Founders

Damon and Anika Prather-Founders

Anika  has earned her B.A. from Howard University in elementary education.  She also has earned several graduate degrees in education from New York University and Howard University.  She has a Masters in liberal arts from St. John’s College and is in the process of completing her PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Maryland.  She has served as a teacher, director of education and the Head of School for a DC Christian school. The inspiration for starting this school comes from her three creative and curious kids. Anika's blog www.drnika.org is where she talks about her research on literacy education for African American students.  Damon  has earned his degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan.  He has also earned  an MBA from the University of Wisconsin and an MS in Information Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins.  He also has tutored in the math  and sciences to students in high school and college.  

The Living Water School was founded by this devout Christian husband and wife, however, Christianity is not taught formally at The Living Water School.  Instead we have chosen to create a school where our belief is lived out and shared naturally. Staff members have the freedom to share their  Christian beliefs with students and students have the freedom to question and disagree with those beliefs. There are no formal or required theology classes.  Students are given the space to determine their own spiritual journeys and the staff is available to help them work through the questions that guide that journey. Staff members will not force their beliefs on a child or treat any student or family member with unkindness or disrespect.

We believe that the love of Christ should be practiced in every student, staff member or community member.  Jesus is our example in how he embraced and loved all mankind no matter their background, belief, lifestyle, etc.  Even if the person was of a different race, if they had a different belief or if he disagreed with their choices, He loved and respected them.  He never wavered in what he believed and taught, but he loved unconditionally.  In this time of diversity, it is imperative that we as Christians demonstrate this unconditional love to all. In light of this,  the unconditional love of Christ is practiced in the school as we often meet students and families of diverse backgrounds.