About Us

The Model System serves as the Education Department for the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in collaboration with the Bainum Family Foundation.

Together, we are reimagining how an Adventist Conference school system can operate aligning mission, leadership, and learning to strengthen every school we serve.

Our Mission

We build the leadership, culture, and systems that expand what Adventist education can be.

Our Vision

A future where Adventist schools are flourishing — grounded in faith, alive with joy, and built for lasting impact.

Our Why

We believe Adventist education exists to change the lives of students so that they find fulfillment in serving Christ, impact their communities, and know that they are wonderfully made.

Meet Our Team

Meet the Model System Team 

Toakase Vunileva

CEO

Melanie Litchfield 

COO

David Turner 

Director of Impact

Enid Mendez

Director of Finance

Lawanna McCoy 

Director of Special Projects

Isaac Soli 

Engagement & Operations Coordinator

Meet the Model System Board of Directors 

Dr. Carlton Byrd

Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, President 

Arelis Diaz

W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Director Racial Equity/Community Engagement and Board Relations

Dr. Edwin Hernandez

Antillean Adventist University, President 

Errol Phipps

AT&T,  Vice President and Associate General Counsel 

Dr. Dennis Plubell

North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Vice President Education, retired 

Toakase Vunileva

Bainum Family Foundation, Director of Seventh-day Adventist Initiative 

COMPASS Framework

When mission, leadership, and learning are intentionally aligned, schools thrive. To ensure that alignment, our schools operate through the COMPASS Framework. These strategic commitments shape our culture, guide our learning, and influence how we live and work together every day. 

Curiosity

I approach each day with wonder and curiosity.  

Ownership

I shape my life through my own choices.  

Mindshift

I collaborate, design, and bring new ideas to life.

Perseverance

I do hard things with courage. 

Agape

I treat everyone—including myself—with love, dignity, and deep worth.  

Spiritual Growth

I am rooted in Christ.  

Social Impact

I use my influence to bring positive change.

Interested in joining us as we build the future of Adventist education?