World-renowned speaker, educator, and inspirational leader—founded the School Days Foundation with one driving purpose: to change the trajectory of young people who too often go unseen, unheard, and unsupported in their educational journey. After experiencing firsthand the challenges of homelessness, academic struggle, and navigating school without a roadmap, ET dedicated his life to helping students avoid the barriers he once faced.

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ET launched the School Days Foundation to bring together educators, mentors, and communities to create experiences that engage students, strengthen school climate, build leadership skills, and improve attendance and achievement. His vision is to ensure every student—regardless of background, zip code, or circumstances—has access to positive relationships, high expectations, and meaningful opportunities to grow.

Living in Atlanta and originally from Lansing, Michigan, Aaron Quinney has dedicated more than 20 years to youth development and empowering young people to reach their full potential. He attended Saginaw Valley State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and later completed a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University.

Before joining the School Days Foundation team, Aaron held several key roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. During his time there, he led Healthy Lifestyles and curriculum-based programming across more than 20 sites, supported college and career readiness initiatives, and served as a Regional Youth Director, training staff on the most effective youth development practices.

Throughout his career, Aaron has served youth at every level—elementary, middle, and high school—bringing a deep understanding of student needs, family systems, and community engagement. 
 

Today, as Executive Director of the School Days Foundation, Aaron continues his lifelong commitment to building programs, partnerships, and experiences that help students grow, lead, and succeed. Aaron and his wife, Kamela, have been married since 2011 and are the proud parents of a daughter. 

Jayda is a clinically trained therapist originally from Lansing, Michigan, now residing in San Diego, California. She is committed to providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive care in various settings, including school-based programs, community behavioral health, and university counseling. Jayda holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. During her time there, she served as a Mental Health Program trainee, where she conducted biopsychosocial assessments, provided crisis intervention, and offered psychoeducation.

Additionally, she has experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program evaluation with Loyola University Chicago, where she helped implement data-driven improvements in institutional equity initiatives. Jayda is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents through the Feeling Good Institute, and she has also received additional training in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing. She is dedicated to enhancing emotional well-being, promoting resilience, and expanding equitable access to mental health support within the communities she serves.

Michele (Shelly) Mundy has over a decade of experience in nonprofit financial management, compliance, and operational oversight. 

Throughout her career, Michele has held a key financial role at the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, where she was responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, and grant compliance. Her efforts help maintain strong fiscal controls and support the Foundation's philanthropic mission. With her combination of technical expertise and service-centered professionalism, Michele ensures that every financial decision aligns with the Foundation's purpose and enhances its impact on the communities it serves.

Keith Tate leads The School Days Foundation’s basketball program, where he works closely with student-athletes both on the court and in their personal growth off the court. Born and raised in Lansing, Keith has spent nearly 15 years coaching high school basketball and building relationships that extend far beyond the game. He is a licensed Michigan realtor and the self-published author of a book on fatherhood, work inspired by his own journey as a dad. A proud Lansing Community College graduate, Keith lives in hometown with his wife and their three sons, who continue to shape his passion for mentorship and community. 

Jalin Thomas is from Lansing, Michigan, and is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Business Advertising. During his time at MSU, he served as a Student Manager for the Men’s Basketball team under Coach Tom Izzo for four years. His contributions to Big Ten Championships, a Final Four appearance, and the operations of a high-performance team fueled his passion for leadership, discipline, and youth development.

After his work with MSU Athletics, Jalin became a Sports Director Assistant with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. In this role, he supported athletic and after-school programs across multiple campuses, ensuring that students had the resources and structure they needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Jalin is also the creator of "Play Your Hand," a development course and book aimed at supporting high school upperclassmen and rising college freshmen as they navigate life transitions. Additionally, he founded "Clueless," a youth-focused fashion brand that teaches students the full journey from consumer to producer through creativity, strategic thinking, and hands-on learning.

Throughout all of his work, Jalin remains dedicated to empowering young people with the mindset, tools, and confidence they need to grow, lead, and succeed.

Katie Davis, a consultant for Curriculum and Measurements, also known as "The Literacy Lady," is an experienced educator and literacy specialist with over 18 years of experience supporting schools, students, and communities through impactful literacy initiatives. Her work focuses on helping students of all ages become confident readers, fostering a love of reading, and strengthening communities through family engagement and increased access to books.

Katie holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Literacy and Language. She is also a certified K–12 Reading Specialist, bringing extensive expertise in literacy instruction, curriculum design, and instructional support. She has taught and supported educators and families across nearly every grade level, from kindergarten through 12th grade.

At The School Days Foundation, Katie combines strategic vision with hands-on experience to collaborate with team members, school leaders, and educators. Together, they develop engaging, research-informed curriculum initiatives designed to improve reading outcomes, enhance parent involvement, and expand equitable access to high-quality books for students across communities.