STAFF
Learn more about our full-time and part-time staff members who are behind the scenes to bring our members the best networking, professional development, and research-based practices to their classrooms and learning centers.
Cynthia DiCarlo, PhD
Executive Director
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
Gracyn Austin
Professional Development and Community Engagement Coordinator
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
Alexa Young
Product Manager
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
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Robert Rose
Product Designer
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
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Kevin Nye
Customer Support Lead
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
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Lisa Driver
HR Lead
I am a Texas native but proudly embrace my new Louisiana home. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Journalism. Upon graduation, I accepted a Communications Internship with the United States Congress. While interning, I obtained my alternative teaching certificate and started the Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning program through Clemson University. I have five years of elementary education and curriculum writing experience. I am passionate about providing meaningful, positive experiences and resources to educators across Louisiana.
My husband and I have one son and we like to spend our time outdoors with our two dogs! I plan on continuing my education through LSU's Strategic Communications certificate program and eventually get my PhD.
Staff
ABOUT US
OUR
TEAM
Our team is built of a great group of professionals working toward a common goal to grow LAAEYC.
Executive Director
Gracyn Austin
Coordinator
Melanie Sandahl
Graduate Assistant
Elena Whatley
LSU Freshman President's Aid