Meet Our Team
Amanda Ahlert
Director, ALA Coastal K-12
Ms. Ahlert has been a part of the ALA Coastal team since its opening in 2017, working as a third and fourth grade teacher, beginning teacher support coordinator/instructional coach, and assistant director before transitioning to her current role as director. She deeply loves her school and is passionate about ALA Coastal's future.
Ms. Ahlert earned her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and Master of Science in psychology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She also received a master's in the art of teaching from Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Ms. Ahlert enjoys many hobbies in her free time, including pottery, painting, reading, kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway, gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with her family.
Amber Olczak
Assistant Director, ALA Coastal Pre-K-6
Mrs. Olczak is thrilled to serve our students and families as Assistant Director for Pre-K - 6th grade. Mrs. Olczak has been a part of the ALA Coastal family since 2021, beginning as a third grade teacher, and more recently as the school's beginning teacher support coordinator/instructional coach. Her journey in education began in 2017 after graduating from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!). Since then, she has had the privilege of teaching elementary in Charlotte and High Point North Carolina, before joining ALA Coastal. Outside of school, you can find Mrs. Olczak exploring Wilmington with her husband and their dog, Grady.
Mrs. Olczak looks forward to getting to know all of you and working together to make this a fantastic year for our school!
Tina Powell
Assisstant Director, ALA Coastal 7-12
Driven by her passion for advocating, education and developing service-minded leaders, Tina Powell is honored to be afforded the role of Assistant Director JHHS at ALA Coastal. Drawing from over 10 years of classroom, mentoring and lead teacher experiences, her focus includes promoting a culture of shared leadership and accountability with all school stakeholders as well as implementing processes and procedures that improve the learning environment, and positively impact student academic growth.
Tina’s educational journey began in Coral Gables, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, from the University of Miami. Later, while living in Los Angeles, CA, Tina served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), acting in the best interest of children in the foster care system. Firmly believing that education is a life-long journey, she earned a Master’s of School Administration degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and holds a North Carolina Association of School Administrators Principals License.
Tina enjoys living in North Carolina’s coastal community with her husband, Jason and daughter, Elizabeth. For leisure she enjoys reading and going to the beach with her family. Tina’s experience working with diverse student populations has motivated her to find meaningful ways to serve the community. Tina prioritizes building trusting relationships, nurturing and building cultural norms, and finding new ways to make a positive impact.
Student Services
Michelle Lewis
Assistant Director of Student Services
michelle.lewis@alacoastal.org
Now Enrolling for 2026-2027
Preschool through Grade 12 · Public Tuition-Free Charter School