Meet Your Board of Directors

President: Laurel Lapane, M.A.

Laurel Lapane is a seasoned education professional with extensive experience in Career and Technical Education (CTE), student services, and leadership development. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Student Services at Marion Technical College (MTC), where she oversees admissions, testing, fees, dual enrollment, marketing and recruitment and counseling. She is a Florida Clinical Educator and works with new CTE instructors. Her contributions have significantly expanded MTC’s Dual Enrollment Program, marketing efforts and enrichment programs for the MTC student body. 

Laurel has a strong background in curriculum development and student engagement, having previously taught business and entrepreneurship at Marion County Public Schools. She has also held leadership roles at Johnson & Wales University, where she directed leadership programs, co-curricular activities, and service-learning initiatives. She also taught leadership development classes and provided leadership training to local nonprofit organizations. Laurel holds a master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Rhode Island, and her certifications and professional memberships reflect her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Vice President: Lauren Gonzalez

Lauren Gonzalez is an Adult Technical School Counselor and Student Services Department Head at Erwin Technical College. She oversees student recruitment, enrollment, and performance, while contributing to strategic organizational development. With over 16 years of experience in teaching and counseling, instructional leadership and professional development, her leadership is grounded in data-driven decision-making and commitment to student success. 

Lauren has held key counseling roles across multiple schools, leading teams, developing professional training, and implementing programs that improved graduation rates and academic performance. She holds a master's degree in School Counseling from Argosy University and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida. Lauren is an active contributor to the professional education community, most recently co-presenting at the 59th Annual FACTE Conference & Trade Show.

Secretary: Tammy Alva

Tammy Alva is an Adult Technical School Counselor at Erwin Technical College, where she supports adult learners across a wide range of programs including CTE, GED, ESOL, ABE, IET, ESET, and Continuing Education. With over 20 years of combined experience in teaching and counseling, she specializes in career planning, student development, and aligning workforce training with community needs. 

Tammy holds a masters degree in Counselor Education, a graduate certificate in Career Counseling, and dual bachelor's degrees in Social Sciences Education and History from the University of South Florida. Tammy is an active member of NCDA, FACTE, and FASSP. She contributes to NCDA's AEO committee and has authored and co-authored articles for Career Convergence. Tammy has co-presented at both NCDA and FACTE 2025 conferences. 

Treasurer: Jennifer Breman

Jennifer Breman has worked in Alachua County schools for 12 years as a counselor, 2 years as a teacher, and 6 years supporting students in Career and Technical Education as a Program Specialist. As a supporter of CTE, she participated on the Policy Committees for divisions in both FACTE and ACTE, participating in leadership and mentorship programs, and is looking forward to several  upcoming growth opportunities in her career. She is the mother of three children whose lives have all been positively impacted by Career and Technical Education.