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?
I am a Family Engagement Specialist with the Louisiana Statewide Family Engagement Center team. I am excited to work with the team to bring more awareness to the mental health and social needs of children that impact learning. I am also excited to provide the necessary resources to families, educators, and districts to increase positive student outcomes through family engagement!

What is your background?
I graduated from the University of Holy Cross in 2019 with a B.A. in English and earned my MSW from Tulane School of Social Work in 2020, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have experience as a school social worker in the Jefferson Parish Public School System, providing one-on-one therapy, mental well-being presentations, crisis intervention, and support for special education students. I also worked at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, initially part-time before transitioning to a full-time Trauma Team Social Worker, where I focused on supporting families and building meaningful relationships. My passion is working with children and families to create positive experiences that promote lifelong success.


What makes Family Engagement personal to you?
With my experience as a school social worker, I have seen first-hand how family engagement impacts students’ well-being and ability to actively engage in learning. Effective family engagement is a partnership between families, educators, and schools that addresses not only the academic needs of the student but also addresses outside factors that affect learning. Many factors including student well-being play a huge role in a student’s academic achievement. If students see that the adults in their lives are working together to help them succeed, they are more motivated to do so.