Shannon Hays, Board Chair
Rudy Culp, Vice Chair
Lisa Wells, Treasury
Al Garza, Member at Large
Joshua Smith, Member at Large
Angelina Farella, M.D., Member at Large
Shannon holds a degree in Administration with a focus in Marketing at California Polytechnic University. She is a Regional Manager for the Information Management Department of S&B Engineers and Constructors. Shannon is happily married to her husband Tracey and they have 2 daughters, Kathleen and Gracie. The family enjoys showing goats with their daughters' FFA chapter, hanging out with our 3 dogs, and Astros Baseball! I was introduced to The Momentum Academy by my dearest high school friend, Melissa Hodges, who asked me to join the board in the school’s second year. It has been my joy and pleasure to serve the school on the board ever since. I hope to assist in growing TMA, so that we can continue to provide excellent education choices for students and families throughout the Bay Area in Houston.
Bio Comign Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Al Garza, his wife, Kim Garza, and their son, Cody Garza, own and operate Al Garza's Premier Martial Arts. They currently have three locations - League City, Dickinson, and Pearland. Al began his Martial Arts training when he was 16 years old, and now holds Black Belt degrees in four different Martial Arts, but passionately believes that "sometimes a teacher - always a student". Therefore, he recently began training in another Martial Art called Brazilian Jujitsu where he began as a White Belt beginner and has recently achieved his blue belt. His positions held, or certifications earned, have included a Police Self Defense Tactics Instructor, a Ladies Rape Aggression Defense Instructor, a John Maxwell Certified Speaker/Trainer/Coach, a 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Certified Teacher, 1998-1999 Rotary Club past president of the Dickinson Rotary Club, and he is an ordained minister. Al has traveled to 9 countries competing in Martial Arts tournaments, Kickboxing, and training in the Martial Arts of the country, all the while sharing the Gospel as he travels. He says, "There is nothing like airplane ministry with a 'captured audience.'" Al is currently the Chief Grand Master of Premier Martial Arts International which services 200 plus Martial Arts School worldwide & Sinawali Boxing in Hamburg, Germany where he inspires school owners in leadership, faith, and martial arts skills. He also currently serves on the TECOL Advisory Board for College of the Mainland in Texas City, TX and on the Advisory Board for the League City Police Department in League City, TX. On January 27, 2023, the City of Dickinson, by proclamation, declared November 29, 2023 (the date that Garza opened his first Martial Arts school in Dickinson) to be Al Garza Day in Dickinson, TX. Al has been married to his wife, Kim, for 44 years. They have three children and ten grandchildren. His favorite start to the day is to read God’s Word and share a daily devotional with the people under his influence.
Joshua is a strategic leader with a strong sales, marketing, business development, and customer engagement background. With a career in industrial sales, he thrives on building strong relationships, fostering growth, and driving solution-oriented outcomes that create long-term success. His passion for people and mentorship is at the core of everything he does, whether in business, ministry, or community service. Beyond his professional work, Joshua has a deep-rooted history in family ministry, having served in leadership roles within large churches for many years. His commitment to strengthening families and fostering meaningful connections has been central to his life's mission. As a husband and father, Joshua finds his greatest joy in family. He has been married for 20 years to his best friend, Melissa, and together they have five children — two biological and three adopted. His experiences as a husband, father, and mentor fuel his dedication to The Momentum Academy, where he helps create opportunities for students to grow, learn, and thrive. Through his role on the board, Joshua brings leadership, compassion, and a vision for empowering the next generation.
Dr. Farella is a pediatrician at A Brighter Tomorrow Health & Wellness in Webster, TX. She is a highly esteemed expert in the field of pediatrics, possessing a vast array of knowledge in behavior management, pediatric therapy, sports medicine, and wellness programs. Her unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of her young patients is evident through her extensive education and esteemed professional affiliations. She has garnered countless commendations for her outstanding accomplishments, including being honored as a “Top Doc for Women” in both 2004 and 2005, as well as receiving the prestigious “AMA Leadership Award for Young Physicians” in 2005. Dr. Farella’s commitment to pediatric care has also earned her the distinguished title of a “Top Doc for Kids” for multiple years, spanning from 2006 to 2009 and 2011 to 2013. In 2007, she was lauded as a “Top Doc” at UTMB, highlighting her significant contributions to the academic medical community. Furthermore, her remarkable skills and unwavering dedication were further recognized when she was bestowed with the esteemed “Best Physician” accolade by the Bay Area Citizen in 2010, followed by the prestigious “Doctor of Excellence” award in 2014. She was also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. Dr. Farella actively participates in the medical community and holds memberships in esteemed professional associations such as the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and AAPS. Her active involvement in these organizations underscores her dedication to staying informed about the latest advancements and best practices in the field of pediatrics. Dr. Farella has spoken at numerous events throughout the country and is a sought-after guest on various news, TV, and radio shows, as well as podcasts. She is the founder of Freedom Doctor Alliance. On a personal note, she enjoys spending time with her family.
