Malkia Payton-Jackson
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Marshalynn Franklin
Marshalynn Franklin says: “The single act of enrolling in Head Start changed my life and now my children are second-generation beneficiaries.”
Alumni Spotlight: Pathways for Young Parents
Two Head Start alumnae from Community Action Alger-Marquette Head Start in Michigan tell their stories of finding their own paths to thriving futures as young parents.
Alumni Spotlight: Carlos Martinez
Carlos Martinez, Baytown Head Start’s new health services coordinator, didn’t know he had been a Head Start student when he applied for the job.
Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer DeMars-Ellison
Jennifer DeMars-Ellison says: “We are extremely proud to be a Head Start family.”
Alumni Spotlight: Tashia Lemon-Guillory
Tashia says: “I attended Head Start, came to work with Head Start, and I remain with Head Start because Head Start changes lives.”
Macy Jones, Bold and Decisive Leader in Times of Crisis
Head Start Director Macy Jone’s community was hit hard by COVID-19. She hired a full-time licensed clinician to provide support.
Preparation and Collaboration Serve Families in Crisis
Deputy Director of Duval Head Start/Early Head Start in Florida Maria McNair went a long way to help families adjust to virtual programming.
Alumni Spotlight: Josalyn Brown Robinson
Head Start alumna Josalyn Brown Robinson says: “Head Start gives a foundation with lifelong effects on children. We see the benefits every day.”
Facing Collective Trauma, Prioritizing Protective Factors
As the pandemic hit, Anat Weisenfreund focused on supporting and empowering staff and families as they were engulfed in collective trauma.
Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Parker
Thomas Parker says: “My early experiences in my community, including Head Start, shaped and prepared me to be a force for systemic change.”
Supporting Teams with a Strength-Based Foundation
Melissa McPheeters approaches obstacles with a strengths-based foundation and abundance mindset combined with a focus on socio-emotional safety and connection.
Drive-Through Distributions, Community Partnerships Help Mitigate Food Insecurity
Kristina Bedikian is a champion for children and families with an ability to forge community partnerships to mitigate food insecurity.