Valerie Groth is a former Chicago Public School social worker and now the founder of Ryan Banks Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to building the first residential school for underserved youth in Chicago. The Academy will open its doors in time for the 2017-2018 school year and seeks to impact the lives of students through a rigorous college and career preparatory education, a supportive boarding program, and a focus on personal development in a positive environment. In addition to her work with Ryan Banks Academy, Valerie also runs a life coaching practice where she works with clients from around the world on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence, and making massive positive transformations in their life. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master’s in Social Work, and Master’s in Educational Leadership.