Our Staff and Advisory Board

X. Patrice Wright, M.Ed.
Administrative Manager

X. Patrice Wright Prior to joining the Parenting Center Team, Patrice began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher. She then became a math coach, a Louisiana State Department employee, a school administrator, and also worked in central office.

Throughout her 22 years in education, she thoroughly enjoyed providing professional development and coaching to teachers. Her passion for working within the early childhood sector never faded, and she firmly believes that giving children a solid foundation in their early years sets their path for academic success.

She received an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from UNO. She is a Louisiana Pathways Trainer and a toddler CLASS observer. A mother of one daughter, Patrice teaches school readiness classes, classes for parents of teens, and shares in staffing the Metairie Center.

Lisa Phillips, MSW, LMSW
Parent Educator

Lisa Phillips Lisa has been a Parent Educator at The Parenting Center since 2001. She received her BA from Occidental College and her Master’s of Social Work from Tulane University. Before joining the Parenting Center staff, Lisa worked as a school social worker.

She has two children, a daughter and a son. Lisa teaches parenting classes with a special interest in birth through five years.

Katie Dilzell, M.Ed.
Parent Educator

Katie Dilzell A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Katie has always enjoyed working with young children. After studying Elementary Education at Louisiana State University, she received her Master’s of Education from the University of New Orleans. Before joining the Parenting Center, Katie spent 17 years as a classroom teacher.

Jenni Watts Evans
Part-time Parent Educator

Jenni Watts Evans Jenni has been involved in early childhood education and development from many angles. Beginning in the classroom as a preschool teacher, Jenni moved into advocacy work and adult education as a parent counselor at Child Care Resources of Agenda For Children where she helped parents find quality child care and trained teachers of young children.

Jenni serves as the Chair of the Board of the Greater New Orleans Association for the Education of Young Children and was on the Anti-Bias Education Leadership Project team. Jenni joined the staff at The Parenting Center in 2002 and was the Assistant Director from 2012 - 2019.

Jenni teaches activity, child development, and discipline classes for parents of young children.

Beth Bailar
Program Coordinator

Beth Bailar Beth joined the Parenting Center in 2001. She ensures the smooth operation of classes, coordinates The Parenting Center activities and community events, and oversees all aspects of membership and registration.

staff group pic

Advisory Board

The Parenting Center Advisory Board is comprised of concerned parents, community leaders, pediatricians, a member of the Junior League of New Orleans and members of the Children's Hospital Board of Trustees. They provide invaluable guidance and direction to The Parenting Center staff, help assess the parenting needs of the community and ensure that the Parenting Center continues to fulfill its goals.