Partners

Space

The congregation of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has been a HUGE supporter of M.A.S.T.R. Kids since 2018. The church allows SPPF to utilize its bright, beautiful, learning space to host our after school program and our summer camp. We also utilize the buses for field trips in summer. Many congregation members also help support the program in a variety of ways. Johns Hopkins Middle School and Pinellas Technical College (St. Petersburg Campus) are our newest locations. Pinellas County Schools is a new partner of the M.A.S.T.R. Kids program.

Vision

Our friend Joanne Lighter always says “if a child can’t see, they can’t read.” We partner with Preserve Vision Florida to ensure every student can see.

Food

Children learn best when they are not distracted by physical needs like hunger. Our programs require a lot of snacks year round! These are provided to us by the Florida Department of Health’s After School Meals Program and our friends at The Kind Mouse. We also provide breakfast and lunch during the summer as a Pinellas County Summer Meal Program site.

Dance/Art

Artz4Life Academy is a special dance organization with a mission “to ignite the flame for learning, embrace diversity and develop the skills to be resilient…” Florida Craft Art is also a really special environment which is the only statewide nonprofit representing Florida’s fine craft artists and is one of the only art organizations in St. Petersburg that is free to the public, open year-round, seven days a week. SPPF shares a philosophy of strengthening minds through physical and creative growth. We work together to enable M.A.S.T.R. Kids.

Professional Development

SPPF is fortunate to participate in the Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign. As a result, we benefit from the collaborative efforts, resources, materials and professional development activities sponsored by Florida GLR throughout the year.

Ways You Can Help

Donate

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Volunteer

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Become a Partner

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

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Pam Williams

Chief Operating Officer

As COO, Pam ensures the organization’s financial, data, fundraising, and HR infrastructure is strong today and ready for scale that multiplies impact in the years ahead. Pam’s 30+ years of nonprofit experience started with the turnaround of an organization in financial crisis, leading to the launch of a consultancy providing training, transition, and turnaround services to nonprofits and associations in the US and East Africa. In 2016, Pam became COO/CFO for the first women’s college in Rwanda, leading an international team across 3 continents and overseeing administration, finance and operations as the business grew from 50 students to over 400. Pam’s work consistently reflects a commitment to equity.

Darren Hammond

Site Operations Leader

Darren Hammond is currently serving as the Site Operations Leader for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University, and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Administration & Supervision, Nova Southeastern University. Darren spent 37 years with Pinellas County Schools transforming students to reach their ultimate learning potential using proven classroom strategies developed during his tenure in education. While working with Pinellas County Schools, he served as Teacher, Guidance counselor, Assistant Principal and as a Principal. Darren is a passionate educator who openly shares his love of learning with teachers, parents, and other educators! He was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Keisha Snead

Academic Leader

B.S. in Elementary Education,Cum Laude, FAMU 1996

I have served 24 years within the Elementary school setting in various instructional roles.  I have also served as the Mentor Coordinator for new and returning teachers. 


I have led professional development for faculty at several schools within Pinellas County.  I have coached colleagues in the understanding and delivery of the standards of reading and writing.  My love for learning is what drives my passion for teaching.  When I look into the eyes of a scholar who needs me, that is where I find my passion!