Our Team
Mike Deeney
Mike is Creator-Author of the Avery and Masa ® IP. Mike’s background as an elementary educator, youth mentor, author, and change-maker has prepared him to build a strong foundation for the Avery and Masa 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 progress.
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 son, Dylan.
Fun Facts: He loves superheroes, sports, music & film, tacos, ocean views and sunsets.
Streeter Lecka
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.
Avery, the Master of Escape
Avery is a tricky and inventive Red Panda. He refuses to be trapped by any human or animal. Everyone he meets values their freedom as much as he does. Avery knows that everyone deserves to be in their natural habitat (home) and not in a cage. Avery is willing to help everyone.
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!” When he’s ready for action, Avery shouts out, “Bamboom!!!!” Even a traveling Red Panda is a product of his environment.
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
Masa is a Slow Loris, but the truth be told, he’s quick witted, fast acting and enjoys living on the move. So definitely not “slow”. 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. When he’s happy, he shouts out “Nectar”. Masa is very cute, that he’s a little sensitive about not being recognized as a famous loris. If anyone comments on his fabulous looks, he warns them, “Yes, I’m cute, but I’m NOT a pet!”
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. Sometimes the point of his stories are elusive, but still entertaining.