Our Collective
This collective effort focuses on aligning systems, improving access to services, strengthening family connections, and enhancing the quality of early education and care.
By working together, these partners aim to create a robust support system ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive from an early age.
Kids' First Years Collective Partners
Board of Directors
Ellen Kennedy Folts
CEO, Bruhn-Morris Family Foundation
Kate Garvey
Director, Department of Community and Human Services, City of Alexandria
Tracy Giannuzzi
Community Member, City of Alexandria
Edith Hawkins
President and CEO, Campagna Center
Michelle Smith Howard
President and CEO, Kids’ First Years
Dr. Tammy Mann
Founding Kids’ First Years Member
Barbara Paulson
Director, Center for Children and Families, City of Alexandria
Carmen Sanders
Executive Director of Instructional Support, Alexandria City Public Schools
Dr. Grace Taylor
Acting Superintendent of Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools
Collective Members
Jennifer Ayers
Executive Director, ALIVE!
Terri Cheshire
Executive Director, The Center for Alexandria’s Children
Robin Crawley
Chief, Early Childhood Division, City of Alexandria
Dr. Aatirah Holmes
Pediatrician, Inova Cares for Children
J. Glenn Hopkins
President and CEO, Hopkins House
Donna Marsh
Child Find Specialist, Alexandria City Public Schools
Barbara McLaughlin
Executive Director, The Child and Family Network Centers
Lori Morris
President, Bruhn-Morris Family Foundation
Camila Olivares
Director of Marketing and Public Engagement, DASH
Nanci Pedulla
Director, Healthy Families Program, Northern Virginia Family Service
Jane Richardson
Director, Early Childhood, Alexandria City Public Schools
Zinash Robi
Public Health Nurse, Alexandria Health Department
Dr. Christine Schull
Professor, Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria
Diane Smalley
Owner, Creative Play School
Dr. Bweikia Foster Steen
Associate Professor of Education, George Mason University