Our Team
Michele Seymour
Reengagement Center Director
SHE/THEY-
Michele Seymour is an educator and educational justice advocate with over ten years of experience in Postsecondary Access and Youth Development. She is a life-long resident and learner of New Orleans. She is a proud native of New Orleans East and an alumna of Loyola University New Orleans where she earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice.
After completing a service year with Literacy*AmeriCorps, they worked as a Transition Services Coordinator establishing an early framework for postsecondary bridging for over 300 adult learners in the greater New Orleans region and facilitating collaboration with community partners and post-secondary institutions to secure equitable access for non-traditional students. Michele is a champion of adult literacy as a longstanding member of the Literacy Alliance of Greater New Orleans and a selection committee member of One Book, One New Orleans. Michele is a former board member of LAPCAE (2018-2020) where she served as regional representative for six parishes.
Michele possesses a passion for student-centered and student-powered engagement. They have presented their work establishing post-secondary readiness programs at several education conferences including the National Partnership for Educational Access and SXSW Education. She is the executive director of Project Butterfly New Orleans, an evidence-based, African-centered girls rites of passage program. Michele is an Afrofuturist-based costume artist and member of the AfroFuturist Krewe NOLA.
Sierra Gaines
REC Program Manager
She/her-
Sierra Gaines is a community advocate and social justice leader. She is a graduate of Dillard University, where she studied psychology and social work, and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
Sierra is the Program Manager at the Reengagement Center, where she leads youth engagement strategies, strengthens community outreach, and fosters meaningful relationships with youth participants. She believes young people are the key and inspiration for growth in our communities and that adult investment is necessary to support young people as future changemakers.
As a committed youth advocate, Sierra has worked with partners such as Jobs for the Future and the Youth Voice Working Group of NOLA’s Children and Youth Planning Board—bringing a lived-experience lens to youth-centered policy, talent development, and systems change efforts.
SHE/HERRogdericka Ellis
REC Transition Advisor
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Rogdericka Ellis is an educator and entrepreneur with over 7 years of experience in Education and Entrepreneurship. She is a lifelong resident and learner of New Orleans. She is a proud native of the Upper Ninth Ward and an alumna of Southern University at New Orleans, where she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her C.G.S. from Delgado Community College. After earning her equivalency diploma in 2012, Rogdericka worked as a Paraprofessional at the Youth Empowerment Project, where she supported GED/HiSET attainment for graduates and acted as a peer mentor. Rogdericka is a former AmeriCorps member working with Louisiana's Boys and Girls Club. It was here that sparked her passion for education. In 2020, she became a 5th-grade teacher at Morris Jeff Community School.
Rogdericka has been recognized as an alumni and ambassador for her commitment to adult and community education. She has been invited to national and international conferences to discuss the impacts of post-Katrina recovery on the New Orleans education system. She is a recipient of the "Women Breaking Barriers in Literacy" award from One Book, One New Orleans. In 2023, she was the Keynote Speaker at the 16th Annual Greater New Orleans Adult Education Graduation.
Rogdericka owns Paradise Candles, a brand for candle lovers worldwide who appreciate high-quality products and fragrances. When she isn't educating young minds, she enjoys cooking and baking, DIY projects, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and giving back to those who need it most.
Dayna Andry
REC Transition Advisor
SHE/HER-
Dayna Andry is a native New Orleanian who has a passion for social justice and youth empowerment. She believes that access to resources improves lives by promoting stability and well-being, and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.
Dayna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Ashley Flot
REC Program Manager
She/her-
Ashley Flot, born and raised in New Orleans, has had a multidisciplinary experience in education. As a full time mother and creative, blending roles of cosmetologist, entrepreneur, educator, speaker & Opportunity Youth United (OYU) National Council of Young Leaders member to name a few. Axhli Bankx, a.k.a Ms. Flot, utilizes her post-secondary education background ranging from fashion design, early childhood development, kinesiology and international business to say the least.
As a dedicated educator, life and creativity is infused to inspire curriculum for students to gain technical skills and appreciation for the impact of self-care. Ashley’s journey ignites a spark of motivation in others to pursue their dreams. From her early struggles as a young mother and cosmetologist navigating a competitive industry, her impact exemplifies the magic that happens when multiple disciplines converge. A woman who not only transforms appearances, but has lived experience, her story serves as a testament to the heights one can reach by embracing the power of multidisciplinary studies.
SHE/HERCathelyn Davis, MSW, CSW
REC Supportive Services Coordinator
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Cathelyn (Cathy) is a proud New Orleans native, born and raised in the Downtown 7th Ward, and a proud alumna of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). She brings more than 10 years of experience working in education and supporting students and families, with additional experience in mental health, and supportive services.
Cathelyn currently serves as a Supportive Services Coordinator with NOYA and the Reengagement Center, where she provides comprehensive support to young people as they navigate education, career planning, employment, mental health, personal development, and life beyond high school. In this role, she provides individualized supportive services, advocates for student needs, connects young people and families to community and mental health resources, assists with postsecondary and workforce planning, and helps identify and address barriers that may impact educational, emotional, social, and personal success. She works collaboratively with schools, families, community organizations, and service providers to ensure young people have access to the resources, guidance, and support needed to reach their goals.
Cathelyn also provides social work and supportive mental health services throughout her community and neighboring states. Her work includes advocacy, resource coordination, supportive counseling, mental health support, empowerment, and helping individuals and families navigate educational, social, and personal challenges.
Cathelyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, along with certifications in Secondary Educational Studies, Student Advocacy, and High School College Counseling. Her professional background includes special education, college and career counseling, student advocacy, mental health support, educational compliance and auditing, IEP compliance, and supporting students with exceptionalities.
Her advocacy training has prepared her to support students and families navigating educational and social service systems across multiple state systems. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that individuals understand their rights, have access to appropriate resources, and have a voice in decisions that affect their education, mental health, and future.
During her Master’s program in Social Work, Cathelyn completed her capstone research, “Examining the School-to-Prison Pipeline: The Impact of Mental Health Issues and Academic Accommodations on Low-Income and Minority Students.” The research was published and remains one of her proudest professional accomplishments. Capstone available to share upon request.
Cathelyn has learned throughout her personal and professional journey the importance of not only creating safe spaces for others, but also being an active part of those spaces. She believes effective support begins with listening, understanding, meeting people where they are, and helping individuals recognize their own potential.
She is currently preparing to take the LMSW examination in Fall 2026 and plans to begin preparing for the LCSW clinical licensure examination in November 2026. She continues to grow professionally through her commitment to advocacy, education, mental health, and social services.
Outside of her professional work, Cathelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. She proudly considers herself a true restaurant guru and loves discovering great food and new experiences.