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 she 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 and enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis; sipping on iced hazelnut lattes at local coffee shops; traveling; 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.
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.
Mindi Crain
Program Coordinator
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.
Tesha Gordon
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
407.719.5966 (cell)
Tesha@ReadyKidsFL.org
Tesha Gordon joined the ReadyKids! team in August 2023 with an eagerness to support awareness in early reading. As a Site Coordinator, you will find Tesha interacting with volunteers, teachers, and Pre-K students in support of our ReadingPals program at Montclair Elementary and Ferry Pass Elementary. Tesha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Oklahoma State University. She enjoys volunteering at her kids’ schools and exploring new places with her husband and their three children. Tesha also enjoys exercising, nutrition, reading magazines, and taking her kids on their weekly trips to the libraries.
Tesha’s favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” because it encourages early independent reading by building confidence through repetition, rhyming, and color identification. Her children loved reading it and would give each animal their own unique voice.
Syreeta Johnson
ReadingPals Site Coordinator
858.413.7295 (cell)
Syreeta@ReadyKidsFL.org
Syreeta Johnson joined the ReadyKids! team in August 2023. As a former kindergarten teacher, she has a deep passion for early education and reading fundamentals. With her leadership experience, Syreeta actively seeks ways to facilitate growth and development in others. As a Site Coordinator, you will find Syreeta interacting with volunteers, teachers, and Pre-K students in support of our ReadingPals program at West Pensacola Elem. and Holm Elementary. Syreeta is pursuing a degree in Ministry and Leadership at South Florida Bible College and she enjoys gardening, visiting local coffee shops, and road trips.
Syreeta’s favorite children’s book is “Chrysanthemum.” When reading Kevin Henkes' "Chrysanthemum" to children, she makes a point to emphasize the main character's name throughout the story. This approach instills a sense of pride and recognition in the children, ultimately boosting their self-confidence.