Meet the PLA University Team

National Executive Director - 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 - 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 - 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 - Indianapolis, IN

Ashley graduated from Indiana University Southeast with her B.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She resided in Louisville, Kentucky for several years after college, where she spent two years with CASA of Floyd County, serving as a court appointed special advocate for children in the system. She also worked as a project coordinator during this time, at a small woman and minority owned project management firm in downtown Louisville. In 2017, Ashley moved back to her hometown of Noblesville and worked as an outreach coordinator with NPCA, a non-profit precast concrete trade association. Ashley began working for Phalen Leadership Academies as PLA University’s Pathways Coordinator in September of 2021, and currently resides on the near east side of Indianapolis with her wife and daughter.

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.

Pathway Coordinator - 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.

Workforce Development Coordinator - PLA University, Texas

William graduated from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) with his B.S. in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. He is currently in pursuit of his master's in social work. While working for Provident Behavioral Health as a trainer and mentor for incoming Crisis Workers, he received his ASIST certification. During his time with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, William worked as a Family Service Worker for the Head Start program and later as a Workforce Development Specialist for the Save Our Sons program. In 2022 William moved to Arlington, TX, and began his career with PLA University in May of 2022.