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Our Staff

Kyle Finke

Executive Director & CEO
Leading LRCE since 2017, Kyle focuses our efforts on meeting Louisiana student needs through high-performing teacher training and support programs. Kyle comes to this work as a career changer - from the jewelry industry to middle-school science teacher through a series of increasingly complex roles training new teachers - and brings that understanding into LRCE’s work as the leading alternative certification program in Louisiana. Kyle serves as a member Dean in the national group Deans for Impact, which focuses on improving teacher preparation, and as a founding board member and chairperson of Rooted Schools. Rooted is a national network of charter high schools devoted to helping students graduate with skills certification in high-growth, high-wage technical industries. An avid builder and problem-solver, Kyle enjoys working on complex issues that have no clear solution here in the Deep South.

Christopher Joyce

Senior Director of Program
Christopher has served as an elementary teacher, master teacher, curriculum writer for the Louisiana Department of Education, principal, and school leader coach. In these various roles, Chris has seen how the classroom teacher is the single greatest determinant of student learning in a classroom. He has focused his career on improving teacher quality to support all students across Louisiana. Currently, Chris leads the Teach! Program team responsible for our teacher training and coaching focused on curriculum and pedagogy deeply rooted in Learning Science. Chris holds his Bachelor’s Degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, LA.

Helane Chevis

Director of Enrollment & Partnerships
Helane is an experienced educator with twenty-one years of experience in Louisiana schools. Driven by a passion to improve educational outcomes for students, she takes pride in ensuring all students have access to champion teachers and quality instruction. She has accomplished this through her roles as a classroom teacher, master teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Her accomplishments include serving as school and district Teacher of the Year. Helane was also honored by the New Orleans Saints as Teacher of the Week. Currently, Helane builds and maintains relationships with LRCE partners and assists prospective practitioner candidates with the enrollment process. Helane earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern University at New Orleans as well as a master’s and +30 in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. In her free time, Helane enjoys volunteering, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and son.

Addie Kelley

Director of Training & Instruction
Addie taught in Louisiana schools for ten years before transitioning to the educational nonprofit world. In her time in the classroom, Addie worked as a Teacher Leader for her district, as a Teacher Leader Advisor for Louisiana’s Department of Education, and as a curriculum writer for the Louisiana ELA Guidebooks. Addie’s nonprofit work includes designing, developing, and delivering scientifically grounded teacher professional learning, supporting school and district leaders to adopt and implement high-quality curriculum, and coaching teachers and instructional coaches to plan and teach lessons that include best-practice instructional strategies. In August 2021 Addie graduated from Baylor University with an Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change. She also published a chapter on improving teacher professional learning through inquiry cycles in a book entitled Supporting Early Career Teachers With Research-Based Practices. Addie’s passion for developing champion teachers to serve Louisiana kids led her to LRCE where she supports coaches and practitioners as they develop their pedagogical content knowledge toward teacher certification. In her free time, Addie can be found running carpool to ballet, Girl Scouts, swim practice, art lessons, et al. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and crafting.

Veronica Stanek

Receptionist
Veronica, also known as Ms. V, is LRCE’s longest-serving employee. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in French and English Education, Veronica had careers as a middle/high school teacher, and information technology manager for the state of Louisiana. She has been with LRCE for 20+ years, and she still enjoys being the receptionist and being a part of the LRCE team. When Veronica is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family.

Board of Directors

Chloe Wiley

Chair
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Louisiana Foundation

Jimmy Sylvester

Treasurer
Turner Industries

Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge

Secretary
New Schools for Baton Rouge

Kyle Finke

Executive Director & Ceo
Louisiana Resource Center For Educators

Toby Guidry

Baton Rouge Coca-cola

Tiffany Whitehead

Episcopal School Of Baton Rouge

Courtney Richardson

Southern University Law Center, Office of Academic Support and Bar Prep

Jason Chauvin

St. Michael the Archangel School

Shawn Vance

Southern University Law Center

Devin Zito

Assurance Financial

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