Lane Tomey, MEd
Executive Director
Lane has been an educator in Wake County Public Schools for more than 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Education. She served on the Board and in the classroom at Wee Care, a similar early childhood enrichment program that operates at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Lane Is a member of Hope Community Church and has served in their children’s ministry.
Stephanie Bias, MA
Board Chair
Stephanie recently retired from Wake County Public Schools after working there for 30 years. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1991 with her degree in Elementary Education as part of the first class of North Carolina Teaching Fellows. She taught 2nd and 5th grades at schools in Raleigh and Apex. In 2002, she graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with her Masters in School Administration. At that time, she was part of the Principal Fellows program. She worked as an Assistant Principal for over 15 years at schools in Raleigh and Apex. Finally, she finished her career as Principal of an elementary school in Cary.
Kimberly Williford
Board Member
Kimberly is the Lead Teacher for Peak Beginnings. She graduated from Columbus State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
Kelly Thomann, MS Ed
Board Member
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from the University at Buffalo. She is a former high school counselor at Harnett Central High School. Kelly currently volunteers as a Life Coach at Hand of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center and serves as a women’s small group leader. Kelly and her family attend The Summit Church.
Brittany Akouala, MS
Board Member
Brittany is a dedicated full-time stay-at-home parent to her two children. Before transitioning to focus on her family, she worked as a certified rehabilitation counselor, where she helped individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Elon University and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University. She remains actively engaged in her community, currently serving as the PTA secretary at her children’s school and as a co-leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
Gabriella McCreary
Board Member
Gabriella McCreary has seven years of banking experience. Born in Oklahoma and raised in Holly Springs, she has called the community home for more than 20 years. A proud mom to her 5-year-old daughter, Ella, Gabriella enjoys spending time with family, working on puzzles, and shopping local. She is excited to combine her professional skills with her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children.
Rocio Anderson
Board Member
Rocio Anderson has been a leader in the non-profit sector for 20+ years. She is currently the Executive Director of Fiesta Family Services in Apex, where she directs operations, fundraising, and public engagement for Fiesta Family’s community development efforts, ensuring that historically marginalized and immigrant communities—especially Hispanic/Latinx & Immigrant populations—are actively engaged in shaping their economic futures.
Mike Gaul, Ph.D.
Board Member
Mike has been serving as the Peak Beginnings Golf Tournament Chair and co-manages the Peak Beginnings meal sign up with his wife Carolyn. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Delaware and received a Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University. He recently retired from a long career in drug discovery research for several pharmaceutical companies. Mike and his wife are members of The Peak Church in Apex.
Scott Salzman
Board Member
scott.salzman@crossroadscars.
Scott is the General Manager of Crossroads Ford Apex and Siler City, where he leads business operations and mentors sales teams with a strong focus on strategy, growth, and financial performance. A Navy veteran and lifelong Apex resident, Scott is deeply committed to serving his community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Apex Chamber of Commerce. He actively supports local law enforcement, first responders, and the Special Olympics. As a father of three, Scott is passionate about giving back and is especially drawn to Peak Beginnings’ mission.
Advisors
Laura Kimball
Family Communication Coordinator
Laura has been a preschool teacher in a Spanish language immersion program and worked as a certified Spanish tutor for almost 20 years. She received her BA in Spanish and Religion from Meredith College, and is certified in translation and interpretation. She has studied Early Childhood Education.
Shelley Tomey, MAT
ECE Consultant