LaDarius Price
Lighthouse Collective Founder
LaDarius Price is a native of Chattanooga, TN. He attended
Brainerd High School where he graduated at the top of his
class in 1999. LaDarius went on to Chattanooga State Technical
Community College where he majored in Special Education.
LaDarius went to Austin Peay State University where he
continued his course of study in Special Education. LaDarius
obtained his first teaching job educating Pre-School age kids in
Nashville, TN. He also taught Special Education and Coached
Basketball for 4 years at Maplewood High School in Nashville,
TN. LaDarius returned home in 2013 to educate students in
Hamilton County, TN, and North Georgia on how to build
healthy relationships. He coached basketball at his alma mater
for 5 years where he helped lead them to several district and
region titles and a Class AA state runner-up.
LaDarius is now a Community Outreach Director for Cempa Community Care where he leads their efforts in building healthy communities. LaDarius has been honored several times by Magazines, Newspaper articles, community awards, and a host of other notable recognitions for his continued work in the city, state, and country. LaDarius serves on numerous executive boards and committees. He has led COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine efforts
in the African American Community. LaDarius has spoken all
over the country for the fight to end health disparities and
ending the HIV epidemic. LaDarius is the President of PEAK a
non-profit in Chattanooga, Tennessee that stands in the gap for
underserved kids. LaDarius is Happily Married to Dominique Price and they Share 5 Children KaDarius, KynDall, Harper,
Bailee and Demi.
Montrell Besley
Lighthouse Collective Founder
I am a Chattanooga native and dedicated husband, father of three, and father figure to many. I graduated from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Human Performance. Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I decided to attain my Masters's of Science degree in Public and Community Health. I grew up in the Alton Park community, where I currently reside, and am involved in the betterment of my community. I have worked tirelessly to ensure a change in the lives of Chattanooga’s at-risk youth and I credit all of my success to my family, mentors, and community.
I am deeply committed to the success of our city’s youth and very confident that I possess the unique combination of leadership abilities, relationship-building skills, management experience, education, and vision required to lead our young men and women during this exciting, but critical time in their growth. I also bring along my ability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities, while strategically contributing to the growth involved in organizations and communities. Over the years, I have learned from both my successes and failures, from swim instructor to teaching elementary health and physical education. These experiences have uniquely equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and relationships to build on my current foundation to lead communities and youth to new heights.
Troy Rogers
Lighthouse Collective Founder
Troy Rogers currently serves as the Public Safety Coordinator for the City of Chattanooga under Mayor Tim Kelly’s Administration. Troy also serves as the head of the Citizen Safety Coalition, a
passionate group of concerned citizens who come together to create solutions for our community's most sensitive population. Troy is one of the lead speakers for the United Way
fundraiser campaign. Troy studies social economics and how society has shaped certain urban areas. Social economics defined is as behavior based on economics and opportunity. Troy does not feel that any kids are born bad but have had to make decisions without all the resources and exposure. When he came to the City he began to look at the “WHY” behind the crime and uses a tier system that we have implemented to empower our muted census.
Education
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN
▪ Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice (Graduated 1994)
▪ Bachelor of Science: Education (Graduated 2012)
Belhaven University Jackson, MS
▪ Masters of Science: Leadership
▪ Graduated 2014
Johnson University Knoxville, TN
▪ Masters in Ethics
▪ Graduated 2021
Chris Sands
Lighthouse Collective Founder
CHRIS SANDS is an engaging, energetic speaker and educator. He is passionate about building and nurturing effective and innovative partnerships between educational institutions, community-based organizations, faith-based communities, and others with community engagement objectives. Sands is eager to connect interested partners and garner support to bring about transformation. Sands has proven success in project management, and coordination of team initiatives in business development, expansion, and recruitment. He strives to work within the academic, business, and community development arenas, engaging all stakeholders in both private and public sectors.
As a catalyst leader, he holds a multitude of degrees in Physical Education, Christian Leadership, as well as Ethics and Leadership. Sands has more than 10 years of experience in program design, team building, community coalition building, and operating in the private business and non-profit sector. Sands has become a notable force in education, faith-based, and community engagement.
Sands travels the country, motivating others to discover and embrace their God-given purpose through positive thinking habits. He stands by the motto, “If you change your mind, your life will change." He is the Founder of Chris Sands Speaks, LLC and author of two books entitled, I Can’t is for Broke Folks, and I Am Valuable.
