A Legacy of LEADership
The LEAD Center was founded in 2001 by Harvey and Marie Lloyd with the vision of creating a school where every child could succeed and a business that empowers its staff.
What began with just 17 students from Hopewell has grown into a trusted resource for 11 school divisions across central Virginia.
Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of serving more than 2,100 students with disabilities and helping hundreds of staff members discover deep purpose in their work.
Not long after LEAD opened its doors, Harvey and Marie’s daughter, Chrissy Fukushima, joined them in the work. Drawn to the mission and inspired by what was happening at the school, Chrissy chose to dedicate herself to LEAD and has continued building on the foundation her parents began.
Because we were founded by family, we operate like family.
We see our students as more than learners—we see them as part of our community. We view our staff as more than employees—we see them as partners in a shared calling. This family-centered approach is what makes LEAD unique, and it’s what drives us to create a safe, supportive, and life-changing environment for every student we serve.