Courtney is an educator by heart. Her interest growing up that followed her into adulthood was her desire to help children with special needs. Courtney hold a Masters Degree from the University of North Florida in Disability Services as well as a certificate in Non Profit Management. She has worked for the public school system for almost 20 years in various roles. She has been a teacher in the hospital, in homes, and in the classroom. She has also worked to write IEPs (Individual Education Plans) for many years for children with special needs.

Although education has been a career, her true passion is caring for the marginalized children of Ethiopia.