Meet Iteisha Bankston of Cleveland Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iteisha Bankston.

Hi Iteisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Iteisha Bankston, and I am the owner of TeaSpot Tutoring Learning Center LLC., and founder of The LionHeart Kids Initiative, a 501c3 located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I started my career in education as a 3rd grade teacher and have worked as a principal and district leader. My nonprofit organization was born from the legacy and work of my late husband Seneca Bankston who also worked with children on Cleveland’s westside. LionHeart Kids provides a safe, uplifting space for children who need more than just something to do after school. We offer them with a space where they can feel seen, supported, and inspired.

LHKI serves children grades 3-8 who have endured trauma or loss. Our program blends hands-on enrichment with encouragement for emotional wellness and healthy self-expression. Children that attend our programming enjoy art, behavioral & emotional wellness, STEM, and physical fitness workshops. We offer a caring environment where children can grow in confidence, build friendships, and strengthen their hearts as well as their minds

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. As a lifelong educator, I have always had a passion to serve children and families to the best of my abilities. When I married my husband Seneca, we shared that passion and were able to do some great work together in our church, our business, and in our careers. My husband was wonderfully gifted and a beautiful creative. He brought laughter and joy to any room he was in. He also struggled deeply with depression and anxiety brought on by the unresolved trauma he endured throughout his life. As a result, he ended his life in January 2025. Starting The LionHeart Kids Initiative was my way of healing and helping families with children who deal with issues similar to those my husband endured. My intention is that if we can help children learn to cope and recover well in their formative years, they can overcome and thrive in their adulthood.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

TeaSpot Tutoring was created to be more than a tutoring business. At its heart, it is a space where children feel seen, supported, and capable. We provide academic tutoring and enrichment for students in grades K–12, with support in reading, math, and writing. We specialize in meeting students where they are and helping them grow with patience, consistency, and care.

What I believe we are most known for is the way we combine academic support with genuine encouragement. We do not just focus on grades; we focus on confidence, relationships, and helping children believe they can succeed. Many students need more than instruction; they need a safe, positive environment where someone takes the time to pour into them, understand their needs, and remind them of their potential.

I am proud that we have built a program that serves the whole child. Through TeaSpot Tutoring and the work connected to The LionHeart Kids Initiative, I am proud that we are creating spaces where children can learn, heal, explore, and be uplifted. I am especially proud that our work is rooted in both excellence and heart.

I am most proud that we have been able to use what was a devastating, life altering tragedy to help families and children. We’ve used Seneca’s life to create opportunities in philanthropic efforts, a collaborative music project, and a documentary film to help others see the value in their own lives when they are in crisis.

What sets us apart is our personal approach. We are not a one-size-fits-all program. We bring warmth, intention, and community-centered care into everything we do. Families know that when they come to TeaSpot, they are not just signing up for a service; they are joining a place that truly wants the best for their child.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned along this journey that life happens in seasons, and that you are being prepared for each season through the lessons, experiences, and grit that you earn from the previous season. While I was devastated at the loss of my husband, I was able to begin this work with the LionHeart Kids Initiative 6 months after his passing. Because of my faith in the Lord and my experience as a teacher, school leader, district leader, community partner, learning center owner, and child advocate.

Pricing:

• Tutoring- $60.00/hr plus tax grades K-12
• LionHeart Kids Initiative Afterschool Program- Free for students grades 3-8
• Courage to Speak: The Seneca Bankston Story Documentary Premiere $15 Gen. Adm. $30 VIP

Contact Info:

• Website: www.teaspotkids.com and www.courage2speak.org
• Instagram: @lionheartkids_
• Facebook: @teaspottutoring