Our Team

Mike Deeney

IP Creator | Co-Founder | Producer | Author

A man with curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a navy blue shirt and beige pants, squatting under a bridge or tunnel with stairs visible in the background.

Mike is Creator of The Adventures of Avery and Masa ® IP and Ecosystem. Mike’s background as an elementary educator, producer, author, and change-maker has prepared him to build a strong foundation for the brand.

Mike is also the Founder of the Avery and Masa Literacy Foundation which is the heart and soul of the brand. The mission of the foundation is to improve children’s literacy while inspiring young learners. The intersection of the Foundation’s two impact programs, Book Clubs and Home Libraires, continues to create dynamic engagement.

Mike holds a BA in Education from San Diego State University with a specialization in Children’s Literature. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Sterling and their children, Dylan & Ivy.

Fun Facts: He loves superheroes, sports, cooking, tacos, ocean views & sunsets.

Streeter Lecka

Co-Founder | Executive Producer

A smiling man with glasses and brown hair wearing a beige plaid blazer and light blue shirt outdoors with a blurred green leafy background.

Streeter Lecka built his career as a professional photographer bringing creativity to the chaos of competition – having captured unforgettable moments in five different Olympics, other global sporting events and beyond. And while each moment may have been different, the ideas he captures are universal. Streeter has since taken on many projects he feels a strong passion for.

Anybody can get an image, but capturing an idea? That’s something you’ll have forever.

Streeter holds a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Kellie and their son, Harris and daughter, Olivia.

Fun Facts: He loves golf, food, travelling, and anything creative.

Steve Barrett

IP Co-Creator | Author

A man with short dark hair and facial hair standing outdoors in front of leafy plants, wearing a checkered collared shirt, smiling softly.

Steve brings over 20 + years of experience from the field of education. As a dedicated educator and former Dean of Students, Steve has proven expertise in student engagement, modified curriculum design, and inclusive learning strategies. His work focuses on creating meaningful educational experiences that support diverse learners and foster academic growth. Steve is Co-creator of the Avery and Masa IP and Co-Author of the chapter book series.

Steve holds a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. He lives in Lakewood, CA with his wife, Betsy and their son, Lilly.

Fun Facts: He loves Star Wars, cheeseburgers, the beach, and lilies.

Chase Peacock

Composer | Writer | Performer

Black and white portrait of a man wearing a suit jacket and collared shirt, sitting with arms relaxed on a surface, looking straight at the camera with a slight smile.

Chase holds a dynamic career as a Broadway performer, writer, and composer. Chase currently can be seen in the Broadway Company of “The Great Gatsby” performing as Jay Gatsby. Chase’s credits include, the Avett Brothers “Swept Away”, Green Day’s “American Idiot”, and “High School Musical”.

Chase has scored The Adventures of Avery and Masa Digital Series, wrote and performed the high energy Avery and Masa Theme Song, and leads the development of Avery and Masa: The Musical. He has also written and composed three musicals.

Chase lives in New York, NY with his wife, Maggie and their son, Arthur.

Fun Facts: He loves golf, food, music, Atlanta, and family.

Matt Leiner

Producer | Digital Editing

A man with short gray hair and a beard, wearing a dark blue blazer and a graphic T-shirt, is seated at a railing with his hands resting on it, smiling slightly at the camera.

Matt holds 25 years of experience as a Broadway Stage Manager, working on numerous hit shows including “Wicked”, “School of Rock”, West Side Story”, “King Kong”, and the groundbreaking production of the Avett Brothers, “Swept Away”.

Matt produces industry level virtual and live events while providing expertise in, technical directing, and running large-scale productions. Matt produces and directs the Avery and Masa Literacy Foundation Foundation Events, and creates content for the Avery and Masa Digital platforms.

Chase lives in Greenwich, CT with his wife, Claudia and their sons, Archer & Griffin.

Fun Facts: He loves family time, Disney vacations, and Harry Potter.

Avery, the Master of Escape

Problem solver | Empath

Animated cartoon fox character with large green eyes, white eyebrows, and a mischievous smile

Avery is a tricky and inventive Red Panda. Avery loves to relax and chew on Bamboo. Whenever there's someone in need he’ll drop everything and jump into action. Compassionate, he always listens to what others say. When he’s happy, he’ll shout out, “sweeeeet bamboooo!”

Avery’s acrobatics and is able to use his claws and tail creatively to get he and Masa out of tight spots. Avery has razor sharp focus, but counts on Masa to brainstorm so they can think “outside of the crate” for innovative solutions.

Masa, the Great Loris Explorer

Visionary | Science Expert

Animated character with beige fur, large yellow eyes, a small pink nose, short white hair, and small rounded ears, smiling against a white background.

Masa is a Slow Loris, but the truth be told, he’s quick witted and fast acting. He’s passionate and loves to see the world. Every place and every animal he meets brings a new friend and a rich experience.

Masa is happiest when drinking chocolate tree sap and shouts out “Nectar”. With his amazing vision, Masa loves to search and find things. His keen eyesight allows him to explore in the dark, underwater and long distances. When Avery needs some wisdom, Masa always has a treasury of legends and tales his Mom told him.