Governing Board Secretary Candidate

I am interested in serving on the NAEYC Governing Board. I understand the power of NAEYC outside of a licensed child-care facility. As a proud Jamaican, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a leader who has worked across classrooms, cultural institutions, and community systems, I understand both the transformative power of early learning and the urgency of protecting and elevating it.

I believe the board must reflect diversity not only in culture but in practice. I lead our NAEYC-accredited preschool, serve as the liaison to our onsite charter school, oversee six afterschool programs in Title I schools, and manage content for over 450,000 museum visitors annually. I’ve launched bilingual STEAM programs in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods and created sensory-friendly experiences for neurodiverse learners; these efforts reflect how children’s museums can expand access and innovation in early childhood.

But I did not begin in a museum. I began as a classroom teacher, then a school leader, and later served on FLAEYC’s board and the NAEYC’s Affiliate Council, where I saw how national policy connects with local realities. I have over 15 years of experience in early childhood systems building, family engagement, and leading through transformation, from pandemic recovery to strategic planning.

As someone who carries both institutional leadership and lived experience, I navigate spaces not always built for someone like me. That has made me a more intentional, equity centered leader and has deepened my belief in the importance of representation, not just for children, but for the educators and families who serve them.

One of the most critical issues we face is the ongoing devaluation of our workforce. Educators remain underpaid and overwhelmed. To build a sustainable future, we must reimagine compensation, invest in leadership pipelines, and stay committed to systemic change. NAEYC must continue to lead with urgency and consistency beyond moments of crisis.

We also need to redefine what we consider a learning environment and who we see as essential to early learning. Education doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Museums, libraries, and community spaces provide rich, culturally grounded experiences. These aren’t “extras” they’re integral to a thriving education ecosystem. NAEYC can expand its accreditation and influence to include these spaces and elevate their role in early childhood development.

Finally, we must take a more holistic approach that includes families, caregivers, and the conditions surrounding children’s lives. Food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of access to healthcare are barriers to learning. Children living in food deserts or dealing with chronic stress cannot thrive. NAEYC can grow its leadership in whole-child, whole-family advocacy through deeper partnerships with health, housing, and community organizations.

What I bring to the NAEYC Governing Board is a deep commitment to community, a clear sense of purpose, and a track record of building things that last, from programs to partnerships to people. I am a connector. I am a strategist. And I am someone who leads with both heart and accountability.