Meet The Team

Dr. Tracie Edmond
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO of CAVALRY, leading the vision to bridge education and workforce readiness through innovative, degree-based apprenticeship programs.

Elizabeth Lessert
COO
Oversees organizational strategy, operations, and marketing to drive growth, strengthen partnerships, and maximize program impact.

Paris Tyus
Vice President of Student Programs & Success
Provides strategic leadership across the complete student & employer lifecycle at CAVALRY, from initial recruitment through successful career placement.

Dr. Karen Hamilton
Director of Degree-Based Apprenticeships
Responsible for designing and implementing academic pathways that integrate apprenticeship training with college credit.

Dr. James Agtuca
Director of Secondary Education Programs
Prepares secondary students for postsecondary success through career pathways, industry credentials, and work-based learning experiences.

Shannon Twumasi
Senior Event Project Manager
Developing event concepts and leads coordination of project management apprentices to ensure all projects meet program requirements.

Nancy Castro
Employer Engagement Specialist
A CAVALRY apprenticeship alumna, Nancy connects employer partners with CAVALRY apprentices and program completers to create real pathways to placement and career opportunity.
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Tori Nelson
HR and Apprentice Employment Coordinator
A U.S. Army veteran, Tori brings a passion for career development to her role supporting CAVALRY's HR operations and coaching apprentices through resume building, LinkedIn bios, and interview preparation.

Keith Lessert
Apprentice Success Coach
Keith brings more than a decade of experience in staff training and support to his role helping CAVALRY apprentices stay organized, on track, and confident throughout their program.

Trevor Vonnahme
Apprentice Success Coach
A retired U.S. Army veteran with 26 years of leadership experience, Trevor coaches CAVALRY apprentices with practical insight and genuine investment in their success.
