Our Mission

KRISTA JOHNSON

Executive Director + Founder

Dr. Krista L. Johnson has spent the past decade bridging her experience in theory and research to the clinical world of dyslexia remediation. She currently serves as the Executive Director of ALLMemphis, where she is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of ALLMemphis. Prior to this position, Johnson was the Director at the Erika Center at Bodine School where she served students in both independent and public-school settings through individual reading remediation or teacher mentorship. Johnson received her doctorate from Northwestern University in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in auditory neuroscience. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in Audiology and Hearing Science, a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, and has completed a certificate in cognitive science. She is also an Associate Level member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the International Dyslexia Association, and is a Certified Master Trainer in the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham Approach.

KRISTI BAKER

Director of Curriculum + Instruction

Dr. Kristi Baker is an experienced educator whose career has focused on improving academic and behavioral outcomes for all students, especially those from vulnerable populations. Kristi earned her PhD in Education from Southern Methodist University while also earning a Master’s in Special Education. Her doctoral research focused on literacy development and academic and behavioral interventions that address the over-classification of minority students in special education. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Kristi was the Special Education Coordinator for an urban charter district in Dallas, TX. In her role, she coached teachers and worked to implement systems around special education, 504, and RTI to ensure that all schools within the district had the resources needed to serve their growing populations of students with disabilities. Additionally, she has taught a broad spectrum of students from a variety of backgrounds in elementary through high school. She is excited to join the ALLMemphis team and is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction.

HALEY MATHEWS

External Relations Manager

Haley serves as the External Relations Manager at ALLMemphis, where she coordinates partnerships, supports sustainability efforts, manages internal projects, and advocates for equitable funding for education. Haley moved to Memphis in 2016 to join Teach for America. She taught third grade reading and language arts for four years in North Memphis, Hickory Hill, and Raleigh. As a teacher, Haley saw the glaring need for a literacy curriculum that equips growing readers with critical skills and strategies through direct instruction. Beyond the classroom, Haley has worked as a policy intern for the Committee on the Judiciary in the U.S. House of Representatives and as an Urban Leaders Fellow for former Dallas ISD school board member Miguel Solis. Most recently, she completed an Impact Fellowship with Education Pioneers. She holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University in Political Science. Haley is passionate about ensuring educational equity for students from historically marginalized backgrounds, and she sees ALLMemphis as a vital part of that endeavor.

LULU ABDUN

Data + Technology Specialist

Working at the intersection of technology and social change, Lulu is dedicated to finding data-driven solutions to improve education and our world. As the Data and Technology Specialist at ALLMemphis, Lulu oversees ALLMemphis’ evaluation framework and process. She drives continuous improvement with a focus on the use of technology to enhance, streamline, and innovate new ways of supporting ALLMemphis’ core programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (OH). Additionally, she has taught robotics and mobile app development in Shelby County Schools as well as created and managed several websites for nonprofits and other entities. She is an alumnus of the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship and graduate of Tech901 and LaunchCode. Committed to educational equity, Lulu is proud to be a part of a team that is grounded in research and focused on building a fully literate community.

HILLARIE HENDERSON-PETTIETTE

Program Specialist Manager

After recognizing her passion for early literacy and instruction during her years as a teacher and school administrator, Hillarie joined the ALLMemphis team as a Program Specialist Manager. Hillarie moved to Memphis in 2015 to join the Memphis Teacher Residency program and earned a Masters of Urban Education from Union University. Additionally, Hillarie earned her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Prior to this position, Hillarie both taught and coached the ALLMemphis curriculum, which has allowed her to gracefully step into her role where she is supporting teacher development through data-informed and research-based strategies in an effort to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students. Hillarie seeks to support schools and teachers through relationship building, regular coaching, and data analysis that promotes best practices.

Deidra Hawkins

Program Specialist

Deidra’s dedication to educating youth, building relationships, and closing achievement gaps are evident in her role as a Program Specialist. Deidra is a 2016 TFA Corps Member and taught Special Education with the Shelby County Schools District. She enjoys working with students and giving them access to the educational tools needed to build upon their foundation for academic success. Having a heart for the youth, Deidra is very active in her local community working with organizations to provide them with experiences and exposure. In her spare time, you can find Deidra planning events for young ladies throughout the city of Memphis, helping them to realize they are born to be MADE. With these events, Deidra’s goal is to provide youth with captured memories that may not ever be reproduced but generate a new perspective on life. Deidra has her Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Digital Media Management.

Elizabeth Collins

Program Specialist

Elizabeth moved to Memphis in 2011 to attend Rhodes College. While at Rhodes, Elizabeth volunteered and tutored in local schools and developed a passion for equitable education in Memphis. Elizabeth earned her B.A. in psychology in 2015. Following her time at Rhodes, Elizabeth joined the Memphis Teacher Residency and earned a Masters of Urban Education from Union University. In addition to her M.UEd., Elizabeth also has her Ed.S in Reading from Arkansas State University. Prior to joining ALLMemphis, Elizabeth taught kindergarten for five years in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis.

Ravynn Hughes

Program Specialist

Ravynn Hughes’s educational philosophy is that all children can and will learn when equipped with the proper tools for success. She believes in providing equitable educational opportunities in an effort to educate the whole child. Ravynn has over 11 years of classroom experience as a special education teacher, lead teacher, and mentor. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education (K-12) from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master’s of Education degree in Special Education (K-6) from the University of West Alabama, and an Education Specialist degree in Special Education Leadership from Walden University. Ravynn previously taught the ALLMemphis curriculum before joining the ALLMemphis team as a Program Specialist. She was able to see firsthand how the curriculum provided a powerful impact on students who struggled with foundational literacy skills. She has a deep passion for supporting students and teachers and is an advocate at heart. As a Program Specialist, Ravynn aspires to cultivate learning and growth amongst teachers to promote positive student outcomes in the area of literacy across the city of Memphis.