Lorena Grizzle is a 14-year teacher with Pinellas County Schools. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Fine Arts, and had a career in art, banking and sales before returning to teaching. She earned a Masters degree in Exceptional Student Education in 2011 and a Master’s in Reading Education in 2012 from USF St. Petersburg. Hobbies include art, cartooning and swimming. She lives with her son in Largo, FL.

Patrick is the President of Mazza Insurance & Financial Services. He brings over 22 years of experience in insurance and risk management to the board. Patrick is a husband, a father, and a long time resident of Florida. He is invested in making sure that Florida youth have access to quality educational programs. He happily volunteers his time to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Howard is a proven problem solver with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He has worked as an engineer, a management consultant in planning, an investment banker, and a compliance officer. Although retired, he continues to volunteer as a Score Mentor in Pinellas County and his background in both fundraising and finance make him a valued addition to the team. He brings an MIT education and over 55 years of practical experience to the board.

Tina represents developers and small and medium-sized businesses as outside corporate and real estate counsel. She also represents landlords and tenants in commercial lease transactions and provide assistance to clients with land acquisition and disposition, due diligence, environmental permitting, and negotiation of land use approvals, master development agreements, interlocal agreements and public/private partnership agreements. Tina is dedicated to her community as active board member and supporter.

Cailey Klasson is a youth services librarian in the City of Gulfport. She is also an active board member of the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund supporting PR, Social Media, and Community Outreach for non-profit women’s health fund serving the Tampa Bay area. She has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. She is a certified FTCE Educational Media Specialist for PK-12.

Board Member

David is the founder of Local Moguls and graduate of the University of Kentucky. He is a marketing maverick and digital communications developer who loves helping businesses in his local area grow and thrive. David lives in Lexington, KY with his partner of 10 years, his son, Owen, and his two bulldogs. 

Advisory Board Mentor

Marisa attended Hollins College where she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and French. She spent four years in service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa studying rural community development. After returning to the States, she founded Campbell Concierge Services. She continuously pursues her love of learning through travel and has visited over 50 countries to date! Marisa is thrilled to support an organization where she can share her knowledge and talents with young learners. She lives in Lexington, KY with her husband, Kenneth Campbell, and their 3 dogs.

Board Member

Charla is a former educator and current director of Faith Lutheran Childcare. She graduated with her Master’s in Early Education, and she is a native of Lexington, KY. Charla is committed to helping all children in her local community believe and do good, learn and grow, and become inspired to make the world a better place. She is a valued member of our team!

Ms. Veal is a third-generation educator, former counselor, and founding director of BLI Learning Labs. She obtained her Ed.S from Georgia State University and has twenty-five years of experience in healthcare and education. She is responsible for creating dynamic academic programs, developing relevant, creative, engaging educational products, and strategically collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality, inspiring education.

Whether teaching in a Title 1 school or an IB school, Leah sets high expectations for learners and always encourages children to give their best in everything that they do.

Jacob W. Merrett is a lifelong learner, dedicated educator, and seasoned musician. He joined the BLI team as program manager/AP to use his passion for education to help the youth in our city learn and thrive. In addition to his role with BLI, he is the organist and choirmaster at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and was the Performing Arts Department Chair for over a decade at Lakewood High School in south St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Merrett earned the BME from Florida State University, along with certificates in Piano Pedagogy and Sacred Music. He also earned the M.Ed. from USF St. Petersburg. He enjoys biking, kayaking, playing video games with his wife, chasing trains with his son, making faces at his daughters, and lazing about with his dogs.

Ms. Lee obtained her degree from State University of New York, and she is fluent in both English and Korean. She has 7 years of experience teaching youth and holds a valid Florida teaching certificate. Nayoung plays several instruments, including the guitar, and creates innovative STEAM projects for our learners every day. Learners and staff love working with Ms. Lee!

Mr. Seligman is a new intern with our program, and he is passionate about reading and learning. He chose our organization because he believes in our mission and is eager to help young learners find the joy in learning. Mr S. enjoys instructing learners of all ages and when youth are working him, they are always engaged! Our staff is thrilled to add another avid reader to our team!

Ms. Barrett is an experienced Montessori teacher with a background in sales and marketing. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and is committed to driving our mission forward in the Lexington area and beyond. We are thrilled to have her on our team!

Mr. Barone is a graduate of City University in New York and holds a B.S. in science and an A.S. in physical education. He has over 15 years of experience teaching middle school students and excels at motivating students to challenge themselves in the classroom. He loves math and science and always shares his passion for "learning through doing" with his students. Our BLI family of learners love doing cool science experiments with Mr. B! When not teaching, Vince enjoys hiking and spending time at the beach.