God's Servants - The Alfalit Team
Honoring the legacy of our founders and committed to our mission, we believe that literacy is a fundamental right of all human beings no matter where they live.
ALFALIT STAFF
Alexandra Coll
Executive Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2003
Born: Colombia. Moved to Miami in 1991.
Education: Universidad Libre de Colombia , Law and Political Sciences Bachelor.
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Lila Cotes, MBA
Accounting & Finance Assistant
Joined the Alfalit team: 2020
Born: San Diego, Cesar Colombia
Education: Masters degree, Business Administration, Florida International University
Until now, Lila focused her career in business operations, administration, accounting/bookkeeping, and sales. Lila brings professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm to her Alfalit role. Her goal is to contribute her talents while advancing her understanding of the extreme needs of those who cannot read or write. Described as “chronically positive,” Lila is thrilled and honored for the opportunity to help individuals who want to improve their lives – and that of their families. A single mother, Lila and her son reside in Miami.
Maria Teresa de Almeida
Development Coordinator
Joined the Alfalit team: 2006
Born: Angola, Africa
Fled to Portugal with her family in 1975 as a long, protracted civil war erupted leaving behind a successful coffee plantation which was never recouped. Teresa worked at Mount Hope Bible School (14 years) and Abundant Life Christian Center (12 years), where she was introduced to Alfalit as the Center’s liaison. Also, a translator/interpreter (20 years) for renowned speakers from Europe, Australia, and USA. As a testament to her parents, Teresa’s main goal is to serve others in God’s name.
Juan Marcos Bello
Program Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2001
Born: Dominican Republic
Education: Information Technology degree, Universidad A.P.E.C., Santo Domingo, D.R.
The father of 3 sons, Juan Marcos has over 26 years of work experience. Alfalit is a family affair as his mother, Milagros Bello, serves as the executive director of Alfalit’s affiliate in Dominican Republic. A devout Christian, he is committed to bringing hope to those with the least worldwide. Studied in Prague (Human Rights); Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, Florida State University.
Verushka Valencia
Spanish Literacy - United States Program
Joined the Alfalit team: 2017
Born: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Education: University of Sagrado Corazo, Puerto Rico (Communications)
Moved to Miami in 2001. Verushka is known for putting the needs of others before her own. Deeply involved with her church, she also volunteers with Mission Miami, a group of religious leaders seeking to transform South Florida through prayer. Verushka feels blessed to work with a Christian-based organization that reaches so many with love and compassion. She lives in Miami with her son and daughter – both of whom volunteer with Alfalit when needed. To learn more about Alfalit programs offered in the U.S., please click here.
Christopher Bailey, Ed.D.
Educational Consultant
Joined the Alfalit team: 2015
Born: Florida
Education: Ph.D., Organization Leadership (major) & Curriculum Development and Technology Integration(minors), FL; Master’s degree, Hunter College, NY; Bachelors degree, St. Joseph’s College, NY. Certification: TESOL [Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages]
With over 20 years of international and national educational experience, Chris found his passion for teaching ignited many years ago as an undergrad visiting an elementary class being taught by a friend. He started as a Physical Education & Health instructor at a Christian private school. While continuing his own education, the NYC Teaching Fellow taught 5th graders in a South Bronx public school. He then moved to Madrid, Spain for more studies and worked with several large companies to coordinate employee education programs. In 2008, he returned to Florida where he resides with his wife and daughter and teaches Spanish at the University School in Fort Lauderdale. As a consultant, Chris is deeply committed to Alfalit’s worldwide mission and feels blessed to be part of an educational program that truly changes lives.
Carlos W. Lugo
Office/Warehouse Assistant
Joined the Alfalit team: 2016
Born: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Carlos has more than 15 years of experience in customer service, warehouse management, and inventory control. He serves as the Broadcasting, Television, Live Streaming leader for his church in which he is quite involved. His main responsibility at Alfalit is ensuring materials are available when needed, but he does much more – from answering phones to installing hurricane shutters! Passionate about God’s kingdom, Carlos finds that working with Alfalit enables him to contribute his skills to help those in need. He resides in Miami with his wife and two children.
