ABOUT WAYFINDER

Opportunity changes what people believe is possible.

Wayfinder Initiative was created around a simple belief: people need opportunities to discover what they can do, where they belong, and where they might go next.

We bring education, technology, creativity, workforce connections, and community together under one roof, creating a place where children, families, educators, and adults can learn, explore, connect, and grow.

LEARN. CREATE. CONNECT. LEAD.

A group of children sitting on the floor in a large room, all wearing black t-shirts with a colorful logo. The children appear happy and are posing for the photo, some smiling and others making playful gestures.

OUR MISSION

STEM is the vehicle. Opportunity is the destination.

Wayfinder uses STEM, creativity, technology, education, and community connection to open doors.

For a young child, that might mean discovering the joy of learning. For a student, it might be finding an interest that grows into a career. For an adult, it could mean building a new skill or making the right connection. For an educator, it might be gaining a tool or experience that reaches hundreds of students.

Our work reaches across ages and stages because opportunity shouldn't begin or end at a certain point in life.

We help people discover possibilities, build confidence and skills, and connect with opportunities that can move them forward.

One place. Many paths.

Wayfinder isn't built around one program or one age group. It's designed to connect pieces that too often exist separately.

LEARNING

Hands-on experiences that make learning meaningful, from early childhood through adulthood

CONNECTION

A place where families, educators, businesses, colleges, and community organizations can find one another.

OPPORTUNITY

Experiences and relationships that help people discover interests, develop skills, explore careers, and see what could come next.

The programs may look different. The purpose behind them is the same: helping people find their way forward.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Built from a question:

What if we connected the dots?

Wayfinder grew from years of work alongside students, educators, schools, families, and community leaders, and from seeing the same challenge again and again.

There are extraordinary resources, people, programs, employers, colleges, and opportunities across the Gulf Coast. But too often, the people who could benefit from them don't know they exist, don't know how to access them, or don't see themselves as someone those opportunities were meant for.

Wayfinder was created to help close those gaps.

Today, our Gulf Coast learning center brings people and possibilities together through hands-on STEM experiences, family programming, educator support, workforce and career connections, community learning, and partnerships.

And we're still building.

Wayfinder in the Community

Meet the Team

Wayfinder is powered by people who believe learning should open doors. Our leadership team brings experience across education, STEM, community engagement, workforce development, and program operations to create meaningful opportunities for children, families, educators, and communities across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Kristy Wheat, Ed.S., PAEMST

Kristy founded Wayfinder to create the kinds of learning opportunities she believes every child and community should be able to access. An educator, STEM specialist, and longtime school improvement leader, she brings together schools, families, businesses, and community partners to turn big ideas into meaningful opportunities for learners.

Founder
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Zenas Cappie, B.S.

Zenas leads the development of hands-on STEM, technology, and workforce experiences that connect learning to the world beyond the classroom. He brings a practical, creative approach to helping young people explore emerging technologies, build real-world skills, and discover pathways they may not have known existed.

Director of STEM Innovation & Workforce Development
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Director of Engagement & Youth Programs

Jillian Phillips, M.Ed

Jillian leads the systems and day-to-day operations that keep Wayfinder moving while helping create an experience where people feel welcomed and connected. She works across programs, events, partnerships, and community engagement to make sure the details behind Wayfinder's work are as thoughtful as the experiences themselves.

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Operations & Outreach Coordinator

Whitney Quave

Whitney helps turn Wayfinder's ideas into experiences that work for the people we serve. From coordinating programs and events to building relationships with families and community partners, she helps keep Wayfinder organized, welcoming, and connected to the community.

Board of Directors

Wayfinder is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose experience spans education, workforce development, healthcare, community leadership, and postsecondary pathways. Their collective expertise helps guide our mission, strengthen our community connections, and ensure responsible stewardship as we grow.

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Amber Deschamp, Chair
Community Development & Partnerships

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Timothy Thrash
Healthcare Administration

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Dr. Jillian Vallo
Community Engagement & Partnerships

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Dr. Jan Sears, Treasurer
Workforce & Career Education

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Emily Snell
Student Pathways & Postsecondary Readiness

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Dr. Douglas Reid
K-12 School Leadership

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Melinda Miller, Secretary
STEM Education & Workforce Pathways

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April Daniels
K-12 School Leadership

Be Part of What We're Building

Wayfinder was built on the belief that meaningful opportunities grow when a community comes together around its children, families, and future. Whether you participate in a program, volunteer your time, become a community partner, or invest in our mission, there is a place for you in what we're building.

Get Involved
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