Our Team
We’re passionate about creating positive change.
MacKenzie Grayson, MAT, EdS
Interim Executive Director
MacKenzie has extensive experience in education and she is passionate about the well-being and growth of children and families. Prior to joining The Alliance, she was the Manager of Programmatic Services at the Parents as Teachers National Center. MacKenzie served families as a PAT parent educator in the Normandy School District, and has served in many capacities in her academic career (both in and outside of the classroom). MacKenzie has a Masters of Education Administration and a Masters of Arts in Teaching, both from Lindenwood University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies from Illinois State University. MacKenzie is involved in her community through the work she does in her sorority (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and other community organizations, and she is currently a board member at Flance Early Learning Center and the Delta Child Development Center in East St. Louis, IL. She is the proud mother of Braylon, Miya, and Blythe Grayson and the wonderful wife of Beronte’ Grayson.
LaDonna Ellis
Director of Capacity Building Projects
A native of St. Louis, LaDonna has served in the field of early childhood for over 25 years as a teacher, director, college instructor, home visitor, coach, trainer, and grant program manager. After high school, she attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she obtained a Bachelor's and Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies. It was there at Mizzou's Child Development lab where she fell in love with the early childhood setting. LaDonna describes herself as a preschool teacher at heart who thrives to support and encourage professionals toward excellence and resilience. She is grateful to join The Alliance team leading their capacity-building projects. LaDonna’s greatest accomplishment and joy is being a mother and raising her young adult son who family and friends call JJ.
Our Steering Committee
The Alliance’s Steering Committee reflects the larger ECE provider field and elevates those who have been historically left out of the decision-making process. Each member represents a different piece of the complex early childhood system and brings their unique perspectives, priorities, and ideas to the process.
BOARD PRESIDENT
Rose Anderson-Rice, MPA
Deputy Director, Generate Health
For 26 years, Rose has worked in multiple nonprofit organizations in the greater St. Louis community to guide, develop, and facilitate programs that enrich education for children in the St. Louis area through community partnerships.
BOARD TREASURER
Elizabeth George, MBA, MSW
Director of Community Investment, St. Louis Community Foundation
Elizabeth George joined the St. Louis Community Foundation in 2018 with over 20 years of strategic planning, organizational assessment, facilitation, and board development experience in the philanthropic sector.
BOARD SECRETARY
Ellicia Lanier
Founder & Executive Director, Urban Sprouts Child Development Center
Ellicia is the founding Executive Director of Urban Sprouts, a diverse Reggio Emilia school focusing on early childhood education. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Lanier is passionate about her work and committed to realizing her vision of social justice through early childhood education.
Albert Sanders, Ed.D
Pre-K Teacher, St. Louis Public Schools
Albert has been a teacher for 21 years, 17 of which have been in Pre-K in St. Louis Public Schools. In 2018, he was the Adelaide M. Schlafly Early Childhood Educator of the Year as well as the overall St. Louis Public School District teacher of the year. Albert was also named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year in 2018.
Dr. Julia R. Wilkins
Kohrmann Ed.D
St. Joseph's Academy, Director of Diversity, Culture and Climate
Julia is an educator whose career has been dedicated to ensuring students around the world have access to high quality education. Her passion for learning stems from a family legacy of educators, especially in the St. Louis region.
Julie McAfee, BA
Childcare Director, Hilltop Child and Family Development Center
Julie has been in the early childhood industry for 20 years and a childcare Director for 13 years. She is grateful to be a part of this wonderful Gateway Early Childhood Alliance because she knows we have the chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities!
Samantha March, Ed.D
Associate Partner, The Opportunity Trust
Samantha is an Early Childhood Education Enthusiast born and raised in the City of St. Louis. She has thoroughly enjoyed working in urban education for over 15 years, specializing in learning through play with an emphasis on literacy, and strives daily to make an intentional impact through limitless learning by connecting communities.
John Scates
CEO/Founder of A Generation Chosen Pre-School
John is a child advocate and loves to educate families and share resources that they can use to empower themselves and the community around them. Working with Gateway Early Childhood Alliance helps him to champion high quality education no matter a child’s race or economic situation.
Jacquelyn Randle, BA
Founder & Lead Editor, C&E Reflections Inc.
Jacquelyn Randle has 17 years of experience in the Early Education field holding a BA in Early Education and MO Directors Certification. Jacquelyn has been a parent advocate for early education with several advocacy groups in the St. Louis region and provides views from both the parent and educator standpoint.
Adesha Armstrong
Owner and Director, Early Adventures Education Services
As a mother and Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years, Adesha believes the foundation of learning must include the total development of a child. A healthy child is a thriving child. She is dedicating her power to ensure every child and family has access to quality early learning experiences, regardless of what they look like or where they live.
