Meet Our Team
Leadership
Robyn Lightcap
Executive Director
Robyn serves on the Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council and is Board Chair of Groundwork Ohio, Ohio's early childhood advocacy organization. She has led complex projects in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, including at IBM, Chicago's Willow Creek Community Church and Evenflo. She has a business degree from Wake Forest University.
Ashley Marshall
Senior Director of Operations
Ashley leads our operations team, managing the application process for families, and she builds and maintains relationships with early education providers. Previously, Ashley was the director of the University of Dayton’s demonstration school, the Bombeck Family Learning Center. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where she studied early childhood education and received a Master’s in Educational Leadership.
Jen Brauer
Director of Birth-3
and Family Connection
Our Director of Partnerships, Jen has experience in elementary and early childhood education, and she has a background in business and consulting with a focus on building teams and developing new programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miami University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her non-profit committee service includes Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Ohio Diaper Bank Coalition and Dress for Success.
Latoria Marcellus
Senior Director Education Strategy
Latoria assists Preschools in implementing a comprehensive curriculum that promotes children’s social/emotional development and ensures strong relationships between teachers and students. She has 15 years of experience in education and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she studied early childhood education. She received her Master's in Education from Antioch University McGregor.
Marie Giffen, CPA
Senior Director of Finance
Marie is responsible for all financial planning, reporting and accounting for Preschool Promise. She has years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting and has taught financial and managerial accounting at the University of Dayton. Marie graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.
Administrative
Allana Bell
Executive Assistant
Allana ventures into Early Childhood Education, bringing her multifaceted expertise from other non-profit sectors. Adept at optimizing processes and organization, she excels in assisting executives. With experience in evaluations, office operations, designing and implementing systems, and interdepartmental coordination, Allana's skills promise positive impact in nurturing young minds.
Barbara Elrod
Financial Services Manager
With more than 20 years of experience in education, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations, Barbara streamlines our processes and keeps our organization running efficiently. She is excited to help our families, providers and Montgomery County fulfill the educational needs of our youngest learners.
Erika Ward
Development Manager
Erika has 10 years of experience in child-based non-profit organizations and is committed to serving the community through fundraising efforts. She is responsible for submitting proposals for private and public financial support, discovering new funding opportunities, and building and maintaining relationships with funders, donors and others within the community. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in anthropology.
Early Educator Professional Development
Amanda Burkholder
Research Project Manager
Amanda brings over 12 years of experience in project management to lead the project team implementing the 2024-2028 EIR Grant from the US Department of Education. in which Preschool Promise assess the effectiveness of Conscious Discipline at increasing the social-emotional, self-regulation, executive function, academic skills, and kindergarten readiness for 3- and 4-year-olds, with a focus on cultural relevance.
Britney Leavelle
Hope Zone Coaching Manager
Britney manages the ongoing design, development, and implementation of professional development for all coaches and Preschool Promise partner sites with a specific focus on the Hope Zone’s Ready to Read Sites. She has 18 years of experience working in the education field and is a graduate of Central State University, where she received her degree in Early Childhood Education.
Catherine Rauch
Quality Specialist
Catherine supports Preschool teachers by coordinating the Teacher Promise Stipend program and our Classroom Supply Fund. She also writes a weekly newsletter for providers, along with supporting our professional development work through data reports and analysis. Catherine has bachelor's and master's degrees in social work and has almost 30 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors. Promoting quality early childhood education is close to her heart.
Christine Yeary
Administrative Specialist
Christine comes to Preschool Promise with over 25 years of education and marketing experience, having worked for local school districts, non-profits and corporations. She supports our professional development work to ensure that no stone is unturned when it comes to preparation and planning.
Crystal Howard
Professional Development Manager
Crystal received a Master's in Talent and Development from Tusculum University College of Education. She provides coaching and professional development to early childhood educators and staff at our partner sites. Crystal has over 25 years of experience in early education as an administrator, classroom teacher and home-based teacher. She is passionate about building relationships and improving teacher quality, child outcomes and training.
Dr. Debra Brathwaite
Equity Advisor
Debra is an accomplished career educator with over 45 years of experience. She is a Del Mar Encore Fellow through The Dayton Foundation and is assigned to Preschool Promise to create workforce pathways. Dr. Brathwaite earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education, a master’s in education and a professional diploma in the administration and supervision of education. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton.
Jacquel Harper
Kindergarten Readiness Coach
Jacquel comes to Preschool Promise with over 18 years of experience in early childhood education. She earned her Master's in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in family and community engagement. She has served as a lead teacher, education support supervisor and quality specialist. She is versed in curriculum implementation, Conscious Discipline and CLASS ®. She is excited to serve as a Kindergarten Readiness Coach.
Karetha Burns
Kindergarten Readiness Coach-Hope Zone
Kay is a vital part of the Ready to Read, Hope Zone coaching staff. She has worked in early childhood education for more than 30 years and is excited to be a part of the community-wide academic shift to assist in the process of preparing confident and successful Kindergarten readers.
Maria Rao
Education Project Manager
Maria, a 2006 graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree in Political Science, brings over 20 years of experience in program and project management, both in the corporate and non-profit sectors. Maria comes from a family of educators, and as a mother of a third-grade and Kindergarten-aged daughters, she knows firsthand how important a high-quality foundation is for future academic success.
Melissa Butler
Kindergarten Readiness Coach
A native Daytonian, Melissa has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She recently returned to Ohio after living in Florida for 12 years, where she worked as a home visitor for Brevard Early Head Start. She is an Ohio-approved trainer and was a presenter at the 2022 NHSA Conference. Melissa believes that being open to a child's learning style is the most important factor in their success.
Shalisha Davis
Kindergarten Readiness Coach-Hope Zone
Shalisha has over 19 years of experience in primary and early childhood education. She brings a passion in helping children foster a love for reading and developing foundational literacy skills. Shalisha is a graduate of Sinclair Community College where she earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
Dr. Tennille Love
Manager, Scholars and Equity Programs
Tennille brings over 15 years of experience in K-20 education, business and workforce development. As an award-winning education professional, Dr. Love holds a BA from Spelman College, an MBA in Operations Management, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration-Educational Leadership from Liberty University. With deep commitment, she manages the Scholars and Equity programs, overseeing their implementation at partner sites to ensure participants gain the knowledge and credentials needed for successful careers in early childhood education.
Birth to Three and Family Connection
Dr. Amy Kronberg
Early Learning Manager
Amy has a background in early childhood education, child development and play-based strategies. She has worked to create learning experiences for families through our Play on Purpose (POP) initiative. She supports infant/toddler teachers in building early language/literacy skills. Amy has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education-University of Michigan, a masters' degree in Early Childhood Leadership & Advocacy and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration from the University of Dayton.
Ayn Swann
Parent Educator
Ayn leverages her experience as a Museum Educator at the Dayton Art Institute, where she developed a love for designing educational programming for pre-K and audiences with special accommodations. She has had the pleasure of teaching art at numerous local venues, designed costumes for the Human Race Theatre, and met powerful role models as a Company Manager for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. She is a jazz singer/songwriter in her free time, and healthily spoils her three children. It is a dream to support actionable change, promote early childhood development and empower families through education.
Brittnee Hoover
Parent Educator
Brittnee was a Lead Early Head Start Teacher for eight years. She was the first graduate of our Promise Scholars Program, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education Studies from the University of Arizona Global Campus and graduating summa cum laude. She is the mother of an adorable 5-year-old boy. Her passions are promoting education, building partnerships and dedicating her time to serving children and families in Montgomery County.
Hertia Mims
Family Connection Manager
Hertia provides coaching, support, training and professional development for early childhood educators and staff. She specializes in implementing Conscious Discipline in our partner sites. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and has a passion for the Dayton community, working with families and volunteering at local charities. Hertia is a graduate of Sinclair Community College where she studied Early Childhood Education.
Hope Vuto
Parent & Family Manager
Hope Vuto manages our Prenatal-to-3 strategies and is passionate about leaning into the voices of families and providers to expand high-quality health and educational supports for babies, toddlers, parents and caregivers. Hope leads the Play on Purpose Collaborative, the Birth to 3 Collaborative, and the Parent & Family Voices Committee. She has a degree in economic development and is certified in prenatal yoga and as a birth doula.
Tiarra Williams
Parent Educator
Tiarra was a Head Start Lead Teacher for four years and has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a lot of energy and looks forward to lifting up the children and families that she encounters with Preschool Promise. She is a mother of two beautiful children and enjoys being outdoors, crafting, journaling and exercising.
Family Provider and Support Services
Lindsey Riley
Enrollment Manager
As a member of the operations team, Lindsey is dedicated to supporting families and helping young learners join Preschool Promise. She has spent the last nine years as the director of a community-based Step Up to Quality Preschool program and is passionate about ensuring all children have access to quality early learning opportunities. Lindsey graduated from the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University.
Ryhan Hoskins
Attendance & Enrollment Specialist
Ryhan is passionate about eliminating the barriers families face when trying to find and afford a high-quality Preschool for their children. She assists families in finding a Preschool that's right for them, as well as offering continued support throughout the school year. Ryhan has over 15 years of experience in providing legal advocacy support to survivors of relationship violence in both Ohio and Georgia. She attended Central State University and studied economics.
Shannon Weldon
Client Services Specialist
Shannon feels passionate that the first five years matter in setting the foundation for a quality education, and enjoys helping families find affordable, high-quality Preschool for their children. Her background in customer service and work as a School Board member give her a unique perspective when speaking with families. She is a proud wife and mother to 4 children.
Shelly Davies
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Shelly has a background in early education holds a BS in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green State University. She is passionate about our goal that all Montgomery County children are ready for Kindergarten, and connecting families with resources to assist this readiness. Shelly's commitment to cultivating relationships with community partners and neighborhood leaders is integral to the outreach team's impact within all populations of Montgomery County. She has proudly completed UDCL's Women Lead Certification and Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
Tiffany Coatie
Data Manager
Tiffany has worked with Preschool Promise since the Kettering pilot in 2014-2015. She ensures families’ requests for tuition assistance are processed and maintains our database. Tiffany graduated magna cum laude from Strayer University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Tiffany says, "My work at Preschool Promise gives me great pride. My No. 1 goal is helping families to ensure a high-quality Preschool experience for their child."