Meet our wonderful board members
Yolanda Brannon
Executive Director
Jennifer Sellars
Secretary
Donna Morton
Treasurer
Yolanda Lalane has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 15 years. Yolanda began her rewarding career as a preschool teacher to go on to work as a center director, disabilities coordinator, school readiness manager and program director.
She has her Bachelors of Science degree in Human Environmental Studies and a Masters of Art degree in Education – Curriculum and Instruction and a minor in Inclusive Classroom.
Yolanda has a personal and professional passion in advocating for children with special needs. Having a daughter with autism, she knows firsthand about the challenges for exceptional children and their families in childcare. AAGL was birthed from many experiences in supporting classroom teachers who often were overwhelmed or hesitant in being able to meet the needs of children with developmental and learning delays.
Above All Greater Learning, Inc. partners with organizations in helping them to serve children with special needs. While we can provide the support needed to teach all children, we especially delight in helping those who work with children with disabilities. We know that inclusion is one of the most effective ways to support all children, but especially our exceptional learners. Early intervention also often helps to lessen the effects of the disability or delay. Leading educational programs should have intentional systems to help them to identify and to meet the developmental needs of their students.
Jenny is a HealthySteps Program Supervisor with Children’s Home Society of NC.
After graduating with her master’s in special education Jenny started her career as an elementary school teacher for children with special needs. A few years later she then began her longstanding career with Head Start and Early Head Start as the Director of Disability and Mental Health Services. It was with Head Start that she quickly found her true passion working with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children and their families. She provided support and training to early childhood teachers as well as working closely with families to help provide the best outcomes for their children. After 25 years with Head Start Jenny sought a change and began her work at Children’s Home Society of NC with the HealthySteps Program continuing to support families with young children.
Jenny enjoys creative outlets such as painting and drawing as well as spending time with friends. She finds comfort and happiness spending time with her husband Clark and their two grown children Austin and Riley.
Through professional and personal experiences Jenny has learned the true value of relationships and the transforming nature that connections can create. She knows the early years in a child’s life are critical in building a strong foundation for future health and learning.
Donna Morton is a native of Atlantic City NJ and resides in Jamestown, NC. Donna has been in the field of Early Childhood education for over 30 years. She worked for Head Start as an infant toddler teacher, assistant center director, and education specialist. Donna is currently a retired high school teacher and a Senior Advisor for The Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, and a Professional Development Specialist for The Council of Recognition, CDA Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in child development from North Carolina A & T State University, a master’s degree in education with a concentration in higher education from Ashford University, and currently holds an education specialist advanced degree from Walden University. Donna’s passion for working with inclusion and diversity transcends from infants and toddlers to High School students.
Lilly Chang
Board Member/ Leave of Absence
Dr. Tsayli Lily Chang, serves as the Executive Director of The Goddard School of Millburn & Maplewood in New Jersey and is a passionate advocate for excellence in early childhood education. With 18 years of experience spanning from teaching, curriculum development, coaching and educational administration, Lily brings a wealth of expertise and a steadfast commitment to fostering environments where children thrive. She holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Montclair State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.
Lily’s educational philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning, inclusion, and the creation of joyful and meaningful learning experiences. A champion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, she strives to cultivate settings that honor each child’s unique potential and support holistic growth.
Dr. Chang is honored to contribute her expertise to Above All Greater Learning’s vision and mission. She firmly believes that her dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice aligns closely with AAGL’s initiatives. Together, she is confident that we can make a profound and positive impact on the lives of all young learners, fostering a brighter, more equitable future.
Brianna Frink
Board Member
Brianna Frink, a Charlotte native and mother of two, joins the board with a strong background in social work and a passion for early childhood education. As the Compliance Coordinator for NC Pre-K with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Brianna brings valuable experience in program oversight and a deep understanding of the needs of young children and families. Holding an MSW and currently completing her Masters in Public Administration, she is committed to bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to support the organization’s mission.