We are pleased to welcome Dr. Nicole Lopez Purkapile, Ed.D., as the new Executive Director/CEO of Families and Schools Together, Inc. (FAST).
Nicole has more than 20 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, on top of years of being an educator within early childhood programs. She brings a collaborative leadership style, commitment and accountability to the community, and a proven record of program design to the role, along with a vision for moving FAST forward. She states: “The next chapter of FAST will be about building from our strengths, facilitating future engagement from birth through grade 12, and re-imagining our impact on children, families, and schools. I am excited to dig into the work by developing new and established pathways for engagement in all aspects at FAST.”
As Executive Director/CEO, Nicole’s priorities will include building upon FAST’s programmatic reach, exploring opportunities for growth in implementing the FAST® Program and expanding the FAST® Institute, and moving past pandemic-related challenges.
Prior to joining FAST, Nicole worked as a Project Manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Her previous roles include Executive Director of the Registry, Inc. in Wisconsin, Program Officer at the Children’s Services Council in Florida, and Project Manager at Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade. Nicole is also currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus where she teaches continuing education courses to early childhood educators.
Nicole obtained a double associate degree in child development and elementary education from Miami-Dade College. She earned her baccalaureate degree in human services and management and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix, as well as a doctorate degree in educational leadership and management with two post master’s certifications from Capella University.
Nicole’s first official day at FAST was Monday, March 20, 2023. We look forward to this next chapter and thank our community for their continued support and partnership.