for his entire professional career. He has been a classroom teacher for elementary students in Dallas, Duncanville, Wilmer-Hutchins, and Arlington ISD. He earned his master’s degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M university where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He completed his studies and later attained his Licensed Professional Counselor supervision endorsement. He is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.
His credentials have allowed him to work in a variety of professional settings. He has worked as a Psychologist for the Department of Defense where he worked with active-duty military personnel. He has worked in the field of Law enforcement as the Director of Mental Health services for the Ellis County Detention Center. He has also served as program Director for Nexus Recovery Center as well as Youth Advocate Program. He also provides therapy services for children in foster care and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC).
With his diverse work experience and his approach to mental health and substance use the Adolescent Unit of Fort Behavioral Health has a proven advocate that is committed to the betterment of the residents and the growth (professionally and personally) of the treatment team.
Rodney and his wife Shunta are the proud parents of six children and seven grandchildren. He also serves as the youth pastor of Building the Kingdom Community Church.
Keturah Shelton, MSW is a dedicated social worker with experience supporting youth and families through case management, behavioral health services, and community resource coordination. She is passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening families, and providing compassionate, person-centered care that helps clients achieve positive outcomes.
Latisha Walker is a Master of Social Work (MSW) professional and Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) with extensive experience supporting youth and families through trauma-informed, community-based services. Her professional background includes working with Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), providing behavioral health and case management services through Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR) and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI), and serving children and youth with complex medical and behavioral needs through Aetna Texas STAR Kids managed care services. She is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, strengthening family systems, and providing compassionate, consistent guidance as individuals and families navigate complex emotional, behavioral, and medical challenges.
DeNeka Jerrols is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) with more than 26 years of experience serving children, adolescents, and families. Her diverse professional background includes 22 years working in public schools, 2 years as a Juvenile Probation Officer, and 2 years providing care in an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric hospital.
She earned her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Midwestern State University and is currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A).
DeNeka is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and hope. She believes every individual possesses unique strengths and is committed to empowering clients with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success. Her goal is to foster a safe, supportive, and trusting environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing, personal growth, and positive change.
Rodarius Daniel brings a diverse background in youth development, behavioral health, education, and juvenile justice. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from East Texas A&M University and has experience supporting youth in schools, behavioral health settings, and the juvenile justice system. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping young people develop positive decision-making skills, build resilience, and overcome barriers to success. Rodarius is passionate about mentoring youth, strengthening families, and creating meaningful opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential.