Josh and Ria Thurston are high school sweethearts who share a passion for faith, education, and building meaningful community.

Josh has spent over 15 years in education, serving in charter, public, and private Christian schools, with the past decade in a variety of administrative leadership roles. He carries a deep heart for helping diverse learners thrive in a Christ-centered environment. Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership, and a K–12 Principal’s License.

Ria was raised in an entrepreneurial home and brings creativity and vision to everything she builds. She owns a photography business and R+R Collective, a boutique rooted in purpose and faith based apparel. Since 2019, Ria has also served part-time as Admissions Director at Concordia Academy, where she is passionate about connecting families to educational environments where students are known and valued.

Together, Josh and Ria are committed to cultivating spaces where faith, growth, and opportunity intersect.