Alison Kling

CEO

email: alison@free2teach.org

Alison Kling is the CEO of Free 2 Teach and is passionate about investing in teachers so that they can equip and inspire every child in their classroom. Alison started her career in education as an elementary school teacher in New York City Public Schools with Teach for America. In addition to her undergraduate work, she holds a Master’s in Education (M.S.) from Hunter College and a Master’s of Divinity (M.Div.) from Princeton Theological Seminary as well as a certificate in Forced Migration Studies from Oxford University. Alison is a graduate of Leadership Flagship Class L38 (#bestclassever). She and her husband, David, live in Huntsville with their four children, George, Teddy. Jack and Lucy. 

Beth Vest

Director of Operations and Grants

email: beth.free2teach@comcast.net

Beth Vest has been with Free 2 Teach for the past four years and enjoys serving the children and teachers of Madison County. A native of Huntsville, Beth studied at Auburn University, earning a Bachelors of Science in Organization Management. After a 16 year career in the banking industry, Beth directed Covenant Weekday Preschool for 17 years. Beth loves being involved in the Huntsville community. In addition to her role supporting so many aspects of the operations and funding structure of Free 2 Teach, she is involved in her church as well as an officer in her college sorority’s local alumnae association and an active member of the Grace Club. Beth lives in Huntsville with her husband Phillip.

Jennifer Cummings

Store Manager

email: jennifer@free2teach.org

Jennifer Cummings has worked with Free 2 Teach since 2015 and supports all of our volunteers, manages and organizes our warehouse and runs all teacher shopping. Jennifer has worked previously in graphic design and enjoys giving back to the community in her work at Free 2 Teach. Jennifer attended the University of Southern Mississippi to study art and finished her bachelors degree at Athens State University. Jennifer loves to bring her creative energy to all aspects of the store. If you are interested in volunteering with Jennifer and her team, click here. Jennifer has lived in the Huntsville area for over 20 years with her two dogs and her husband Paul. She enjoys golfing, kayaking and gardening.

Chris Pendergrass

Program Coordinator and Free 2 Teach Fellow

email: chris@free2teach.org

Chris has worked with Free 2 Teach since February of 20223 and supports our volunteer program, inventory management system and our teacher shops. Chris graduated from Huntsville High School and Kenyon College with a degree in Religious Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, suma cum laude. Chris worked at Camp Seale Harris, a camp for children with type one diabetes, and at Camp ASCCA, a camp for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. “I discovered a heart for service and for people with disabilities during these summers. It also gave me a new appreciation for Alabama and made me eager to return home after my time in college.” As a Free 2 Teach Fellow Chis will have the opportunity to participate with me in donor meetings or speaking engagements; tour other nonprofits; shadow business and civic leaders; and engage in reading and learning as a young, emerging leader in our community. In his role as Program Coordinator, he will support inventory management, volunteer programming and teacher shops. He will work with Store Manager, Jennifer Cummings, and alongside our amazing volunteer and support teams. He is already making a big impact with his positive attitude, hardworking spirit and delightful musical taste.