Stephanie Lerner is the Counselor Support Program Manager at the TEA. She serves as the primary point of contact for Texas school counselors. She provides resources and trainings to school counselors across the state, focusing on supporting the strong implementation of a comprehensive counseling program.

Dr. Kenyatta Lovett is the Managing Director for Higher Education within CFT’s Educate Texas initiative, leading a team that supports a critical component of the education continuum that improves economic mobility for all Texans. Kenyatta earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Howard University, his M.B.A. in supply chain management and his doctorate in public policy and administration from Tennessee State University.

Laura joined Tyler Junior College in 2020 as Coordinator of Early College High School Enrollment. She taught for 13 years prior to this role, including five years of teaching in Tyler ISD. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Texas Baptist University.

Romanita joined SAEDF in 2016. As the Executive Director of SA Works, she leads the San Antonio region's strategic workforce development efforts to align education, workforce and economic development with the talent needs of San Antonio's current and future employers.

Monica Martinez has worked to promote quality education for students throughout the state of Texas at the TEA for the past 16 years. As Associate Commissioner for Standards and Support Services, Monica oversees the work of four divisions: Early Childhood Education; Curriculum Standards and Student Support; and State Board of Education, Support and College, Career, and Military Preparation.

Bob has served as Director of Early College Programs (dual credit) for five years, with a total of 12 years of post-secondary education experience. He received his B.S degree in Biology from Texas A&M University Kingsville and M.A in Communication from Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Kyle learned welding when he was 12 years old. He welded throughout high school, moved to Austin and enrolled in Austin Community College for welding technology. While at ACC, Kyle was hired at Athena Manufacturing, where he worked his way up from weekend shift detailer to day shift supervisor.

Jeanie has worked at Tyler Junior College since the summer of 2000. Starting as Professor of Voice, she moved to Department Chair of Music in 2014 and to Director of School Partnerships in 2019. She holds a Master of Music from Indiana University, is married and has four children.

Director of CCMR for Elgin Independent School District

Lindsey Phillips is the Effective Advising Program Manager at the TEA.  She leads several projects and initiatives to support strong postsecondary advising practices through the context of comprehensive school counseling programs in Texas. 

Central Administrator of Data Management and P-TECH for Crowley Independent School District

Reo is the Senior Director of Programs at Educate Texas. She leads efforts around college and career readiness. Reo is committed to the success of all students across Texas and has dedicated countless hours to developing technical assistance for CCR School Model campuses. She has seen firsthand that the work of the CCR School Models network is the difference-maker for many students.

Jacqueline currently serves as the Administrator for the W. W. Samuell Early College High School in Dallas ISD. During her time in this role, she has not only revitalized the Teacher Education pathway, but has consistently surpassed the district's graduation goal of 73% for Early College students earning their associates degrees.

Shannon is a Career & Education Outreach Specialist with Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Shannon works with P-TECH students to provide career readiness prep, ranging from interview training to resume writing.

Michelle is the Statewide STEM Coordinator at the TEA. She oversees Pre-K-12th grade STEM programming in Texas.  She is the Project Director for the K-8 Mobile STEM Laboratory and Lone Star STEM Academies. She is also the STEM Lead for the Texas EcosySTEM and supports the CCRSM T-STEM Academies.

Dr. William Serrata was named President of the El Paso County Community College District effective August 1, 2012. During his career, Dr. Serrata has provided leadership in fostering enrollment growth as well as increases in student retention, dual credit enrollment and graduation rates with an emphasis on first-generation and Hispanic populations. Dr. Serrata holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University – College Station, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Brownsville and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University – College Station.

Casey has served as the Early College High School Liaison at Odessa College for three years. As of this May, she serves the students at Odessa College as the Director of Testing. Casey was born and raised in Odessa, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2008. Casey loves the Odessa College culture and the part she plays in creating a college-going atmosphere in Odessa.

Michael is in his seventh year as principal of Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School in Dallas ISD. Prior to his principalship, he served as Associate Principal for four years at W. H. Adamson High School, also in Dallas ISD. Michael received his master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.

Clarissa works in the Rio Grande Valley as deputy director and regional lead of Educate Texas, ensuring the successful implementation of the College and Career Readiness Models blueprints and framework. She strives to increase the impact of Educate Texas across the Rio Grande Valley.

Sara Vercher is the Student Mental Health Program Manager at the TEA. She provides statewide leadership in strategically coordinating student mental health services through school counseling programs and school partnership programs, particularly Communities In Schools.