About Us

Our staff is here to answer your questions about our classes and process for meeting your requirements.

Program Administrator - J. Wester

J. Wester is the owner and educational director of Florida Court Classes®, providing accessible, high-quality online and Zoom-based courses. As both an attorney and an educator, she understands firsthand the impact that court-ordered programs can have on individuals seeking a second chance. In her legal practice, she regularly represents clients facing criminal charges and often refers them to similar educational programs as part of their rehabilitation process. This experience allows her to connect with students on a real level—she understands their challenges and the role that education can play in moving forward.

A New Orleans native, Ms. Wester earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern University at New Orleans before beginning her career as an educator in the Houston and Spring Independent School Districts in 2009. She later pursued a law degree at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, driven by her passion for justice and rehabilitation through education.

Now a full-time attorney, Ms. Wester owns and operates her law practice in Houston. She is licensed to practice law in Texas and Ohio, as well as federally in the Southern District of Texas. She is also licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to teach all offender education programs, further solidifying her commitment to legal education and rehabilitation. Through Florida Court Classes®, she ensures that all courses are developed by experienced Florida educators and practicing attorneys who specialize in Florida criminal law and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Beyond her legal work, Ms. Wester has been a certified mediator since 2014 and a certified teacher since 2009. She is an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association, certified by the National Association of Shoplifting and Theft Addiction Specialists, and a Certified Anger Management Specialist (NAMA). She is also in good standing with the Texas State Bar Association (TBN 24090784).

With experience on both sides of the justice system—advocating for clients and ensuring access to rehabilitative education—Ms. Wester is dedicated to providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to move forward and make better choices.

Curriculum Specialist - Jamaur Barnes

As a Manager of Family and Community Engagement, Jamaur drives innovation in direct partnership with school districts, communities, and families across the Houston region.

Jamaur spent time in nonprofit management, as a Community Engagement Manager for some of Houston’s largest organizations: establishing sustainable 501c3s, leading project management, and bridging the gaps between social, academic, and civic organizations in Second and Third Wards, as well as South Houston.

He spent ten and a half years in Title One schools across Spring and Houston I.S.D.s, teaching General and Special Education, Gifted and Talented, E.S.L. and Emerging Learners. He has served in a capacity of leadership roles from District Teacher of the Year, to Campus Culture Specialist, and Community and Family Liaison. Through his passion, he was able to establish several cultural and family programs which still run-in districts today.

An Alumni of one of Texas’ few Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Prairie View A&M University, Jamaur studied Journalism and Behavioral and Political Sciences. He is also active in postgraduate advocacy and service through various alumni networks, including his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

TDLR Number: 105563

Instructor - Lisa Gilbert

DOEP Instructor – TDLR #4890
Certified Teacher with Teach Louisiana
Certified Teacher with Texas Education Agency
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD
Master in Curriculum and Instruction from University of New Orleans in New Orleans, LA
Certification as a Reading Specialist –  EC – 12th Grade
Certification as  English as a Second Language Instructor (ESL) – EC- 12th Grade
Certification in Reading and Writing 4th -8th Grade

Instructor - Walidah Staley

Walidah Staley (Nicholson), M.Ed., holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Clemson University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland, and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Claflin University. Ms. Staley has over 25 years of experience as an educator in secondary and post-secondary settings. During her tenure as a classroom professional, she led school improvement efforts and designed programs to increase parental involvement.

Ms. Staley served as principal trainer and instructional designer providing credentialing and professional development workshops for a healthcare organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded iTeachiTutor, an organization helping parents and students maintain and gain academic success during this time of academic turmoil. She also partnered to start Planning Diversity,Inc., a small business that has made great gains with diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and in the workplace. Ms. Staley is a world traveler, lifelong learner, and forever educator with ongoing endeavors that have made her an empathic proponent of racial equity and cultural diversity both in and out of the classroom. She believes as Maya Angelou did, “if you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”

TDLR Numbers: 105393-105376

Instructor - Krischell Sam

DWI-Intervention Instructor #5007
Certified Teacher with Texas Education Agency
Associates of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Bachelor’s of Arts in History at Prairie View A&M University

Instructor - Tommie Harris

DOEP Instructor #5067

A Langston University graduate from Spencer, Oklahoma, with a degree in Corrections and a minor in Criminal Justice. I’m proud to be a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Working for Texas Court Classes, I have the privilege of helping people move forward in life and focus on positive changes for a better future. Together, let’s make a difference and empower individuals to overcome challenges and embrace brighter possibilities.”

Instructor
Fanesha Washington

DWIE Instructor TDLR #4788
Licensed Private Investigator with Department of Public Safety
Bachelors of Science Criminal Justice
Masters of Science Legal Studies

Instructor
W. Staley

DWIE & DWII Instructor 4834
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of MD
Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Claflin University
She founded iTeachiTutor through which she is a private tutor.

Admin Assistant
Jan Wester

-U.S. Department of Logistics Agency Lead Instructor for 10+ years
-Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology US Air Force
-Bachelor of Business Administration Hampton University 
-Master’s of Business Administration Central Michigan University 

Important Update: Purchase your class today before possible price changes.