• Our Board of Trustees

    Teacher Café Foundation™ is governed by a Board of Trustees—composed of a majority of women educators—responsible for mission protection, financial stewardship, ethical decision-making, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
    Through the implementation of the Teacher Café Model™, the Board works to ensure that all Foundation activities remain charitable, educational, voluntary, inclusive, and deeply aligned with educator well-being.

  • Angèle Bielen

    Teacher Café™ Station Order Management Trustee - Website, Domain, and Public Communication Trustee

    I was born in France and hold dual French and American citizenship. Being bilingual and bicultural has given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of connecting with others.
    I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Ramapo College of New Jersey, with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. My lifelong love for animals, especially horses, has shaped my passion for care, responsibility, and service. I am currently a vet tech working part time at a local clinic.
    As a young board member of the Teacher Café Foundation™, I bring a student perspective and a deep appreciation for the educators who support and guide students throughout their journeys. I believe teacher well-being matters because teachers play a meaningful role in helping students feel seen, encouraged, and capable of reaching their goals.

  • Joseph Laborde

    Legal Separation, Conflict of Interest, and Intellectual Property Oversight Trustee

    I am a high school Physics and Engineering teacher who loves bringing STEM to life through hands-on projects. When I am not in the classroom, you can usually find me hitting the gym for a heavy CrossFit or barbell workout, or out shooting portrait photography with my Nikon. I'm a big sports fan who loves catching games at the stadium, checking out local craft breweries, and traveling to sunny beach destinations.
    Most of all, I treasure quality time with my daughter, whether we're rocking out at a concert or planning our next big adventure.

  • Alexis Morales

    Participation and Use Patterns Trustee

    I have been a Mathematics teacher after earning my MST from Fordham University in 2016. My first teaching job was as a long-term sub, and later full-time teacher/interventionist, at a wonderful little high school in East Harlem. Though I only spent a short six years of my career there, I credit that school with developing the foundation for my teaching philosophy and modeling for me what a school community can and should be. It is why electing to support the Teacher Café Foundation and its mission just made sense.
    Currently, I teach in New Jersey and live with my husband, Patrick, and our eccentric collection of creatures ranging from beetles to snakes. While home, I enjoy indulging in my artistic passions, which include sculpting, crocheting, and baking.

  • Tom Petit

    Outcomes and Impact Trustee

    My journey into advocacy began at age 18. While studying psychology during a time of significant social upheaval in France, I developed a deep awareness of societal inequalities and the urgent need for community-led support systems. Seeking a way to turn these insights into action, I pursued a degree in Fine Arts, finding my voice and learning how to translate complex human experiences into impactful visual narratives. For me, a healthy society is one that prioritizes the human element above all else. I joined the Teacher Café Foundation board to champion community-based education, using my unique blend of psychology, art, and social purpose to support educators and students alike

  • Carole Petit-Bielen

    Founder & President
    Founding Marketing and Strategic Communications Trustee

    “Oops, I did it again!” From a little girl growing up in France to a teacher, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, I have always carried a spirit of curiosity, courage, and creation.

    I am the Founder and President of Teacher Café Foundation™ and CEO of Teacher Initiated Education Institute LLC. I bring nearly 15 years of experience as a French Immersion teacher at Teaneck High School, along with prior leadership experience in international language services for industrial companies in France and Romania.

    My work is rooted in the belief that schools should be places of dignity, belonging, and human connection. Through Teacher Café Foundation™, I am committed to supporting educator well-being, reducing teacher isolation, and strengthening school climate through Teacher Café™ Stations.

  • Rooted in Our Beginnings

    You might notice our board members sharing photos of themselves as little kids! We choose to feature these childhood pictures as a tribute to the spark that started it all.

    Every adult leader on our board was once a student whose life was shaped by an educator. These photos serve as a daily reminder of why we do this work—to honor the teachers who show up for children every day, fostering their growth from the very beginning.