Our Leadership

Carrie Theall | Chief Executive Officer

Carrie Theall was born and raised in the Orlando, Florida area.  For her undergraduate degree, she attended Mercer University and ultimately graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).  There, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in human development.

Ms. Theall has worked in the service of children and families for more than 30 years.  Her early experiences include working within developmental disabilities and behavioral issues.  She achieved a Master’s in Library and Information Studies at UNCG because of her interest in early childhood literacy and also obtained a certificate of Non-Profit Management from Duke University.

In 2000, Ms. Theall became involved in Smart Start, North Carolina’s early childhood initiative designed to allow children to reach their potential for school and life success. She has worked at both the state and local levels in the areas of evaluation, early childhood literacy, home visiting, parenting, and child care quality.  Ms. Theall worked for the North Carolina Partnership for Children as a Program Monitor.  Wanting to be closer to the families and children being served, she transferred to the local level at the Alamance Partnership for Children (APC).

During her 16-year tenure with APC, Ms. Theall worked as the Program Director and then as the Executive Director.  She oversaw a marked increase in child care quality, as well as the development of new programming designed to address the needs of children birth to five – specifically those not enrolled in licensed child care.  Under her leadership, the Partnership was honored with multiple community partner awards.  Ms. Theall was awarded the Good for Kids Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics North Carolina Pediatrics Society.  She has served as a member of Alamance Achieves, Women’s Resource Center of Alamance County, NC Child Care Reimbursement Advisory Committee, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Advisory Committee, United Way Community Council, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Blue Ridge Institute.

Recently, Ms. Theall relocated back to Florida and joined the ELCMC in 2023 as Chief Executive Officer.  She hopes to bring an added early childhood perspective to the Coalition based on her many years with Smart Start.

LaTrisha Sims | Chief Operations Officer

LaTrisha Sims is the Chief Operations Officer. She is responsible for directing the day to day operational aspects of the Coalition under the direction of the CEO and the Board of Directors, including ensuring all rules, regulations and legislative requirements are adhered to.

LaTrisha is a member of the Ollin Women International group and award recipient of the Superwoman of the year award for 2019. She is a graduate of Rasmussen College with an AS degree in Business Administration and a BS degree in Criminal Justice.

LaTrisha is the proud parent of three  and enjoys reading.

Her most quotable statement is, “It is not what we do that determines who we are, it is who we are that determines what we do.”

Elizabeth Deola | Chief Programs Officer

Elizabeth Deola is the Chief Programs Officer. She has been a part of the ELC team since 2004 when she joined as our Quality Assurance Director. Elizabeth has been the driving force behind implementation of successful programs in our community for early learning including TS Gold, the mindSpark Educator Accelerator Program and various Early Learning Curricula.

Elizabeth is a graduate of Everest University with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice.

She has accumulated over 900 hours of additional training experience to expand her knowledge in the field of early learning.

Elizabeth was recognized for Outstanding Service in Early Learning 2018.

While she has held many titles professionally, she will smile when she tells you the most important title in her world is “mom”. Four-year-old Aiden is the joy of her life and brings, unmeasurable satisfaction and meaning to her world.

Elizabeth’s most quotable statement is, “There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.”

Todd Panzer | Acting Board Chair

Todd Panzer, APRN-C, FNP-C, is the founder and lead provider at Panzer Concierge Medicine. Prior to starting PCM, Todd was practicing at Ocala Family Medical Center since 2005. He is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adjunct Clinical Faculty at USF. He also sits on the boards of the ELC and the Women’s Pregnancy Center in Ocala.

Todd and his wife, Lisa, reside in the peaceful horse country of Ocala, where they’re raising six children.

They are passionate about fostering and adoption. They are members of Meadowbrook Church, where they attend and serve. They enjoy any time spent on their boat, in their RV, or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.