Our People

Stevie Allen is a native New Orleanian who is excited to bring over a decade of experience in corporate Operations to her role as Operations Manager at Agenda for Children. She has a passion for planning, strategy, and making experiences come to life for the betterment of all, while carefully considering the needs of the business. Stevie earned her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in English, and currently lives in Metairie with her husband and young daughter.

Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Melissa originally joined Agenda’s team in 2014 as an Intern. She has come full circle and rejoined Agenda’s team in 2021. She has more than 10 years’ experience working on behalf of children and families. Melissa previously worked for Boys Town Early Head Start partnership as an Education and Disabilities Coordinator where she provided professional development, coaching, CLASS observations, and support for families with children with disabilities. She also previously worked in the state’s Early Intervention system, Early Steps, as a Family Service Coordinator, where she guided parents through the Early Steps process of receiving therapy to help their child develop in their communication, cognitive, physical, adaptive, and social skills. Melissa has also worked in several Infant, Toddler, and PreK classrooms on military bases and in the New Orleans area. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child & Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Education & Workforce Development from Louisiana State University.

Certifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler and PreK). Interrater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level III

A native New Orleanian, Lorna Bell has almost 10 years of experience in the field of youth education. She has taught PK-3 through 8th grade at several schools and camps across New Orleans, as well as worked directly with students and families in the city through NOLA Public Schools. Lorna is a dedicated advocate for youth programs and was selected to represent the city of New Orleans in Kushiro, Japan at the World Children’s Summit. During her free time, she enjoys teaching yoga, attending any of NOLA’s many festivals, and being a sports mom to her son.

Caitlin was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and joined the Agenda team in 2020. Upon moving to New Orleans, Caitlin joined the AmeriCorps program Serve Louisiana, serving at NetWork Volunteers, a volunteer management nonprofit. They then joined NetWork as the Director of Service-Learning and Community Engagement, developing and managing volunteer programs, relationships, and service-learning curriculums. Caitlin is particularly passionate about thoughtful relationship building, utilizing restorative and trauma-informed practices, and cultivating equitable institutions. They are a graduate of Pace University (NYC) with dual degrees in Political Science and Philosophy & Religious Studies.

Marione Breedlove is an experienced early childhood education professional with over 10 years of experience supporting young children, educators, and early learning programs. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including Lead Teacher, Training Teacher, Interventionist, and other positions focused on strengthening the quality of early childhood education.

Marione is passionate about supporting educators and creating meaningful learning experiences that help young children thrive. Her diverse experience has given her a strong understanding of both classroom practice and professional development, allowing her to support teachers through training, coaching, observation, and hands-on guidance.

Marione brings a combination of classroom experience, professional training, and a genuine commitment to early childhood education. She is dedicated to helping educators build their skills, strengthen their practice, and create high-quality environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Her professional certifications and training include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer — Infant, Toddler, PreK–3rd, and I/T 2nd Edition, Certified MMCI Infant/Toddler Instructor, SmartTeach Inter-Rater Reliable IT2 and Preschool, Louisiana Pathways Trainer, ASQ Trainer of Trainers (TOT), and We Thrive Trainer of Trainers (TTT).

Brandy has over seven years of experience in early childhood education. Before joining the Agenda for Children family, she was a lead teacher at Beary Cherry Tree of Jefferson for children ages 0-4. She is from Kenner, Louisiana born and raised and still lives there today with her husband and two children. Brandy earned her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Psychology with a focus in Child Development.

A long-time resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, Dianna has been part of Agenda’s team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education. She spent twenty years directing and operating her own child care center and has more than two decades of experience as a trainer and technical assistance advisor for early childhood programs. She serves on the board of United Way of St. Charles and has served on the Child Care Health Care Consultant board since 2000. She is actively involved with the early childhood community networks in New Orleans and Houma, supporting interaction improvements in early learning centers  Dianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Youth and Family Services from Nichols State University.

Certifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K), CLASS Affiliate Trainer (Pre K), Inter-Rater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Child Care Health Consultant, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level II, Well-Ahead’s Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environment Trainer, Physical Activity Learning (PALS), and CDA PD Specialist

A native of Slidell, Nicole “Nikki” Cousizan joined Agenda in October 2019. Nikki has twenty years of experience in nonprofit finance and fifteen years of experience in executive leadership. Prior to Agenda, she was the Chief Financial Officer of a Federally Qualified Health Center in Houston, TX where she was responsible for the financial management of an organization that offered a wide range of healthcare and social services for indigent, under-served and disenfranchised individuals in the greater Houston Area. Nikki was selected as a Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professional in Houston, TX. Nikki is also actively involved and committed to community service and empowerment. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nikki has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M, a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and, a B.S. in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Nikki has also attended the UCLA Anderson School of Management and Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program and participated in Leadership Iberia and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI).

Sarah Crawford is a Louisiana Native, born and raised in St. John the Baptist Parish. She graduated from Southeastern University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She firmly believes that access to quality early childhood education is the key to success throughout life and is very excited to work with Agenda for Children to complete our mission.

Danielle M. Davis joined the Agenda team in 2021. Originally from Houma, LA, she currently resides in Gray, LA. Danielle has over 18 years of experience in early childhood education. Prior to joining the team at Agenda, she served as a Center Director at St. Lucy Child Development Center for 9 years and as a lead teacher at the Head Start Program in Terrebonne Parish for 7 years. Danielle has an associate of arts degree from Delgado Community College and recent graduate of the Louisiana Early Leaders Academy (LELA). She serves as a Professional Development Specialist with The Council for Professional Development.

Certifications: CLASS Reliable Observer- Toddler & Pre-K, InterRater Reliable for TS Gold, Louisiana Pathways Trainer, American Red Cross CPR/FIRST AID/AED instructor, Technical Competency in First Responder and Administrator Certification from Louisiana Pathways

Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Teresa joined Agenda’s team in 2005. Teresa has expertise in accessing and using data on child well-being in Louisiana, including data on economic security, education, early education, juvenile justice, health and child welfare. She is a Louisiana ACE educator and serves on the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and the PRAMS Advisory Committee. Teresa has a bachelor’s degree in Political Studies from Bard College.

Beth Glenn is an economist specializing in translating complex research into clear, actionable insights for policymakers and community stakeholders. Her career spans federal health policy, public health equity, and education research. At the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, she led teams in critical data analyses for large-scale federal health programs, and at the Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research, she provided evidence to shape public health initiatives and developed cost-effectiveness analyses for federally funded trials. Beth also served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Education Research Alliance of New Orleans, authoring technical reports and policy briefs on the city’s school system and managing longitudinal student data. She holds a Ph.D. and B.A. in Economics from the University of Tennessee and Winthrop University, respectively.

Dr. Cherie Goins is a 31-year veteran educator, certified teacher, and school administrator who has served as a national consultant, entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist. Her experience and expertise with business, and nonprofit and professional development align with her research focus: Transformative Development. She is best known for her work developing teachers, support staff and school leaders, and the many positive relationships she has formed during her tenure in education. She earned a Bachelors in Education, and a Masters and Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of New Orleans and holds a certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University. Her expertise in Early Childhood and K-12 education and her ongoing work in transformative business, and nonprofit and professional development make her an invaluable asset to community development efforts. She is a dedicated advocate for children.

Born and raised in the Louisiana River Parishes, Rachelle has worked in early childhood education for nine years and has played a vital role in supporting children and families. Before joining Agenda for Children in 2022, she served in various roles across multiple states as an advocate for early childhood education, and children and families. 

Rachelle has served as a lead teacher, where she made working together with families and creating a nurturing environment for children central to her work. Additionally, Rachelle has worked as an enrollment and recruitment specialist, helping to bridge gaps in access to quality education by supporting and guiding families through the enrollment process in public schools, Head Start, and Department of Defense child development centers. 

Rachelle holds an M.Ed in Adult Education from LSU Shreveport, with a focus on teaching and learning theories that inform effective educational practices.  With a B.A. in Health Promotion and Wellness from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, she has a strong foundation in understanding the importance of overall well-being for children and families. Rachelle is a passionate advocate for health and wellness, and is deeply committed to her journey as a life-long learner. Her dedication reflects her genuine desire to support others on their paths to well-being and personal growth.

A native of the Philippines, Analiezel spent much of her childhood in Asia before relocating with her family in Louisiana – a place whose welcoming spirit reminded her of her homeland. Inspired by early aspirations to become an educator, Analiezel developed a lifelong passion for helping children who face barriers to succeed by supporting their learning and overall development.

Analiezel brings almost 40 years of experience in elementary and early childhood education to her role. She excels in helping early childhood professionals enhance their classroom and leadership practices through professional development and CLASS support. Analiezel’s extensive background includes positions as a St. Tammany public school and Head Start teacher, Quality Rating System Assessor, Pre-K Specialist, Early Childhood Coach, and Regional Coordinator. Her extensive background allows her to support early childhood professionals in improving both classroom quality and leadership practices.

Analiezel holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans and completed her graduate coursework in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University. She provides comprehensive professional development training and coaching across her region, ensuring the consistency and quality of classroom observations and assessments.

Analiezel is deeply committed to fostering the growth of educators and improving early learning environments to support children’s developmental success. Her certifications include: Teachstone Measurement Trainer (2E Infant-Toddler and 2E Pre-K-3rd); CLASS Observer (2E Infant-Toddler and 2E Pre-K-3rd); ASQ Trainer; Louisiana Pathways Trainer – Level III; SmartTeach Inter Rater Reliable; and CDA PD Pre-K Specialist.

Originally from the New Orleans area, Kenya has been part of Agenda For Children’s team working with early care and education professionals for almost 20 years serving in various roles within the organization’s resource and referral services for children and families, professional development for early child care programs and coaches/ECE specialists support. In her current role, she coordinates professional development training across 3 regions supporting early childhood educators in their thriving commitment to best practices, improving the quality of child development and learning, and promoting positive environments for children and teacher interaction. Kenya proceeds to embrace advocacy for early childhood educators and our young children and families by being a part of an organization effectively building communities and growing programs that are supporting the need through early care and education.

Amy Hook-Poirier has over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education as a teacher, center director, language and literacy specialist, professional development specialist, ECE post-secondary instructor, director of early childhood programs for a statewide non-profit agency, and the Executive Director of Early Childhood Strategy at the Louisiana Department of Education. Amy received a Masters of Science in Family Studies and Human Services: Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University where she received the KSU Outstanding Research Award for her research in Early Childhood pedagogical leadership. Amy is committed to ensuring that all children and families have access to high-quality early childhood care and education that meets their individual needs.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Maurine Jackson is a seasoned non-profit professional with more than twenty years’ experience shepherding the communications and fundraising strategies of organizations dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of children.  She is passionate about the importance of early childhood literacy having served two nationally award-winning children’s museums as well as the Director of Education of a literary house museum.  She holds a bachelor of arts with honors in English from the Mississippi University for Women, a masters of arts in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and has done Ph.D. work in Writing Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Kasey Joseph was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and has worked with children, youth, and families for many years, previously serving as a Family Advocate for Educare. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Science, with a concentration in Family Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is currently enrolled at Southern University at New Orleans, completing the MSW program to become a master-level social worker. Kasey is very passionate about the well-being of Louisiana’s children and families and is thrilled to join the team.

A native of St. James Parish, Brandi has resided in Thibodaux since 2008. She has over nine years of early childhood experience as a lead teacher and child care center director. Prior to joining the Agenda team in 2012, she served as the Director at the Moses Child Care Center and previously worked as a lead teacher at St. James Head Start. Brandi holds an associate’s degree in Child Development and Preschool Management from Nicholls State University, and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Lafourche Parish. Brandi also has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Social Science from Nicholls State.

Certifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler and Pre-K), CLASS Affiliate Trainer (Infant, Pre K) , Certified MMCI Pre-K Instructor, Inter-Rater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level II

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick Kindel moved to New Orleans in 2009. As the Director of Facilities, Expansion, Planning, & Support, he is responsible for assisting providers opening new child care facilities (or expanding their existing facilities) through the local and state permitting processes. He will also facilitate new partnerships to maximize efficiency to better support our local providers.

Nick has around 20 years of experience in urban planning having worked for local governments, private sector consulting, and nonprofit organizations across the country. He comes to Agenda for Children after spending almost 9 years working for the City of New Orleans at the City Planning Commission and the Department of Safety and Permits.  His most recent role at the City was as the Zoning Administrator who was responsible for administering and enforcing the zoning ordinance regulations, reviewing building permits for zoning compliance, and approving occupational licenses.

Nick has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Urban and Regional Planning from Miami University (OH) and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning with specializations in real estate and historic preservation from the University of Washington.

Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Denea has over a decade of experience teaching infants, toddlers and preschoolers in California, Nevada, and New Orleans. In her previous position, she was promoted from an infant and toddler teacher to Education Coordinator, which allowed her to serve as a peer coach for the infant and toddler staff at a Type III early learning center. She also participated in the MyTeachingPartner (MTP) program, through which she provided teachers intensive coaching on teacher-child interactions using an evidence-based methodology aligned with the CLASS tool. Denea holds an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Monica College.

Certifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K), MTP Coach, Certified Infant/Toddler MMCI Instructor, Family Engagement Credentialed Administrator, Inter-Rater Reliable by Teaching Strategies GOLD, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level I

Tasha brings more than 30 years of dedicated service to Agenda for Children. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to Agenda in a variety of roles, developing a deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the mission of advancing the well-being of children and families in New Orleans. In her current role as Sr. Coordinator, Human Resources, Tasha serves as a cornerstone of the HR department, supporting everything from recruiting and onboarding to payroll administration, benefits, and staff engagement. Whether she’s guiding a new hire through their first days or fostering a positive workplace through recognition and engagement initiatives, Tasha approaches every responsibility with warmth, integrity, and dedication.

A lifelong resident of southeast Louisiana and native of St. Bernard Parish, Tonia Loria joined Agenda for Children in June of 2022. Tonia has more than 27 years experience as an educator. She has worked directly with young children as a classroom teacher in child care and preschool settings, most recently in a blended pre-kindergarten class serving children in St. Tammany parish.  She served as a professor and program manager of Teaching and Care and Development of Young Children at Nunez Community College in Chalmette, Louisiana, and was part of the faculty and administrative team that led the college in its recovery from the devastation of hurricane Katrina.  Tonia also served as an academic leader at the college as both Dean and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.  Tonia has been an active participant in ongoing education and workforce development initiatives in Louisiana throughout her career. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and masters degree in Education from the University of New Orleans. Tonia holds a Louisiana Teaching certificate in Nursery School and Kindergarten and is inter-rater reliable in TS Gold. 

Emma Maddox began her relationship with Agenda for Children in 2021 as the contracted project manager for the Outdoor Learning Enhancement Opportunity (OLEO). In 2022, she officially joined the Agenda team in the Continuing Education and Professional Development department. Emma, a native New Orleanian, has experience as a mentor teacher and specialist in public, private, and independent schools, and has also worked in curriculum and content design, as well as education consulting. Emma holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from LSU Shreveport, a B.A. in Social Sciences from Tulane University, and a Certificate in School Leadership from Saint Elizabeth University. She is a certified PALS Trainer, Go NAPSACC Consultant, CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, & Pre-K-3rd), Louisiana Pathways Trainer III, and is Inter-Rater Reliable for TS GOLD.

Emily is a dedicated project manager with a background in education-focused non-profits and public agencies. Since 2017, she has contributed to organizations including Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR), TrueSchool Studio, and the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).

She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Salisbury University and a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University. During her graduate studies, Emily provided therapeutic services to children and families through the New Orleans Child Advocacy Center and the Ochsner Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.

With nearly a decade of experience, Emily is passionate about fostering environments grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and joyful engagement. Outside of work, she brings these values to life through her therapeutic practice and community-based creative work.

Born and raised in Patterson, Louisiana, Ashley joined the Agenda team in 2015 as the Program Assistant/Technical Assistant. Ashley has experience as an early childhood teacher, as well as extensive experience working as an administrative assistant. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in child and family studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Leiana Quintero moved from her hometown of San Jose, CA to New Orleans in 2017. Leiana has over 15
years in early childhood education, most recently serving as Lead Teacher for Newcombe
Children’s Center at Tulane University. Prior to that she was an Education Coordinator with
Bright Horizons where she taught for several years. Leiana currently resides in New Orleans
with her daughter and son. Some of their favorite hobbies are enjoying the outdoors, cooking,
and crafting. Leiana graduated from Tulane University with a B.A. in Social Sciences and she
holds an A.A. Degree from De Anza College in Social and Behavioral Science.

Desiree Rindahl is a passionate professional in the field of early childhood education. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Desiree made the move to New Orleans in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans and a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Services from Arkansas State University. With over a decade of experience in the field, Desiree has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds and creating engaging learning environments. She has held various roles in early childhood education, and most recently served as the Director of Loreto Early Learning Center. Desiree is known for her creativity and problem-solving skills, always finding innovative ways to support children’s growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys word games, true crime documentaries, and spending time with her family.

Jen Roberts is an executive leader and strategist whose career spans early childhood, K–12, higher education, philanthropy, and nonprofit management. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Agenda for Children, Louisiana’s oldest child advocacy organization, where she has overseen unprecedented growth – tripling staff, expanding the annual budget to more than $60 million, and directing statewide initiatives that have supported over 100,000 families.

At Agenda, Jen led the design and implementation of New Orleans’ Early Childhood Education Millage, a 20-year, $450 million investment that doubled the number of publicly funded infant and toddler seats in the city. She has grown the City Seats program to serve nearly 2,000 children annually, launched the regional grantmaking ECHO Fund, and positioned Agenda as both a first responder in crises and a national model for systems-level change.

Her earlier career includes senior roles in philanthropy at one of Louisiana’s largest private foundations, leadership in the Texas community college system, and K–12 reform and youth development work focused on college-career pathways. A former classroom teacher and first-generation college graduate, Jen brings both lived and professional experience to her work advancing opportunity for children and families.

Jen holds degrees from Bryn Mawr College (BA), Harvard University (Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management), and joint Executive MBAs from Brown University and IE Business School. She is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program and serves on numerous statewide and regional boards. A lifelong Gulf Coaster and New Orleans resident since 2002, she is also a mixed-media artist with a love for Southern culture and storytelling.

Jackie is a dedicated early childhood professional with over 30 years of experience across a variety of settings, including Head Start programs, military child development centers, and private child care providers. Throughout her career, she has held multiple roles, including Navy New Parent Support Specialist, Training & Curriculum Specialist at a military child development center, and Assistant Director at Karen Love Head Start in San Diego, CA.

Jackie holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Irvine Valley College, CA, a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans, and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University.

Her certifications and qualifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K–3rd), CLASS Infant and Toddler Trainer, Certified Infant/Toddler MMCI Instructor, Inter-Rater Reliability for TS GOLD, and Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level III.

Jackie brings her extensive knowledge and passion for early childhood education to every role, continuously striving to support and enhance the learning experiences of both children and educators.

Sara Slaughter brings over fifteen years of experience in education, operations, and communications. Most recently, she served as a Research Proposal Development Officer at Tulane University, supporting complex federal grant proposals and offering expertise in project management and compliance. Prior to that, she was Associate Director of multiple education research centers at Tulane, where she led operations, communications, and HR for a network of 50+ researchers. She also developed strategic partnerships with local and national education leaders, led board engagement, and increased the centers’ visibility and funding. Earlier in her career, Sara taught creative writing and English in New Orleans. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College, a B.A. from Vassar College, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

A New Orleans native, Hermoine Spencer brings over 20 years’ experience in finance and
accounting to her new role as Comptroller with Agenda for Children. Prior to joining Agenda, she was a Trust Accountant for Service International Corporation for 4 years, in addition to 10+ years in nonprofit work with Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana and government finance and grants with Regional Transit Authority in New Orleans. She has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a B.S in Accounting from Southern University New Orleans. She is a financial stewardess, committed to supporting the mission and vision of Agenda for Children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Nirenza Taylor is from New Orleans. For the 12 years prior to joining Agenda for Children, Nirenza was a Director and Pre-K teacher at Spring Ridge Academy. Nirenza has dedicated her career to early child education and been in the field for 22 years. She holds an Associate’s degree in Care and Development of Young Children from Delgado Community College and  B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from Southern University at New Orleans.

Originally from Leesville, Louisiana, Mark A. Thomas joined Agenda’s team in 2022. Mark has over 28 years’ experience in the Social Services world. Mark A. Thomas previously worked for LSU Human Development Center as the Program Manager of the Early Head Start Program where he was responsible for the administration of the Early Head Start program, including program design and management, oversight of record-keeping and monitoring systems, day to day operations and development of community partnerships. Mark is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated where he is a Life Member. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans.

Originally from New Orleans, Dr. Angelique Thomas joined Agenda’s team in 2021. For more than 13 years, she has dedicated her career to working with young children and working on behalf of their families. Dr. Thomas previously served as a classroom teacher, a center administrator, and a Child Care Resource & Referral manager for one of the largest counties in Georgia. Prior to returning to New Orleans, Dr. Thomas worked with childcare franchise owners to open centers in high demand areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Thomas began her early childhood enrollment and student access work through NOLA Public Schools as the Director of Early Childhood Opportunities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s in Educational Leadership, and a doctorate in Education from Clark Atlanta University.

A native of Louisiana, Joette was born and raised in Destrehan, Louisiana. She has over 20 years in early childhood education. After Hurricane Katrina, Joette and her family moved to Texas where she was a Pre-K Lead Teacher in Conroe, Texas for 10 years. In 2015 she moved back to her hometown and became a Certified Reliable Observer and served as a CLASS Observer in St. Tammany, Livingston, Tangipahoa and Orleans Parishes. She has also worked as an Enrichment Teacher at a homeschool center in Mandeville. Joette serves at her church as a Sunday School Teacher and is also a volunteer for St. Joseph’s Hospice. She also enjoys calligraphy, art and writing children’s books, one that she has shared with her previous school in Texas.

Certifications include: Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler and Pre-K), Inter-Rater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Louisiana Pathways Trainer I, GO NAPSACC Consultant

Ana Treffinger is a native New Orleanian. She left to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and returned soon after finishing her degree. She has ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Before joining Agenda for Children, she was a Lead Teacher at Early Partners, teaching kids ages one through four. Ana currently lives in Mid-City with her dog.

Anna brings to the Agenda team fifteen years of experience working in education and education reform. Most recently, Anna was a school administrator and Assessment Coordinator at a large early childhood program in Houston, Texas.  Anna previously lived in Washington, DC and was the Associate Director, Stewardship and Engagement at The CityBridge Foundation, a private family foundation that marshaled intellectual, financial, and social capital to help build a high performing public education system in the District of Columbia. In this role, she educated and engaged business leaders, philanthropists and community members in the District of Columbia’s education reform efforts. Prior to The Foundation, Anna was Director, Community Development at the national nonprofit First Book, liaising between schools and nonprofits and First Book’s corporate and government partners. Anna completed her M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education and Human Development at The George Washington University in 2013, and currently serves on Mayor Cantrell’s Re-Opening New Orleans COVID-19 Community Services Working Group, and is a Pritzker Fellow representing Agenda for Children’s work in early childhood education research, policy and practice.

Raeyna Woodside-Howard, affectionately known as Rae, is entering her 15th year of working
in the early education field. She has worked in various capacities, most notably in Head Start and additional Type III facilities. She spent eleven years as a Pre-K teacher, where she excelled in her role via her curriculum and teaching strategies. She then transitioned to the administrative side, where she has been a mentor coach for a local CDA/ECAC program, PD Specialist, and CLASS observer. Additionally, she is a Louisiana Pathways certified trainer and a Cohort 5 graduate of the Louisiana Early Leaders
Academy (LELA). Coach Rae’s purpose and mindset is to “pay it forward” to educators by supporting
them with the tools and tips needed to keep their trajectory moving upward. Rae’s hobbies include reading, watching sports, and attending concerts.

Tara is thrilled to call New Orleans home and be part of Louisiana’s efforts to bring quality early education to all its residents. She has ten years of experience working with children and family services and is an active volunteer with Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast. Tara has facilitated and managed education, child protection, and disaster management programs for families in Louisiana, New York City, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She holds a Master’s of Science in Policy and Non Profit Management from The New School University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Drew University. Tara has called New Orleans home since 2013 and is excited to raise her son here.