Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc

Coalition Staff

Penny Westberry - Chief Executive Officer (954) 377-2187 pwestberry@elcbroward.org Penny Westberry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees all aspects of the agency. Penny has over 25 years of experience in human services administration, research, and planning. She graduated from Duke University with a BA in Psychology and Spanish, and holds a Master in Social Work, with a concentration in management, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .
K. Lee Tirpak - Chief Program Officer (954) 377-2185 kltirpak@elcbroward.org Lee is the Chief Program Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees the Early Care and Education program operations at the Coalition. Prior to coming to ELC, Lee was the Executive Director of Child Care Resource & Referral, Inc. for eighteen years. She graduated from Boston University with a BS in Elementary Education, and earned a MBA from Florida Atlantic University. A member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, her professional interests include new directions in financing early care and education programs and developing research base early care and education programs with positive outcomes that prepare children for school.
Andrea Braynon - Chief Financial Officer (954) 377-2190 abraynon@elcbroward.org Andrea A. Braynon is the Chief Financial Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees the financial and administrative management responsibilities at the Coalition. Andrea’s professional experience includes sixteen years in private industry with IBM Corp in the administrative and leadership capacities as a government contracts administrator, procurement buyer and a statistical forecast planner, then ten years in local government working four years in the Office of Management and Budget as a budget analyst and six years of experience as a Director managing fiscal operations in two Miami-Dade County departments with budgets from $72.8 million to over $465 million. She graduated from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Ms. Braynon also has a history of leadership and services in the community including active affiliation with the local public service organization Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Janice Carter - Director of Community Relations and Resource Development (954) 377-2184 jcarter@elcbroward.org Janice holds the position of Director of Community Relations and Resource Development. Prior to coming to ELC, Janice was the Program Services Coordinator for an affordable housing developer. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Masters in Applied Social Sciences. Janice has 22 years of social service experience which includes contract management, youth development, program development and public administration experiences.
Lisa Feeney - Senior Early Care and Education Program Specialist (954) 377-2196 lfeeney@elcbroward.org Lisa holds the position of Senior Early Care and Education Program Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She is responsible for Program/Contract development and oversight of funded ELC programs. Prior to coming to ELC, Lisa was the director of the federally funded Community for Quality Early Learning and Literacy project. She graduated from Bank Street College of Education with a Masters degree in Educational Administration and "ABD" toward a doctoral degree early childhood special education. Lisa has over 30 years experience in early childhood education during which time she received her permanent teaching certification from the states for New York and Florida for age 3/grade 3 with a pre-kindergarten handicapped endorsement and exceptional student education grades k-12. She has been both teacher and director in early childhood settings and holds Florida ’s advanced director’s credential.
Debbie Bainton - Executive Assistant (954) 377-2183 dbainton@elcbroward.org Debbie is the Executive Assistant for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. In additional to assisting the CEO, her duties include overseeing the office to ensure smooth day to day operations. Debbie’s 30 years of work experience ranges from legal assistant and teaching elementary school students to owning an air charter business. She has been recognized for her leadership and volunteer work as President of Broward County Council of PTAs.
Leticia Strasser - Early Care and Education Program Specialist (954) 377-2198 lstrasser@elcbroward.org Leticia Strasser is an Early Care and Education Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. With a degree in psychology from Barry University (BA) and a specialization in Creative Arts Therapies, she has professional interests spanning child development and adolescent behavior with an extensive background in community-based prevention, arts and educational programs. She has worked within the nonprofit sector for 14 years for various children's programs (Pre K and early childhood through 12th grade) doing state and federal grants writing/managements/compliance, overseeing outcome measurements and reporting, creating logic models and national program models.
Jessica Novak - Early Care and Education Program Specialist (954) 377-2198 jnovak@elcbroward.org Jessica Novak is an Early Care and Education Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County. With degrees from Michigan State University (BS) and Indiana University (MPH.), she has professional interests spanning maternal and child issues and an extensive background in community-based educational programs. Jessica has spoken on a variety of topics at local, national and international conferences including the International Reading Association and the High/Scope International Conference. Jessica has worked extensively with teachers and young children in early care and education settings throughout Palm Beach County. Ms. Novak is a certified High/Scope Trainer and serves as Adjunct Faculty for the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education at Palm Beach Community College. Jessica is the recipient of numerous awards: the Mary Bondarin Award for Service to Children and Families (2005), presented by the Association of the Education of Young Children of the Palm Beaches; the Bookend Award (2005) presented by the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition for her efforts promoting and supporting literacy in Palm Beach County; and the Vicky Rissmen Service Award (2009) from the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Florida for her personal commitment to children throughout South Florida.
Sandra I. Martinez - Accounting and Human Resources Manager (954) 377-2189 smartinez@elcbroward.org Sandra I. Martinez is the Accounting and Human Resources Manager for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She maintains the day to day accounting functions of the coalition as well as assisting the Finance Director. Previously, she served as the Accounting Supervisor at Olympus Managed Healthcare. Sandra has over six years of accounting experience in the nonprofit and healthcare industry. She received her B.A. in Management from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA.
Faye Franklin - Office Assistant (954) 377-2193 ffranklin@elcbroward.org Faye is the Office Assistant/Receptionist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She assists with the daily operations of the office including answering the phones, handling incoming and outgoing mail and packages, assisting with departmental projects and monthly meetings. Faye is the first ELC employee to greet visitors and answer phones and also provides support to the Executive Assistant. Prior to coming to ELC, Faye was Administrative Assistant to the Supervisor of Foster Care at the Department of Children and Families. She graduated from West Kentucky Vocational School with a diploma in Business Education.
Inez Webb - Administrative Assistant (954) 377-2195 iwebb@elcbroward.org Inez provides administrative support to the Early Care & Education Team and general office management to the ELC department. Previously, Inez worked with NYC Dept of Transportation, City of Sunrise and Bank of America as an Administrative Assistant. Her goal is to organize and enhance ELC staff’s ability to produce positive outcomes in early care and education.
Marcie Westover - Community Relations and Resource Development Assistant (954) 377-2197 mwestover@elcbroward.org Marcie holds the position of Community Relations and Resource Development Assistant for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. Prior to coming to ELC, Marcie was a staff reporter for a daily newspaper in Michigan covering education, government, non-profit organizations, and community events. She graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 with a B.A. in Print Journalism. She earned a M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida in May 2010.

Penny Westberry - Chief Executive Officer

(954) 377-2187

Penny Westberry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees all aspects of the agency. Penny has over 25 years of experience in human services administration, research, and planning. She graduated from Duke University with a BA in Psychology and Spanish, and holds a Master in Social Work, with a concentration in management, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .

K. Lee Tirpak - Chief Program Officer

(954) 377-2185

kltirpak@elcbroward.org

Lee is the Chief Program Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees the Early Care and Education program operations at the Coalition. Prior to coming to ELC, Lee was the Executive Director of Child Care Resource & Referral, Inc. for eighteen years. She graduated from Boston University with a BS in Elementary Education, and earned a MBA from Florida Atlantic University. A member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, her professional interests include new directions in financing early care and education programs and developing research base early care and education programs with positive outcomes that prepare children for school.

Andrea Braynon - Chief Financial Officer

(954) 377-2190

abraynon@elcbroward.org

Andrea A. Braynon is the Chief Financial Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She oversees the financial and administrative management responsibilities at the Coalition. Andrea’s professional experience includes sixteen years in private industry with IBM Corp in the administrative and leadership capacities as a government contracts administrator, procurement buyer and a statistical forecast planner, then ten years in local government working four years in the Office of Management and Budget as a budget analyst and six years of experience as a Director managing fiscal operations in two Miami-Dade County departments with budgets from $72.8 million to over $465 million. She graduated from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Ms. Braynon also has a history of leadership and services in the community including active affiliation with the local public service organization Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Janice Carter - Director of Community Relations and Resource Development

(954) 377-2184

jcarter@elcbroward.org

Janice holds the position of Director of Community Relations and Resource Development. Prior to coming to ELC, Janice was the Program Services Coordinator for an affordable housing developer. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Masters in Applied Social Sciences. Janice has 22 years of social service experience which includes contract management, youth development, program development and public administration experiences.

Lisa Feeney - Senior Early Care and Education Program Specialist

(954) 377-2196

lfeeney@elcbroward.org

Lisa holds the position of Senior Early Care and Education Program Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She is responsible for Program/Contract development and oversight of funded ELC programs. Prior to coming to ELC, Lisa was the director of the federally funded Community for Quality Early Learning and Literacy project. She graduated from Bank Street College of Education with a Masters degree in Educational Administration and "ABD" toward a doctoral degree early childhood special education. Lisa has over 30 years experience in early childhood education during which time she received her permanent teaching certification from the states for New York and Florida for age 3/grade 3 with a pre-kindergarten handicapped endorsement and exceptional student education grades k-12. She has been both teacher and director in early childhood settings and holds Florida ’s advanced director’s credential.

Debbie Bainton - Executive Assistant

(954) 377-2183

dbainton@elcbroward.org

Debbie is the Executive Assistant for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. In additional to assisting the CEO, her duties include overseeing the office to ensure smooth day to day operations. Debbie’s 30 years of work experience ranges from legal assistant and teaching elementary school students to owning an air charter business. She has been recognized for her leadership and volunteer work as President of Broward County Council of PTAs.

Leticia Strasser - Early Care and Education Program Specialist

(954) 377-2198

lstrasser@elcbroward.org

Leticia Strasser is an Early Care and Education Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. With a degree in psychology from Barry University (BA) and a specialization in Creative Arts Therapies, she has professional interests spanning child development and adolescent behavior with an extensive background in community-based prevention, arts and educational programs. She has worked within the nonprofit sector for 14 years for various children's programs (Pre K and early childhood through 12th grade) doing state and federal grants writing/managements/compliance, overseeing outcome measurements and reporting, creating logic models and national program models.

Jessica Novak - Early Care and Education Program Specialist

(954) 377-2198

jnovak@elcbroward.org

Jessica Novak is an Early Care and Education Specialist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County. With degrees from Michigan State University (BS) and Indiana University (MPH.), she has professional interests spanning maternal and child issues and an extensive background in community-based educational programs. Jessica has spoken on a variety of topics at local, national and international conferences including the International Reading Association and the High/Scope International Conference. Jessica has worked extensively with teachers and young children in early care and education settings throughout Palm Beach County. Ms. Novak is a certified High/Scope Trainer and serves as Adjunct Faculty for the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education at Palm Beach Community College. Jessica is the recipient of numerous awards: the Mary Bondarin Award for Service to Children and Families (2005), presented by the Association of the Education of Young Children of the Palm Beaches; the Bookend Award (2005) presented by the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition for her efforts promoting and supporting literacy in Palm Beach County; and the Vicky Rissmen Service Award (2009) from the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Florida for her personal commitment to children throughout South Florida.

Sandra I. Martinez - Accounting and Human Resources Manager

(954) 377-2189

smartinez@elcbroward.org

Sandra I. Martinez is the Accounting and Human Resources Manager for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She maintains the day to day accounting functions of the coalition as well as assisting the Finance Director. Previously, she served as the Accounting Supervisor at Olympus Managed Healthcare. Sandra has over six years of accounting experience in the nonprofit and healthcare industry. She received her B.A. in Management from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA.

Faye Franklin - Office Assistant

(954) 377-2193

ffranklin@elcbroward.org

Faye is the Office Assistant/Receptionist for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. She assists with the daily operations of the office including answering the phones, handling incoming and outgoing mail and packages, assisting with departmental projects and monthly meetings. Faye is the first ELC employee to greet visitors and answer phones and also provides support to the Executive Assistant. Prior to coming to ELC, Faye was Administrative Assistant to the Supervisor of Foster Care at the Department of Children and Families. She graduated from West Kentucky Vocational School with a diploma in Business Education.

Inez Webb - Administrative Assistant

(954) 377-2195

iwebb@elcbroward.org

Inez provides administrative support to the Early Care & Education Team and general office management to the ELC department. Previously, Inez worked with NYC Dept of Transportation, City of Sunrise and Bank of America as an Administrative Assistant. Her goal is to organize and enhance ELC staff’s ability to produce positive outcomes in early care and education.

Marcie Westover - Community Relations and Resource Development Assistant

(954) 377-2197

mwestover@elcbroward.org

Marcie holds the position of Community Relations and Resource Development Assistant for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. Prior to coming to ELC, Marcie was a staff reporter for a daily newspaper in Michigan covering education, government, non-profit organizations, and community events. She graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 with a B.A. in Print Journalism. She earned a M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida in May 2010.

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