Dr. Ulas Butler
Co-Principal, Co-Founder, The Well For Life
St. Petersburg native Mr. Ulas D. Butler has a strong background in human services and a fervent passion for early childhood education. He serves as Senior Manager, Education with United Way Suncoast, specializing in Early Learning and Family Engagement. Mr. Butler supports the Campbell Park Network for Early Learning, a new United Way Suncoast initiative that seeks to transform the lives of preschoolers and their families in the historic South St. Petersburg neighborhood. Ulas served as director of the Lew Williams Center for Early Learning, a model preschool designed as a collaborative between five non-profit and government-funded agencies. As director, he learned the art of maintaining a high-quality early learning program focused on the social-emotional development of young children in the heart of St. Petersburg. While working at the Lew Williams Center, he earned his bachelor's degree in human services at Springfield College, Tampa campus. Mr. Butler began his higher education endeavors at St. Petersburg College as an Education major. His care for the safety and education of every child in his community fueled his pursuit. After earning an associate arts degree, Mr. Butler found purpose in starting a family. As a father, he uncovered the profound gift of nurturing and connecting with young children. His purpose was further revealed through his roles as a parenting specialist and a family services worker with a local non-profit agency. It was with that same organization that he found a home in preschool and secured a childcare credential. “My experiences serving in preschool ignited a flame for early learning that will never be extinguished,” Ulas said. "Faith, family and community define me at my core. My spiritual connection sustains me. The intense love of my family drives me. The values and needs of my community inspire me."