Our Team

zdearaujo@coe.ufl.edu

Zandra de Araujo serves as the Chief Equity Officer and mathematics principal at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Her research examines teachers’ instruction in algebra with students who are primarily English learners. She has been Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on several grants funded by the National Science Foundation, and her work has been published in numerous top tier journals.

Zandra began her career as a high school math teacher for Orange County Public Schools. After earning her doctorate, she has served as a board member of prominent professional organizations including TODOS: Mathematics for All, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She has been an invited speaker at several math teacher organizations and has received numerous awards for her work including the University of Missouri’s 2019 President’s Award for Early Career Excellence and the 2020 Early Career Award for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Florida, and her Master of Education in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida. In 2008, Zandra began her doctoral program in mathematics education at the University of Georgia. Upon completing her Ph.D. in 2012, she joined the faculty at the University of Missouri and was an associate professor of mathematics education there until joining the Lastinger Center in September 2021. Outside of work, Zandra enjoys gardening, walking, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

cathy.cavanuagh@coe.ufl.edu

Cathy Cavanaugh is the Chief Experience Officer and research scientist at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She leads the teams developing the Center’s technology and data platforms, designing and creating professional learning experiences, and supporting practitioners and clients.

Cathy has dedicated her career to partnering with education leaders and organizations around the world to transform learning and teaching. Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Cathy held roles at Microsoft as the Principal Program Manager for Professional Development and Analytics in the education products group and the Director of Teaching and Learning in Worldwide Education. Highlights of her many notable contributions to education include leading a statewide education transformation initiative, launching a virtual school in Western Australia and working in higher education leadership and research in the Middle East during a national mobile learning program. 

She has served as a professor and researcher in educational technology in U.S. universities and was a Fulbright Senior Scholar, advancing e-learning in Nepal. Cathy has also developed successful and innovative online degree and professional development programs as well as blended learning programs for K-12 students, and directed professional development centers in the US. She was a STEM classroom teacher in the U.S. and Caribbean. Her prolific research portfolio includes 150 publications that focus on technology-empowered teaching and learning in virtual schools, online and blended learning, teacher development, and mobile learning. Cathy holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida. Outside of work, Cathy loves exploring the world through travel, hiking and kayaking. She has a goal to visit every Florida state park and U.S. national park.

shaunte@coe.ufl.edu

Shaunté Duggins is the assistant director for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. As assistant director, Shaunté manages all aspects of the statewide book distribution program, including recruitment and enrollment, book selection and distribution, family engagement resource development, district and community partnerships and corporate tax contributions. 

In her previous role as senior manager of literacy initiatives, Shaunté facilitated professional development for hundreds of early learning and Pre-K-12 educators in the areas of literacy and coaching. Shaunté has been intimately involved with the Center’s Literacy Matrix program since its inception, collaboratively designing literacy content and successfully supporting educators. 

Shaunté received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Florida State University and taught in inclusive high-poverty elementary schools. She has a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) and a reading specialization from UF. Shaunté completed her doctoral studies in Special Education with an emphasis on early literacy and teacher education. As a former Holmes Scholar, she proudly serves as an advisor for the UF Holmes Scholars Program. Her research includes early literacy, teacher education and professional development, particularly in high-poverty schools.

352.237.0289 • leland.hill@coe.ufl.edu

Leland Hill is the assistant director for business services. He manages the Center’s operations involving finance, human resources, contracts and facilities.

Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Leland worked with servicemembers and veterans in obtaining education benefits. He served as the director for Military & Veteran Student Services at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus and as the President of the non-profit organization Florida Association of Veterans Education Specialists. He is passionate about advocating for veterans and improving their access to services available for their transition from military to civilian life.

Leland earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Master of Arts in International Business from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years, earning the rank of Sergeant, and has served in Africa and Iraq.

ppullen@coe.ufl.edu

Paige C. Pullen serves as the Chief Academic Officer and literacy principal at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She oversees the academics and research and evaluation teams, who are responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating the Lastinger Center’s early learning and literacy programs. 

Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Paige spent 16 years at the University of Virginia (UVA) at the Curry School of Education and the School of Medicine. Paige was a public school elementary and reading teacher for more than a decade, teaching students from diverse backgrounds with diverse learning disabilities and abilities. A passionate advocate for struggling students, her research focuses on implementing effective interventions for young children with- or at-risk for learning disabilities, especially in the area of reading. 

Considered an expert in her field, Paige has authored multiple pieces on literacy and special education and conducted professional development for teachers worldwide. She has served on several editorial boards including editor-in-chief of Exceptionality: A Special Education Journal. Honors she has received include the 2011 Seven Society Outstanding Mentor Award and the 2010 Outstanding Professor while serving at the UVA Curry School of Education. Paige earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood and Special Education, her Master of Education in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education—all from the University of Florida.

lsutter@coe.ufl.edu

Lisa Sutter serves as the interim assistant director of strategy for the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Lisa oversees external affairs, marketing and communications, business development and product development for the Lastinger Center.

Lisa joined the Lastinger Center in 2018 to lead the design and launch of the Hillsborough Early Learning Network. With 20 years of educational and experiential background in early childhood education, child development and public health, Lisa has led and supported initiatives at the local, regional, state and national level. Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Lisa served as an organizational development consultant with McGlynn Associates, providing high level, cross-agency collaborative meeting design and facilitation supports to create alignment and action for system-wide strategic goals. Lisa has worked with the Human Resource Services Administration (HRSA) conducting Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) compliance state site visits. She has also worked for the State of Oregon as a member of the state MIECHV team within the Maternal and Child Health Department, and at the Oregon Early Learning Division where she led the effort to launch the new Oregon early learning hub system. She has also served as Director of Training and Professional Development for Healthy Families America, a national evidence-based home visitation program. Additionally, she was the lead field expert alongside the Director of the Oakland Children’s Hospital and WestEd President, Ronald Lally, Ed.D., to support the Romanian ministry of health in implementing a Shaken Baby Public Awareness Campaign and practice changes for nurses working within the abandoned baby ward. Early in her career she also served as the Deputy Director for the Community Planning and Advisory Council in California where she established a multi-disciplinary team of health experts to consult home visitors on their work with families. 

Lisa brings her love of young children and their families to her work in the classroom. She stands for equity and believes in the power of community to transform systems, organizations and individuals for social justice. Lisa holds a B.A. in child development/elementary education from Humboldt State University. In her time away from work, Lisa enjoys many creative pursuits including knitting, sewing, gardening, tending to her flock of chickens and building an herbal apothecary.

bratsch@coe.ufl.edu

Mary Bratsch-Hines, Ph.D., is the senior manager for research and evaluation at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Mary oversees the development of research priorities and implementation of product and project evaluation to understand impact and efficacy.

Mary joined the Lastinger team in 2021 from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where she worked as an advanced research scientist at Frank Porter Graham (FPG) Child Development Institute. She began her career as an early childhood educator, which sparked her desire to study how children’s educational experiences in child care, prekindergarten and early elementary school settings support optimal development. A primary goal of her research is to identify the experiences that are most likely to improve children’s early language and literacy skills, which, in turn, advance their trajectories as successful readers. 

An applied statistician concentrating on research design and evaluation, Mary’s projects include experimental evaluations of teacher professional development programs as well as observational studies of children’s early care and education settings. These studies highlight  the experiences of socioeconomically, linguistically, racially, and ability diverse children primarily living in rural areas. Mary has been the principal or co-principal investigator of $10 million dollars of funded research and has authored several publications advancing scholarship in the field of early childhood education and literacy. She continues to work on projects with FPG teams, including Targeted Reading Instruction, Early Learning Network, and Family Life Project.

She holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mary lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she enjoys playing board games and being outside with her three young children, cooking and baking, and going on walks and bike rides in the countryside.

pchalfant@coe.ufl.edu

Pam Chalfant serves as the assistant director of academics at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Pam leads the academics team in creating and providing online and face-to-face, job-embedded, evidence-based professional development for leaders and educators. 

Pam has more than 30 years experience working in the early learning field as a teacher, director, and family child care home provider. She has also worked as an elementary school teacher and literacy coach. 

Pam is driven by a mission to provide high-quality online professional development to all teachers and leaders, especially those who serve our communities in most need. She holds a Ph.D. in special education from the University of Florida with an emphasis on reading intervention. Pam is an avid bird watcher who loves spending time with her dogs and grandchildren, biking, hiking trails and camping.

rdiaz@coe.ufl.edu

Raquel Munarriz Diaz serves as the senior manager for leadership and early learning partnerships at the Lastinger Center. In this role, Raquel seeks partnership opportunities with organizations and early learning state systems who believe in supporting the design and facilitation of reflective, job-embedded professional development for educators.  

Raquel has more than 32 years of experience working in early childhood education. She is National Board Certified in Early Childhood. Prior to her appointment as professor in residence for the University of Florida in 2009, she served as the Miami Science Museum’s Project Coordinator, where she helped develop and disseminate an early childhood science curriculum. 

Her passion is focused on cultivating communities of practice where professionals are empowered to grow in their field through collaborative tools. Raquel serves as an alumni member of the Zero to Three (ZTT) Fellowship, chair elect of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Affiliate Advisory Council and was recently elected the first Latina president of the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC). Raquel is a first-generation college graduate, earning her doctorate,  who strives to inspire the workforce to help themselves and young learners thrive. 

Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family, that now includes two adorable granddaughters. She also loves to take long walks and loves to dance to Latin beats in the Zumba class she attends a few times a week. Her favorite saying is “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History”.  

efritzochs@coe.ufl.edu 

Erika Fritz-Ochs serves as the engagement project manager for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Erika is passionate about providing high quality education for all students in Florida. For nine years, she served as a classroom teacher in Title I schools in Pasco and Leon Counties. During this time, she acted as the family and community outreach chairperson at her school, establishing strong school and community partnerships. Erika has seen the value of these partnerships and how they enhance learning opportunities by providing students with the resources and experiences necessary to improve student outcomes. Erika joined the Florida Department of Education to oversee projects such as the Florida Teacher LEAD Network, High Impact Teacher Corps and to serve as the programmatic manager for the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation that was signed into law during the 2020 Legislative Session. 

Erika earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Master of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

352.273.4309•Daynag@coe.ufl.edu

Dayna Galganski serves as coordinator of the experience, design and development team. In this role, she supervises a team of creatives for all projects at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Dayna and her team help to ensure the highest quality videos, animations, photography, document design and graphical elements are used in all professional development and external affairs projects. 

She has ten years of professional video production and broadcast experience. Dayna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in Political Science with a graduate certificate in Public Affairs from the University of Florida.

rgregory352@coe.ufl.edu

Robin Gregory serves as the operations project manager for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Robin supports the project planning, implementation and management aspects of the initiative.

Robin brings varied skills and experiences in the area of operations and project management. She spent a decade working in the financial industry in banking, investment services and, ultimately, mortgage origination. After an unexpected relocation to Florida, Robin spent considerable time in the Alachua County classrooms as a substitute teacher, later leading administrative operations at the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. Taking her knowledge and experience to the Warrington College of Business, Robin led department operations and major event management, including fiscal administration and human resources and marketing for five years before joining the New Worlds Reading Initiative. 

Robin has a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Professional Communication from Iowa State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida.

352.294.9158•lorigully@coe.ufl.edu

Lori Gully serves as the manager of instructional design and development at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Lori oversees the creation and refinement of the Center’s professional development content

Previously, Lori worked at Florida Virtual School for nearly 20 years, where she served in many roles. These roles included online instruction and course design, teacher supervision, student recruitment and marketing, project management for visionary initiatives, database management, product management and assisting other states and districts in implementing online and blended learning programs. Lori began her career as a high school teacher and then later an IB coordinator.

Lori has delivered presentations and keynote addresses across the globe, focusing on organizational culture and hiring practices to support student achievement. She earned her B.S. in Secondary English Education from University of Central Florida and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at University of West Florida.  She also holds professional certifications as a Project Management Professional and Registered Corporate Coach. When she’s not at work, Lori is often pulling weeds in her butterfly garden and listening to audiobooks while her husband tries to get her attention.  

352.273.4349•bryn.humphrey@coe.ufl.edu

Bryn Humphrey serves as the senior manager of product development and marketing at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Bryn oversees the development and implementation of the Center’s product development process as well as product marketing strategy. Since joining the Lastinger Center in 2015, Bryn has supported multiple projects across the Center, including the Leadership for Professional Learning Symposium, Gates Teacher Leadership Fellowship and K-12 Instructional Coaching.

Previously, Bryn served as the literacy product manager, overseeing business development, product life cycles, marketing strategy and project management. Bryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Florida. She also holds a certificate in Product Management from Cornell University. Bryn began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a math and science educator. When she’s away from the office, Bryn fills her days by spending time with her husband and daughter, Anya, reading the latest fiction and attempting to keep her two yellow labs quiet while Anya sleeps. 

n.king@coe.ufl.edu

Nadeige King is the finance manager at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role, she oversees budgetary management of projects, budget forecasting and reconciliation, pre- and post-award support, purchasing, payroll distribution and compliance. She has worked in finance administration and banking and has more than ten years of university experience in financial accounting, contracts and grants management.

Nadeige received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Warrington College of Business at University of Florida. She later obtained her Master of Science degree in Business Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Outside of work, you will find her making sweet memories with her husband and three small kids.

bryanl@coe.ufl.edu

Bryan Lutz serves as the product manager of technology for the Lastinger Center for Learning. Bryan is responsible for the development of the Center’s online learning platform, Flamingo Learning, as well as leading the selection and implementation of other technology programs and platforms within the Center. 

Before joining Lastinger, Bryan served as both the assistant director and the director of IT for the University Press of Florida for nearly 20 years. There he was responsible for all aspects of their technology and strategic initiatives. Additionally, he built an enterprise platform for all of their academic and trade content publishing processes. Bryan has also worked on many other software platforms that have helped refine his user experience design, software development, strategic product management and business analysis skills. 

A graduate of the University of Florida, Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Decision Information Science. He continued industry professional development with studies at UC Berkeley, University of Delaware and Duke University.

aprinstein@coe.ufl.edu

Alex Prinstein serves as the product manager of coaching for the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Alex oversees the development and refinement of the Center’s coaching products, utilizing product management processes to ensure the inclusion of user experience. 

Alex joined the Lastinger Center in 2010 and has contributed to the design and implementation of multiple flagship programs, including Algebra Nation and Early Learning Florida. She has worked in the education field since 1998 in states from California to Florida, with experience varying from early childhood through high school. She is passionate about applying systems thinking to the problems of educational practice and working to ensure that promoting equity remains at the forefront of conversations about learning. 

Since leaving the classroom, Alex has worked in the private and public sectors with a focus on designing and implementing high-quality, customized professional learning opportunities for adults. Alex is a skilled facilitator specializing in creating the conditions, processes, and structures for job-embedded educator communities of practice, allowing educators’ actual dilemmas to become the foundation and content of the experience.

Alex holds master’s degrees in education from both Harvard University and the University of California at Los Angeles, and a B.A. in Art History and English from Dartmouth College.

mbrown@coe.ufl.edu

Melissa Brown serves as an Implementation Support Specialist at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She designs, coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates Community of Practice and Coaching work along with additional aspects of job embedded professional development at the Lastinger Center. She also serves as mentor to facilitators, building capacity and providing professional development to the Implementation Support Team.

Melissa has worked in the field of education for over 20 years, beginning her teaching career in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida in Primary Stars, a dropout prevention program that addressed the barriers to graduation through individualized supports for students and their families. The remainder of her public-school teaching career was spent in Duval County and Pinellas County in the primary grades. Those years solidified her belief that investing in and providing high quality early childhood programs gives children the best chance in life. Melissa spent years as a coach in “RALLY Jacksonville!”, a local literacy initiative that was started in response to Jacksonville’s high adult illiteracy rates. After working with “RALLY Jacksonville!” she assisted in opening one of the first Early Head Start programs in Duval County and managed the center for three years. Continuing on the path to ensuring quality in early childhood classrooms, Melissa worked as a Professional Development Trainer and Infant Toddler Specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of Duval before joining the Lastinger Center in 2019. Melissa is proud to be a part of the Lastinger Center’s amazing team, providing teachers and children with services that are meaningful, lasting, and impactful.

A double graduate of the University of North Florida, Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in social welfare and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

mbrydon@coe.ufl.edu

Melissa Brydon serves as a Literacy Implementation Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She works on multiple literacy projects including the New Worlds Literacy Initiative, coordinating the creation of literacy resources for families and teachers.

Melissa has over 20 years of experience in the field of special education and literacy. Her experience includes creation of both in-person and online literacy course content, building family-school partnerships around literacy, conducting research within the area of reading development, developing and leading professional development opportunities for teachers, evaluation and strategic planning of teacher education literacy programs, and program administration in higher education.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education, and doctoral degrees in Special Education all from the University of Florida’s College of Education. Melissa enjoys gardening, canning, cooking, crafting, reading, and spending downtime with her husband, daughter, and Labradoodle hiking on the weekends.

jennifer.cao@coe.ufl.edu

Jennifer Cao is an Implementation Support Specialist at the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, currently working with the Hillsborough Early Learning Network. Jennifer’s role in the initiative is to support teachers and directors participating in the network as they identify and work toward completion of professional learning and education goals.

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience working with young children and those that support them. She has served in a number of roles, ranging from teaching to serving as the administrative coordinator of the PENN Children’s Center in the University of Pennsylvania. In 2008, Jennifer began working for Quality Counts in Miami-Dade County, providing varying levels of support to teachers and directors at 30 childcare centers. In 2015, she became a certified coach and communities of practice facilitator, through the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning.

Jennifer holds a BS in elementary education with an ESOL endorsement and a MS in early childhood education, from Florida International University.

352.273.4268• jcarroll@coe.ufl.edu

Jamie Carroll serves as a Content Development Specialist at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Through her passion for creativity, growth, teamwork, and education, she supports the development of educational, high-quality products.

Jamie brings a wide range of experience to the Lastinger Center, with a diverse professional background ranging from teaching third grade to freelance writing to managing projects related to developing curricula for the construction industry. A wordsmith at heart, Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. She enjoys spending time with the dogs and people she loves, exploring and photographing nature, and examining stories that highlight the complexities of the human spirit.

annaclark@coe.ufl.edu

Anna Clark is a Specialist in Content Design for the Lastinger Center for Learning. Anna specializes in graphic design and illustration for print, web, and production.

She graduated with a BFA from New World School of the Arts (UF) and has shared her talents with the university since 2014. Anna resides in Jacksonville and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

352.273.4103 • lds@coe.ufl.edu

Laverne Daniels is a Business Services Specialist with the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Laverne supports the director and executive leadership team and supervises student assistants. Laverne has over 30 years of clerical experience at the University of Florida and joined the Lastinger Center when it launched in 2002.

Laverne earned a diploma in Secretarial Word Processing from Webster College, and an Associate of Arts Degree and Advanced Diploma, both in Theology, from Life Christian University.

Dr. José D. De León Alejandro serves as a Product Coordinator for Mathematics at the Lastinger Center for Learning. José leads the design, buildout, piloting and implementation of the Center’s newest online professional development system, the Math Matrix.

Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, José served as the assistant director of Math Nation, contributing content, videos and operational strategic planning, and is currently one of the Math Nation study experts in Algebra 1, Geometry, Middle School content, and OnRamp tools for Middle School and Algebra 1. He has taught high school mathematics for eight years including Algebra 1, Geometry, AP Statistics, and Financial Algebra. During that time he also worked on curriculum, assessment, professional development and a variety of leadership roles. He also taught introductory Geography courses in college.

José earned his BA in Geography and Economics from the University of Puerto Rico, and an MS and PhD in Geography from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In his free time, José enjoys coaching soccer, cooking, watching sports, movies, and TV series, and spending time with his wife and two kids.

americaelsheikh@ufl.edu

America J. El Sheikh serves as a graduate research assistant with the Lastinger Center for Learning. America’s research is focused on an Institute of Education Sciences grant that has developed and pilot tested online professional development for elementary teachers for bullying prevention and intervention strategies for students with disabilities. America has five years of experience working as a research assistant on several government-funded projects on school safety, mental health, and transformative social emotional learning in K-12 school settings.

America earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida and is in the MEd/EdS in counselor education at the University of Florida.

diane.evans@coe.ufl.edu

Diane Evans serves as a New World’s Reading Initiative (NWRI) Project Specialist for Business Services at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her current role, Diane supports both the Business Services team and the NWRI team by providing excellent customer service and corresponding with parents, schools, and the 74 Florida school districts regarding event planning, procurement, travel arrangements, and assisting the Human Resources team as needed. She has over five years of experience in event planning and more than six years of experience in administration, customer service, finance, and advising combined.

Diane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Supervision & Management, specializing in Event Planning from Daytona State College and a Master of Science degree in Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

MFaiello@ufsa.ufl.edu

Matt Faiello serves as a Graduate Assistant on the Research and Evaluation Team with the Lastinger Center for Learning. His academic specialization is in quantitative research methods. In his work with the center, he focuses on applying data analysis techniques to gather insights from the growing amount of center-wide data. Before coming to UF, he helped facilitate a school based early intervention program in the Syracuse City School District.

Matt earned his BS in Exercise Physiology/Biology. Currently, he is a doctoral student studying Research and Evaluation Methodology in the School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education at UF. In his spare time, he enjoys going to UF Women’s Basketball games and being a homebody with his spouse where they can be found cooking, playing scrabble, and binging sitcoms.

mfields@coe.ufl.edu

Megan Fields serves as the communications specialist for the New Worlds Reading Initiative, administered by the Lastinger Center for Learning. Megan first gained experience in marketing books through an internship with the University Press of Florida while studying public relations and English. Megan went on to earn her J.D. at Florida State University, but even while studying law, she found herself drawn to communications positions, interning with a local public relations agency, doing freelance writing, and working as a social media and communications assistant with the FSU College of Law. After graduation, Megan returned to Gainesville to serve as a digital marketing coordinator for Trimark Properties, where Megan marketed both well-established and newly developed brands.

Megan earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and her Bacherlor of Arts in English from the University of Florida, and gained her Juris Doctor of Law at Florida State University. In her free time, Megan finds joy in creative hobbies, from collaborative storytelling through Dungeons & Dragons to crafts such as scrapbooking, knitting and sewing.

fernandofranco@coe.ufl.edu

Fernando Franco Crespo is the IT Helpdesk Specialist for the Lastinger Center for Learning. Fernando works alongside the Technology Coordinator focusing on usability features & preventive support for various Lastinger Center projects. Their goal is to empower teachers and students by providing them with a judgment-free, stress-free environment to communicate their questions and needs. As a member of the Helpdesk team, Fernando is motivated by a desire for a good & consistent user experience, as well as a passion for meaningful data & statistics.

Fernando earned their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Engineering Leadership from the University of Florida. In their spare time, Fernando peaked Masters in the video game League of Legends, and loves spending time with their wife, Taylor Walkup, as well as their two dogs, Peach & Blue. Go Gators!

dfree@coe.ufl.edu

Deza Free serves as a Learning Services Specialist at the Lastinger Center. Deza works with the Flamingo Early Learning and Literacy Matrix platforms, providing practitioners with guidance throughout the enrollment process, as well as reporting data on them. She is motivated by the opportunity to take part in providing equitable resources for instructors, students, families, and their communities.

Deza holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Systems and Analytics from Stetson University. In her free time, Deza enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.

352.273.4150 • fullerjn@coe.ufl.edu

John Fuller serves as the Office Coordinator for the Lastinger Center for Learning. John specializes in construction administration and cost accounting. John’s duties include operational and administrative elements of the Lastinger Center efforts, providing program support in contract preparation, assistance with vendor applications, preparation and payment of invoices, asset inventory, office relocations and logistics.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction, and shares his forty plus years of experience with the Lastinger team.

mgardner@coe.ufl.edu

Maggie Gardner serves as a Literacy Coaching Implementation Specialist at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Maggie has nearly twenty years of experience in K-12 public education. She has served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, academic dean, assistant principal, principal, special projects coordinator, and division coordinator of K-5 literacy in schools in both Virginia and Florida.

Maggie earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and earned both her Doctor of Education and Master of Education in K-12 Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. In her free time, Maggie enjoys running, hiking, biking, and watching college sports. Go Gators!

352.273.4157 • bgonzalez@coe.ufl.edu

Brittany Gonzalez serves as the Human Resources Coordinator for the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Brittany oversees the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing support for Lastinger Center staff. In addition, Brittany coordinates events and provides administrative support.

Brittany earned her Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. She is a new mom and loving every moment.

rebecca.gonzalez@coe.ufl.edu

Rebecca Gonzalez is the Coordinator of Network Support at the Lastinger Center for Learning, focused on supporting the Hillsborough Early Learning Network. In this role, she leads recruitment and enrollment efforts, as well as coordinates and implements professional development experiences for early childhood educators.

As an educator for almost 15 years in counties where communities ranged from rural and suburban to urban cities and municipalities, she has experience leading in global community. Her experience and belief in the impact of high-quality education is what drives her work in the Center.

Rebecca earned both her bachelor’s in elementary education and her master’s in reading education from Florida International University. She later went on to attain her education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction through the Teacher Leadership for School Improvement program with the Lastinger Center.

352.273.4153 • grasso.lm@coe.ufl.edu

Lucianna serves as a Coordinator for Learning Services at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Her current role includes managing the Lastinger Center’s professional development registration and enrollment system, including Flamingo Early Learning and Literacy Matrix.

Previously, Lucianna served as coordinator of client services for the Lastinger Center, where she oversaw multiple regional and state early learning contracts. Lucianna was on the original team that designed and launched Early Learning Florida, a statewide early childhood professional development system.

A double graduate of the University of Florida, Lucianna holds a bachelor’s degree in family, youth, and community sciences, with a minor in extension education and master’s degree in health education and behavior.

johnbaptister@coe.ufl.edu

Rosie John-Baptiste serves as a Literacy Coaching Implementation Specialist at the Lastinger Center for Leraning. In this role, Rosie authors literacy coaching content for the online coaching endorsement course as well as for other credentialed oneline and in-person literacy coaching professional development experiences.

Originally from London, she entered teaching as a Teach for America as a corps member and developed a passion for actively addressing educational inequity through serving her scholars, their families, and communities in historically and continually underserved neighborhoods that are deeply impacted by systemic racism.

Rosie holds a BA in graphic design and media management from the University of West London. Now, as a fully-fledged, sun-seeking, bug-loathing Floridian transplant, Rosie enjoys living close to West Central Florida’s fabulous sugar sand beaches, and during her free time can be found strolling at the water’s edge, nodding along to music, listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

lizaleonard@coe.ufl.edu

Liza Leonard is an Implementation Specialist with the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. As an Implementation Specialist at the Lastinger Center, Liza designs and implements high-quality professional learning experiences for adults that establish the conditions necessary for individuals to join together as a community and engage in reflective dialogue that deepens their practice.

She has over 25 years of experience working with our nation’s youngest and most vulnerable populations and is passionate about working towards larger-scale systems improvements that lead to lasting changes for children’s health and well-being.

She is committed to providing transformational opportunities that result in changes in practice with the ultimate goal of improving child outcomes. Liza earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Florida State University and is a licensed clinical social worker.

andreakim@coe.ufl.edu

Andrea Kim serves as a Product Management Specialist on the Strategy Team with the Lastinger Center for Learning. She manages the administrative functions of product management, provides marketing and communication support for products, and helps gather, organize, and report market-related information. Andrea is a former teacher, having taught in classrooms across Mexico, Texas, and Florida. She enjoys connecting with and providing educators from all around the nation with high-quality educational experiences.

Andrea earned her BA in Business Administration from UC Berkeley and an MA in Christian School Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

786.443.9020 • a.lantiguaduran@coe.ufl.edu

Ana Lantigua Duran is an Implementation Support Specialist for the Lastinger Center for Learning. She facilitates and supports early education professionals through virtual and face-to-face professional development. With over 25 years of experience in education, Ana is focused on helping educators improve instructional practices by building relationships and nurturing collaboration. As a support specialist, her goal is to be a change agent who breaks down barriers to learning outcomes in the field of early childhood education.

Ana earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in Teacher Leadership for School Improvement, (TLSI) from the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning.

leuschendepicod@ufl.edu

Danielle L. Pico serves as a Senior Graduate Assistant in Literacy Implementation and Development and Research and Evaluation. Danielle has 11 years classroom teaching experience, having taught in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

She has a master’s degree in bilingual education and is currently pursuing her PhD in special education, with a minor in Research and Evidence Methodology from the University of Florida. Danielle enjoys cooking and may be a taco boat captain someday. She also enjoys hiking and exploring trails with her two dogs.

Theresa Loch is an implementation Support Specialist with the Lastinger Center for Learning focused on supporting the Massachusetts Early Childhood Support Organization (ECSO) initiative. She provides recruitment and coaching support to educators participating in the initiative through the Flamingo Early Learning program.

Theresa has been in the early education field for twelve years working as a teacher, leader, mentor, coach and advocate. In every role, her mission is to build equity while meeting the diverse needs of the children, families, and educators that she works with. Theresa’s work ethics reflect the diversity of her students and peers and she always creates an inclusive atmosphere for children, families, and colleagues.

Theresa graduated with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State University in 2010, and later earned her leadership certificate from Quinsigamond Community College, as well as a master’s degree in early childhood education from Worcester State University. She has her post master’s certificate in early education research, policy and practice from University of Massachusetts. Theresa enjoys surfing, snowboarding, taking long trips on her motorcycle, and making time to remodel and renovate houses.

arlong95@ufl.edu

Ashton McCormick (Long) serves as a Production Assistant for the Experience Design & Development Team at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Ash provides graphic elements, animations, videos, document design and organizational structure for various projects. They have ten years of experience working with graphic design software on different operating systems, including video editing and social media management, and are motivated by a desire to promote education and wellness through art and accessibility projects.

Ash holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Technology from the University of Florida.

ericalopez@coe.ufl.edu

Erica Lopez serves as the Human Resource Specialist on the Business Services Team at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Erica assists with the recruitment and personnel needs of the Lastinger center associates.

Erica holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with her daughter, baking, traveling, and learning new things.

karen.molinario@coe.ufl.edu

Karen Molinario serves as the Implementation Support Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role, she coordinates and supports a team in the implementation of high-quality job-embedded professional development opportunities across the country.

Karen has over 35 years of experience working in early childhood education, where she has served as a teacher and program director as well as a field consultant for High Scope Curriculum. Karen was also a program director with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade for seven years, where she designed and implemented programs to improve the quality of care and education in early learning programs serving children from birth to age 5.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary & Early Childhood Education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. As a native New Orleanian, Karen enjoys costuming, crafting, and decorating all year long! She loves getting out on the highway exploring back roads on her Harley and finding new places of interest and restaurants to taste local eats.

marianelamoran@coe.ufl.edu

Marianela Morán serves as a Content Design Specialist for the Content Development Team at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Marianela specializes in translating and editing professional learning content in Spanish to expand accessibility to meet our educators’ unique needs.

Marianela has over ten years of experience as a Spanish Teacher and over thirty years of experience as a freelance translator.

Marianela graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from New York University, and a Master of Education from the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca.

lmorton@coe.ufl.edu

Laura Morton serves as a Literacy Content Development Specialist for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role with the New Worlds Reading Initiative, she creates family resources to encourage lifelong reading and learning.

She is motivated by her desire to create support structures where families feel confident and successful in helping their children become stronger readers. She has over eight years of experience in elementary education, curriculum design, and family literacy.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, and a Master of Science in Literacy and Childhood Education from Sage Graduate School. Laura loves going on adventures both large and small with her two black labs as well as channeling her creativity into various hobbies such as cookie decorating, felt crafts, and painting.

352.273.4361 • mosunicht@coe.ufl.edu

Timothy Mosunich serves as the Technology Coordinator with the Lastinger Center for Learning. His work for the center intersects user experience design and educational technology.

Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a Minor in Latin American Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Tim feels best when he’s immersed in nature, watching someone perform music, or sipping a delicious cup of tea—preferably all three simultaneously.

352.294.0621 • amnicholson@ufl.edu

Angie Gomez serves as a Coordinator for Learning Enrichment at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role, Angie utilizes her teaching background and expertise in online learning to facilitate the creation of dynamic online professional development for educators.

Angie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Education degree from the University of Florida. Angie enjoys traveling, exploring nature, playing soccer and tennis, listening to live music, spending time with her sons and dogs, and living sustainably.

monicaodea@ufl.edu

Monica D. O’Dea is a Literacy Implementation Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She collaborates with the Literacy Team in the design and implementation of professional development courses.

Monica holds teaching certifications in elementary education, school administration and supervision and reading. Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Monica spent many years teaching in the public schools of South Carolina where she served as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, curriculum coordinator and school administrator in Title 1 schools.

Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winthrop College. She earned her Master of Education in Elementary Administration and Supervision as well as her reading teacher certification from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Monica enjoys biking, hiking, boating and spending time with her family and friends. Her goal this year is to hike the southern portion on the Palmetto Trail of South Carolina from Awendaw to Columbia.

kosarenkhoe@coe.ufl.edu

Karen Osarenkhoe serves as an Implementation Support Specialist with the Lastinger Center for Learning. A passionate advocate for the early childhood field, Karen has dedicated her life work to professionalizing the field and empowering early childhood educators to be self-reflective, life long learners who create more equitable experiences for children and families from all backgrounds. In her work for the Lastinger Center, Karen’s focus is on projects in her home state of Massachuesetts.

Karen graduated from Lesley College (now University) with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She went on to earn her master’s from Springfield College, Boston Campus, in Organizational Management and Leadership. Karen also completed a post master’s certificate program through UMass Boston in research, policy, advocacy and leadership. Karen loves spending time with her family, traveling and scrapbooking their adventures.

a.pate@coe.ufl.edu

Amanda Pate serves as the Lead Navigator for Literacy at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role, Amanda provides training and ongoing support to the Literacy Matrix course navigators and Literacy Matrix participants. Before joining the Lastinger team, Amanda was a 5th grade reading teacher for more than ten years.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, both from the University of North Florida. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Florida and plans to graduate in August 2022.

352.273.4150 • fullerjn@coe.ufl.edu

Hema Patel serves as a Finance Specialist with the Lastinger Center for Learning. Hema assists the Business Services Manager with project proposals, pre and post awards, contracts, budgets, fiscal reporting, purchasing, travel, and payroll distribution. Hema also works to ensure Center projects are in compliance with Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

tammyperez@coe.ufl.edu

Tammy Perez-Njezic serves as a Learning Services Specialist for the Lastinger Center for Learning. Tammy provides enrollment support for the Literacy Matrix program and other projects. With over twenty years of experience in various customer service settings, Tammy enjoys ensuring that practitioners needs are met.

Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and a double master’s from Webster University in Human Resource Management and Development.

takeishapierre@ufl.edu

Takeshia Pierre is a Graduate Research Assistant at the Lastinger Center and a current PhD Candidate at the School of Teaching and Learning. Takeshia has completed her Bachelor’s in Health Science and Master’s degree in Public Health both at the University of Florida. Her duties at the Lastinger Center encompass professional development for teachers in STEM, enhancing STEM curriculum to support the learning of diverse students, and coordinating, with an international team of Scholars, a symposium that provides a platform to dialogue about professional development and learning in education with participants from across the globe.

Prior to serving as a team member at the Lastinger Center, Takeshia has conducted research, interventions, and directed programs that develop leadership skills for undergraduates for over 8 years. She also served as a teacher educator and facilitated professional development for STEM educators for 3 years. Outside of her scholarship, and quest to provide equitable education to all learners, Takeshia enjoys traveling, exploring plant-based food options of various cultures, and binge-watching sitcoms.

Jessica.Richards@coe.ufl.edu

Jessica Richards is the Manager of Language and Literacy Partnerships at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Jessica leverages her deep literacy content and district administration experience to work with potential and current partners by helping them identify Lastinger programs most suited for their unique needs.

Prior to joining Lastinger, Jessica was a teacher in South Bronx and Charleston, South Carolina. She received an Americorps Service Learning Project Award in South Bronx, and served as a K-12 ELA and Literacy Coordinator in Charleston. There, she oversaw the development of K-12 ELA curriculum, a Parent Literacy Support website, and implemented a core phonics program in K-5, while also managing the Charleston Comprehensive Literacy Initiative and South Carolina’s Read to Succeed Summer Reading Camp.

Jessica graduated from James Madison University with a BA in history. She earned her master’s in elementary education at Lehman College. In her free time, she enjoys reading historical fiction, sewing, daily walks, and visits to the mountains in Western North Carolina with her family.

mlrichmond@ufl.edu

Matt Richmond serves as the Lead Designer of Learning Content with the Lastinger Center for Learning. In Matt’s role with the Experience Design and Development Team, he helps create learning content and experiences for various projects across the center. Before joining the Lastinger team, Matt was an infant/toddler teacher for eight years. He views those experiences as an invaluable resource when developing content for Flamingo users.

Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Plant Science from the University of Florida. His hobbies include making music, playing sports, and hiking around Gainesville in search of cool insects.

krivera@coe.ufl.edu

Karina Rivera serves as a Specialist for Administrative and Facilitation Support at the Lastinger Center for Learning. As a member of the Academics team, she provides administrative and logistical support to executive leadership as well as implementation teams.

Karina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida.

352.294.3300 • csalama@coe.ufl.edu

Christine Salama serves in the role of Learning Sciences Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. Christine draws upon her experience developing education services and systems as well as soliciting funding to support a wide range of innovative initiatives at Lastinger. Her work is primarily focused on large-scale research initiatives and partnerships with faculty members at UF and other renowned universities.

A proud double gator, Christine leverages her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s degree in education technology to advance our services for teachers and learners. Outside of work, you can typically find Christine in motion: hiking, biking, skiing, scuba diving, weight lifting, yoga (you name it!) or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.

ananthi@coe.ufl.edu

Ananthi Sankaranarayanan (Aruna) serves as a Content Developer for Math Matrix at the Lastinger Center. She creates extensive content for professional development modules, ensuring it is based on relevant and best practices in mathematics education.

Ananthi was a mathematics and computer science teacher in India and taught in both public and private schools. While teaching, she also assisted in preparing students for IIT JEE by teaching foundational courses and tutoring mathematics to students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. She has worked as a research staff at the University of Houston and a research associate in the Center for Leadership in Education at Texas Tech University, and has participated and presented her research agenda at national and international conferences. Ananthi is passionate about making math content accessible to all students through teacher preparation.

Ananthi earned her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction in Mathematics Education from The University of Houston where she has worked as a research staff member. Ananthi graduated from Bharathidasan University in India with a bachelor’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with computer programming. She also holds a Masters in Education from Texas Tech University. In her free time, she is a blogger and a content creator on YouTube.

lsantiago@coe.ufl.edu

Dr. Lourdes Santiago-Poventud serves in the role of Content Design Coordinator with the Lastinger Center for Learning. Currently she designs online/blended courses for early childhood professionals and manages the Spanish translation of all courses and resources. Dr. Santiago-Poventud has over 20 years of experience in early childhood development including teaching, providing professional development and support, and writing curriculum for early learning educators.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, master’s degrees in Reading and Early Childhood Education from Florida International University, and her doctorate from the University of Florida in special education with an emphasis on reading interventions. Her research interests include language and reading acquisition as well as interventions for struggling readers, including English language learners.

dcshrum@coe.ufl.edu

Donny Shrum serves as the Coordinator for Data Science at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, he is responsible for databases, data warehouses and software in support of research at the Lastinger Center.

Donny began his career as a software developer at Florida State University. His previous experience includes software engineering, research computing, identity management and systems administration.

He has a bachelor’s degree in Creative writing and a master’s degree in Library Sciences from Florida State University. In his free time, Donny enjoys playing in a blues band.

s.snidarich@coe.ufl.edu

Dr. Stephanie Snidarich serves as a Literacy Implementation Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In her role on the Academics Team and as project lead for the Literacy Matrix, she applies her expertise in educational psychology, research, and online learning to the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality learning experiences. Stephanie also contributes to grant writing, research, and the dissemination of results for the Lastinger Center. Dr. Snidarich maintains a line of literacy research and publications with colleagues across the country. Her research focuses on the causal mechanisms and development of early reading interventions (analog and technology-based), data based decision-making, and the interaction of behavior, intervention intensity, and learning.

Dr. Snidarich holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys exploring and research, as well as being an artist, writer, and mother.

ttaylorjones@coe.ufl.edu

Tiffany Taylor-Jones serves as an Early Learning Implementation Coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. A member of the Early Learning Implementation team, Tiffany facilitates professional development for Early Learning course instructors, community of practice facilitators, and coaches.

Tiffany integrates her educational background and credentials with more than 15 years of experience working within K-12 and early childhood education systems to develop and implement strategies to grow and sustain the Center’s reach and impact on educators, children and families.

Tiffany holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in elementary education from Nova Southeastern University.

am.valdes@coe.ufl.edu

Ana Valdes serves as an Implementation Specialist for the Lastinger Center. Along with her colleagues, Ana works to empower the early learning community by providing communities of practice training, coaching recertification, and calibrations.

Ana has over thirty years of experience in the education field, including time spent serving as an assistant principal. Ana was also an instructor for Early Learning Florida for 6 years. She is motivated by her desire to continue to empower early learning professionals, especially supporting the Hispanic community.

Ana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Pre-School Education from Florida International University. She also holds a Master’s in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

rviafore@coe.ufl.edu

Ron Viafore serves as an Early Learning Implementation Coordinator for the Lastinger Center for Learning. His work entails a collaborative effort of building communities of practice and professional development for preschool directors, preschool teachers and online instructors. Ron facilitates collaborative efforts in working with adult learners to understand best practices in the early childhood field is evident in his presentations across the country.

Mr. Viafore holds a master’s degree in Education and an EdS in school administration and supervision. Ron enjoys the culture and charm of living in New England and frequently travels throughout the country and abroad. He is an avid reader, plays the piano and enjoys hiking and taking long walks.

westraba@coe.ufl.edu

Betsy Westra serves as an Administrative Specialist for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She has been working at the University of Florida since 2005, including administrative positions in the College of Medicine and the College of Public Health and Health Professions. In her free time, Betsy enjoys traveling and crafting – especially painting and cake decorating.

352.273.4105 • awilson@coe.ufl.edu

Amanda Wilson serves as a Content Design Specialist for the Lastinger Center for Learning. Amanda develops early learning and literacy content for professional development courses and resources.

An early childhood educator with 15 years’ experience as a preschool teacher and center director, Amanda also taught kindergarten and first grade at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida. She has written several courses for Early Learning Florida and is passionate about early literacy, arts integration, teacher education, trauma-informed practices, and early mental health.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts In Theater Arts from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts in Literacy and the Arts from the University of Florida. Amanda enjoys traveling, spending time with her children, and hosting a podcast with her husband.

wonsavagef@coe.ufl.edu

Paul Wonsavage serves as a post-doc of mathematics with the Lastinger Center for Learning. Paul supports an NSF funded grant, the PDPD project, which focuses on incremental changes in teachers’ instruction. As a post doc research associate, I work with our research team to develop and test PD materials to support algebra teachers and conduct research on the efficacy of the PD model in terms of student learning outcomes and teachers’ instructional practices.

Prior to graduate school, he taught high school mathematics for seven years. In 2015, he began graduate school and joined a state-wide research-practice partnership between NC K-12 mathematics educators, NC universities, and the NC Department of Public Instruction.

He earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Paul and his family enjoy traveling to new cities and eating at local (off the beaten path) food spots.

ezinzeleta@coe.ufl.edu

Ellen Zinzeleta serves as a Manager for the Early Learning Network at the Lastinger Center for Learning. She leads the systems development component of the Hillsborough Early Learning Network and supervises the team that supports the professional development of early learning educators and leaders.

Ellen has 30 years of experience in the early learning field, developing and leading professional development programs, conducting or overseeing program evaluations, and leading or being involved in strategic planning.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shepherd University and a Doctor of Science degree in Maternal and Child Health from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Ellen, along with her husband and dog, enjoy walking, biking, the beach, and exploring arts and crafts by local makers wherever they go.

ntasha22@ufl.edu

Natasha Hall serves as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist with the Lastinger Center on the New Worlds Reading Team; she engages with families and communities in meaningful ways to support children’s literacy achievement.

Before joining the New Worlds team, Natasha was an educator for fourteen years. She served as teacher and literacy coach.

Natasha graduated with a Master of Education from the University of South Florida. Her hobbies include cooking, listening to podcasts, and shopping at Target.

acampbell@coe.ufl.edu

Adrienne Campbell serves as the Operations Project Specialist for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Adrienne assists with project management, administrative and logistical support, as well as program development and evaluation.

Previously, Adrienne worked at the UF Foundation for 9 years where she served in many roles helping donors to achieve their philanthropic goals through university support. Her experience includes managing annual giving campaigns, volunteer boards and councils, donor stewardship, office administration, and events.

Adrienne is currently studying toward her bachelor’s degree. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, reading, and traveling.

michelle.mcgriff@coe.ufl.edu

Michelle serves as a New Worlds Reading Initiative’s Family & Community Engagement Specialist at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Michelle is responsible for the family & community engagement projects of the New Worlds Reading Initiatives in Northeast Florida.

Before joining Lastinger, Michelle spent over 20 years working in the not for profit arena in various roles. These include literacy coach, education specialist, Chapter Education Lead, Director of Partnership & Program Development to becoming a member of a NFP executive leadership team as VP, Community Relations where she was in charge of the strategic planning and implementation of community engagement efforts, in partnership with community stakeholders, for the organization. Michelle began her career as a teacher in the Duval County Public School System.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. Michelle has a deep passion for service in the community where she serves on the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, as an Ambassador for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Florida and 2021 alumna of Leadership Jacksonville. She has a deep love for helping others and is happy spending her days making her community an amazing place to live-one volunteer opportunity at a time.

glipartito@ufl.edu

Gabriel Lipartito serves as the Data Science Coordinator for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center. In this role, Gabriel helps inform the implementation of data systems for the New Worlds Reading Initiative and manages the use of the data to understand the impacts of the program.

Gabriel previously worked as a student assistant for the Lastinger Center’s Experience Design and Development Team, where he helped to organize and develop the systems processing needs of the team. He believes his time with the Experience Design and Development Team to be key in his understanding of data usage and systems organization.

Gabriel has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Russian and a Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management, both from the University of Florida. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys gardening and visiting U-Pick farms for all types of fruits and vegetables.

p.alfaro@coe.ufl.edu

Pam Alfaro serves as the Literacy Manager at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Pam collaborates on and oversees multiple literacy projects, which include the Literacy Matrix, Literacy Coaches, Literacy for Leaders, and Small-group Literacy Instruction.

Before joining the Lastinger Center, Pam served as an Education Associate at the Delaware Department of Education, where she managed K-12 ELA programs and early literacy initiatives outlined in the Delaware Literacy Plan. She also served as the co-director for the Delaware Early Literacy Initiative (DELI) and Delaware Multi-tiered System of Support (DE-MTSS) and provided technical assistance in elementary ELA, early literacy, and MTSS to local education agencies. Pam began her career as an early childhood diagnostician and went on to serve as a special education transition specialist, instructional coach, and reading specialist.

Pam earned her B.S. in Special Education from the College of Charleston and her M.Ed. in Reading from Wilmington University. She also holds a certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Outside of work, her favorite pastimes are biking, reading, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

352.294.9161 • jhenderson@coe.ufl.edu

Julie Henderson serves as the senior manager of communications at the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida. In this role, Julie leads the communications team in the development of effective messaging and communication strategies to engage the Lastinger Center’s wide variety of audiences.

Julie’s early career combined teaching, communications, and technology-supported instruction. She has worked as a graphic designer, a web designer, and a technology integration specialist. Previously, Julie served as communications director at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School. In this role, Julie provided leadership for internal and external communications and developed messaging for audiences including families, teachers, school leaders, donors, and the Florida legislature. Throughout her career, Julie has been inspired by making individual and collective lives better through education and communication.

Julie has a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and culture and a master’s degree in higher education from Maquarie University, Sydney, Australia. In her free time, Julie enjoys working outdoors, walking her dog, and being on, in, or near the water.

352.294.7154 • jmgonzales@coe.ufl.edu

John-Michael Gonzales serves as the External Affairs and Communications Manager at the Lastinger Center for Learning. By email, website, tweet, or press release, John-Michael and his team endeavor to make sure education leaders nationwide learn about the buffet of ways the Lastinger Center helps educators and their students learn, grow, and thrive. He also works closely with UF Government and Community Relations to enable the Lastinger Center to adapt swiftly in the ever-evolving landscape of public policy.

Previously, John-Michael spent 10 years with the Florida Department of Health conducting communications, professional development, grant management, and program development work as a state policy manager for their Tobacco Free Florida program. He loves making big ideas digestible for all audiences and is passionate about helping professionals find purpose in their work.

John-Michael has a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and marketing from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Florida. He has conducted further graduate studies in science and health communication in the UF College of Journalism and Communications. In his free time, John-Michael enjoys playing tabletop games with friends and adores taking long walks with his spouse and twin daughters in Alachua County’s scenic parks*.

*unless it is very, very hot.

352.294.9155 • jamiles@coe.ufl.edu

Jordan Miles serves as the communications coordinator at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Jordan executes communications functions including external communications, creating consistent messaging for the Lastinger Center and its products, crafting content for social media, and keeping the website up to date.

Prior to working at the Lastinger Center, Jordan served as the volunteer and marketing administrator for The Education Foundation of Alachua County. In this role, she recruited, trained and retained over 300 volunteer mentors for the Take Stock in Children program, created content for social media and newsletters, and helped with the Foundation’s website redesign. 

Jordan graduated from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in August of 2020. She holds a bachelors degree in public relations and a minor in innovation from the Innovation Academy. When she’s not at work, Jordan enjoys spending time outside with her dogs, cooking, and watching TV dramas based on real-life events.

352.294.9166 • mcconney.e@ufl.edu

Elizabeth McConney serves as an Instructional Designer at the Lastinger Center for Learning creating content for the New Worlds Reading Initiative. In this role, Elizabeth develops training materials including video and text resources to assist families as they engage in reading and improve literacy skills.

Elizabeth began her career with the Jacksonville Public Library where she worked with a diverse group creating and delivering literacy activities and trainings for children and their caregivers.

Elizabeth has a bachelor’s degree in Visual arts from New College of Florida. In her free time, she enjoys biking local trails in search of new painting opportunities and creating fiber arts.

352.273.1991 • mr050370@ufl.edu

Michele “Shell” Romano serves as a Research Administrator 3 in Coordinated Services Post Award at the Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Shell provides grant management services concerning financial, budget, contract allowances, policies, directives, and regulations on the use of funds for compliance with Federal, State, and local granting agencies. She looks for the best solution to solve roadblocks or challenges along the way. Shell also serves as a liaison between core offices across UF to achieve results in support of the Centers many actives.

Shell began with the University in 2003. Her experience includes the Division of Sponsored Programs Proposals team where she reviewed, assisted, and advised on proposal guidelines and components in grant submission. In addition, she worked on award contract negotiations and with sponsor relations. This role and other fiscal related positions on campus bring a wealth of experience in UF policy, practices, and systems. Including UFIRST, Peoplesoft, Effort, Space reporting, and many others. Shell’s other prior experiences include several positions in PHHP-Fiscal admin support in Florida Medicaid Center, Epidemiology & Biostatistics both in Public Health & Health Professions and the College of Medicine Community Health & Family Medicine. Outside of UF Shell worked in Aviation and retail. Her connections inside and outside of UF bring to the Center resources to add to the success of the Centers mission.

Shell has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (specialization in Accounting) from Saint Leo University. Her 34 years of combine experience in financial and inventory management brings strong support to the Lastinger Center. In her spare time, Shell takes pictures of scenery on her long commute to and from the office, enjoys all kinds of music, puzzles, and spending time with her family gaming, fishing, or just hanging out.

352.294.9165 • nasseeka18@coe.ufl.edu

Nasseeka S. Denis serves as the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for the New Worlds Reading Initiative. Nasseeka alongside the other Engagement Specialist are responsible for engaging with families and communities who are enrolled in NWRI. As an Engagement Specialist, the team works to identify ways to build intentional relationships, partner with different communities, and partner with families.

Nasseeka began her career as the Onsite Director for I AM STEM camp during the summer months for 5 years, a local STEM camp in east Gainesville. She was responsible for overseeing the operations, camp logistics, and donor logistics. She was responsible for ensuring that the family and student expectation was met all while ensuring her colleagues had the support needed to execute their responsibilities. For the last 6 years, Nasseeka served in various leadership capacities at Aces In Motion, a sports-based youth development program in east Gainesville. During her time, Nasseeka was the Youth and Family Director where she developed the family engagement component in the program, developed a resource pipeline to assist students and families, and served as a liaison between families and schools.

Nasseeka has a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and African American Studies from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida. In her free time, Nasseeka enjoys traveling near and far, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and trying new activities

lfrancogiovanini@ufl.edu

Luiz is a Data Process Manager at the University of Florida Lastinger Center for the New Worlds Reading Initiative.

He joined UF in 2019 as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Before joining UF, Luiz was an assistant professor at PUCPR, a major university in Brazil. He received his PhD degree in Computer Science from PUCPR.

lsphan@coe.ufl.edu

Susan is the contracts management coordinator for the Lastinger Center for Learning’s Business Services team.

Susan was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. She attended Emory University for her undergraduate degree in Economics.

Before entering her professional career, she completed a year long service with AmeriCorps in Atlanta to mentor and tutor students in underprivileged schools in STEM subjects in order to ensure students had additional support to pursue a secondary education. She then went on to work for Aon as a pension analyst while earning her MBA.

In her free time, Susan enjoys trying new foods and restaurants and playing with her dog, Boba. 

davidbryant@ufl.edu

David Bryant is the development coordinator for the Lastinger Center for Learning’s New World Reading Initiative.

David has been working in nonprofit fundraising for 21 years, and got his start in the field at New College of Florida in Sarasota running the Alumni Association. He has nearly 10 years of experience in tax-credit fundraising from his work at Step Up For Students.

David has a BA in Social Science from USF and an MBA in Marketing from UF. He also hosts an R&B radio show as a volunteer DJ on WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa.

David lives in Tampa and will be working remotely, and has one daughter, a 16-year old named Jackie.