About The Keita Academy

A place to think deeply. A community to grow with.

The Keita Academy brings scholars together through live, interactive chess instruction, thoughtful coaching, and a shared commitment to learning.

Rooted in Discovery Center at Stony Point in Richmond, Virginia, our virtual academy connects scholars to a real place and a wider chess community. With no more than 16 scholars in each virtual classroom, coaches get to know each player as they practice, explore ideas, and build relationships across the board.

Our team includes educators, international competitors, and former students who now coach the next generation.

Academy Leadership

Leading every classroom.

Rhonda Adorno

CEO & Lead Coach, Intermediate Scholars

Rhonda is an educator, chess coach, and founder of Discovery Center at Stony Point. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rollins College and a Master’s Degree in Education in Instructional Design and Technology. Her background as an English teacher and instructional designer shapes how she makes complex ideas clear, engaging, and accessible.

Rhonda founded OSOTA Chess at One School of the Arts, building a program whose students competed in national scholastic events and earned team and individual awards. Today, former student Andrew Tiansay leads that multitier flagship program, while fellow former student Zion Council coaches virtually for Discovery Chess.

At Keita, Rhonda guides intermediate scholars in recognizing patterns, building plans, explaining their decisions, and turning experience into stronger play.

Khjyetta Singleton

Lead Coach, Beginner Scholars

Coach Kay is a 2009 University of Pittsburgh graduate with a background in English literature and a specialization in geropsychology and memory care. She co-founded Life Sciences Academy in 2013, bringing together her interests in education, development, and meaningful learning experiences.

Her work spans STEM programming, community partnerships, and learning across generations. At Discovery Center at Stony Point, she also leads business development and strategic partnerships.

At Keita, Coach Kay introduces beginning scholars to chess through clear explanations, guided practice, and encouragement. She helps players build board awareness, understand how the pieces work together, and gain the confidence to try, ask questions, and keep learning.

Coaches in Residence

Championship-level insight.

Dr. Corey Hancock

Coach in Residence & Lead Coach, The Rated Room

Dr. Corey Hancock leads The Rated Room at Discovery Center at Stony Point, helping players build the skills, habits, and discipline that support thoughtful play and tournament readiness.

A co-founder of Legacy Chess Academy and founder of Chess Counselor, Corey combines chess coaching with his professional background in counseling. His approach connects strategic thinking with confidence, reflection, and the ability to navigate challenges.

Through focused games, discussion, and review, he helps scholars understand their decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow as both players and competitors.

WIM Knarik Mouradian

Woman International Master in Residence

FIDE Ratings: Standard 2063 · Rapid 2109 · Blitz 2053 (October 2026)

Knarik brings international competitive experience and more than 18 years of in-person and online chess coaching. A four-time Arab Women’s Champion and multiple-time Lebanese Women’s Champion, she has coached students who became national champions in several countries.

Her coaching strengths include tactical play, endgames, and making challenging ideas accessible. At Keita, she offers scholars an international perspective on chess and the opportunity to learn from an accomplished competitor and experienced coach.

Tournament Leadership

Where learning meets competition.

Marcus Simmons

Tournament Director, Discovery Chess, LLC

Marcus serves as Tournament Director for Discovery Chess, LLC, supporting the competitive experiences that connect our chess community.

His role brings tournament organization and structure to opportunities where scholars can put their learning into practice, build sportsmanship, and gain experience in competitive play.

From Students to Coaches

The next generation is already giving back.

Zion Council and Andrew Tiansay began as students in OSOTA Chess, the program founded by Rhonda Adorno at One School of the Arts. They studied, practiced, and competed in national scholastic events, bringing home both team and individual awards. Today, they are helping other scholars begin their own journeys. A first lesson can become a lasting connection—and, one day, an opportunity to lead.

Zion Council

Virtual Chess Coach, Discovery Chess

Once an OSOTA Chess scholar and national scholastic competitor, Zion now coaches virtually for Discovery Chess.

He brings the perspective of someone who has been in his students’ seats—learning the game, preparing for competition, and discovering what practice can make possible.

Zion Council holding a scholastic championship trophy in 2019

Andrew Tiansay

OSOTA Chess Program Leader & Chess Coach

Andrew now leads the multitier flagship OSOTA Chess program where he once learned to play.

Building on the foundation Rhonda established, he guides the next generation through the same community that helped shape his growth as a player and competitor.

Andrew Tiansay with Rhonda Adorno in an OSOTA Chess classroom

Your scholar’s next move starts here.

Whether your child is learning how the pieces move or building a deeper understanding of strategy, The Keita Academy offers a place to learn, practice, and belong.

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