About Us

What is your role with The Center, and what are you most excited about?
I am The Center’s Director of the Louisiana Statewide Family Engagement Center. As a school, district, and state leader, I witnessed firsthand the importance of strong family-school partnerships. I am especially focused on expanding initiatives that empower districts and schools to meaningfully engage with Louisiana’s diverse families, ensuring alignment with national priorities on school choice, parental involvement, and educational opportunity.

What is your background?

I am certified to teach PK-8th grade. I also hold certification as a school leader, district supervisor, and superintendent. I am a native of Savannah, GA. I earned a B.A. from Dillard University and an M.Ed. from the University of New Orleans. I completed the Executive Leadership Program at The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. I have 30 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, district, and state supervisor. My experiences as a primary grades teacher in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans in the early 1990s opened my eyes to the disparities in public education. I am committed to ensuring all children have access to high-quality instruction in a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment.

What makes Family Engagement personal to you?
As a school leader in Louisiana, I have seen firsthand that the positive effects of family engagement are immeasurable. Strong family-school relationships are tied to healthy and emotionally balanced children with more robust academic performance. Engaging families feel more knowledgeable and better equipped to support their children in the home, thereby increasing their children’s opportunities for success.

What is your role with The Center, and what are you most excited about?
My role is the Family Engagement Specialist, and I am most excited about working with schools and families across the state of Louisiana to make a positive impact on family engagement.

What is your background?
A proud native of New Orleans, I have dedicated 27 years to education in my hometown, serving as a certified educator and leader within Orleans Parish Public Schools. I am a product of the district I later served, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Southern University at New Orleans. My commitment to continuous learning led me to Xavier University, where I obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Additionally, I have completed esteemed fellowships at Tulane University and the John Maxwell Leadership Distinguished Team for public speaking.

My career began as a high school English teacher, a role I held for five years before transitioning into educational leadership. For over two decades, I have served as a principal, dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community engagement. One of my most significant career achievements was leading the first community-based school in New Orleans, which received numerous awards and accolades for its transformative impact on the community. My passion for education and leadership continues to drive my mission of empowering students, educators, and families.

What makes Family Engagement personal to you?
Family engagement is a core value in my work because I firmly believe in the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This principle emphasizes the collective responsibility of families, educators, and communities in fostering a supportive and enriching environment where children can thrive. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of meaningful collaboration and know that true student success is achieved when strong partnerships are in place. By working together, we can create impactful educational experiences that support every child's growth and development.



 

What is your role with The Center and what are you most excited about?
I am a Family Engagement Specialist and I'm most excited about collaborating with our team to fulfill our objective of increasing Louisiana families' capacity to support their children's academic success.

What is your background?
I earned a degree in Drama and Communications and worked for the Jefferson Parish Public School System for 18 years. I also freelance in journalism, radio and television. This blend of professional experience has been particularly valuable in my work with family engagement, where building strong, meaningful connections is essential. 

What makes Family Engagement personal to you?
This cause is deeply personal to me because I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact of family engagement in my own children’s lives. Today, they are thriving adults, each successful in their own field of study. I believe that families need access to a variety of resources to better navigate the school system and play an active role in supporting their children’s success. I’m passionate about being a part of that journey and helping others unlock their potential.

What is your role with The Center and what are you most excited about?
My role with the The Center is Family Engagement Specialist. I’m most excited about the opportunity to connect with families, build meaningful relationships, and help create positive experiences around literacy and learning. I’m especially looking forward to being a resource and support for families, learning from the wonderful people I’ll be working alongside, and growing in this role. I’m excited to bring my passion for helping others into this position and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in the community. 


What is your background?

I have a diverse background in education, technology, and school operations, with nearly 10 years of experience working in both the New Orleans Charter School System and the Tangipahoa Parish School System. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve in several roles, including Technology Coordinator, Data Manager, and Site Registrar. These positions allowed me to develop strong skills in technology, data management, organization, communication, and supporting students, families, and school staff.

I graduated from Southern University at New Orleans where I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Information Systems. My education and professional experience have given me a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving, while my years working in education have helped me develop a passion for supporting students, families, and school communities.
 

What makes Family Engagement personal to you?

Family engagement is personal to me because I believe that every family has a story, every parent has a voice and every child deserves the opportunity to discover the power of learning. Families are the heart of every community. Every family deserves to feel seen, heard, respected and valued. I am passionate about building genuine connections,building trust, and creating opportunities for families to have a voice in their child’s education and success.