TGPS Advisory Board

Jim Morgan serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School. A retired partner of the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs, Jim has long been guided by a heart for service, leadership, and community. An active member of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables for more than three decades, he is passionate about supporting environments where children, families, and educators can thrive. Jim brings thoughtful leadership and a collaborative spirit to advancing the School’s mission.

Ashley Thornburg serves as Vice Chair on the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School and is the president and founder of Elevated Commercial Real Estate. With experience in a wide array of real estate matters, Ashley is known for her professionalism, generosity of time in the community and always endeavoring to see situations in a positive light. A longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, and a former The Growing Place School parent to Robby (13) and Kate (11), Ashley cares deeply about the ability for the children of families in our community to receive a high quality, faith-based education. She is honored to serve on The Growing Place School's Advisory Board to further its mission and continue growing this blossoming community.

Alexandra Kagan serves as the Secretary and Assistant Head of School at TGPS. She is a lover of learning who joined the TGPS family in 2021. Originally from New York, Alexandra has taught, lived and traveled around the world to develop broad knowledge of child development over the last 20 years. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chinese Studies, a Master’s of Education in Elementary Education/ESOL, and a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School. ​ Alexandra believes in the unique talents, capabilities, strengths, and individuality in every child. She is passionate about supporting children, families, and teachers to be the best version of themselves.

Corina Dekker holds a dual role as the Head of School for TGPS and Executive Director for First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. She has worked in early childhood education since 2000 and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from NOVA University. Corina is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Christian Preschools Association (CPA), where she is also a board member. Corina joined The Growing Place in 2013, with a strong commitment to offering high quality education and care in a faith-based setting.

Rev. Dr. Hedy Collver is the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. For the past seven years, she has served as an Advisory Board member and a regular presence in the life of the school. Each week, she leads Chapel, reads stories to the littles, and gathers kindergarten and elementary students for “Thoughtful Thursday,” a time set aside for big questions, fun conversations, and growing hearts. Hedy is deeply committed to encouraging children, families, and staff, and she wholeheartedly supports The Growing Place School’s mission to nurture a joyful, faith-centered learning community.

April Lewis serves on the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School and is a Director of Academic Advising at Florida International University. With experience in education, April is known for her thoughtful problem-solving and unwavering dedication to student growth. A longtime supporter, April cares deeply about fostering a nurturing environment where children and families can flourish. She is honored to support The Growing Place School’s mission and contribute to a strong, faith-centered learning community.

Audrey Ross, Ph.D brings to her board service a distinguished background in early childhood education, research, and community engagement. With experience spanning graduate study in early childhood education, national school volunteer program development, and university teaching, she is known for thoughtful leadership, dedication to community service, and a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families. Audrey’s background includes serving as a consultant to The U.S. Office of Education in Washington D.C., recruiting and guiding early childhood volunteers in all parts of the U.S., and a professorship in Education at the University of Miami. She has also lobbied in Washington and Tallahassee for volunteers in early childhood programs, and is the founder and president of the National School Volunteer Program.

Brian W. Kelley is a co-managing parter of Wallen Kelley, a Coral Gables-based law firm. He is also an active member of the community and has previously served on the Board of Directors for the University of Miami School of Law, was the Past President of the University of Miami School of Law Young Alumni Association, currently acts as the University of Miami Dean’s Cup Alumni Liaison and serves as a guest lecturer for the University of Miami’s Professional Development Academy. He currently has two students at the Growing Place and is involved in a number of different activities at the school.

Dr. Nora Hernandez Hendrix serves on the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School, and as Co-Lay Leader of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. She is retired from Miami Dade College where she worked for 35 years as Professor of Psychology and Education, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Campus President. She also taught graduate courses in education as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami. Nora has served on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Trust and of The Early Learning Coalition. She currently serves as President of the Florida Conference United Women in Faith, an organization devoted to serving women, children, and youth throughout the world. All of her past experience and current efforts are a testament to her passion for the well-being of children and families. She is grateful and honored to serve on the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School.

Jan Harrison Peel serves as Co-Lay Leader of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. She is honored to be an active voting member of many church committees and volunteer services. She is the local unit and district Treasurer of the South East District of the United Women in Faith. She deeply interested in the church school and its growing advancements and improvements. As a past and present member of the Advisory Board of The Growing Place School, she is keenly aware that the children who attend are our future and says it looks very bright indeed.

Laura Roberts is a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables church community and has maintained a deep connection to The Growing Place School since childhood, when she attended as a student. Her commitment to the school continued as all four of her children also attended, reinforcing her family’s longstanding ties to its mission. A current member of the Advisory Board, Laura previously served on The Growing Place School Board in the early 2000s, contributing several years of leadership and support. She also served for two years on the Board of Ransom Everglades School and was elected twice as President of its Parents Association, reflecting her dedication to educational excellence and community engagement. A retired attorney, Laura brings thoughtful perspective, sound judgment, and a legacy of service to her work with the school.

Laurie Merker has over 50 years of experience in education. She is a retired teacher-librarian from Miami Dade county Public Schools, Gulliver Academy, and currently works part-time at Miami Dade College. As a longtime member of Coral Gables Methodist, she has been active in numerous committees and programs. She is honored to support the Growing Place School’s mission and remains committed to nurturing educational environments where children can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.