Chalonda serves the GEAR UP O+K=C team as a College Coach in Oklahoma City Public Schools. In this role, she follows the Check & Connect Student Engagement Intervention Model in mentoring students who need additional support to help them achieve consistent school attendance and academic success. She works directly with families, school staff, and community service providers to connect students to resources and remove barriers, with the long-term goal of preparation for post-secondary education. Chalonda is no stranger to GEAR UP. She previously served as a Site Facilitator for the K20 Center’s 2011 GEAR UP for the PROMISE. She has been an educator for more than 24 years, teaching subjects like physical education, study skills, and language arts. 

She is happily married with three children and six grandchildren. The best part of Chalonda’s job is seeing students grow and become productive citizens.

Chalonda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Oklahoma Christian University and a Master of Education degree in English as a Second Language from Langston University.