We are Passionate About Our Communities

Alabaster Box is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational company with a simple mission: Enrich the lives of others by sharing our passions. We help our clients gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence they need to do great things in the world. Our programs are virtually accessible, and we are committed to finding new ways to help our student base grow to become bigger and better versions of themselves. We are a nonprofit organization committed to serve our communities with a standard of excellence.

Lorri Napier, BS, MA
Founder & CEO

Ms. Napier is the founder and CEO of Alabaster Box Center of Performing Arts. She has 10+ years of experience in the field of performing arts. Ms. Napier obtained her Bachelors’ Degree in Music & Education from Nyack College in New York City, NY and her Masters’ Degree in Theatre from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In New York she worked as Director of her own Theatrical company, Asst. to Director of Performing Arts for the Police Athletic League, developed Community Concerts, and directed all programs for Rockaway Blvd. Senior Center. In Virginia Beach she has built a modest reputation within the public-school system as Director of Drama & Music for Clubs, Galaxy & 21st Century Afterschool Programs. In 2007 Ms. Napier moved from New York to Virginia Beach bringing her desire to continue instructing in performing arts and began teaching students privately with intimate concerts in vocal, drama, and music.

As the company, lovingly known as AB Copa, grows to be better positioned to serve the nationwide community, Ms. Napier is grateful to have an extraordinary team of professionals passionate about the work they do as well as the population they serve to accomplish great things for families. Every person who is part of AB Copa is a precious jewel, whose light she wants to shine. To God be the glory!

Alonzo F. Cobb, Jr.
Treasurer

Born and raised in New York City, Alonzo F. Cobb Jr. moved to California after college to work at Crocker Bank (now a part of Wells Fargo) and went on to earn his master’s in economics and business at Stanford University.

He continued to work for over twenty years in the business world before switching careers and coasts to teach high school mathematics in the New York City public school system. He earned his second master’s degree in mathematics education at CCNY.

Eventually, Cobb began writing nonfiction, starting with his memoir, The Student Chronicles. He is currently crafting his third book, which is about the history of mathematics.

Veronica Franklin, MFA
Marketing

Veronica Franklin is a multi-faceted marketing, design and communications professional with 10+ years as a people and project leader. In addition to being a strategy creator, design thinker, client advocate and relationship steward, she is a meticulous planner, and a tenacious and supportive spirit.

Veronica is passionate about design and gets excited about developing visual solutions to marketing challenges. Her current design portfolio represents non-profit organizations, startups and entrepreneurs.

Though presently enjoying joint residency in North and South Carolina, Veronica will always call Brooklyn, NY home.

Mac Knight, BS, MS
Board Member

Mac M. Knight, born and raised in North Carolina, is a retired Education Administrator, and former Physical Education teacher, who also worked as a Recreation Therapist and Probation Officer. He received his B.S. in Recreation Administration/Physical Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his M.S. in Recreation Education and School District Administrator from SUNY Cortland, New York. He has taught in Districts 27 and 28, Queens, New York, and upstate New York in the Ithaca, Elmira, and Cortland school districts. Even though he’s retired, he currently mentors education majors at SUNY Cortland and Young Men of Color at Ithaca High School. In addition, he coaches the Varsity Boys Basketball team at Ithaca High School and recently published his first book, “Changing Words, Changing Mindsets, An Alternative to School Discipline.”

He is the father of three daughters (two in education and one an architect) who have blessed him with eight grandchildren (his eight wonders of the world). If you have known or had an educator who wore many hats, (administrator, teacher, instructional leader, coach, mentor, therapist, peace officer, friend, single parent) and made a positive impact on your life while being an inspirational role model you will enjoy learning and reading about his experience in life and living the education profession. Profile on LinkedIn.

Michele Porter, Licensed Practical Nurse
Board Member

Michele Porter has been a nurse for over 40 years specializing in pediatrics. She has worked as a Foster Care Nurse Supervisor advocating for children in the system. Michele also worked as a school nurse, giving flu and vaccines to children enrolled in school-based clinics. She also taught OSHA Infection control classes, HIV prevention classes, and pregnancy prevention classes. Michele is also the proud parent of three children and grandmother of six, and mentors nursing students.

Since her retirement from active nursing, her passion continues to be advocating for children’s health, and she uses her time to inform and educate her community on preventive health care. Michele continues to research medical innovations that help senior adults live a better quality of life, by simply informing them of ways they can advocate for themselves when going for health visits. She knows that a great percentage of your health as a mature adult is related to mental health. Michele brings her excellent research skills to the table of ABCOPA.

Lorri Napier, BS, MA
Founder & CEO

Ms. Napier is the founder and CEO of Alabaster Box Center of Performing Arts. She has 10+ years of experience in the field of performing arts. Ms. Napier obtained her Bachelors’ Degree in Music & Education from Nyack College in New York City, NY and her Masters’ Degree in Theatre from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In New York she worked as Director of her own Theatrical company, Asst. to Director of Performing Arts for the Police Athletic League, developed Community Concerts, and directed all programs for Rockaway Blvd. Senior Center. In Virginia Beach she has built a modest reputation within the public-school system as Director of Drama & Music for Clubs, Galaxy & 21st Century Afterschool Programs. In 2007 Ms. Napier moved from New York to Virginia Beach bringing her desire to continue instructing in performing arts and began teaching students privately with intimate concerts in vocal, drama, and music.

As the company, lovingly known as AB Copa, grows to be better positioned to serve the nationwide community, Ms. Napier is grateful to have an extraordinary team of professionals passionate about the work they do as well as the population they serve to accomplish great things for families. Every person who is part of AB Copa is a precious jewel, whose light she wants to shine. To God be the glory!

Alonzo F. Cobb, Jr.
Treasurer

Born and raised in New York City, Alonzo F. Cobb Jr. moved to California after college to work at Crocker Bank (now a part of Wells Fargo) and went on to earn his master’s in economics and business at Stanford University.

He continued to work for over twenty years in the business world before switching careers and coasts to teach high school mathematics in the New York City public school system. He earned his second master’s degree in mathematics education at CCNY.

Eventually, Cobb began writing nonfiction, starting with his memoir, The Student Chronicles. He is currently crafting his third book, which is about the history of mathematics.

Veronica D. Franklin, MFA
Marketing

Veronica Franklin is a multi-faceted marketing, design and communications professional with 10+ years as a people and project leader. In addition to being a strategy creator, design thinker, client advocate and relationship steward, she is a meticulous planner, and a tenacious and supportive spirit.

Veronica is passionate about design and gets excited about developing visual solutions to marketing challenges. Her current design portfolio represents non-profit organizations, startups and entrepreneurs.

Though presently enjoying joint residency in North and South Carolina, Veronica will always call Brooklyn, NY home.

Mac Knight, BS, MS
Board Member

Mac M. Knight, born and raised in North Carolina, is a retired Education Administrator, and former Physical Education teacher, who also worked as a Recreation Therapist and Probation Officer. He received his B.S. in Recreation Administration/Physical Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his M.S. in Recreation Education and School District Administrator from SUNY Cortland, New York. He has taught in Districts 27 and 28, Queens, New York, and upstate New York in the Ithaca, Elmira, and Cortland school districts. Even though he’s retired, he currently mentors education majors at SUNY Cortland and Young Men of Color at Ithaca High School. In addition, he coaches the Varsity Boys Basketball team at Ithaca High School and recently published his first book, “Changing Words, Changing Mindsets, An Alternative to School Discipline.”

He is the father of three daughters (two in education and one an architect) who have blessed him with eight grandchildren (his eight wonders of the world). If you have known or had an educator who wore many hats, (administrator, teacher, instructional leader, coach, mentor, therapist, peace officer, friend, single parent) and made a positive impact on your life while being an inspirational role model you will enjoy learning and reading about his experience in life and living the education profession. Profile on LinkedIn.

Michele Porter, Licensed Practical Nurse
Board Member

Michele Porter has been a nurse for over 40 years specializing in pediatrics. She has worked as a Foster Care Nurse Supervisor advocating for children in the system. Michele also worked as a school nurse, giving flu and vaccines to children enrolled in school-based clinics. She also taught OSHA Infection control classes, HIV prevention classes, and pregnancy prevention classes. Michele is also the proud parent of three children and grandmother of six, and mentors nursing students.

Since her retirement from active nursing, her passion continues to be advocating for children’s health, and she uses her time to inform and educate her community on preventive health care. Michele continues to research medical innovations that help senior adults live a better quality of life, by simply informing them of ways they can advocate for themselves when going for health visits. She knows that a great percentage of your health as a mature adult is related to mental health. Michele brings her excellent research skills to the table of ABCOPA.

Lorri Napier, BS, MA
Founder & CEO

Ms. Napier is the founder and CEO of Alabaster Box Center of Performing Arts. She has 10+ years of experience in the field of performing arts. Ms. Napier obtained her Bachelors’ Degree in Music & Education from Nyack College in New York City, NY and her Masters’ Degree in Theatre from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In New York she worked as Director of her own Theatrical company, Asst. to Director of Performing Arts for the Police Athletic League, developed Community Concerts, and directed all programs for Rockaway Blvd. Senior Center. In Virginia Beach she has built a modest reputation within the public-school system as Director of Drama & Music for Clubs, Galaxy & 21st Century Afterschool Programs. In 2007 Ms. Napier moved from New York to Virginia Beach bringing her desire to continue instructing in performing arts and began teaching students privately with intimate concerts in vocal, drama, and music.

As the company, lovingly known as AB Copa, grows to be better positioned to serve the nationwide community, Ms. Napier is grateful to have an extraordinary team of professionals passionate about the work they do as well as the population they serve to accomplish great things for families. Every person who is part of AB Copa is a precious jewel, whose light she wants to shine. To God be the glory!

Alonzo F. Cobb, Jr.
Treasurer

Born and raised in New York City, Alonzo F. Cobb Jr. moved to California after college to work at Crocker Bank (now a part of Wells Fargo) and went on to earn his master’s in economics and business at Stanford University.

He continued to work for over twenty years in the business world before switching careers and coasts to teach high school mathematics in the New York City public school system. He earned his second master’s degree in mathematics education at CCNY.

Eventually, Cobb began writing nonfiction, starting with his memoir, The Student Chronicles. He is currently crafting his third book, which is about the history of mathematics.

Veronica D. Franklin, MFA
Marketing

Veronica Franklin is a multi-faceted marketing, design and communications professional with 10+ years as a people and project leader. In addition to being a strategy creator, design thinker, client advocate and relationship steward, she is a meticulous planner, and a tenacious and supportive spirit.

Veronica is passionate about design and gets excited about developing visual solutions to marketing challenges. Her current design portfolio represents non-profit organizations, startups and entrepreneurs.

Though presently enjoying joint residency in North and South Carolina, Veronica will always call Brooklyn, NY home.

Mac Knight, BS, MS
Board Member

Mac M. Knight, born and raised in North Carolina, is a retired Education Administrator, and former Physical Education teacher, who also worked as a Recreation Therapist and Probation Officer. He received his B.S. in Recreation Administration/Physical Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his M.S. in Recreation Education and School District Administrator from SUNY Cortland, New York. He has taught in Districts 27 and 28, Queens, New York, and upstate New York in the Ithaca, Elmira, and Cortland school districts. Even though he’s retired, he currently mentors education majors at SUNY Cortland and Young Men of Color at Ithaca High School. In addition, he coaches the Varsity Boys Basketball team at Ithaca High School and recently published his first book, “Changing Words, Changing Mindsets, An Alternative to School Discipline.”

He is the father of three daughters (two in education and one an architect) who have blessed him with eight grandchildren (his eight wonders of the world). If you have known or had an educator who wore many hats, (administrator, teacher, instructional leader, coach, mentor, therapist, peace officer, friend, single parent) and made a positive impact on your life while being an inspirational role model you will enjoy learning and reading about his experience in life and living the education profession. Profile on LinkedIn.

Michele Porter, Licensed Practical Nurse
Board Member

Michele Porter has been a nurse for over 40 years specializing in pediatrics. She has worked as a Foster Care Nurse Supervisor advocating for children in the system. Michele also worked as a school nurse, giving flu and vaccines to children enrolled in school-based clinics. She also taught OSHA Infection control classes, HIV prevention classes, and pregnancy prevention classes. Michele is also the proud parent of three children and grandmother of six, and mentors nursing students.

Since her retirement from active nursing, her passion continues to be advocating for children’s health, and she uses her time to inform and educate her community on preventive health care. Michele continues to research medical innovations that help senior adults live a better quality of life, by simply informing them of ways they can advocate for themselves when going for health visits. She knows that a great percentage of your health as a mature adult is related to mental health. Michele brings her excellent research skills to the table of ABCOPA.