The Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County

About Our Organization

Our Vision

Ready for School! Ready for Life!

Our Mission

To promote high-quality school readiness, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and after-school programs, thus increasing all children’s chances of achieving future educational success and becoming productive members of society.

X Character Chronicles (CEO Reads)

Mrs. White, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, brings the Book of the Month readings to life with her fun and interactive approach. At each reading, she dresses up as the main character from the book, delighting the children at various preschools and early learning centers

For “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, Mrs. White appeared as a Beautiful Butterfly when reading to the children at The Kidz House and Haigos, celebrating the story of transformation. At I Rise Performance Kids Academy and Greenfield Preschool West, she dressed as a Colorful Rainbow Fish to share the message of kindness from “Rainbow Fish.”

At 02B Kids Super Center and Premier Preschool, Mrs. White brought “The Grouchy Ladybug” to life by dressing as a Nice Ladybug. She then transformed into Pete the Cat in a cute tutu to read “Pete the Cat” to the children at House of Love Family Child Care Center and Little Debbie’s Childcare. Finally, for “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” she dressed as a mouse with a cookie at Love n Care Preschool and Pattie Cake Christian Academy.

After each reading, every child received a copy of the book to take home, promoting early literacy and fostering a love for reading at all the centers she visited.

Staff and Departments

Executive Office

Employee Title
Xaviera White
Chief Executive Officer
Kelli Williams
Chief Administrative Officer

Family Services Staff

Employee Title
Angela Moore
Director of Family Services
Deborah Sharpe
Parent Support Specialist
Kim Lee
Parent Support Manager
Aakeiyah Sanford
Parent Support Specialist
Amy Lawson
Parent Support Coordinator
Doretha Anderson
Community Outreach Coordinator
Madine Kimball
Parent Support Specialist
Faith Nobles
Eligibility/R&R Community Specialist
Molly McGowan
Parent Support Specialist
Amber Mulberry
Client Services Facilitator
Crystal Tatum
Parent Support Specialist

Not sure who to contact?

Send us a message here: info@elcalachua.org

Program Services Staff

Employee Title
Terrie Robinson
Director of Programs
Sherry McMulen-Balchun
SR & VPK Monitoring & Assessment Manager
Brandi Thomas
Provider Contracts Coordinator
Ayla Parfitt
Provider Contracts Specialist
Laquanda Woulard
Transformative Professional Development Coach
Shynecia Thony
Quality Initiatives and Professional Development Manager
DeWaynique Barton
Transformative Professional Development Coach
Ambrea Smith
Programs Monitoring and Compliance Specialist

Finance, Operations, & Reimburstment Staff

Employee Title
John Bonham
Chief Financial Officer
Sarah White
Fiscal Specialist
Dante Johnson
Fiscal Coordinator
Talonda Johnson
Reimbursement Manager
Shantell Young
Reimbursement Specialist
Charles Goddard
Reimbursement Specialist
ELCAC is currently partnered with 0 child care providers for the statewide SR and VPK programs

The Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County Board of Directors

Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County

Heather Doles

Sante Fe Little School

Joyce Yurchisin

Alachua County Health Department

Marsha Kiner

Children's Trust of Alachua County

Dr. Renee Lawson

Episcopal Children's Services

Jennifer Blalock

O2B Kids

Cheryl Twombly

Secretary

Candi Morris

Vice Chair

Phyllis Marty

Career Source NCF

Jacquatte Rolle

Alachua County Public Schools

Michael Williams

Southstate Bank

Eva Jallah

DCF

Tammy Prince

Emerge, LLC

Ray Holt

C Bar Ranch

April Tisher

Irving Publications

Dr. Patricia Snyder

University of Florida

Stephen Pennypacker

Self-Employed

George Dix

Cuddly Kids Academy

Crystal Marull

University of Florida

ELCAC 2024 Holidays (Closed)

New Year’s Day, Mon, Jan 1

MLK’s Birthday, Mon, Jan 15

Presidents Day, Mon, Feb 19

Memorial Day, Mon, May 27

Independence Day, Thurs, July 4

Labor Day, Mon, Sept 2

Veterans Day, Mon, November 11

Thanksgiving, Thurs, Nov 28, and Fri, Nov 29

Winter Holiday, Wed, Dec 25, and Thurs, Dec 26

New Year’s Eve, Tues, Dec 31