Our Team
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving over 1,300 entrepreneurs who have not only grown their businesses but also transformed personally and professionally. Their journey doesn’t stop there—they continue to create ripple effects, driving positive change and inspiring growth in their communities.
None of this would be possible without the incredible team behind SpringGR. Each member brings their unique passion, expertise, and dedication, forming the foundation of the successes we celebrate today. Together, we ignite the sparks that fuel dreams and turn them into lasting impact.
Our team in action
SpringGR Operations Team
KARLA VELIS-BRITO
DIRECTOR OF SPRINGGR
Karla Velis-Brito serves as the director of SpringGR, where she leads the organization’s strategy and direction and oversees staff, programs, and finances.
With over 10 years of experience supporting small businesses, leading marketing and communications
projects, and owning a small business, Karla brings strategy and planning skills as a collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve others.
In her free time, Karla enjoys exploring different cultures by traveling to over 30 countries.
Additionally, she plays futsal soccer and the guitar.
ARLENE CAMPBELL
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
Arlene Campbell serves as the director of programs and operations at SpringGR,
where she leads the team helping entrepreneurs develop a strong foundation for their
early-stage businesses and ideas.
With extensive program experience and over 17
years of experience as a small business owner in the construction industry, Arlene brings creativity in curriculum design, coaching, and a problem-solving lens to the team.
As an entrepreneur, she has experienced many of the highs and lows of business and
enjoys helping others succeed.
In her free time, Arlene enjoys camping, spending time with her grandchildren, and healthy cooking.
JERMALE EDDIE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jermale Eddie serves as the director of business growth at SpringGR, where he drives
innovative strategies to help business owners scale their ventures and unlock new levels of success. Jermale empowers entrepreneurs to break barriers and achieve six-figure milestones and beyond. With over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry locally and nationally, he is a master at pinpointing growth challenges and delivering actionable solutions. Jermale’s passion for entrepreneurship shines through in his dedication to fostering sustainable practices and entrepreneurial investment.
In his free time, Jermale enjoys spending time with his family, crafting new recipes, and
serving the community.
KARLA VELIS-BRITO
DIRECTOR OF SPRINGGR
Karla Velis-Brito serves as the director of SpringGR, where she leads the organization’s
strategy and direction and oversees staff, programs, and finances. With over 10 years of experience supporting small businesses, leading marketing and communications
projects, and owning a small business, Karla brings strategy and planning skills as a collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve others.
In her free time, Karla enjoys exploring different cultures by traveling to over 30 countries. Additionally, she plays futsal soccer and the guitar.
ARLENE CAMPBELL
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
Arlene Campbell serves as the director of programs and operations at SpringGR,
where she leads the team helping entrepreneurs develop a strong foundation for their
early-stage businesses and ideas. With extensive program experience and over 17
years of experience as a small business owner in the construction industry, Arlene brings creativity in curriculum design, coaching, and a problem-solving lens to the team. As an entrepreneur, she has experienced many of the highs and lows of business and
enjoys helping others succeed.
In her free time, Arlene enjoys camping, spending time with her grandchildren, and healthy cooking.
PAUL PEARSON
BUSINESS GROWTH MANAGER
As the business growth manager at SpringGR, Paul Pearson manages the business support
opportunities for alumni, which include a dedicated business mentor team,
peer-to-peer roundtables, events, and workshops. With over 10 years of experience
supporting small businesses, Paul brings a focus on starting well, achieving sales
growth, and connecting business owners to the right resources at the right time.
In his free time, Paul enjoys quality time with family and friends.
JERMALE EDDIE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jermale Eddie serves as the director of business growth at SpringGR, where he drives
innovative strategies to help business owners scale their ventures and unlock new levels of success. Jermale empowers entrepreneurs to break barriers and achieve six-figure milestones and beyond. With over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry locally and nationally, he is a master at pinpointing growth challenges and delivering actionable solutions. Jermale’s passion for entrepreneurship shines through in his dedication to fostering sustainable practices and entrepreneurial investment.
In his free time, Jermale enjoys spending time with his family, crafting new recipes, and
serving the community.
ALENDREA DANTZLER
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
As the marketing and communications manager at SpringGR, Alendrea Dantzler shapes
the voice of the organization, ensuring its mission resonates with entrepreneurs and the
broader community. With over 10 years of experience as a digital marketing specialist,
Alendrea excels in crafting strategies that amplify brand stories and drive engagement.
She is also the founder of Branded AD Inc., a luxury marketing agency focused on
empowering small businesses.
In her free time, Alendrea enjoys baking, playing her violin, traveling, and participating in community service with her sorority.
JANINE JOHNSON
KZOO STATION KITCHEN MANAGER
As the kitchen manager at KZoo Station, Janine Johnson is dedicated to helping food entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. She focuses on providing comprehensive training programs and business opportunities while fostering a collaborative environment within the food industry. Janine has over 20 years of experience in food safety regulation and consulting, which allows her to design and facilitate effective kitchen-use training programs while ensuring compliance with safety standards for commercial kitchen operations. She builds and maintains strong relationships with local, county, and state agencies and other food system professionals to support the growth of the food business community.
In her free time, Janine enjoys traveling, exploring different cuisines with her husband, and playing on the beach.
PAUL PEARSON
BUSINESS GROWTH MANAGER
As the business growth manager at SpringGR, Paul Pearson manages the business support
opportunities for alumni, which include a dedicated business mentor team,
peer-to-peer roundtables, events, and workshops.
With over 10 years of experience
supporting small businesses, Paul brings a focus on starting well, achieving sales
growth, and connecting business owners to the right resources at the right time.
In his free time, Paul enjoys quality time with family and friends.
ALENDREA DANTZLER
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
As the marketing and communications manager at SpringGR, Alendrea Dantzler shapes
the voice of the organization, ensuring its mission resonates with entrepreneurs and the
broader community.
With over 10 years of experience as a digital marketing specialist,
Alendrea excels in crafting strategies that amplify brand stories and drive engagement.
She is also the founder of Branded AD Inc., a luxury marketing agency focused on
empowering small businesses.
In her free time, Alendrea enjoys baking, playing her violin, traveling, and participating in community service with her sorority.
JANINE JOHNSON
KZOO STATION KITCHEN MANAGER
As the kitchen manager at KZoo Station, Janine Johnson is dedicated to helping food entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. She focuses on providing comprehensive training programs and business opportunities while fostering a collaborative environment within the food industry. Janine has over 20 years of experience in food safety regulation and consulting, which allows her to design and facilitate effective kitchen-use training programs while ensuring compliance with safety standards for commercial kitchen operations. She builds and maintains strong relationships with local, county, and state agencies and other food system professionals to support the growth of the food business community.
In her free time, Janine enjoys traveling, exploring different cuisines with her husband, and playing on the beach.
AUBREE MOSBY
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As the program coordinator at SpringGR, Aubree Mosby plans and implements the early-stage programs, including curriculum design assistance, applicant and participant communication, and recruitment support. She also coordinates the teams’ efforts in data collection and governance, and as a creative writer, she produces content for our SpringGR blog.
In her free time, Aubree enjoys quality time with her family, chai lattes, and a good book.
KYRA ST JOHN
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Kyra St John serves as the program assistant at SpringGR, where she executes logistics, including curriculum printing, keeping the office running smoothly, and supporting the Emprende team. With over eight years of experience in hospitality, Kyra brings valuable attention to detail, customer service, and problem-solving skills to the team. She is fully fluent in Spanish, having learned and practiced it for nearly 20 years.
In her free time, Kyra enjoys making handmade crafts, relaxing in a hammock, and exploring farmers’ markets.
SpringGR Coaches and Facilitators
ANDREW SIMS
FACILITATOR
BROOKE DAVIS
FACILITATOR
CARE ALLEN
FACILITATOR
GILMA DE LA CRUZ
COACH DE NEGOCIOS
JOSEPH MALONE
FACILITADOR
KRIS MATHIS
BUSINESS COACH
KRIS RIDINGS
BUSINESS COACH
MARIA ERAZO
FACILITADORA
RANDY OTTERBRIDGE
FACILITATOR
SHANTAL THOMAS
FACILITATOR
TEIA GATES
FACILITATOR