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.
Marisela Aviles, Executive Assistant, 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, Personal 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.
Derly Daza, Ph.D., Site Director, Jackson Middle School - 336-223-4972 option 2
Dr. 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.”
Jill Schabow, Site Director, High Point - 336-355-2115
Meet Jill from Fort Bragg, California. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in special education at Central State University. Jill recently moved to North Carolina, bringing with her several years of experience working with special education students and managing an after-school program in her hometown. Jill is highly passionate about helping children with special needs and applying her knowledge to enrich their after-school experiences. Her deep love for education and desire to promote inclusivity motivates her to make a positive impact on every child's journey. Jill's hobby is putting together jigsaw puzzles in her free time.
TaWuana Cook, Site Director, Jamestown Middle School - 336 480-4856
TaWuana 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 8 years. Currently, she is an Assistant Principal at Jamestown Middle School. 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, Stokesdale Site - 336-338-8179
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.
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 – Connect on LinkedIn
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
Michael Pearson, Secretary – 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 that 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, and
• encouraging career mindfulness in our youth.
