meet our directors
kaela goodwin
Director of Education Kaela Goodwin brings a thoughtful combination of clinical expertise, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to youth development to her role as Director of Education for The IMARA Project. A PROMPT Certified pediatric speech-language pathologist, she holds both her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia, along with her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Kaela has experience in outpatient pediatric clinics and a nonprofit tribal organization, where she has supported children and families from diverse backgrounds. She was drawn to the field by a desire to help individuals who struggle to communicate find their voice and build confidence in their ability to express themselves and connect with others. Her work focuses not only on skill development, but also on creating supportive environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and capable.
In addition to her clinical work, Kaela is passionate about mentorship. She has provided guidance and support to students and professionals seeking to grow in the field, and she remains committed to developing others through encouragement, shared knowledge, and practical experience.
At The IMARA Project, Kaela is dedicated to strengthening educational support, uplifting her community, and empowering youth through education, advocacy, and meaningful connection.
jessica butler
Director of Outreach & Community EngagementJessica Butler brings a strong blend of marketing expertise, community engagement, and youth mentorship to her role as Director of Outreach and Community Engagement for The IMARA Project. With a background in communications and public relations, she has built her career around connecting people, building partnerships, and creating meaningful community experiences.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Kennesaw State University and completed the Leadership Studies Program certification.
Currently a Marketing Director in Tampa, Florida, Jessica leads strategic outreach efforts that enhance visibility and strengthen relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
Jessica is also deeply committed to youth development. Through her work as a dance instructor and coach, she has mentored and prepared students for both personal and competitive success. Her background as a professional NFL cheerleader and NBA dancer further reflects her ability to connect with diverse audiences and serve as a positive role model.
At The IMARA Project, Jessica uses her strengths in outreach and relationship-building to expand the organization’s impact and create meaningful opportunities for the communities it serves.
Director of Business Development jon wilson
Jon Wilson brings a wealth of clinical expertise, business leadership, and decades of experience to her role with The IMARA Project. As the founder and owner of TherapyZone, LLC, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals strengthen their communication skills and reach their full potential.
Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from Xavier University of Louisiana, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Northridge. Since 1999, she has been a respected presence in the field, earning recognition for her contributions and impact. She is a certified member of both the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Throughout her career, Jon has been passionate about helping others grow, especially in the area of communication. She has worked closely with individuals and families to build confidence, develop essential skills, and create meaningful progress over time. Her approach reflects both professional expertise and a genuine commitment to the people she serves.
At The IMARA Project, Jon brings her passion for communication, mentorship, and
community impact to support and uplift those the organization serves.
Director of Youth Development Amaiah Jordan
After graduating from high school, Amaiah continued her education at Victor Valley College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, San Bernardino. Her educational journey strengthened her understanding of individuals, communities, and the importance of fostering positive growth in future generations.
She began her career in education with the Think Together after-school program, where she discovered her passion for supporting students both academically and personally. She later spent a year and a half working as a substitute teacher, gaining experience across multiple schools and grade levels. These diverse experiences helped her develop a strong foundation in classroom management, relationship-building, and meeting the needs of a wide range of learners.
Her passion for education ultimately led her to become a classroom teacher. For the past two years, she has been teaching in her own classroom, where she is committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
As an educator, she is especially dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of young women. She strives to be a positive role model, encouraging her students to believe in themselves, embrace their strengths, and pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
Meet our leaderhip team
kaia felix
Kaia Felix is a dedicated student-athlete and aspiring aviation professional who has recently graduated with a 4.4 GPA and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Throughout high school, she challenged herself academically while participating in varsity basketball and softball, developing discipline, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
Her passion for career and technical education also led her to compete in SkillsUSA, where her team earned a state placement. She is currently pursuing her degree in Aviation Maintenance at Victor Valley College, preparing for a career in the aviation and aerospace industry through hands-on training and technical coursework.
Beyond her academic and career goals, Kaia is passionate about empowering the next generation of young women. Through leadership, mentorship, and community involvement, she hopes to encourage young women to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and confidently explore opportunities in fields where women are underrepresented.
Youth Leadership Coordinator 
jessie bender
Jessie Bender brings more than 16 years of experience in leadership, financial management, and operational excellence. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has built her career around helping organizations strengthen financial performance, improve operational efficiency, and achieve long-term success.
Jessie's professional journey reflects a strong foundation in operational leadership and financial management, with a passion for supporting organizations through thoughtful planning and collaboration. During her 14 years with Macy's, she led diverse teams, managed budgets, and coordinated daily operations while fostering a positive and service-oriented work environment. These experiences strengthened her ability to build relationships, solve challenges, and support organizational goals. She is committed to helping teams work effectively while ensuring resources are managed responsibly.
Jessie later expanded her experience as a Financial and Program Management Operations Analyst in the government contracting industry, where she supports financial planning, forecasting, and program operations. Her work focuses on promoting accountability, improving processes, and helping leaders make informed decisions that support organizational priorities. By combining operational leadership with financial insight, she brings a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to helping mission-driven organizations maximize their impact.
Jessie is deeply inspired by The IMARA Project's commitment to empowering girls and young women to discover their unique strengths, build confidence, and pursue their goals with purpose.
Financial & Operations Manager 
Virtual Leadership Coach tanae wilson
Tanae Wilson is a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at West Virginia University and currently works as a speech therapist assistant, where she is passionate about helping children build confidence through communication. She also has a background in cosmetology, giving her a unique perspective on the connection between self-expression, self-confidence, and personal growth. Beyond her professional work, Tanae enjoys mentoring elementary school students and coaching a co-ed youth basketball team, where she encourages teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and self-belief both on and off the court.
Tanae is dedicated to creating supportive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered to become the best version of themselves. She believes in the power of mentorship, meaningful relationships, and education to help girls build resilience, develop life skills, and recognize their potential. As a member of the IMARA Project team, Tanae is honored to encourage and uplift girls as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and move forward with purpose, confidence, and a strong sense of who they are becoming.