Meet the PLA University Team

Vice President - PLA University 

   James has been with PLA since May of 2021 and oversees the day-to-day operations of PLA University. James has been in the education industry for over twenty-five years and has worked for multiple educational institutions as a Director of Career Services, Director of Admissions, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Career Services and School President. James is also the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a non-for-profit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education and prevention services. James holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in management.  

Regional Executive Director - Fort Worth, TX

Tammy has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and workforce development, having served as the Executive Dean at a local community college where she oversaw 15 career and technical education programs, including short-term industry-based certifications. Combined with her experience as Deputy Director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, she has been instrumental in collaborating with employers, higher education institutions, economic development corporations, and other organizations to upskill and reskill the workforce. Tammy has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Economics and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Pathway Coordinator - Fort Worth, TX

LaMonica joined the PLA University team in December of 2021.  LaMonica has over twenty years of experience serving Tarrant County residents.She has held multiple roles in her eighteen years at John Peter Smith Hospital and most recently was the Interim Deputy Director at Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County. She is passionate about helping students obtain their career goals and aspirations. LaMonica is a native of Paris Texas, but has now relocated to Fort Worth, Texas.

Workforce Development Manager - PLA University Virtual

Timea joined the PLA University team in February of 2022. Timea earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and has over 10 years of experience working with students and job seekers.  Timea has worked as an Associate Director at a Community College assisting students along their career pathway.  She has also held many roles within the Department of Workforce Development that include recruitment specialist, education and training case manager, and lead career coach. Timea is dedicated and committed to meet an individual where they and  determined to help them fulfill their true potential.  Timea is a native of Indiana and lives just outside Indianapolis.

Executive Director - Kansas City

Macenzie attended the University of Central Missouri where she earned a B.A. Degree in

Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Military Science. Macenzie went

on to receive her MBA from Park University in Parkville, MO. She has worked in the

nonprofit educational sector for 5+ years. She has worked both in the K-12 area as well

as in higher education serving as an academic advisor, Program Director and Executive

Director. In her most recent role as Director, she oversaw programming and operations

for a residential college prep program. Macenzie worked closely with education and

community partners, students from diverse backgrounds, families, and donors to meet

the needs of the program and the students they served. She believes strongly that you

have to meet students where they are and that requires us to look at the whole-person.

Her passion and strength as a leader in education is to help address those needs of the

whole-person so that they can find success in themselves as students, in and outside of

the classroom.

Administrative Coordinator - PLA University

Derria joined the PLA University team in October 2022 and has extensive administrative support experience in the corporate and non-profit industries. In prior roles, she was responsible for updating company procedures and coordinating resources to ensure efficiency in workflow. She values continuous learning and providing personable and resourceful support to ensure projects run smoothly. Derria holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration. In her role, Derria supports all of our PLA University teams.

Workshop Facilitator - Indianapolis, IN

Alex has 20+ years adult education experience in the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. He holds a master's degree in adult education and is passionate about education as a path to independence, advancement, and wealth. Originally from New York City, Alex is a lifelong learner residing in Fishers, IN and is currently working on a doctoral degree in education with a concentration in adult and community education. 

Executive Director  - Indianapolis, IN

Kristi joined the PLA University team in April 2023 as an Executive Director overseeing the Indiana program.  She graduated from Taylor University with a Master's in Business Marketing and is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from Indiana University.   She is a purpose-driven business enthusiast with 15+ years in executive leadership focused on marketing strategy and business development.  In the previous five years before joining our team, she pivoted her focus toward teaching GED & Adult Education courses for organizations such as REDi and the Launch Hope Foundation. 

Workforce Development Coordinator - Kansas City 

Kyndal joined the PLA team in February 2023. She attended Baker University where she received a BA in Psychology with a minor in Conflict Management. She has over 5 years of experience in Social Services ranging from adoption to mental health. Kyndall has a known passion of providing resources and assisting underserved communities. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Organizational Development from Avila University.

Workforce Development Coordinator - Kansas City 

Morghan Borders joined the PLA team in March of 2023. After graduating high school, Morghan joined the United States Army Reserves, while attending the University of Central Missouri, where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc; and went on to receive her BS in Public Relations. Morghan began her career in Senior Living as a Marketing Coordinator, and finished as the Director of Sales & Marketing, before transitioning into Secondary education, as an Academic Coach.

With a passion for helping others, and a fearless advocate for "staying in pursuit of your purpose", Morghan is excited to be a part of the PLA University team, and help others like herself, go after what they want! No dream is too big if you have the right support.

Workforce Development Coordinator - Kansas City 

Jade joined the PLA University team in April 2023 as a Workforce Development Coordinator and has been in the nonprofit sector for the last three years. She graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S Degree in Business Marketing and a Certificate in Sales from the National Strategic Selling Institute. She has a passion for serving and helping others connect with their purpose. Most recently she spent time working with at-risk youth in a K-12 setting developing employability skills and helping them prepare for their futures. She has extensive knowledge in program development, strategic partnerships and community engagement. Jade also has a background as a Certified Holistic Health Coach and believes there is no “one-size fits all” to learning and addressing the whole needs of an individual. Jade’s life and career experiences have not reflected a traditional path and it’s her hope to encourage students to use their experiences, skills and passions to pursue and obtain the life they are capable of leading.