Our Founder
Coach Michael Carson
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Michael Carson for his relentless commitment and dedication to the Beyond the Game Curriculum. Throughout his impressive 27 years in education, Coach Carson has not only inspired countless students but has also transformed the way we approach learning through athletics.
His passion for teaching and coaching goes beyond the game, instilling values such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship in every student-athlete. Coach Carson's insights and encouragement have shaped this curriculum, ensuring it reflects his belief in the power of education as a tool for personal growth.
We appreciate his unwavering support, innovative ideas, and the countless hours spent mentoring young minds. Coach Carson’s legacy is evident in the success of our students and the strength of our community.
Thank you, Coach Carson, for your extraordinary impact on education, sports, and the lives of those you’ve touched throughout your remarkable career.
Here are several inspirational quotes that could reflect Coach Michael Carson's philosophy and motivation:
1. “Greatness is not achieved by chance; it is built through hard work and determination.”
2. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback; it’s how you respond that matters most.”
3. “Teamwork makes the dream work, and together we can achieve incredible things.”
4. “Success is a journey, not a destination; embrace the process and learn along the way.”
5. “Believe in yourself and in your abilities; confidence is the foundation of achievement.”
6. “Coaching is not just about teaching skills; it’s about shaping character and building future leaders.”
7. “The lessons learned on the field are the same as those in life; it's all about perseverance and integrity.”
Our Team of Experts
Chon Trent, Marketing and Branding
Chon Trent’s journey as a strategic marketing professional and customer experience expert is a story of innovation and impact. With over 15 years of expertise, she has masterfully conceptualized, created, and executed marketing campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. Her work with Fortune 500 companies and industry giants like PGA TOUR Superstore, BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, and HSBC Bank USA showcases her ability to drive success on a grand scale. Chon’s knack for defining customer journeys and crafting compelling go-to-market strategies has consistently led to successful brand and product launches, ensuring that each campaign not only reaches but captivates its target market. Her career is a testament to her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In addition to her professional achievements, Chon is a fervent advocate for youth empowerment. She dedicates her time to volunteer work, championing initiatives that uplift and support young individuals, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact beyond formal business settings.
In her personal life, Chon is an avid traveler, exploring new countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and drawing inspiration from global experiences. She values family deeply and cherishes moments spent with loved ones.
Chon Trent holds a B.B.A. in Marketing Management from the City University of New York, Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, and is currently an MBA Candidate at Emory University Goizueta Business School.
Bobby Goodman, Financial Literacy
Bobby Goodman is the founder and CEO of Goodman -Tolbert Financial Group, Mulework business consultant group, and The Tax Viking, a tax prep company. His passion for helping unaware individuals led him to create all of these businesses. Being overcharged for services in our community has become all too common.
After graduating from an HBCU (Alabama State University) and Ashford University, Bobby focused on management. After managing several big box retailers, some with volume over 56 million, he got that entrepreneur itch. With the support of his wife, Mulework was formed. A business designed to help individuals start and run their businesses. After witnessing most of his clients being clueless about the financial aspect of running a business, The Tax Viking (formerly The Tax Nerds) was created. Bobby educated himself on the different tax laws and systems, eventually becoming an IRS Enrolled Agent.
Again, witnessing the need in our community for financial literacy, Goodman Tolbert Financial was formed. We help families create Wills, Trusts, Life Insurance, Tax Advisory, and Estate Planning. The lack of knowledge was just overwhelming and needed to be addressed.
Bobby holds certifications in Financial Literacy, Business Consultant, Public Management, Contract Law, and Tax Advisory.
He is committed to family, and educating our community is his passion. We aim to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and financial independence by delivering practical solutions.
Bobby is married to Dr. A. Francine Goodman, and they have two beautiful daughters, Basha, who is currently a student at Georgia State, and Imani, who is currently a student at Spelman College.
Alanmichael Harkness, Career Development
- Former student-athlete at Appalachian State University, Recreational Management Degree focus (Sport management), Master in Social Work focus ( Sport Social Work)
- Work History: Intern for Yosef Club at Appalachian State University Athletics, Learning Specialist Intern for The Ohio State University, Success Coach for TheTodd Bell National Resources Center at The Ohio State University, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development for the University of South Carolina.
As the Career Development Advisor of TTP, I oversee career initiatives, programs, and events for Georgia Tech Student-Athlete. There are 429 student-athletes that I assist in identifying career aspirations, internships, co-ops, job placement, and developing a career plan. If you want to be a dentist, lawyer, doctor, plumber, police officer, entrepreneur, teacher, or whatever you desire it's my job to support you in that.
Tyrone Tate, Chief Operations Officer
Tyrone Tate is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and strategist with over three decades of experience in government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors in the fields of technology, film, music, sports, and education. He holds a BA and an MBA in Marketing. Tyrone has excelled in fostering academic and athletic success, securing millions in scholarships and fundraising efforts. He had professional career paths at IBM, Delta, Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, which served as proving grounds and a testament to his versatility and ability to work and thrive in diverse organizational structures.
Tyrone held a NBA Certification and successfully managed several players' sports and post careers. He has been tasked with many leadership roles over the years and has successfully led organizations in achieving extraordinary results. Tyrone's superior record of accomplishments has earned him local and national recognition from the United Way, The Watkins Award, and GPSA for being a super fundraiser, achieving a 100% graduation rate for 30 years, and securing scholarships for over 80% of the student-athletes in his associated programs. He has a distinction and passion for community engagement and adaptability, transforming businesses and student-athletes into high-level performers.
Clifford "Gator" Browning, Recruiting
Over the course of the past 8 years, Coach Clifford “Gator” Browning has helped over 1000 plus high school student-athletes receive scholarships to play college football. As the founder and CEO of Top Knotch Opportunities, LLC, an amateur sports consulting firm, Coach Browning secured over 7 million dollars in athletic scholarships with a 98% placement rate of student-athletes at colleges and universities across the country.
During his time as a football player at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), he was awarded All-SIAC honors as a top conference player. After earning his Bachelor of Education degree, Coach Browning played professional arena football for several years before returning to the Atlanta Metro area to teach and coach football. He coached 16 All-American athletes and assisted them throughout the college recruitment process.
His passion and successes as a coach led him to create Top Knotch Opportunities to help student-athletes receive more exposure to college recruiters while giving athletic programs an opportunity to recruit talented high school athletes who might otherwise be overlooked.
Coach Browning is committed to guiding student-athletes and their families through the recruitment process every step of the way.
Dwight Johnson Sr., Professional Trainer
Dwight Johnson Sr. is a business owner, real estate investor and motivational speaker known for his ability to inspire, motivate, and train youth and adults to get to their next level. He is the CEO of Total Athlete Sports Complex, TA Basketball Academy, Johnson Legacy Investment Group, and Stage One In Action non-profit organization.
Since 2011 TA Sports complex has helped over 150 student-athletes receive D1 scholarships. Dwight is a former NFl football player for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. Born in Waco, Texas in 1977, Johnson played football and earned his degree in finance from Baylor University.
As an orator, Johsnon uses compelling stories and life experiences to uplift and teach anyone to be resilient and to reach their goals. Dwight uses practical wisdom in his keynotes about how you can cultivate a resilient mindset, spark resilient teamwork, and amplify resilient leadership.
Dwight will inspire, uplift, and energize your audience. His message will resonate with participants, and partakers will learn how to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and face adversity. Listeners will leave positively impacted and understand that you can achieve success with hard work, discipline, and dedication.
Miss Monica Nelson, M.Ed.
For Miss Monica Nelson, ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,’ has been her Battle Cry, throughout her professional career. While her Motto is taken from Proverbs 12:11: “A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.” Miss Nelson is a FAIR and FIRM, hard working woman. She is a renowned Historian, a beloved Social Studies Teacher, and Assistant-Football Coach, specializing in Academic Advisement. She has helped more than 85 black male student-athletes attain college scholarships and college degrees.
Miss Nelson mentors current NFL players for the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, The New England Patriots, and players for various Division I & II colleges. Miss Nelson obtained her Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University and her Masters degree from Central Michigan University. She has studied various facets of World, United States, and African American History at over sixteen different colleges and universities, including Harvard University as well as the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom. While teaching at the secondary education level.
Miss Nelson was awarded Teacher of the Year and was presented with a Senate Resolution in her name, for her contribution to education in Dekalb County, Georgia, by The Georgia State Senate. Miss Nelson is currently teaching Social Studies at the secondary level in Nevada and traveling to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as attending concerts and sporting events, when she has free time away from teaching and mentoring.
Natalie L. Dallard, Mental Health
Natalie L. Dallard is a mental health expert with over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of trauma, youth development, and community-based behavioral health. A proud graduate of Penn State-University Park and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Natalie brings deep expertise in trauma through the lifespan, sexual abuse prevention and treatment, and the promotion of healthy relationships. She has designed and led programs focused on healing and resilience for some of the most vulnerable populations, including court-involved youth, survivors of abuse, and young people navigating unstable environments.
Having attended a Division I college herself, Natalie understands firsthand the pressures and mental health challenges that can come with high-performance academic and athletic environments. She draws on this experience to support student-athletes in building emotional resilience, managing stress, and maintaining strong and safe relationships.
Natalie has worked across systems—from schools to juvenile justice—and brings a culturally responsive, equity-focused lens to all she does. Her commitment to community wellness and her ability to translate complex behavioral health models into accessible support make her a powerful asset to the Beyond the Game Curriculum and the athletes it serves.
Vincent L. Jones Ed. D - Curriculum Director
Dr. Vincent Jones is currently the Athletic and Assistant Principal of McGavock High School, one of the largest schools in the state of Tennessee, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to his current role, Dr. Jones served as Assistant Principal at a neighboring high school for five years, as well as an Administrator at the middle school level for 3 years.
An educational career spanning 18 years, Dr. Jones has continued to have a strong focus on student achievement and school culture. He holds a BS in Marketing from Tuskegee University, M. Ed. in Exceptional Education from Tennessee State University, an Ed.S. in Leadership from Tennessee State University and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Trevecca Nazarene University.
As the Principal of the Hospitality & Business and Finance Academy he has placed an emphasis on learning through the academy pathway experience, which has increased graduation rates and the number of students that are college and career ready. Dr. Jones continues to support teachers and assists in forming partnerships with community stakeholders and business partners to create job opportunities and internships for the students that he serves.
He remains passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. “My team members have a personal investment in our school community, and every student that crosses the threshold of McGavock High School.” Dr. Jones attributes his success to his wife and six children that have always supported and motivated him to be the best version of himself.
Steve Gerritsen - Name, Image and Likeness Expert
Steve Gerritsen is an entrepreneur of over 25 years. His work includes over 15 years in the sports industry. He started his first company at age 21, the same month he started college. Steve led that company until a successful exit eight years later.
Steve spent eight years working as a certified NFLPA agent for professional athletes. He helped obtain contracts for his clients with teams in the NFL, NFL Europe, the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. He also represented two professional baseball players.
Steve is the co-founder and President of Marketing 160, a digital marketing company. His clients have ranged from small businesses to University athletic departments.
Currently, Steve is the Founder and CEO of WatchSports.com, a revenue sharing sports video platform. Steve received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah.
Andrew Cohen - Recruiter
Andrew Cohen is a 22-year veteran of college football. He has been a head coach at Hamilton College and coordinator at the following colleges Bucknell, Columbia, Fordham, Stony Brook, and Bowdoin. He moved to the Philadelphia area with his family and left college football as a coach. In August of 2014 Andrew took his passion and knowledge of recruiting in a new direction– he created Get Recruited Consulting.
Coach Cohen’s reputation as a top-notch recruiter has enabled him to built an extensive network of college coaching connections, which has resulted in, the placement of a 100’s of student-athletes nationwide. Coach Cohen currently has placed players at schools in the: Big Ten, SEC, ACC, PAC-10, MAC ,CAA, Ivy, Patriot & Pioneer Leagues ,as well as at many of the top academic D3 schools in the county.
Dr. Patricia Thompson
Dr. Patricia Thompson is a clinical psychologist who’s passionate about helping people reach their full potential—whether that’s in school, on the field, or in everyday life. She has worked in all kinds of settings, from corporate clients (e.g., McDonald’s, Boeing, the United Way, and many others), to the University of Pennsylvania’s Counseling Center, to the hospital environment at Grady Health System with clients with serious and persistent mental illnesses. In all of these settings, she has enjoyed supporting individuals through challenges and helping them thrive.
Over the years, Dr. Thompson has also worked with professionals from all sorts of backgrounds—athletes, business leaders, students, and more—teaching them tools to build confidence, manage stress, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve higher level performance. Her approach is rooted in psychology and backed by science, but always practical and down-to-earth.
As an educator, she’s created online courses on topics like emotional intelligence, leadership, and mindfulness that have been taken by over 50,000 students around the world. She’s also taught at places like Georgia State University, Emory University, Spelman College, and Wharton Business School. Her advice has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company, and Time.
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Dr. Thompson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Georgia State University, and was also educated at the University of Toronto, University of Pennsylvania, and Emory medical School. When she’s not working, you can find her playing tennis, lifting weights, reading, meditating, or cheering on her son at his soccer games.
Danny Buggs - Character Education Expert
Dewayne Moore - Program Speaker
Dewayne Moore is the passionate founder of a transformative non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding communities: one child, one family at a time. With a mission grounded in fostering hope and opportunity, Dewayne was inspired to establish his foundation to make a lasting impact on both individual lives and entire neighborhoods.
Operating in the non-profit sector, Dewayne’s foundation stands out for its strong emphasis on building meaningful, personal relationships with every individual they serve. His approach centers on helping people cultivate goal-oriented mindsets by starting with a dream, transforming it into a written vision, and laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
Driven by his self-determination and unwavering motivation, Dewayne draws energy and purpose from the community he feels chosen to serve. His greatest reward lies in witnessing positive change and progress among those he supports.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dewayne advises finding their “why,” the core purpose that will fuel their journey with energy, enthusiasm, and ethical commitment. He believes that a clear sense of purpose is the cornerstone of sustainable success.
Looking ahead, Dewayne is excited about the evolution of his foundation. In 2025, the launch of Unspoken Legacy Academy, an innovative online character development and mentoring program, will expand his mission’s reach and deepen its impact.
Through his work, Dewayne hopes to leave a lasting legacy—trailblazing marks that inspire future generations, including his own children and grandchildren, to carry forward the torch of community transformation.