Who We Are

Maria Blanco: Program Director, Early Childhood Initiatives; Maria Blanco is an experienced early childhood specialist. Driven by a desire to help all children reach their potential, she takes pride in building the capacity of systems to provide quality early learning experiences. As an early childhood advocate, her goals include working with communities to increase access to high quality, inclusive early childhood programs and supporting professionals and families to identify developmental concerns as early as possible. In addition to developing, implementing and evaluating early childhood programs, she provides training and technical assistance in early intervention, inclusive practices, and developmental screening and surveillance. Maria represents the interests of children and families with disabilities on numerous state and local boards and commissions. Maria and her husband enjoy entertaining friends, and spending time with their three daughters (the youngest of whom has autism), four grandchildren, and two Australian shepherds.

Kisha Petty: Early Learning Center Director; Kisha Petty earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been in the education and early childhood education as an educator for Pre-K-4th, mentor for teachers, HS/EHS and Home-Based Education Specialist, and manager for 19 years working in the area of the public and private school systems and with four grantee head starts across Louisiana. She started working with early childhood education in 2006 and has always wanted to become a teacher which her passion is nurturing children. Kisha loves inspiring others to act justly, love mercifully, and walk humble in life with purpose. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, serving at her church as Knights of Peter Claver Jr. Daughter Counselor, religion teacher, lector and Eucharistic Minister and reading.

Susie Jones: Lead Teacher for Mixed-Age Classroom

Clarissa Carmouche: Teacher Assistant

Alexis Allen

Assistant Teacher

Alexis Allen is an Assistant Teacher in the Early Learning Center. She has worked in childcare for 6 years. Alexis is currently working toward her associate degree in early childhood. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with family

Diane Polk

Assistant Teacher

As a compassionate Teacher Assistant, Diane strives to build strong relationships with students and support their unique learning journeys. She has a passion for helping children discover their strengths and interests. In her spare time, Diane volunteers at local youth programs and enjoys reading children's literature to inspire her students. Diane believes that every child has the potential to shine!

Chantol Cochran

Assistant Teacher

Chantol Cochran is a passionate early learning teacher with 5 years of experience, specializing in working with one-year-olds. She believes in the importance of laying a solid foundation during this crucial developmental stage. With a focus on creativity and compassion, Chantol is dedicated to helping her toddlers reach important milestones and express themselves in meaningful ways. As a proud member of the LSU Early Learning Team, she fosters a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners. Outside of her professional life, Chantol enjoys painting, spending quality time with family, and reading, all of which inspire her creativity and commitment to teaching.