Staff & Leadership
Chris Whitaker, Executive Director
Christopher Whitaker is Executive Director of All The Way Up Adult Education Center, having been previously hired as Startup Manager in 2015. Chris’ experience as a program director in mission and outreach roles serves ATWU’s vision of creating greater community outreach, visibility, and access to education for the underserved populations of Newark. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from McKendree University and a master’s degree from Drew University.
Christopher Jennings, Program Director
Christopher Jennings, Program Director, began as a volunteer, setting up technology for the original classroom. His 15 years of experience in nonprofit program growth and development are assets he brings to ATWU. In addition to program management, Christopher also works with the staff and board on development, volunteer recruitment and training, visioning and strategic planning, and marketing and publicity. Christopher holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Yale University.
Stacy Bevill, Classroom Instructor
Teaching is my passion and purpose. My background includes documentary filmmaking, nonprofit management and community development. If I understand it, I can teach it!
Joan Eilbott, Nonprofit Management Consultant
Joan Eilbott is ATWU’s nonprofit management consultant and works closely with the directors on visioning, process improvement, achieving long-term metric gains, and nonprofit effectiveness. She holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from N.Y.U., an M.B.A. from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Stanford.
Adele Haley, ESL Coordinator
Adele Haley is ATWU’s ESL (English as a Second Language) coordinator. She develops curriculum and manages students and volunteers for ATWU’s ESL Program. She is retired professional from management and finance industries and has a great passion for helping ESL students succeed as they gain new English language skills that become immediately relevant for them and their families.
John Jeffries, GED/ABE Instructor
Christina Reeves, GED/ABE Instructor
Lydia Zapico, Bookkeeper
Christina Reeves is an educator with experience in both high school and college academic settings. While working on her undergraduate degree at Montclair State University, Christina was involved in numerous poetry-related projects and events. In addition to this, Christina focused her graduate research on utilizing spoken word poetry to teach rhetorical techniques. She looks forward to working with students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Lydia joined All The Way Up in January 2021. She has enjoyed a successful post-early retirement career in the non-profit world. For the past 17 years Lydia has served as Finance Manager in 3 churches within the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, Lydia can be found at one of the many beautiful golf courses in NJ.