Meet the Team
Kristy Craig
Executive Director
850.380.3652 (cell, preferred)
850.433.6893 (office)
Kristy@ReadyKidsFL.org
Kristy Craig joined the ReadyKids! team in 2019 and has been part of the mission since 2017. She has an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and is passionate about early education and developing others. You can find Kristy building relationships, collaborating with partners, leading events, and sharing the ReadyKids! story throughout our community. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from the University of West Florida is currently pursuing her Master's in Strategic Communication & Leadership. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis; traveling to scenic locations; and cuddling with her dog, Nebula.
Kristy’s favorite children’s book is “Little Elliot, Big City” because it captures the joy in helping others and the importance of friendship and kindness. It also reminds us that no matter our size, we can accomplish anything with a little help; and no matter our worries, we’re never truly alone.
Mindi Crain
Engagement Manager
985.981.3862 (cell)
Mindi@ReadyKidsFL.org
Mindi Crain joined the ReadyKids! team in 2017, with her roles evolving over the years. You can find Mindi building relationships at our partner schools, leading our family engagement efforts, engaging with volunteers for community-based events, and serving as a ReadingPals Site Coordinator. Mindi has a Master's of Social Work from the University of West Florida and enjoys DIY projects; being outside; and spending time with her boyfriend, Tim, her pets, Archie and Gracie, and her family.
Mindi’s favorite children’s book is “The Rainbow Fish” because it tells the story of sharing and the happiness that being kind to others can bring. It teaches the valuable lesson that kindness and friendship are more important than possessions.
Kari Lindemann
Program Manager
850.572.3674 (cell)
Kari@ReadyKidsFL.org
Kari Lindemann joined the ReadyKids! team in 2023 after spending seven years as a teacher with Escambia County Public Schools. You can find Kari recruiting and training volunteers, collaborating with education partners, providing management and oversight of programs and support staff, and serving as a ReadingPals Site Coordinator. Kari holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from the University of West Florida and has a teaching certificate. Kari loves spending time with her husband and their three children. She is a native of Pensacola and enjoys all that this great place has to offer from downtown restaurants to the beaches.
Kari's favorite children's book is "What Do You Do With An Idea?" because it teaches you that any idea – whether big or small – can become something great as long as you have the patience and willingness to let it grow.
Lori Oswald
Development Manager
404.310.4911 (cell)
Lori@ReadyKidsFL.org
Lori Oswald joined the ReadyKids! team in 2025 and brings 10 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, special events, marketing, and nonprofit development. With a passion for mission-driven work and a track record of building strong partnerships, Lori is excited to support ReadyKids! by expanding fundraising efforts and deepening community engagement. Lori is passionate about maximizing children's potential, and is excited to support the organization’s growth and long-term impact through strategic development and community engagement.
Lori’s favorite children's book is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss because it delivers a warm and inspiring message about life's ups and downs with optimism and growth!
Daphne Hulion
Program and Volunteer Coordinator
850.972.8091 (cell)
Daphne@ReadyKidsFL.org
Daphne Hulion joined the ReadyKids! team in 2025, stepping into a role designed specifically to support the growth of ReadyKids!’ flagship program, ReadingPals. In her role, Daphne serves as a Site Coordinator and leads volunteer recruitment efforts. Daphne received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of West Florida. In her spare time, Daphne enjoys watching documentaries, learning new things, and finding creative ways to make education engaging.
Daphne’s favorite children’s book is “If I Ran Your School” by Cat in the Hat because it celebrates curiosity, imagination, and student-centered learning—reminding us that school should be a place where every child feels excited to explore.
Michelle Thomas
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
619.341.3619 (cell)
Michelle@ReadyKidsFL.org
Michelle Thomas joined the ReadyKids! team in August 2024. With her background as a former Branch Operations Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, she brings exceptional problem-solving and relationship-building skills to her current role. Michelle is dedicated to creating strong connections between volunteers and the children they mentor, and she is excited about creating a positive impact on early education. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys indoor cycling, meditation, reading, and volunteering at her daughter’s school.
Michelle’s favorite children’s book is “The Smart Cookie” by Jory John because of its message of confidence and self-acceptance. It emphasizes that everyone is different and has their own unique talents. This book is a reminder of the benefits of taking a leap of faith and trying something new.
Stacey Forty
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
904.422.4171 (cell)
Stacey@ReadyKidsFL.org
Stacey Forty joined the ReadyKids! team in September 2025, bringing 20 years of teaching experience from kindergarten through sixth grade. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and holds an ESOL Endorsement. Throughout her career, Stacey has been recognized as Teacher of the Year, honored as a High Impact Teacher, and served as a math coach for the Escambia County School District before launching her own dog-sitting business. Stacey enjoys swimming, traveling with her family, and caring for dogs - including her two beloved pups, Nacho and Delylha.
Stacey’s favorite book is “Corduroy” by Don Freeman for its message about the importance of friendship and the comfort of a loving home. This book is especially meaningful to her, as she used to read it to her two sons at bedtime—who are now grown and in their twenties.
Monica Lee
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
321.946.9044 (cell)
Monica@ReadyKidsFL.org
Monica Lee joined the ReadyKids! team in September 2025. She has a background in both nonprofits and early childhood education, bringing a wealth of experience in fostering supportive environments for volunteers and students alike. Monica earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 2014 with dual majors in Psychology and Sociology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two cats, Tomothy and Chester. She is also an avid gardener and lover of the outdoors. When she isn’t puttering around her garden, you may find her hiking along Pensacola’s beautiful trails.
Her favorite children’s book is “Who’s Going to Take Care of Me?” by Michelle Magorian, a perceptive story about two siblings that explores feelings a preschooler might have about adjusting to change. It is especially meaningful to her because, as a child, she would read it to her younger brother before bedtime.