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Redgy Coucke
John S. Kapelewski
Sue Chafin
Harold Oertell
Kathleen Perry
Larry Feit
Jon Joseph
Patti Lehrhoff
Michele Lerer
Andrea Peppers
Kenneth Stein
Sandra Strine
Advisory Board
Adrian Dowdell
Chanda Kinlaw
Claudia Mejias
Dr. Kisa L. Permenter
Diana Fernandez
Dominick Rizzatti
Bradley Stein
Board of Directors
Redgy Coucke
President
Redgy obtained his degree of Bio-Engineering from the University of Ghent in Belgium. He started his career in he pharmaceutical industry as a Bacteriological Lab Supervisor at the Belgian Manufacturing Plant of the Upjohn Company. After rising through the ranks as a manager in the Belgian facility, he was appointed as Plant Director for the newly acquired facility of the company in Madrid Spain, where he stayed for 10 years. Subsequently, he occupied Manufacturing Director positions at Upjohn’s headquarters in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Later in his career, he was appointed Vice President for the Americas and ultimately Vice President for European Manufacturing. After his retirement, he moved to the Mirasol Community in Palm Beach Gardens, where he served on the Board of Directors for four years. Time permitting, Redgy has always been an avid music lover and keen to play his favorite pieces on the piano. With Teamwork, he is Chairperson for the Instrumental Music program.
John S. Kapelewski
Vice President
John received his undergraduate degree from Saint Francis University and his graduate degree in business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his career as an administrator at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center and The Albert Einstein College of Medicine Hospital in New York City. John was active in the early development of the freestanding ambulatory surgery concept. After a consulting career in the ambulatory surgery field he and his wife Ginny founded Vision Corner Optical Corporation which they operated for 23 years. John retired after the business was sold to a strategic buyer.
Sue Chafin
Secretary
Sue received a public school education in Connecticut and Florida. She attended Palm Beach State College and is the retired owner of Chafin Musicenter, a 64 year old music business that provided a full suite of offerings ranging from band instruments and concert pianos to music lessons. She currently resides in Palm Beach County, Florida and gives her time volunteering in various community organizations. She is specifically focused on supporting causes that leverage the benefits of music and musical education to improve lives.
Harold Oertell
Treasurer
Harold graduated from Queens College, New York City, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting, and is a New York State Certified Public Accountant. He worked for a private accounting firm before becoming associated with Milberg Factors Inc., a New York City commercial factor, which assists apparel and textile companies with their cash flow needs and acquisitions. Harold has served as Partner, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Currently, he serves in a consulting capacity to Millberg. Harold has been a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education of Franklin Township, New Jersey, and the Treasurer and President of the Rutgers Preparatory School Board of Trustees. He was the Treasurer and President of the Board of Managers of the Horizon Apartment Building in New York City. Harold was a member of the American Management Association Mediation Board.
Kathleen Perry
Executive Director
Kathleen has over 40 years of experience in secondary education. Beginning as an English teacher and assistant principal, she served as a high school principal and district administrator in the School District of Palm Beach County. Kathleen is a graduate of the School District of Palm Beach County’s former Carver High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A.&M. University, Texas and Nova Southeastern University respectively. She has administered a U.S. Department of Education Small Learning Community grant and reviews U.S. Community Development Block Grant applications for the City of Boynton Beach. Kathleen also serves as a professional development consultant for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Center, a non-profit organization with an emphasis on student college and career readiness. She believes that when students have access to rigorous instruction, rigorous curriculum, and the arts, they experience improvement in their academic achievements.
Stephen Lawrence (Larry) Feit
Director
Larry received his A.B. in mathematics and economics and his M.B.A. in economics and investments from Boston University and later obtained a C.F.A. He spent over thirty years in the investment business, principally as health care analyst and then global pension fund manager at J.P, Morgan and other investment firms. In addition, Larry put together a team and created a private 100 bed psychiatric hospital and served as chairman and co-owner. Later , Larry joined the board of the Mental Health Assn (Westchester, NY) and utimately served as president.
Jon Joseph
Director
Jon spent most of his education in Kentucky. He went to medical school at the University of Kentucky and also did an internship there. During that time, he ran a program that employed high school students from Appalachia.
His residency was in Anesthesia at the University of Wisconsin. He spent ten days in Nicaragua working in a field hospital with Mosquito Indians. He settled to practice in Minneapolis for 37 years. During that time, he studied and earned his boards in pain medicine. He also spent time in Guatemala giving anesthesia at the Hospital de la Famili in Neuvo Progresso. He has spent the last 6 years as a mentor for Take Stock in Children.
Patti Lehrhoff
Director
Following the receipt of her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University, Patti worked in the area of adult rehabilitation. Following time to raise her six children, Patti returned to her profession, while at the same time earning a Master’s Degree in early childhood development from Montclair State University. Patti finished her professional career serving young children who experienced a wide variety of physical and emotional challenges. She is now retired residing in Palm Beach County Florida. Patti is currently involved as a volunteer, supporter and Board member of several local charitable organizations serving those who suffer from food insufficiencies and other socio-economic and educational needs.
Michele Lerer
Director
Michele Lerer received a public school education in Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University. After working in the banking and brokerage fields for several years, Michele became a full time mom. Volunteering for the public school system became a passion for her, both in the classroom and writing center, coordinating programs, and serving as PTO President . Since moving to Florida, Michele has volunteered for ten years as a reading tutor at Allamanda Elementary School. She also works with the West Palm Beach Jewish Federation’s Volunteer Center, as chairperson of their Literary Program which serves Palm Beach County elementary schools.
Andrea Peppers
Director
Andrea B.R. Peppers is a retired school district administrator from the School District of Palm Beach County. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova University. Andrea worked for thirty-six years in elementary, middle and high schools. She currently resides in Palm Beach County, Florida and gives of her time volunteering in various community organizations. She advocates for today’s learners who are destined to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Kenneth Stein
Founder and Director
Ken received a New Jersey public school education, following which he graduated from Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ken is a graduate of the American University Washington College of Law. Following a ten year career in the private practice of law in New Jersey, he entered the business world. Ken was the founder and President of his own company, Stein Hotel Corporation, involved in the ownership and management of various hotel facilities. Ken was Rutgers University chapter President of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity, and of the Wayne, New Jersey chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was also President of the Community Arts Center, Wallingford, Pennsylvania, and of the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, Loveladies, New Jersey. Following his retirement and the establishment of residency in Florida, Ken founded the TeamWork Education Foundation, as a way to give back to the public education system that provided him with many of the basic tools and values that enabled him to achieve his successes in life.
Sandra Strine
Founder and Director
Sandy received a public school education in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Randolph Macon Woman’s College and then taught 1st grade in public school in Pennsylvania on a Title 1 grant for disadvantaged kindergarteners who were going to be held back. (100% went on to second grade). Sandy later received a Masters of Family Therapy degree (MFT) from Hahneman Medical College and then a PhD from Walden University while pursuing a long career in individual, marriage and family therapy.
Advisory Board
Adrian Dowdell
Advisor
Adrian Dowdell is a single school culture coordinator serving the Glades Region of the School District of Palm Beach County. Prior to this assignment, he served as an instructional specialist in mathematics curriculum. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL), and a Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Nova Southeastern University (Fr. Lauderdale, FL). Adrian has been an educator since 2001 and has developed curriculum and assessments implemented statewide. Adrian’s goal is to “lead the development of a healthy respect for education.”
Chanda Kinlaw
Advisor
Chanda is principal of Northboro Elementary School. Chanda began her career with the School District in 1998. She has worked in various capacities on many levels within the district as a high school Math Teacher, Assistant Principal at a Middle School, Site Administrator at Elementary schools for summer school, and Team Leader. Serving in these positions has allowed Chanda to work with children with special needs, academic challenges, and mental as well as emotional scars. Chanda has received a Bachelor degree in Math Education from Florida A&M University, a Maters degree in Math from University of Central Florida, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. Education is very important to Chanda and her belief is that all students can learn given a positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration and enhances student’s confidence.
Claudia Mejias
Advisor
Claudia L. Mejias, Ed.S is a current school district administrator from the School District of Palm Beach County. She is currently an Advisory Board Member of Teamwork. Mrs. Mejias received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Education from Queens College City University of New York, Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in Mathematics and Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Claudia has worked for over 13 years as an elementary school teacher, mathematics instructional coach, instructional specialist, and district administrator. Claudia has also worked at Palm Beach State College transitioning and supporting Hispanic educators. She currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
Diana Fernandez
Advisor
Diana Fernandez is an Instructional Support Team Leader for the Central Region of the Palm Beach County School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Florida International University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Scranton. She started her career in Miami Dade County Public Schools as an Exceptional Education teacher where she taught at elementary, middle, and high school levels. Mrs. Fernandez has served Palm Beach County schools for the past 10 years in various capacities to include School Based Team Leader, TOSA, Assistant Principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and currently holds the position of Instructional Team Leader for Central Region schools.
She believes in developing positive relationships with the community and supporting students, teachers, and staff so that they can reach their greatest potential. She believes that a positive school to home partnership is what allows PBCSD to provide an extraordinary school experience for ALL students.
Dr. Kisa L. Permenter
Advisor
Kisa L. Permenter, Ed.D. serves as assistant principal of Village Academy. Prior to this assignment, she served the School District of Palm Beach County as the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program Planner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL), a Master’s of Science in Guidance & Counseling and Doctor of Education degree from Saint Thomas University in Educational Leadership (all levels). Kisa has ben an educator for 17 years and is an active member of the State of Florida’s AdvancED SACS CASI accreditation review team. Kisa is an AVID National Staff Developer for AVID Center (San Diego, CA). On a daily basis, Kisa aspires to serve students, teachers and administrators with her experience and expertise.
Dominick Rizzatti
Advisor
Dominick is an Instructional Support Team Leader for the South Region of the Palm Beach County School District. Dominick began his career with the School District in 1998. He has worked in various capacities within the district to include: ESE Teacher, Assistant Principal at both middle and high school levels and currently holds the position of an Instructional Team Leader. Dominick sees his role as a servant to the students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders of communities he supports. Dominick received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Long Island University. In addition, he earned a Master Degree in Educational Leadership and Master Degree in Varying Exceptionalities, both from Lynn University. Dominick has a strong belief in a growth mindset. He believes that building and creating a culture of support is crucial in the development of the students’ academic success.
Bradley Stein
Technology Advisor
Bradley is currently a senior manager at Pfizer with over 30 years of experience in digital technology. He received his undergraduate degree in Information and Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and is a graduate of the Regional Leadership Forum (RLF) program. A believer in the Art of the Possible, he brings a unique insight to advancing quality of life through technology. Bradley is passionate about mentoring young professionals and advocating for the advancement of their careers. He is proud to serve as the Chair of the Information Technology Committee at TeamWork.