Staff
Meet the team at Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina below.
Darrell Allison
President
As president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, Darrell Allison continues to lead strategic efforts to redefine the meaning of public education. To him, it means every parent, regardless of income or zip code, should have the ability to choose the educational model that best meets the needs of their children. Darrell’s belief, coupled with his tenacity and…
Karen Duquette
Vice President
As Vice President, Karen Duquette manages the day to day operations of the organization and assists with strategic planning and initiatives. Along with the President, she also directs PEFNC’s parental school choice legislative outreach and policy priorities. She helps develop and build relationships with grassroots and school leaders, elected officials and educational advocacy groups across the state. Karen works with…
Kristin Hathorn
Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Kristin Hathorn joined PEFNC in 2013 to lead the organization’s policy and strategic initiatives efforts. She is excited to be in a role where she can combine her passion for education and unique combination of policy and development experience. Kristin completed her undergraduate degree in three years while attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she majored in political…
Katie Trout
Operations Director
Katie Trout brings media and communications experience to PEFNC, along with the desire to see North Carolina parents, not the system, decide how and where their children should be educated. After graduating from Gardner-Webb University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Katie gained media and research experience through her time as a Research Assistant at WBT 1110AM in Charlotte,…
Kwan Graham
Parent and Charter School Advocacy Director
Kwan Graham has an extensive background serving parents and advocating for the educational needs of children. She has worked diligently across the state to empower parents to become better advocates for their child’s educational needs and oversees Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina’s Parent Liaison Initiative (PLI). As Parent and Charter School Advocacy Director, she assists five statewide parent…