Harris County Department of Education’s Special Schools division continues to be an industry leader in restorative practices and alternative education, as campus leadership routinely serves as featured speakers and session presenters at conferences.

For the second consecutive year and fifth time in the last six years, Fortis Academy leadership presented at the Association of Recovery Schools Annual Conference. The 2025 conference was June 25-29 in New Orleans.

On June 27, Fortis Principal Travia Godfrey, Counselor Nakia Lee-Francis and Recovery Coach Lakesha Hemphill led the session, “Do You Want to be a Lone Wolf or the Leader of the Pack?” The presentation focused on using purpose driven, intentional leadership to create a culture and climate that fosters growth and success.

Session attendees, which included Assistant Superintendent for Academic Support Services Jonathan Parker and Special Schools Senior Dr. Charles Ned, received an opportunity to participate in an interactive activity that presented scenarios to put newfound strategies into play.