Dr. Christie Lynn Pratt – Chairman of the Board
Dr. Christie Lynn Pratt is a St. Petersburg community leader with a deep commitment to education, advocacy, and service. She earned her Doctorate of Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University, along with a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Dr. Pratt has spent her career in healthcare, with the last 18 years at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to strengthening systems that support individuals and families, with a strong focus on access, empowerment, and informed decision-making.
She is especially passionate about literacy and its lifelong impact. As a mother of two, she understands firsthand the critical role reading plays in early development, academic success, and building confidence. She believes literacy is foundational to opportunity and is essential for helping children and families reach their full potential.
As a member of the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Creek Literacy Project, she is proud to support initiatives that foster a love of reading, expand educational access, and strengthen the community through literacy.
Tess Mullinax – Vice Chair
Tess Mullinax, a Tampa Bay native, is a distinguished real estate agent known for her deep local roots and market expertise. A St. Petersburg native and Shorecrest Preparatory alumna, Tess earned a Division 2 basketball scholarship while studying Mass Communications, showcasing the drive she brings to real estate. She excels at finding off-market properties and leveraging her design background to match clients with their dream homes.
Passionate about Tampa Bay’s growth, she celebrates its blend of historic charm and vibrant new developments. Named among Florida’s Real Trends Top 1000 Realtors, Tess has closed over $75 million in sales in just five years. Outside work, she enjoys travel, art, dining with her partner Vanessa, and walks with their rescue dog, Fritz. Tess’s dedication to clients and community fuels her success, guided by enthusiasm and integrity.
Mary Pratt – Secretary
Mary is a retired school educator who served as an administrator in Florida and taught several grade levels throughout her career in both Florida and North Carolina. Since moving to North Carolina, Mary has been involved in Buffalo Creek tutoring students in reading and writing. She enjoys her small farm, her two donkeys, creating artwork, and relaxing in the beautiful foothills with her husband.
Jeff Pratt – Treasurer and Director
Jeff has worked in education for over 40 years as an administrator and teacher. He is also a former CPA. He moved to Germanton from Florida about 20 years ago. He has been the volunteer Director of Buffalo Creek for 15 years. He and his wife enjoy their small farm and two donkeys, Winston and Salem.
Sally Elliott
Sally has a B.S. degree from the University of NC at Greensboro in Elementary Education. She received a M.A. degree from Appalachian State University in Reading Education and was employed as a reading teacher with Stokes County Schools for six years. She also worked for Forsyth Tech in Stokes County. She resides in Walnut Cove with her husband, Lee, a plumbing contractor, and their two children.
Christine Boles
Christine is a Walnut Cove native and the Branch Librarian at the Walnut Cove Public Library. Christine is an avid supporter of literacy. She has a Bachelor of the Arts in Literature and a Minor in Equine Studies from Midway College in Midway, KY plus an Associates of the Arts in Library and Information Technology from Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC. She loves the outdoors, photography, and her dog,
Dr. Richard Miller
Dr. Miller is a retired veterinarian who is a long-time resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. He is an avid bicyclist and enjoys the outdoors. His interest in literacy began when he began volunteering as a tutor and mentor in the local school system.