Interested in working with PCECC? email your resume and a cover letter to executivedirector@pcearlstart.org to be considered for future open positions
Our Team
Pheriche Perkins, Executive Director
Pheriche Perkins is a wife, mom, and early childhood advocate. Originally from California, she graduated with her Bachelor’s from Tulane University and her Masters from Texas A&M. She has worked for the state of Louisiana as Director of Accountability and special projects, where she oversaw implementation of the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning centers. Pheriche also served as the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition’s managing director of academic programs. Pheriche sings in the choir at St Joseph’s Cathedral and serves on the board for the Jung Society of Baton Rouge. She and her husband live in Zachary with their two sons.
Kayla Buchardt, Program Manager
Kayla Buchardt joined the Pointe Coupee Early Childhood Coalition in September of 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University. A New Roads native, Kayla has worked for years in early childhood development, with a focus on early intervention. She is passionate about our community's children and families. Kayla’s work with the coalition will focus on strengthening quality supports; she is excited to help our community thrive. Kayla enjoys creative pursuits, including literature and art. She and her two fur babies reside in Baton Rouge.
Michelle Phillips
Outreach Coordinator
Michelle joins us as the newest team member at PCECC. Michelle will be supporting PCECC as an outreach coordinator. She is a wife, and a mother to 3 girls. She graduated from Catholic High of Pointe Coupee and later went on to receive a degree in Cosmetology from the Aveda Institute of cosmetology, where she worked as a licensed cosmetologist for 13 years. Following her career in cosmetology she pursued her passion for working with the community and started a career in real estate where she attended Burk Baker school of real estate and appraising and became a licensed real estate agent. Michelle hopes to continue her passion for helping the community through her service with PCECC. Michelle is a service member with SERVE Louisiana and can be reached at outreach@pcearlystart.org
Toni Bankston
Coach
Katy Dyson
Coach
Josie Speights
Administrative Assistant
Josie supports PCECC as an admin assistant and will be at the PCECC offices Monday through Friday if you need any assistance using the resource rooms. She studied English with a concentration in creative writing at Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated high school from False River Academy. She likes to read, craft (especially jewelry) and spend time with her toddler god-daughter. Josie loves a good bulletin board and will be happy to help you out. Her phone is 225-618-6688.