Meet the Team

Dedicated & Certified

Shalonda Owens

Founder and Lead Teacher

Mrs. Owens has a B.A. degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Ohio State University and over 16 years of experience in early childhood development.

After working in retail for several years she saw a shift in her passion after the birth of her first child. From that point on she has worked as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher, and not long after she was appointed Youth Director at her local church.

Mrs. Owens resides in the Blacklick/Gahanna area with husband Aaron "Coach" Owens, who teaches and coaches high school athletics, and their four beautiful daughters. In her free time she loves to read, run, travel, eat, and decorate.

Favorite Quote - "Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." - Wess Stafford

Khilah Owens

I was born & raised in Columbus, OH. I am a sister of 3 beautiful sisters. I enjoy tutoring, baking, swimming, helping develop kids, babysitting and just being able to help kids in a academic environment .

I have been working with kids all my life. I’ve worked at licking heights elementary since I was 18 years old & have always had a passion for children.

My favorite part with working with kids is watching them evolve . I call it “The ahhh moment", when you continually go over things with a young scholar and their struggle with it then all of a sudden one day the light bulb goes off and they finally get it. That’s what I do it for. I’m very aware everyone doesn’t learn or understand the same but that doesn’t mean you count them out . All it means is you change the way you teach it , give a little patience and show every child grace until they have their “ahhh moment".

Kelci Winters

Hey, there!

My name is Kelci Winters and I’m excited to be one of the Lead Teachers at Fruitful Trees Learning Center.

Throughout my career, I’ve always worked with children outside of my day job. I've recently made the transition from accounting to impacting children as my main career.

I’m excited to teach, learn, and grow with your children!

Arin Owens

Hey! My name is Arin Owens and I‘m currently a teachers assistant at Fruitful Trees Learning Center! I am a student at The Ohio State University pursuing a degree in Communications, a minor in Fashion & retail and business.

I also coach volleyball at Olentangy High School. Here at FTLC there is never a dull moment and I can not wait to see what the future brings for me and the little ones.

Christian Owens

Hi there!

My name is Christian Owens and I ‘ve been living the dream and teaching for 10 years! I specialize in working with children with disabilities.

I've recently made the switch from Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools to Fruitful Trees Learning Center! I love what I do and am looking forward to teaching your kiddos!

Isaiah Thomas

My name is Isaiah Thomas and I am a senior at Kentucky State University majoring in sports medicine and minoring in sports management. I am 21 years old and in my free time I like to play football and teach younger kids the game and how to be successful in life.