Founders
Committed to the Cause
Laura Wentworth
President
Laura Wentworth is the President of LOT25. She is also an Associate Professor of Early Childhood & Elementary Education for Ohio University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood. She is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Ohio University.
Laura first became acquainted with the Belize community through a mission trip. In the summer of 2004, while still undecided in her major as an undergraduate, she spent a week volunteering at San Narciso Elementary School. Because of the compassion of the Belizean culture and the overwhelming need for better educational resources, she decided she wanted to pursue education, with a goal of one day returning to help the community. This trip was also where Laura met her husband and LOT25 co-founder, Philip Wentworth.Laura is also a runner, animal lover, and crafter. Both enjoy movies and shopping.
Phil Wentworth
Founder and Technology Specialist
Phil serves as the technology specialist of LOT25 and is an Instructor for the Digital Media Program at Zane State College. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Information Systems. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems, Strategy and Technology Degree. Phil became associated with Belize on the same mission trip as Laura. He noticed that the school did not own any technology and felt that because of his skill set and expertise in IT, he could help the local schools have better access to technology and further opportunities for learning. In his free time, Phil is a private pilot and sports car enthusiast. He is also an avid runner and marathoner.
Kennedy Humphreys
Co-General Body Coordinator
Kennedy is currently working on her graduate degree in Reading Education at Ohio University with a Reading Endorsement for grades K-12. She is from Jackson, Ohio in the heart of Appalachia. Kennedy enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and cooking. “I have been to Belize four times now and every time I go I fall more in love with the culture, people, and students. I am so excited for the opportunity to work with my fellow LOT25 members to share our love and passion for education with the students of Belize.”
Katie McMahon
Secretary
Katie McMahon is the secretary for LOT25. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a masters degree in Reading Education. Both are from Ohio University. She currently teaches third grade for Loveland City Schools in Cincinnati, OH. She traveled to San Narciso on a study abroad trip in 2017 with Laura and Phil, and she was instantly hooked. She continued to travel to Belize on a trip in 2018, then another in 2020. She doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
She fell in love with the culture, along with the teachers and students of San Narciso R.C. She is overwhelmed with gratitude for the love we receive. The people of Belize have given us endless kindness, and she feels an intrinsic need to give back to the community. She also believes that many elements of San Narciso R.C. should be implemented in the U.S. (such as chips and queso every day at 10 am!).
Rachel Jackman
Website Editor
Rachel is the website editor for LOT25. Rachel is working on obtaining her Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration at High Point University. She received her undergraduate in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University. During her time at Ohio University she traveled to San Narciso twice and she completed her full time student teaching at Concepcion R.C. School in Corozal, Belize. She is currently teaching in Guilford City Schools in Greensboro, North Carolina where she was honored to receive the Rookie of the Year award in the 2020-2021 school year. When she’s not teaching or attending class Rachel can be found trying new foods, planning her next trip or relaxing with a book and a cup of coffee.
Jasmine Whittington
Co-General Body Coordinator
Jasmine graduated from Ohio University in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She currently lives in Dayton, Ohio where she teaches second grade at a local public school. In addition to teaching in Ohio, she has worked with children in Belize, Jamaica, and Missouri. Jasmine has been passionate about working with children her whole life. “I truly believe that each child can learn and grow if they are given the opportunity to. I am so excited to be working with such a great organization like LOT25 and to see the impact it makes on the Corozal community.”
Carly Cambert
Treasurer
Carly graduated from Ohio University in May of 2019 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Since then, she has stayed in Athens to teach young children but plans to move to Cleveland to teach at an elementary school. Carly has traveled to Belize twice and fell in love instantly. “The community is so welcoming, and I made so many connections with the students and families.”
Alli Ciancibello
Social Media
Alli Ciancibello is the social media chair for LOT25. She is from Mentor, Ohio, a suburb east of Cleveland. She enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Alli recently graduated with her masters in early childhood and special education from Ohio University. She is now a kindergarten intervention specialist at Julie Billiart School in Westlake, Ohio. She has traveled to Belize four times and says “My experiences in Belize have changed the person I am today. I have learned so much from the students, teachers, and community in San Narciso. I fall in love with Belize more every day and I am so excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families in the San Narciso village.”
Jayce Gibson
Photographer
Jaycie graduated from Ohio University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Reading Education at Ohio University as well. Jaycie is a Kindergarten teacher at East Elementary in Athens, Ohio. She comes from a family of educators and is passionate about teaching. Jaycie has traveled to Belize for two consecutive years and cannot wait to keep the tradition going. “You do not truly know the impact a community can have on you until you fully immerse yourself. San Narciso continues to change my life every day. It will forever have a place in my heart.”