Our Team

Meet the Teach For America Jacksonville and Central Florida team.

Local Leadership

LaKeisha Wells-Palmer

LaKeisha Wells-Palmer

Executive Director

Teach For America Florida Regions

LaKeisha Wells-Palmer leads Teach For America's efforts as the Statewide Executive Director of Teach For America regions in Florida. With 22 years of experience in education, she serves as a champion for principals, teachers, and students. She has spent the last 11 years at Teach For America, serving as the Executive Director of Jacksonville, Central Florida, and Miami-Dade following five years leading Jacksonville’s programmatic efforts.

Meet Our Staff

Vice President, Programs and Impact

Gerthy Eugene


Vice President, Statewide Operations

Patrick Evans


Managing Director, Board & Network Coalitions

Megan Cole


Director, Statewide Alumni Educator & Fellowship Initiatives

Zahirah Calloway


Managing Director, Statewide Operations

Heather Ryan


Managing Director, Statewide Alumni & Network Strategy

Jazmin Miller


Managing Director, Government & Public Relations

Chelsea Franklin


Senior Managing Director, Statewide Leadership Development

Kiara Drummond


Director, Leadership Development

Zandra Bryant


Managing Director, Leadership Development

Cayla Young


Managing Director, Statewide Matriculation Generalist

Xavier Suarez


Managing Director, Leadership Development - Operations

Emily Mayeda


Managing Director, Ignite Program Impact

Courtney Coffill


Senior Managing Director, Head of Southeast Development Hub

Cheria Funches


Managing Director, Development Operations and Chief of Staff Southeast Development Hub

Matt Minnick


Director, Grants, Southeast Development Hub

Allie Pocock


Director, Grants, Southeast Development Hub

Lauren Collens


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