Our Team
Dr. Willie Louviere is an educator, encourager, and advocate who believes that every child—no matter where they are from—deserves to feel seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Her journey in education began over 25 years ago in a small, rural classroom, and while the settings and titles have changed, her heart for children and families has remained steadfast. She has spent her career teaching, leading, and learning, most recently directing statewide programs at LSU that focused on early childhood initiatives and rural education.
Dr. Willie enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Louise, and serving as a children's ministry leader in her church. She is a proud Louisianan who still believes in front porch conversations, showing up for one another, and finding joy in the little things.
She can be reached at executivedirector@pcearlystart.org
Willie Louviere, PhD, Executive Director
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.
She can be reached at programs@pcearylstart.org
Michelle Phillips, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Michelle Phillips joined the Pointe Coupee Early Childhood Coalition in August 2023 as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. In this role, she plays a vital part in strengthening community connections by linking families with critical resources and supporting early childhood development across Pointe Coupee Parish.
A lifelong resident of the parish and devoted mother of three, Michelle brings a deep-rooted commitment to serving families and advocating for young children. Her professional background spans over a decade in cosmetology, where she built lasting relationships with clients, followed by a successful transition into real estate as a licensed agent, assisting families throughout the region.
Outside of her professional work, Michelle enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her family.
Katy Dyson, M.S., Coach
Katherine Dyson, M.S. is a doctoral candidate at LSU and our instructional coach. She specializes in teacher training and classroom quality improvement. With experience in urban education and daycare settings, she focuses on practical, engaging methods to enhance instructional effectiveness. Her research explores structured video self-reflection as a professional development tool, emphasizing teacher self-efficacy. Passionate about early education, she bridges research and practice to support teachers in creating enriching environments for young learners.
She can be reached at coach@pcearlystart.org