My name is William Carlisle. I am the Owner/Director of Kumon Dallas Bent Tree. I am also the President of Beyond the Veil for Life, a non-profit organization that helps underserved students reach their potential by assisting them in developing their critical thinking skills using math and reading as a foundation.

I have a master’s degree in psychology and a specialized degree in education emphasizing organizational leadership. I served 16 years in the United States Army with numerous achievements and commendations. I was responsible for the health, welfare, and safety of multiple soldiers under my command. I served as a chaplain for Children’s Health, formerly known as Children’s Medical Center – Dallas and Plano campuses for five years. I am a certified teacher in the state of Texas in middle school social sciences and special education at all grade levels. Most recently, I served as a behavioral specialist in Garland ISD.

I am passionate about educating children because children are not just our future, but they are the foundation from which we build thriving families, neighborhoods, communities, societies, and nations. Two educational perspectives influence my philosophy of education: progressivism and existentialism. Educational progressivism is based on the belief and practice that education should be relevant for students to learn. The curriculum of a progressive education is built around the personal experiences, interests, and needs of the students. I think it is important for a student’s learning to be relevant to their experience and interest. I think this perspective benefits early learners because much of their learning comes from their environment. As early learners grow and develop, they will want more control over their academic growth. This is where educational existentialism influences my philosophy for students in middle school up through college and beyond. Existentialism is derived from a belief in human free will, and the need for individuals to shape their futures. Students who will have the opportunity to be in existentialist academic environments control and manage their educational goals. Students are encouraged to understand and appreciate their uniqueness and to assume responsibility for planning and achieving their academic success.

As a former Texas and U.S. History teacher, the Declaration of Independence serves as a reminder that our children and students are to benefit from this truth:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

All students are created equal and deserve an equal opportunity to learn and be educated because they have this right as human beings. No student should be denied access to quality education based on color, race, creed, religion, gender, or disability.

As an educator, I serve as an initiator and as a facilitator. I serve as an initiator when I am presenting new information to students. I am an initiator for students with academic challenges who may feel hopeless and defeated because they are not at the “average” expectation level. I am an initiator for students who are beginning a new grade or experiencing a new phenomenon in their academic and personal growth and development. I am a facilitator when I see a student light up with joy and anticipation when they have cleared the initial learning curve. I am a facilitator when a student says, “I got this.” I am a facilitator when students can engage in group learning, and they need minimal guidance and instruction because they are now owners of their learning experience.

In conclusion, my philosophy is based on student growth (progressivism) and students owning their learning experience (existentialism). Both are needed to initiate and facilitate student success and accomplishment in their academics and life experiences and for preparation for their next level. Overall, my philosophy on education is centered on the holistic success of our children as they emerge into lifelong learners.

Raymond Bendert is a devoted husband to Arichone Davis, and together they have created a loving blended family. They are the proud parents of four children: Emmonte, RJ, Davonte, and their youngest, Aniyah. The family resides in Melissa, Texas, where they cherish their close-knit and supportive home life. Their journey as a blended family has been one of growth and mutual support, strengthening their bond and enriching their lives.

Raymond’s professional journey began with the establishment of Family AutoCare & Repair in McKinney, Texas, in 2021. As the owner of this business, Raymond is committed to delivering exceptional automotive care and service to his community. His dedication to his craft is evident in the quality of work and customer satisfaction his business provides. Raymond’s entrepreneurial spirit drives him to continuously improve and innovate in his field.

In addition to his role as a business owner, Raymond is deeply passionate about helping others succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. He believes in the transformative power of mentorship and support, and he actively seeks to guide and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs. Raymond’s commitment to fostering growth in others is a central part of his personal and professional life.

Raymond’s efforts extend beyond his business; he is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he aims to empower others to turn their ideas into successful ventures. His involvement in local initiatives and his willingness to support fellow entrepreneurs reflect his belief in the importance of giving back and nurturing potential.

As an experienced financial professional with a strong background in the banking industry, I have enjoyed a successful career marked by exceptional management and administrative skills. My journey in the world of finance has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a dedication to fostering meaningful relationships, and a commitment to solving complex problems.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a knack for effective communication, a crucial asset in the ever-evolving world of finance. I've navigated diverse financial environments with ease, ensuring that compliance standards are not only met but exceeded. My ability to streamline processes has consistently led to increased efficiency and heightened profitability levels within the organizations I've worked for.

In addition to my financial expertise, I am also a licensed Realtor in the Dallas metroplex. My passion for real estate stems from a genuine desire to assist clients in their journey to buy, sell, or rent a home. I understand the significance of time in each of these processes, and I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

My commitment to excellence in both the financial and real estate realms, combined with my ability to adapt to dynamic and demanding environments, makes me a reliable and driven professional. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you on your real estate needs.