Overview
The Directors Conference is an annual highlight for our leadership community. We look forward to this retreat each year so that we can review the previous year’s growths and challenges, and plan together for the future.
All VA Recipient Grantee Directors and Managers are invited and encouraged to attend. This is our longest running conference, starting back in 2006 in VA Beach, always the third year in June.
We met virtually in 2020 and 2021, however we have plans for an in-person event in June 2022! We can’t wait!
Sessions with Dr. Lemon:
From National Head Start Association:
Manon Branding:
Keynote

Dr. Robert Lemon
As a renowned professional speaker, author and entrepreneur, Robert Lemon has risen to prominence by delivering a high energy message which inspires people to take responsibility for their lives and live up to their greatness. A leading corporate and workforce speaker, Robert combines the ageless tool of storytelling with a profound understanding of today’s culture. For years thousands have been touched by his keynotes and trainings. Robert was selected by Legacy Magazine, published in the Miami Herald honored as one of “South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Business Leaders” of 2018.
In 2017, he was presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition S Representative Frederica S. Wilson. Florida’s 24 Congressional District recognized his outstanding and invaluable service to the community. Dr. Lemon shares his empowerment principles with numerous local and national organizations. Robert is a best-selling and co-author of the book “Multiple Streams of Inspiration” with other celebrity authors including Jack Canfield “Chicken Soup for the Soul “with forewords by Les Brown and Zig Ziglar. Robert is the author of his newest book, “Now Is Your Time” with foreword written by Les Brown and testimonial by Willie Jolley and is now in print.
In 2011, Robert was selected as the “Author of the Year” by Advantage Media / Forbes Books from a field of 1500 corporate authors. In 2013 Robert earned his Doctorate Degree in Religious Education. Robert has been recognized for achieving and surpassing goals in customer service, sales, and has over 35 years of corporate experience from the US Postal Service and leadership from the US Airforce. Certified by USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. He’s earned a University of South Florida Muma College of Business for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate. Dr. Lemon has presented to numerous Head Start and Community Action Agencies.
Channel your audience to new levels of achievement, “Experience the Passion, Feel the Power, Live the Purpose” with Robert Lemon.
Bios
THOMAS J. SHERIDAN | Deputy Director
tsheridan@nhsa.org
Tommy Sheridan is the Deputy Director for the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in Alexandria, VA where he has worked since June 2009. In this role, Tommy plays a significant role in strategizing, developing, and implementing the Head Start community’s vision for the future of Head Start and early learning with a specific focus on ensuring all vulnerable children and families have access to Head Start’s comprehensive model of support for the whole child, family, and community. Tommy also works with the Head Start community to lobby, advocate, educate, and inform Congress, the White House, and the Federal Administration about the realities facing Head Start and early learning. During his tenure at NHSA, annual funding for Head Start has increased nearly 40% and Head Start has become seen as a rare bipartisan program with deep support from all ends of the political spectrum. Prior to his career at NHSA, Tommy worked in the Minnesota State Senate, on several political campaigns, and as a sales manager. Tommy received an Honors Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University and a Masters of Public Administration from George Washington University with a specific focus on social policy leadership.
KENT MITCHELL
Kent Mitchell is the Senior Director of State Affairs for the National Head Start Association where he leads work with state Head Start associations, state Head Start collaboration offices and the Early Head Start Rising campaign. For four years, he led statewide early childhood initiatives and campaigns in Indiana, with Early Learning Indiana, helping to double state pre-K funding and raise program quality. He started his career in Congress, working on disability issues for Senator Edward M. Kennedy and he has an extensive background in social innovation and philanthropic leadership.
MANON DESROSIERS
Manon Desrosiers, owner of Manon Marketing. Her broad marketing and branding experience spans 35 years and includes projects for Fortune 100 companies such as General Motors, Polo Ralph Lauren, and L’Oréal. She has also taught communications and advertising at the University of Montreal and College Andre Grasset. After having two autistic children, Manon started her own marketing firm, which serves nonprofits and small and medium-sized businesses. Manon has led successful rebranding initiatives for many organizations, most recently the Region 9 Head Start Association, the Virginia Head Start Association, the KidZCommunity Head Start Program, and the Orange County Head Start Program. Website: manonbranding.com
Call for Presenters
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Hotel Reservations: Click Here
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel for 180 USD per night
DEADLINE for Hotel Room reservations at this rate is MAY 21, 2022.
Call-in Reservations: 1-800- MARRIOTT, use group code: “VHA”
