occasional appeals
 Dr. Gaines  |
|---|
Dr. Betty Jo Gaines, the Executive Director of Bright Beginnings, has more than 30 years of experience working with children and youth in the District of Columbia. She inspires and motivates staff to operate a comprehensive, high-quality child and family development program for homeless families and their young children. Under her leadership, Bright Beginnings has gained a reputation in the community and around the country as an organization making a positive and immediate difference in the lives of the District of Columbia’s homeless families. Dr. Gaines has committed herself to increasing awareness of the complex needs of homeless families with young children, and helping these families get the support they need to achieve self-sufficiency. (Listen to an NPR segment featuring Dr. Gaines).
Under her leadership, Bright Beginnings, Inc. earned accreditation for the second time as one of the nation’s premier child and family development centers by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC Accreditation, which is achieved by only 8 percent of early childhood centers nationally, is one of the most respected and widely sought after designations for child and family development centers. Dr. Gaines has made this comprehensive review by the leading early childhood education authority a priority during her 11-year tenure. “Homeless children deserve no less than the best in nurturing care and rigorous educational preparation. I am so pleased that NAEYC has recognized our efforts to provide the bright beginnings that help homeless children succeed,” she said.
NAEYC-accredited programs must meet stringent child development standards, including cognitive, emotional, language, physical and social skills and provide a balance of academics, health, safety and fun while also meeting licensing, staffing, safety and family involvement requirements. Bright Beginnings has been accredited through 2014.
Dr. Gaines has been frequently honored for her excellence in nonprofit management with her recent selection as a 2011 Purpose Prize Fellow. She was also selected by SmartCEO as one of 25 Brava! Women Business Achievement Awardees in 2010 and is one of the first 100 women receiving the Brava! Award for business and nonprofit leadership. In 2007, Dr. Gaines was named Washingtonian of the Year by the Washingtonian Magazine. In 2006, she also received the prestigious 2006 Exponent Award from the Meyer Foundation. As an inaugural recipient of the award, Dr. Gaines was recognized as a strong and effective nonprofit leader with a track record of accomplishment and great potential for future growth and development.
She holds a doctorate in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from American University, an M.Ed in Special Education from Howard University and a BA in Sociology from Johnson C. Smith University.
Staff
Bright Beginnings’ professional and well-credentialed staff is deeply committed to quality early childhood education for homeless children and family support that stabilizes these families. We ensure that our staff is well prepared to address the complex needs of our children and families. Bright Beginnings sets the bar high by requiring all lead teachers hold a four-year degree in early childhood education or a similar focus of study, as well as experience working with young children in a classroom setting. Bright Beginnings 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 hours of professional development annually.
Latoyia Allen, Development Manager
Heidi Bluming, Communications Specialist
Valerie Fleming, Evening Care Coordinator
Jonna Holden, Center Administrator
Emma Kupferman, LICSW, Early Head Start and Disabilities Coordinator
Chastity Lewis, Master Teacher
Tammy Perez, Head Start Social Worker
Sherri Watkins, Family Services Specialist
Joan Woods, Director of Development & Communications
Board of Directors
Bright Beginnings has an extremely involved Board of Directors, providing expertise and donating their time to ensure our programs and services address the challenges and needs of homeless families with young children. Bright Beginnings’ Board is divided into 10 committees which allow members to actively support the organization though their respective expertise.
2011-2012 Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Nancy Register, President
William L. Furmanski, Vice President
Charles. D. Becher, Treasurer
Lisa Brown, Secretary
MEMBERS
Kimberly Archer
Paul L. Berry
Anne Brill
Lillian D. Bowie
Colleen Conroy
Sara K. DeCarlo
Caroline Gray DenHerder
Jim Duda
Maria Estefania
Ann M. Friedman
Maggie Hoak
William B. Johnson
Sashia R. Jones
Martie Kendrick
Dr. Ruth H. McKey
Billie Johnson McSeveney
Stephanie Mitchell
Lisa Mould
Dr. Cheryl A. Ohlson
Dr. Brian Peters
Polly Rich
Margot Tomer
Elizabeth Wills
Travis Wright