We have many new program Directors for 2022 and we would like to welcome and support them here on our VAHSA website. If you know of anyone who should be profiled here, please email Melissa at mpalombi@headstartva.org.
Sharon Shuttle
Sharon ShuttlePeople Incorporated of Virginia
Director of Child & Family Development
As a former Head Start child herself, she was the first in my family to graduate from high school. She later went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Restorative Justice. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have spent the last 31 years living and working in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia while raising 3 children. During that time Sharon worked for 3 years with the Department of Social Services, 13 years with Shenandoah Valley Head Start, and 15 years with Harrisonburg City Schools as the Director of Early Learning & Smart Beginnings. She is excited to now work with People Incorporated of Virginia as the Director of Child & Family Development. People Incorporated is the recipient of Head Start and Early Head Start grants in 8 localities including the counties of Buchanan, Clarke, Dickenson, Frederick, Russell, and Washington in addition to the cities of Bristol and Winchester. Sharon is honored to be able to work in and for these communities to advocate for children and families and the staff that serve them.
Thank you Sharon for all you do for children and families in Virginia!
RonKeisha Kelly, M.Ed
The Improvement Association Interim Head Start Director
RonKeisha has worked in early childhood education for 10 years now. She has worked with children and families in the areas of child abuse/neglect advocacy, mental/behavioural health and education. As an educator, she has three main goals. The first goal is to ensure that all children are learning in a safe and loving environment. The second goal is to daily experience the joy of children learning. The third goal is to help our little learners to dream big. As the Improvement Association Interim Head Start Director, she is able to fulfil these goals amongst many others. She works alongside some of the most amazing individuals that are dedicated to the association’s mission of providing comprehensive services, advocating change, and empowering people to become self-sufficient. It is a honor for her to serve in this capacity and looks forward to the wonderful things that are going to happen in early childhood education.
The Improvement Association is an anti-poverty, non-profit Community Action Agency that mobilizes community resources to provide comprehensive initiatives and services in several localities in rural Southside Virginia. Since its inception in 1968, The Association has been advocating for and assisting moderate to low-income families. Staff is experienced in early childhood education, job development, housing and emergency services, and youth services. The Association services the counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greenville, Sussex, Surry and the City of Emporia.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
