Management and Staff

About the Executive Director

Bringing over thirty years experience working with children and youth in the District of Columbia, Dr. Gaines inspires and motivates staff to operate a comprehensive, high quality child and family development program. Under her leadership, Bright Beginnings has gained a reputation in the community as an organization making a positive and immediate difference in the lives of Washington’s homeless families. Dr. Gaines has committed herself to increasing the awareness of the complex needs of homeless families with young children, and helping these families get the support they need to attain self-sufficiency.

Dr. Gaines was honored for her excellence in nonprofit management by The Meyer Foundation as an inaugural recipient of the Exponent Award. Click here for more information. In 2007, Dr. Gaines was named Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine.

Staff

Working with homeless families has its special efforts. Bright Beginnings is committed to ensuring staff are well prepared to address the complex needs of the children and families. Bright Beginnings sets the bar high by requiring all lead teachers to hold a four-year degree in early child hood education or a similar focus of study, as well as have experience working with young children in a classroom setting. The organization invests heavily in staff development and provides several opportunities for enrichment both in and out of the classroom by requiring each staff member to complete at least 24 clock of professional development annually.

Jonna Holden, Center Administrator
Sherri Watkins, Family Services Specialist
Emma Kupferman, LICSW, Early Head Start and Disabilities Coordinator
Tammy Perez, Head Start Social Worker
Chastity Lewis, Master Teacher
Krystal Cooper, Volunteer Coordinator
Jessica Neal, Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator
Renee Douglas, Administrative Assistant
Camille May, Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

Bright Beginnings has an extremely active Board of Directors providing expertise and time to ensure programs and services address the challenging needs of homeless families with young children. Bright Beginnings’ Board is divided into 10 committees allowing members to actively support the organization though their respective expertise.

2009-2010 Board of Directors
Nancy Register, Chair
Sally Wells, Vice Chair
Stephanie Mitchell, Treasurer
Cheryl A. Ohlson, Secretary

Kimberly Archer
Kimberly Boyd-Lewis
Cynthia Booth
Lisa Brown
Colleen Conroy
Susan Cooper
Caroline DenHerder
Jim Duda
Maria Estefania
Susan Gutchess
Kristen Hopkins
Sashia R. Jones
Martie Kendrick
Larry King
Kimberly Logan
Lisa Mould
Polly Rich
Nancy E. Roll
Towanda M. Williams