Operation Xcel Staff
Charlene Gladney, Executive Director
(336) 223-4595
Charlene is originally from Greensboro, NC. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at North Carolina State University. Charlene later went on to obtain her Master of Electrical Engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University. After graduation, she began her career at Xerox Corporation in Rochester, NY, where she held several corporate positions for 20 years. During this time, Charlene also volunteered as a tutor, mentor, Girl Scout leader, and Sunday school teacher. In 2007, Charlene transitioned to the nonprofit sector and became the executive director of Operation Xcel (formerly known as Operation Homework). She completed certification through the Nonprofit Management Institute and The Executive Director Academy. Charlene has also been certified in the afterschool sector by NCSU and the NC Center of Afterschool Programs, completing the Leadership Fellowship Program. Charlene graduated from StreetWise MBA hosted by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce in 2023. StreetWise MBA is a program that builds a business owner’s capacity to manage and proactively respond to crisis,” said Brent Christensen, the Commerce’s president, and CEO.
Desiree King, Program Director
(336) 265-6442
Desiree is from Goldsboro, NC, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, as well as two Master’s degrees in Human Services/Community & Social Services and General Psychology from Capella University. She has over fifteen years of experience in the North Carolina public school system, most recently as a Special Education Teacher. Desiree is also a Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. She is a dedicated servant leader, empowering others and fostering collaboration within her community.
Lori Walton, Family Engagement Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
Lori Ann Walton has over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in youth advocacy, program development, and grant writing. Her career spans urban areas in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. As the founder of Encouraged4Life, she provides critical support for Black and Brown families affected by Autism. Lori’s commitment to advocacy has made her a strong ally for underserved communities. She embodies resilience, having risen from poverty with her seven siblings, and applies the lessons learned from her mother to foster meaningful change. Lori describes herself as “a walking cheat code” because of what she has survived. A proud mother of 17-year-old twin boys, one of whom “awesomely autistic”, she considers them her greatest achievement. Lori holds degrees from Hartford College for Women and the University of New Haven and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Marisela Aviles, HR Generalist
(336) 223-4652
Marisela is from Los Angeles, CA. She attended Greensboro College and obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics with a concentration in human resources. She is currently pursuing an accounting degree in conjunction with her role at Operation Xcel. Marisela is the mother of two children. In her free time, she enjoys baking.
Torynce Wilson, Executive Assistant
Torynce Wilson is from North Charleston, South Carolina. He attended Clemson University and earned a B.S. in Business Management with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship, and a Minor in Music. He has a diversified skill set with experience in Customer Service, Team Leadership, and Administrative Operations. Torynce lives with his wife Kayla Wilson and their six dogs. He has a passion for Music Production, and in his free time composes, records, mixes, and masters a variety of projects out of his Home Studio.
Valerie Jones-Robinson, Project Manager and Journalist
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Justice and Policy Studies from Guilford College, graduating with Highest Honors, and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. Recognized for her academic excellence, she was elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges in 2009 and is a member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, Alpha Chi, Golden Key, and Delta Alpha Pi national honor societies. With over 35 years of experience in customer relations management across healthcare, technology, and nonprofit sectors, Valerie has extensive expertise in both public and private domains. Originally from New Jersey, she lives in North Carolina and is a mother of two adult children, two adult bonus sons, and a grandmother of thirteen. Valerie is dedicated to promoting multicultural diversity and ensuring equitable access to quality care and education for Black and Brown youth, her angels. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, baking, traveling, listening to music, and gardening.
Cana Pinchback, Website & Digital Media Specialist
Cana is a Raleigh, NC native and a proud graduate of the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics Technology. A passionate animation enthusiast, Cana loves digital visual art and music. When she's not working, you’ll likely find Cana creating digital artwork or curating the perfect playlist.
Harnetha Harrison - Site Director, Hairston Middle School
(336) 223-5055
Meet Harnetha Harrison. Born in Queens and raised in the Bronx, NY—home of the Yankee Stadium. Harnetha, an enthusiastic educator, holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science and a Master of Education degree (Curriculum and Assessment, K-12). Harnetha has taught Social Studies, History, and U.S. History in elementary, middle, and high schools in Guilford County. Harnetha currently teaches U.S. History at Hairston Middle School in the Guilford County School System. Harnetha is dedicated to mentoring teachers, developing curricula, and leading extracurricular activities and school clubs to empower underserved students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel now and later. Her unwavering commitment to her personal and student success fuels Harnetha's passion for educating students at the middle school level.
Derly Daza, Ph.D., Site Director, Jackson Middle School
(336) 223-4972 (option 2)
Dr. Derly Daza is originally from Colombia and has worked in the United States for more than 11 years. She has a master’s in Spanish and English as a Second language and her Ph.D. in education. Dr. Daza is currently a middle school Spanish teacher. She volunteers at Glenwood Library, where she teaches Spanish. Derly is also a soccer coach at the YMCA. Passionate about making an impact in the lives of children, she enjoys watching their progress. Dr. Daza states, “I feel honored to be part of the personal and academic growth of our students.”
Tyesha Johnson, Site Director, Peck Elementary School
(336) 265-6442
Tyesha Johnson is originally from Eastern North Carolina from a small town called Pollocksville! She started her education journey at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where she received a BS in Early Childhood Education. She went on to obtain her master’s shortly after. She is currently a First Grade Educator who loves being able to give back to this wonderful program by serving the youth in our community. She has brought over 20 years of experience to her site at Peck where she has taught her entire teaching career. During the pandemic she was chosen to record videos of her reading lessons for all of the kindergarten scholars in GCS. She currently serves on her school leadership team and works with new teachers as she serves as a mentor. Her passion is working with families directly and supporting them to find resources. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking long walks, traveling, and dancing.
TaWuana Cook, Site Director, Jamestown Middle School
(336) 480-4856
TaWuana Cook was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC. She attended NC A&T on a 4-year basketball scholarship. After graduating, TaWuana played professional Basketball for 2 years, before deciding to pursue her Master's in teaching from NC A&T. TaWuana then attended High Point University, where she earned her M.Ed in educational leadership. TaWuana has been in education with Guilford County Schools for over 12 years. Serving 7 of those years as the Assistant Principal at Jamestown Middle School. Ms. Cook is currently serving as the School Principal at The Early/Middle College @ GTCC Jamestown. TaWuana is excited to work with the students, staff, and parents of Operation Xcel as she strives to prepare students to excel inside and outside of the classroom. She looks forward to seeing the students grow and encourages them to aim for greatness, live to their fullest potential, and see the best in themselves.
Maurice Revels, Site Director, Northwood Community Center (High Point)
(336) 355-2115
Maurice Revels is a High Point native, an Army veteran who later graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in history and Liberty University with a master's degree in education. He served as a teacher in the public school system for twelve years. Over the past five years, Maurice has operated a tutoring and mentoring business as an entrepreneur. Maurice is the Supervising Pastor for Living The Christian Walk Ministry. His gift for helping students succeed academically led Maurice to join the Operation Xcel team, where he has commanded the trust and respect of the students he serves. He also volunteers with Commander Peace Academy, an organization that helps prevent gang violence and redirects youth to healthy conflict resolution. Maurice is a hands-on single parent whose hobbies include working out, reading, visiting museums, and wine tasting.
Monique Wallace, Site Director, Southwest Middle School
(336) 638-1821
Monique Wallace, a Miami, Florida native, is the site director at Southwest Guilford Middle School and has dedicated 27 years to education in Guilford County. She has served as a middle school teacher, administrator, and district administrator. Ms. Wallace holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Florida A&M and Floria International University, and a Master of School Administration from UNC-Greensboro. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at High Point University.
Ms. Wallace's dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she is deeply committed to social and community service. Her love for baking and spending time with family and friends is a reflection of her belief in the importance of positive relationships. She advocates for the building of strong connections among parents, teachers, and students, recognizing that these relationships are crucial for their development.
Board of Directors
Arjanai Miller, Community Member – Connect on LinkedIn
Clint Stiles, Fundraising Chair - Connect on LinkedIn
Corey Johnson, Board Development Chair - Connect on LinkedIn
Elizabeth Alverson, Community Member
Jocelyn B. Becoats, Ed. D., Board Chair - Connect on LinkedIn
Julie Starnes, Community Member - Connect on LinkedIn
Kendra Eads, Community Member - Connect on LinkedIn
Meg Sheehan, Community Member - Connect on LinkedIn
Melonie Davis, Community Member – Connect on LinkedIn
Nate Jordan, Community Member - Connect on LinkedIn
Patricia J. Price, Treasurer – Connect on LinkedIn
Steven Palcsak, Marketing Chair - Connect on LinkedIn
Charlene Gladney, Ex-Officio Member
In addition to the leadership teams above, we employ certified teachers as math and reading specialists, and tutors. We also employ paraprofessionals who encompass our excellent volunteer staff.
Operation Xcel is a place where learners are motivated to excel in all aspects of their lives and make a positive impact on the world. We achieve this by providing after-school, summer, and mentorship programs that equip youth with the necessary academic, social, physical, and emotional skills they need to succeed.
Our organization is driven by a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to improving our community. Through our academic and enrichment programs, we seek to demonstrate this commitment and help young people reach their full potential by:
• providing equal access to quality educational resources
• supporting diversity of thought
• creating a strong foundation for the development of lifelong learners
• fostering civic engagement
• encouraging career mindfulness in our youth
