Our Staff

All staff undergo extensive background checks to ensure safety and that quality services are rendered. We are equipped with highly qualified instructors and mentors holding various academic degrees. We possess over thirty (30) combined years in leadership and training experience. Our staff also has:

• Experience teaching a variety subject matter,
• Experience working with students having special needs, and
• Experience working with students of similar cultural background and social economic issues


Mr. Brett Cannon- Mentor/Instructor

Mr. Brett Cannon: A child of God and a believer in Jesus Christ, a person whose life experiences have given him a heart to teach/mentor/assist youth growing up in similar circumstances to his. He was born in 1961 in Chicago IL, as a youth was subject to both physical violence and mental abuse. He was an eyewitness to intense spouse abuse and the circumstances of children dealing with an irrational divorce. He has also experienced the dynamics of a blended family both as a child and Step-father. Results of a second divorce forced him into extreme poverty as a young teen. The oldest of five siblings he observed the effects of the many misfortunes and pit falls encountered through poverty. He dropped out of high school for two years and return to school after concluding an education was needed. An experience with the church gave him the strength to get through. At 20 years old attend Indiana University. He joined the United States Air Force in Dec. 1984 and retired after 20 years of service as an air traffic controller. A calling in 2005 to live according to the will of God was heard. Mr. Cannon is a devoted husband to Vanessa for nearly 15 years and father to Jason (25), Michael (23), Charla (20), Dayna (19), Imani (13) and Brett (12). Brett says “if not for his mother’s love and support and the positives influences of good male role models/mentors in his life he’s not sure where his life would be”. It’s because of these role models/mentors that he gives back today. Contact: brett.cannon@empacttcenter.com

Mr. Leander Johnson - Mentor/Instructor

Mr. Leander Dion Johnson was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Mr. Johnson holds an Associate’s degree in Business and Micro-Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, and is currently working on his Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science as well. Leander has educated both youth and adults in various subjects (English, Reading, Science, Mathematics, etc.) and disciplines (Computer Software Design & Development, Web-Ware Design & Development, Computer Hardware Management & Building, Finance, Data Organization & Management, etc.) in grades ranging from Kindergarten to Graduate School. Furthermore, he has counseled, motivated, and selflessly aided individuals under these same capacities. He is a profound public speaker, devout community-youth leader, experienced performer, and highly educated-well experienced educator. Mr. Johnson has contributed, invested, and changed the lives and educational mindset and standings of numerous individuals. His foundation is God; his commitment is to family; and his target is the community. He believes, and I quote, “If one knows his/her worth he/she will not accept living beneath it!” [Leander D. Johnson 2008] Contact: leander.johnson@empacttcenter.com

Mrs. Erma Gaston - Mentor/Relationship Educator

Mrs. Erma Gaston is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is a graduate of Millwood high school in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mrs. Gaston holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from the Langston University. She also has a Masters of Science degree of Telecommunications from Oklahoma State University. Mrs. Gaston has a strong commitment to God and family. She enjoys educating children and women. Contact: erma.gaston@empacttcenter.com

Dr. Billy D Gaston - Mentor/Relationship Educator

Dr. Billy D. Gaston is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from the Langston University. He also has a Masters of Science degree in Computer Science as well as a Doctoral degree in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University. Contact: billy.gaston@empacttcenter.com