Mission, Vision, & Legacy

Literacy is our Legacy

Founded in 2014, the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) is a 501 (c)(3) named for the lifelong local educator (35 years, Northeast High School). Mrs. Puller was dedicated to empowering students to achieve excellence.

My earliest teachers, my mom, my Auntie Mary, their friends, all knew that children in South St. Petersburg were intelligent and talented with the potential to accomplish anything they dreamed of doing, given appropriate tools and support.  SPPF provides these tools and support through the M.A.S.T.R Kids Summer Program as well as free book distribution at community events to continually promote reading as a catalyst for literacy.

Our Mission:

To advance reading, math and science literacy, helping to close the achievement gap for children in the “at-risk” communities of St. Petersburg. We start with South St. Pete!

Our Vision:

St. Petersburg is known for its’ legacy of literacy and achievement! Our students are highly sought after by colleges and employers. They have unlimited opportunities for careers and economic success.

Our Values and Beliefs:

Focus On Impact And Outcomes

We act boldly to impact the issue of literacy in the community primarily through children but also through the parent community. 

Be Relatable

Our community is made of heroic parents and resourceful students. We empower them through respect and authentic understanding of the unique challenges they are facing.

Create Connection

We care about our community and nurture it unconditionally through strong relationships, building unbreakable bonds and contributing to individual self-worth

Expect Success

We partner for greater impact, leading to individual and collective success for all involved. We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do.

Expand Horizons

We build sustainable communities, expanding horizons beyond community borders, through education and innovation.

Think Holistically

We embrace the concept of village accountability, addressing all impacts of literacy; physically, psychologically, intellectually and economically.

Ways You Can Help

Donate

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Donate Now

Volunteer

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Learn More

Become a Partner

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Learn More
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Pam Williams

Chief Operating Officer

As COO, Pam ensures the organization’s financial, data, fundraising, and HR infrastructure is strong today and ready for scale that multiplies impact in the years ahead. Pam’s 30+ years of nonprofit experience started with the turnaround of an organization in financial crisis, leading to the launch of a consultancy providing training, transition, and turnaround services to nonprofits and associations in the US and East Africa. In 2016, Pam became COO/CFO for the first women’s college in Rwanda, leading an international team across 3 continents and overseeing administration, finance and operations as the business grew from 50 students to over 400. Pam’s work consistently reflects a commitment to equity.

Darren Hammond

Site Operations Leader

Darren Hammond is currently serving as the Site Operations Leader for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University, and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Administration & Supervision, Nova Southeastern University. Darren spent 37 years with Pinellas County Schools transforming students to reach their ultimate learning potential using proven classroom strategies developed during his tenure in education. While working with Pinellas County Schools, he served as Teacher, Guidance counselor, Assistant Principal and as a Principal. Darren is a passionate educator who openly shares his love of learning with teachers, parents, and other educators! He was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Keisha Snead

Academic Leader

B.S. in Elementary Education,Cum Laude, FAMU 1996

I have served 24 years within the Elementary school setting in various instructional roles.  I have also served as the Mentor Coordinator for new and returning teachers. 


I have led professional development for faculty at several schools within Pinellas County.  I have coached colleagues in the understanding and delivery of the standards of reading and writing.  My love for learning is what drives my passion for teaching.  When I look into the eyes of a scholar who needs me, that is where I find my passion!