Meet our director

Lawrence Thames is a proud native of Raleigh, NC and excited to join the ESA family as the Before and After School Care Coordinator. Lawrence received an athletic scholarship to Elizabeth City State University where he attended and played football for 3 years. He later earned a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University.  After college, he played professional arena football in Texas and Mississippi. Once being an athlete came to an end, he transitioned to coaching. Lawrence served as an ISS Coordinator with Wake County Public Schools System where he also coached high school football and basketball for 8 years. He then entered collegiate coaching and spent time at St. Augustine’s University and North Carolina Central University. Wanting to spend more time with family, Lawrence left coaching to serve as the Director of Sylvan Learning Center. Before coming to ESA, Lawrence served as General Manager at Big Air Trampoline Park. Lawrence believes through all of these experiences, he has gained skills and knowledge that he is eager to nurture in ESA students. In his leisure time he loves to fish, travel, and spend time with his family. (wife Tamara and their 2 children Tarence and Ava)