Mike Jones is a native Houstonian and the father of four healthy sons. Mr. Jones received his degree in aeronautical science and aviation, and became a commercial multi-engine, instrument-rated airplane pilot as well as a commercially rated helicopter pilot. He flew with Continental Airlines before he moved on to pilot helicopters for the Houston Police Department fulfilling his childhood dream. During his tenure with the Houston Police Department, Mike Jones created the nationally recognized not for profit organization called Soul Patrol (now Beyond Excellence). As the Executive Director of Soul Patrol, Inc.(now Beyond Excellence) he developed programs and has conducted motivational presentations to over 5 million children, educators and parents since 1990. Mr. Jones retired from the police department in 1998 to expand his entrepreneurial aspirations. He now spends his time and shares his enthusiasm as President of Discover Leadership Training. The outcomes of Discover Leadership Training are based upon the principles and techniques that had proven successful in the programs he conducted for young people, educators, and parents.

He has received numerous awards throughout his careers in aviation, law enforcement and business. Among these honors both President George Bush and President Bill Clinton honored Mike Jones for his dedication to create a positive atmosphere in education for young people. Mr. Jones was the first recipient of the Sylvan Rodriquez Role Model of the Year Award in 1999. He received the award for Officer of the Year four times during his twelve years at the Houston Police Department. He is an honorary member of the Houston School Board, and in his spare time he writes books on parenting, goes fly fishing, runs marathons and hosts NBC's Parent 2 Parent show. For a more complete Biography and a short list of Mike Jones' acheivements click here.

Ms. Nicholson also is an active supporter of the youth programs offered by Soul Patrol, Inc. Because of her passion for children reaching their potential through education she volunteers her time as a facilitator of programs for kids, educators, and parents. Ms. Nicholson is most proud of her continued accomplishment in raising her two beautiful daughters. Diana is an outdoor enthusiast and spends her spare time hiking, camping, and running marathons.

Shelli Alaniz is a resident of Richmond, TX. She moved to the Houston area from Austin, TX in 1996 and joined the Discover Leadership Training team in 2002. Shelli received her degree in psychology from the University of Houston, and sought out an opportunity to utilize her learning in the most impactive way possible. Shelli is a certified trainer for Discover U2 Advanced Leadership Breakthrough Training and the Teen Quest Program, and has received her ropes course certification as well. Shelli also occupies the role of a Discover Coach working with clients outside of the classroom.

Shelli has a passion for working with children and creating opportunities for them to gain awareness through their learning, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Eaglet Quest training for younger teens, as well as partnering to further develop the Teen Quest training for older teens. Shelli is married with two beautiful children - a daughter and a son - that she shares her purpose with. She loves outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, and running - having proudly ran her first marathon in 2005. Shelli also has a passion for reading and writing.