About Us

Our Story

Born from Struggle, Built for Freedom

The Education for Freedom Foundation was founded by Cinthanie R. Crenshaw, a survivor who experienced financial abuse, litigation abuse, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, and the many barriers that keep women from accessing education. Her journey inspired the creation of a foundation dedicated to ensuring no woman has to walk that path alone.

Our mission is simple: to break the cycles of abuse and poverty by providing women and children with access to education and opportunities to thrive.

Our Leadership

Guided by Experience and Compassion

The Foundation is led by women who bring both lived experience and professional expertise, united by a commitment to disrupt educational barriers for women and children by expanding their access to transformative educational opportunities, advocacy and community partnerships.

Cinthanie R. Crenshaw

Founder & Executive Director

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Laura Hesson

Secretary & VP of Communications

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Emily Sparks

VP of Reading Grants

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Rachel Dalton

VP of Education Grants

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Our Mission and Vision

Empowerment Through Education

We believe education is the key to independence, safety, and hope. Our vision is a future where women have the tools to rebuild their lives and children grow up in homes filled with opportunity—not abuse, poverty, or disadvantage.

Thank You

Gratitude for the People Who Make This Possible

The Education for Freedom Foundation is more than one person’s vision. It is the result of incredible support from donors, our board, and those who believe in the power of education to change lives.

A special thank you goes to Laura Hesson, whose constant support and reassurance helped Cinthanie cope with decades of abuse and gave her the strength to step into this mission. Her encouragement has been essential in creating something that is not only sustainable but deeply meaningful.

Our Commitment

Sustainability for Generations to Come

This Foundation is not a temporary project but a long-term commitment. Funded by an endowment, it represents the legacy of founder Cinthanie R. Crenshaw and ensures that the mission to empower women and children through education will continue for generations to come.

Why We Exist

Creating Opportunities for Freedom, One Family at a Time

We know the barriers women face when leaving abuse are more than physical safety. Financial control, lack of education, and limited opportunities keep many from rebuilding. By focusing on educational advancement, we help women step into sustainable independence and create a ripple effect that transforms their children’s lives as well.

By empowering young learners with literacy skills, we break the intergenerational cycle of limited opportunity and provide a gateway to self-sufficiency, confidence and opportunity.

You can walk alongside us in this mission. Whether you choose to give, partner, or share our story, your support strengthens a foundation built on trust and empowerment. Together, we are creating lasting freedom for women and children.

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Cinthanie R. Crenshaw

Founder & Executive Director

Visionary Leader, Compassionate Advocate

For over three decades, Cinthanie R. Barton Crenshaw has devoted her life to service—evolving from business owner to community leader, volunteer, and most importantly, mother and grandmother. As a survivor of abuse, Cinthanie transformed her personal journey into a source of hope for others, founding the Education for Freedom Foundation to provide survivors with educational grants and the chance to attend technical colleges on scholarships.

Her philosophy is simple but profound: through education, freedom is possible—not only for women rebuilding their lives, but for generations yet to come. Her vision extends to fostering early literacy through reading tutoring, nurturing a love of learning from the start.

Cinthanie’s qualifications reflect both academic achievement and real-world experience. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (minor in Communication) from Utah Tech University and ongoing graduate study in Non-Profit Leadership and Management at Arizona State University, she pairs theoretical understanding with hands-on expertise. Her entrepreneurial journey spans 30+ years, managing businesses and properties across Utah and Nevada, while her volunteer service includes roles as foster mother, PTA leader, CASA advocate for at-risk youth, and support for organizations such as Boy Scouts of America and Utah Foster Care Foundation.

Cinthanie’s deep community involvement—including service as Secretary/Treasurer for her local Republican district and HOA management committee—illustrates her tireless dedication. Now living in the peaceful woods of Utah, she embodies the foundation’s mission every day, guided by a steadfast commitment to helping others achieve renewal and freedom through learning.

Laura Hesson

Secretary & VP of Communications

Champion for Educational Equity and Community Empowerment

Laura Hesson’s career is defined by over two decades of unwavering service to education and advocacy. With a lifelong love of learning and a belief in its transformational power, Laura has shaped equitable opportunities for underserved and at-risk women and children.

Her 18-year tenure as an elected official on her local school board attests to her leadership and vision—developing policy, overseeing budgets, and championing equity initiatives to ensure that every child, regardless of background, receives a quality education. Her strategic planning and engagement have left an indelible mark on her community, earning respect from peers, families, and educators.

Laura’s experience working with PTAs at every level for over 20 years further amplifies her impact. From parent engagement to community programs and student advocacy, Laura has fostered meaningful connections and empowered families.

Professionally, Laura brings organizational leadership and executive support experience, alongside a background in marketing to promote causes and forge genuine community bonds. Her blend of heart, strategy, and administrative expertise makes her uniquely qualified to help the Foundation create safe spaces where education becomes a pathway to hope, healing, and opportunity.

Emily Sparks

VP of Reading Grants

Innovator in Literacy and Differentiated Instruction

With 13 years of teaching excellence, Emily Sparks is an educator whose commitment to student growth and learning shines through every endeavor. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology, complemented by endorsements in Reading, STEM, Technology, and ESL.

Emily’s training in the Science of Reading and LETRS equips her with evidence-based strategies that make her one of the state’s top-scoring reading teachers. Her expertise in phonics-based methods and literacy instruction nurtures strong foundational skills and reading confidence in young learners—an essential element in the Foundation’s mission to foster academic success and independence.

Emily’s dedication to differentiated instruction and support for diverse learners ensures that every student, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. Her innovative approach and mastery of best practices make her an invaluable asset to the Board, guiding efforts to expand reading support and cultivate lifelong curiosity.

Rachel Dalton

VP of Education Grants

Advocate for Educational Opportunity and Community Service

Rachel Dalton’s passion for education and service permeates her work and community engagement. As Vice President of Education Grants, she leads the Foundation’s efforts to provide survivors of abuse with educational opportunities—opening new pathways for women to rebuild and achieve their goals.

Her longstanding volunteer roles within her local school district reflect a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. Rachel’s commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families speaks to her integrity, compassion, and spirit of service.

Rachel brings professional expertise as a loan processor to our mission of expanding educational opportunities. Her keen attention to detail, financial acumen, and commitment to fairness—skills honed in her day job—ensure our grant programs are efficient, transparent, and impactful.

By guiding grant initiatives and advocating for access, Rachel directly advances the Foundation’s mission—empowering women and children in adverse situations to find renewal, healing, and hope through the gift of learning.