We are an elite team of professionals
Who provide a wealth of knowledge, a diverse group of skillsets, that provide our clients with legendary customer service.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ashlee Wright
Ashlee is the CEO of WOT Inc., an educational services company with offices in Miami and Lakeland, FL. In 2011, Ashlee founded a charter school system, which has provided a progressive and nurturing educational experience to thousands of students in Central Florida who were once unsuccessful in the traditional public-school model and are now thriving, graduating from high school and pursuing post-graduate opportunities. That system currently serves more than 1000 students on three campuses throughout Florida. Ashlee established herself as an education professional by being an exceptional teacher for three years and simultaneously starting a tutoring company that became the largest of its kind in Central Florida. She ultimately climbed the career ladder to become a principal at 25. Due to her keen business acumen, optimal management strategy, and philanthropic endeavors, she was recognized by the U.S. Congress and admitted to the National Library of Congress.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Bryant Cohen
Bryant currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of WOT Educational Services. In this capacity, Mr. Cohen leads WOT’s financial operations, strategic business growth and development, facilities and operations, financial planning and analysis, and accounting. Before joining WOT, Bryant served as a consultant at B&C International, the country’s oldest minority-owned global business management consulting firm. In this role, Bryant assisted clients in navigating the financial ramifications of growth and change by providing analysis and a sound strategic approach to solving their problems. He also has a background in private equity, investing in startup and growth-oriented businesses with significant value creation potential by providing capital, improving operations, and supporting organic and strategic growth initiatives. Bryant Cohen holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Winston-Salem State University, with advanced courses in Corporate Finance from Harvard University.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Maria Alou
Maria currently serves as the Chief of Staff for WOT. She is a highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience in the education industry. Her impressive background includes roles in program development, curriculum management, database administration, assessment and accountability, guidance, instruction, and student affairs, college admissions and recruitment. Her background and expertise have led her to work as a consultant for several educational institutions and non-profit organizations in the United States and abroad, making her well-versed in different cultural contexts. Her ability to view issues from varied lenses allows her to offer insightful and customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of each organization. Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and International Business from Eckerd College.
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER
Carolyn Bridges
Carolyn served as the Polk County Schools Senior Director for Acceleration and Innovation for 20 years. In that role she oversaw the implementation of 11 new or revised magnet schools for a total of 18 schools, as well as an increase in charter schools from 4 to 27. Previously she served as an assistant principal at McKeel Academy, a failing traditional public school which became an A graded conversion charter school under her leadership. She has written, received and served as project director for over 50 million dollars in grant funds over the last 15 years. She has worked with FADDS (Florida Association of District School Superintendents) in multiple school districts with charter school challenges. She has also served as a charter consultant to the State of Washington, SUNY (State Universities of New York), Atlanta Public Schools, New Orleans and Baton Rouge School Districts, and the Georgia State Charter Commission.
SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR
Kayla Grimsley
Kayla manages and maintains the technological infrastructure of the organization. She oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive database systems that streamline administrative tasks and improve student data management. Prior to joining WOT, Kayla worked in human resources, risk management, benefits, and information services for Polk County Schools.. She brings this combined knowledge to her current role, which allows her to see the bigger picture when it comes to technological solutions. Kayla holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration from Polk State College.
DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM
Mijana Lockard, Ed.D
Dr. Mijana Lockard is an Assistant Education Professor at Florida Southern College. Dr. Lockard has extensive experience in curriculum development and implementation, teaching, professional development design, grant writing and implementation, and innovative technology approaches. In her 30-year career, she has developed and implemented integrated STEM, STEAM, and International Baccalaureate units and curricula. Her curricular expertise includes technology integration, curriculum development, Fabrication lab curriculum, and support for teachers and resource teachers implementing programs. Dr. Lockard served as a member of the NSTA steering committee for the NSTA STEM K- 12 Expo, was a chair position with NSTA's Technology Integration Committee, and was a part of the event committee for the Learning Forward. She has extensive experience setting up and conducting professional development and mentoring site-based resource personnel.
Our team
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