The Board of Directors

Dr. Viranda Fason, Ph.D.
Founder/Executive Director

Reigning from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Viranda Fason is a proud graduate of Bartlett High School, home of the Panthers. She is also a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Prior to founding Memphis City Rocks, Inc., Dr. Viranda Fason completed a bachelor’s degree at LeMoyne-Owen College in History. She later went on to complete a Master of Arts degree in Education from Union University. She later went back to college to attain her Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree with emphasis in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University. Dr. Fason has observed and worked with various intellectual leaders during her years in Education. She has attained surmountable information from these knowledgeable individuals. Using her skills and practices from these leaders as well as her graduate studies, Dr. Fason is currently working on an effective Response to Intervention (RTI) Framework for students struggling with reading skills. She is also working on a supplemental journal regarding how processing information is different for introverted students and extraverted students. This difference might have an effect on academic success during classroom learning.

“I am so proud to be a part of a team that encourages success and perseverance through God’s word. The team within Memphis City Rocks, Inc. has one goal and that is to ensure today’s youth and all individuals, young and old have the right resources to overcome surmountable issues regardless of their present environment. I know that we make a difference. We don’t care who you are; we care about getting you where you need to be. We are molding your life while changing your future!”

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Secretary

Mrs. Marquita Carter-Joiner

Marquita Carter is the Principal of Binghampton Christian Academy. Mrs. Carter’s formal education began with the Coahoma County school system in Clarksdale, Miss. She attended LeMoyne-Owen College earning a bachelor’s degree in English and received a Master of Arts in Education from Union University. Born with an innate sense of inquisition and observation, Mrs. Carter has uniquely utilized her characteristics in the educational arena. Having experienced success as both a middle school Reading & Language Arts teacher (Memphis City Schools) and as a Principal, Mrs. Carter’s teaching accomplishments are not by chance. She has relentlessly practiced and honed her teaching aptitude and pedagogical knowledge for over 14 years. During her tenure, Mrs. Carter has had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and improving student interpersonal skills. She holds an uncompromising belief that all students can learn given a positive learning environment, effective leadership, a focused educational team, and committed stakeholders.

She is a devoted wife and the mother of two boys. She has a passion for molding young minds into bright futures. She believes that in order to be an outstanding educator, one first must teach in the “fear of the Lord” as it alone is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).

Chief Compliance Officer

Mr. Takarus Fason

Takarus Fason is a proud native Memphian. He graduated from Hillcrest High School. After graduation, he decided to pursue a career in the trucking industry. Little did he know that he would make a life-long career out of it. In doing so, he has been able to travel around the world observing and taking notes of how ethnicities and cultures are different. He currently owns his own trucking company where he aspires to help other individuals reach their goals and have a livelihood that is full of success. He is fully aware of the importance of the laws, policies, and regulations regarding Memphis City Rocks, Inc. Mr. Fason works with the staff to manage regulatory risk by updating policies to mitigate the risk of Memphis City Rocks breaking laws and regulations.

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Treasurer

Mrs. Karen Fason

Karen Fason is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Fairley High School. She has worked at FedEx for forty years. Throughout her years at FedEx as well as going to various places and areas within Memphis communities, she has seen firsthand how important it is to have a variety of necessary resources to help positively impact the lives of all individuals, young and old. I am proud to be a part of an organization that has so many different umbrellas of resources that can really support the people of Memphis, TN. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a chance to succeed in life. Memphis City Rocks, Inc. has been a long-term goal for my daughter. It is great to see that she is fulfilling one of her lifetime goals. We have started something great!

Director of Development

Mrs. Felicia Peat

Felicia Peat, brings to Memphis City Rocks, Inc. a plethora of expertise in grant writing. She served as the Director of Education and Outreach at The Children’s Museum of Memphis for the past 10 years. In that capacity, she delt wondrously with MSCS providing services for after school students. All in all, Peat writes, assists in grant writing, and develops programs for numerous local and community grants in Memphis, Tennessee.

Board Member

Mr. Kenny Shaw

Kenny Shaw is a Native of Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Fairley High School. He is currently an real estate investor. He has been a part of Memphis City Rocks, Inc. ever since the beginning in 2016.

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Minister Vicki Anderson

Minister Anderson is a proud graduate of Bartlett High School. After high school, she continued her education, graduating from Memphis State University (now called University of Memphis) where she was on the dance team. She participated in the dance team throughout her undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. As the years went by Minister Anderson was called to ministry and accepted the calling on her life. Ever since, she has been a dedicated servant helping others young and old find Christ through knowledge and wisdom. Always been a fan of dance, cheer, and choreography she is currently the choreographer of a dance squad located here in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently, she is an educator at Christian Brothers High School. She is also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter to one of the best families that Memphis has to offer.

Building Engineer

Mr. Willie Fason

Willie Fason is a retired employee of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. He worked in the field over 25 years. His extensive knowledge in the field of law is a major asset to the Memphis City Rocks organization. He is also a certified building architect. He has single handedly built tiny homes, patios, sheds, and food trailers and he continues to do so in his spare time. His wisdom and knowledge will play a major role in ensuring that Memphis City Rocks is a safehaven for all who walk through our doors.

Board Member

Mrs. Mary Barksdale

Mary Barksdale is a retired employee of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. She was a cook at Wells Station Elementary School. She has always had a love for children. She is the mother of three daughters and a loving grandmother to three children. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.