Our Team
We recruit culturally diverse staff that reflect our student population and the community.
Staff & Teachers
Administrative Staff
Jan Baker
Executive Director
Jan Baker
Sr. Director, Education Strategies & Initiatives
Jan Baker is the Executive Director of Learning Together and has been a committed leader within the organization since 2008. With deep experience in early childhood education, organizational strategy, and family advocacy, Jan leads with purpose, compassion, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.
At Learning Together, Jan leads from a place of deep purpose and personal connection to the mission. She doesn’t just believe in inclusive early childhood education—she lives it every day. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that when we center children and families, especially those who are often overlooked, we can create real, lasting change in our communities.
As Executive Director, Jan provides overall leadership for the organization, guiding its vision, strategy, and daily operations to ensure strong program delivery and long-term sustainability. She is responsible for aligning mission-driven goals with responsive, inclusive practices that meet the evolving needs of children, families, and staff.
With a focus on equity, impact, and collaboration, Jan works to strengthen internal capacity, build strong external relationships, and lead Learning Together in delivering high-quality, inclusive services that reflect the values and voices of the community.
School Leadership Team
Sharhonda Blue
Director of Special Education
Sharhonda Blue
Director of Special Education
Sharhonda Blue serves as Learning Together's Director of Special Education, bringing more than 20 years of experience in teaching and counseling children with diverse needs and abilities. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Sharhonda holds a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University. Her extensive experience working with children and families has shaped her collaborative, student-centered approach to special education.
As Director of Special Education, Sharhonda provides leadership in developing inclusive practices, supporting educators, and partnering with families to ensure students receive the individualized services they need to thrive. Her compassionate leadership, dedication to advocacy, and commitment to excellence help foster a culture where all learners can reach their full potential.
Ciera Baker
Director of School Operations
Ciera Baker
Director of School Operations
Ciera Baker serves as Learning Together's Director of School Operations, bringing nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education. Since beginning her career in 2006, she has worked with children across all age groups and has built a strong foundation in teaching, curriculum development, staff support, and family engagement.
Ciera earned her bachelor’s degree in child development and Family Studies from North Carolina A&T State University. After serving as a pre-K teacher through 2021, she transitioned into leadership roles as an Education Specialist and Program Administrator, where she supported instructional excellence, mentored educators, and strengthened partnerships with families.
As a proud mother of two, Ciera understands the importance of trust, communication, and collaboration in a child's early learning experience. In her role as Director of School Operations, she combines her classroom expertise with strong organizational leadership to ensure Learning Together provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children, families, and staff can thrive.
Classroom Teaching Staff
Rosa Velez
Lead Teacher (ITFS)
Diamond Lucas
Co-Teacher
Dymone (Starr) Mickell
Lead Teacher
Khaoula Amrhar
Co-Teacher
Jackie Cooper
Co-Teacher
Senora Price
Co-Teacher
Jill Mitchell
Co-Teacher
Tanisha Murray
Co-Teacher
Alyssa Swindell
Co-Teacher
Joanne Bridges
Co-Teacher
Serena Mitchell
Co-Teacher
John Baker
Food Service
Board of Directors
Randi Ligon
President
Director, Product & Channel Marketing, Apex Tool Group
Joe Howison
Treasurer
Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Apex Tool Group
Nicole Walsh
Secretary
Senior Legal Counsel,
Kempower Inc.
Priscilla Awkard
VP, Retail, Digital Sales and Member Assistance, Coastal Credit Union
Mary Briley
Controller & Director of Employee Relations, RallyUp.com
Alex Carter
Director of Sales & Operations, North Carolina, Scientific Games
Honoring Decades of Dedication
Thirty Years or More
Nell Barnes
1983 - 2016
Debra Halley
1986 - 2016
Cleo Barnes
1984 - 2021
Twenty Years or More
Felecia Dawson
1998 - Present
Tanisha Murray
2002 - Present
Rosa Velez
2001 - Present
Do You Want to Learn More About Our Inclusive Approach?
Learn more about how our work impacts children and families and contributes to a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society.