NIHSDA

Areas of Expertise: Facilities Renovation & Construction Planning, Nutrition Services & Traditional Foods, Forms & Documentation Systems, Organizational Planning, Program Development, Policies and Procedures, Strategic Planning, Annual Reports, Change Management, Community & Self Assessments, Community Partnerships, Communication, Data Management & Evaluation, Health Services, Education Services, Health & Safety, Family Services, Family & Community Engagement, Transportation

 

Alicia has worked in early childhood education and administration in several Coast Salish Tribal communities and with the Northwest Indian College for over 15 years as a Head Start/EHS parent, Parent Educator, Head Start Trainer, Licensed Child Care Director, Early Childhood Education Department Director, and Head Start Director. She is passionate about supporting indigenous place-based learning and STEAM teaching through outdoor play and traditional foods and nutrition. As a creative problem solver who enjoys the challenge of complex projects, she has planned and led program development, facilities construction planning, and capital renovation projects; conducted program assessments and initiated and overseen organizational change. Alicia’s mission is to support the planning and development of high-quality programs, services, and facilities that provide long-term value to your program and community, with a focus on sustainability. Alicia is committed to ensuring programs and community leaders have the tools, training, and knowledge necessary to provide the highest levels of service to children and families. 

Areas of Expertise: Program Management, Practice-Based Coaching/Mentoring, Professional Development, Program Governance, Family Engagement, Health, ERSEA, Child Development/Behavior

 

Patty Brown has more than 38 years of experience in the education field working with children from infancy through school-age as a teacher, program director, and administrator. Her specialties include child development, family engagement, leadership, program management, health, mentoring, and training.  Patty has effectively worked in partnership with parents, families, teachers, and caregivers in a variety of programs and early childhood settings including both tribal, non-tribal center-based, family child care, S.  Patty has excellent communication, coordination, facilitation, organizational, and collaboration skills. A lifelong learner and advocate for cultural competency and equity, Patty supports educators and administrators by developing and implementing workshops, policies, and curriculum specifically designed to enhance learning environments and experiences to engage the child, family, providers, and community.  Patty has planned, developed, and facilitated workshops and webinars at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Patty has always maintained an open-door policy throughout her career, giving opportunities for accessibility and time to share concerns and ideas to support individual and program growth.

Areas of Expertise: Management and Staff Training, Program Improvement Planning, Community Mapping and Assessments, SWOT Analyses and Management Plans, Vision and Mission Development, Short- and Long-Term Goal Planning, Professional Development Plans, Grant Narrative and Budget Planning, ​CLASS Assessments, Quality Assurance / Risk Management, Program Quality Improvement, Child Abuse Reporting In-Service, Policies and Procedures Manuals, Grant Proposal Writing/Development, Child Assessment/Outcomes Reporting, Compliance Monitoring Systems, Service Tracking and Reporting Systems, Custom Data Entry Forms and Reports, ​Interactive PowerPoint Presentations, High Impact Excel Charts and Graphs, Self-Guided Training Modules, Advanced Graphics Logic Models, Self Assessments and Self Assessment Systems

 

Alan Guttman holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University and has served in leadership, management, training, and teaching roles in early care and education programs, including Head Start programs, for over 30 years. Most recently he was the Director of Early Childhood Policy & Systems at the John Hopkins University IDEALS Institute. Alan’s areas of expertise include: Head Start early childhood education services and program management; Head Start program quality and compliance monitoring; and Head Start governance, policy, regulations, and quality rating and improvement systems. As the Program Manager for the Region XI  Training and Technical Assistance Network, Alan administered and managed a federal contract with the Office of Head Start, providing TTA services to 150 American Indian and Alaska Native programs in 26 states. In this role he directed a team of 5 content experts and 12 field specialists serving 150 programs.

Areas of Expertise for The Gravely Group: Program Governance, Effective Meetings, Finance Management, Parent Engagement, CLASS, Program Manangement

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As the CEO of The Gravely Group, Melvin Gravely has over 20 years of excellence in training programs for various local, national, and state Head Start Agencies and Associations. Melvin brings a unique combination of trainer, skill building authority and results oriented instruction to the field of Family Advocacy. His skill includes assisting program management staff with instruments and resources needed to enhance organizational structure.  The success of the Gravely Group developed from Melvin’s involvement in family and children advocacy programs. Melvin has had the opportunity to train more than 100 Head Start programs in Head Start compliance areas that relate to delivery of program area content and program governance.  Melvin is a Registered Parliamentarian with the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), the President of the Ohio Charter of Parliamentarians, and a Certified Parliamentarian Trainer with the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP).  Melvin is also the Parliamentarian for the National Academy of Television Arts and Science and the National Medical Association.

Areas of Expertise: Grant Writing Services ( 5-Year, Competitive, DRS), Start-Up/ Implementation Planner (HS, EHS, EHS-CC), Education and Child Development Services,  Health Management Services,  Program Management, ERSEA, Health Safety, Nutrition Services, Disability Services, Nutrition Services, Expectant Families Services, Home-Based Services, School Readiness, Parent, Family and Community Engagement, Community Assessment Development, Strategic Planning, Wage Comparability Study, Annual Report, EHS-CC Partnerships,  PIR, Self-Assessment, Federal Review Preparation, Data Management and Oversight, Budget Development, Policies and Procedures, Form Development, and Organizational Leadership. 

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Cindy Griffin has a high standard of expertise and integrity with over 23 years of experience in the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care communities which includes substantial experience with tribal programs.  In-depth knowledge has been gained through hands-on experience; being a Center Supervisor, Education Coordinator, and Program Director before becoming a consultant over 15 years ago has been vital in meeting programs where they are. Cindy can relate to positions, operations, services, and the systems needed to sustain them. Throughout her career as a consultant when working with programs she has and continues to use the tried and true practices of Head Start and Early Head Start.  Also, seeking innovation due to best practices, regulatory requirements, and the ever-changing needs of children and their families, the communities in which they live, and the dedicated staff and grantees providing life-changing services. She is passionate about helping programs provide the best possible services to pregnant women, children, and their families ensuring staff have all the tools, supports and trainings to soar in their positions.

Areas of Expertise: Ed Staff: Coaching, Guidance Strategies/Executive Function Skills, B-5 Child Development, Cognitively Enriched Environments, School Readiness, Math & Science, Nature/Playgrounds, Parent Engagement in SR. Leadership: Coaching Systems, Teaming, Professional Development, CCDF Quality Improvements, MOU with LEA/states, Professional Boundaries, Strategic Planning.

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Janet Humphryes has 43+ years of experience in the early childhood (EC) field, with 20 in Head Start & 13 as a TA Specialist/Manager with Regions VIII and XI. Janet offers a wealth of expertise: 18 years as an EC teacher, 10 years as an EC program director, 20 years as faculty at colleges/universities teaching 18 EC courses, 27 years as an advocate supporting state EC systemic change, and 19 years developing/teaching EC coaching competency and coaching systems in programs and states. She led the creation of and co-instructs the EC Coaching Certificate Program at the University of CO. Currently, Janet is working with admin and teaching staff at a few tribal programs supporting quality improvements required for CCDF funding. Janet's published articles and books and her keynotes/speaking engagements attest to her ability to connect, inspire and transform lives. She has a M.A. in EC Ed, a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences, and an AMI Montessori teaching credential. Janet is committed to best practice implementation with children/families and is a strong supporter of shared services enabling small organizations to join with others and share expenses for coaching and consultation services.

Areas of expertise for Lakeshore Professional Services Group (PSG): content-based professional development across multiple subjects in early learning, elementary education, special education, family and community engagement; classroom product trainings; customized learning materials and educational publishing services; quality-improvement services; and conference support for keynotes, preservice workshops and conference sessions. 

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Lakeshore’s passion for supporting teachers, administrators and families doesn’t end with the products we develop. Professional Services Group (PSG) offers personalized, hands-on learning services designed to address what is most important to you—from professional development and conference workshops to quality-improvement services for early learning and school-age programs. PSG staff is comprised of educators and subject-matter experts, top-level trainers, consultants and presenters committed to furthering education goals at the individual level, classroom level and program level. Popular areas of expertise include STEM/STEAM, social-emotional development, before/after school, intervention, family engagement and more. Flexible scheduling options include half-day sessions, full-day sessions and multiday series.

Areas of Expertise: Fiscal Management, Uniform Guidance, Reporting, Non-Federal Match, Cost Allocation, Budgeting, Fiscal Policies and Procedures, Fiscal Monitoring Preparation

 

​Helen Murphrey is an experienced fiscal consultant and training and technical assistance provider.  With a background of over 20 years in fiscal management, Helen served as Finance Director of a large non-profit organization and Head Start grantee.  Her experience also includes positions such as Fiscal Specialist for the National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations and as a Head Start Fiscal monitoring reviewer.  She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas State University and attended law school at South Texas College of Law. 

Areas of Expertise: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts & Mathematics), COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS & EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, HEAD START Early Learning Foundations (ELF), Arts Education & Project-Based Learning

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My first experience in the field of early childhood education began as a mother of four children. I initiated my journey as a Migrant Head Start Parent when my oldest son was three years old.  Parenting reaffirmed to my amazement the value and importance of the child's development in these early years.

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I hold a Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Child Development Graduate Certificate enhancing my understanding and twenty-three years of practice in the field of early childhood education.

 

I have served in different capacities as an instructional Para-Professional and Lead Teacher for both Federal and State Preschool Programs. As a Child Development Specialist, I have supported professional development workshops disseminating evidence-based research for high-quality program improvement. Some of the in-service workshops focused on intentional strategies supporting staff response to challenging behaviors; play-based approaches to language and literacy development, music and movement as an engaging developmental approach supporting curriculum outcomes for children with special needs, and the language acquisition of English and Dual Language Learners. For the last ten years, I have been a CLASS™ reliable observer and worked with public agencies mentoring educators. I am a certified STEM educator by the National Institute of STEM education (NISE).

 

As a Child Development Specialist, I have presented at Early Childhood Education Conferences including the Society of Research in Child Development, pre-service Professional Development Seminars, and in-service workshops for Head Start Programs, State Preschool Programs, and Family Child Care Home Providers. Presenter at STEM Conference, CAEYC, NAEYC, and NHSA.

 

As a co-founder of Purple I am, ( Early Childhood Education consulting project) my work was focused on best practices to individualize powerful and unique learning approaches that support high-quality early childhood education.

 

And now as a consultant, I am dedicated to supporting educators in the continuous search of best practices in Early Childhood Education. I have a passion for STEAM experiences and creative-innovative approaches to engage educators in professional development opportunities that support best practices in serving young children and their families.

Areas of Expertise: 1303 Subpart E funding applications and all checklist requirements, Federal Interest, New Construction, and Remodeling Consulting, plans and specs, Risk Management, Procurement, Environmental Site Assessments, SF-429 (a,b,c), Facility Condition Assessments, Head Start Program Performance Standards and 45 CFR Part 75. 

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SCOTT SAMBORSKI is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of construction having worked over 35 years as a Real Estate Developer and as a licensed General Contractor. He has had the unique opportunity to serve as an expert consultant with respect to the Head Start program facilities.   In addition to providing training and capacity building to federal staff and recipients in all Head Start regions, Scott is an instructor for the National Head Start Association. 

His expertise includes 1303 subpart E funding applications, federal interest, procurement, Environmental Site Assessments, SF-429 (A,B, C) facility condition assessments, budgeting, and a host of other facility-related standards and requirements.

Areas of Expertise: Research, Evaluation

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Michelle Sarche, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow, and tribal citizen of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe.  Dr. Sarche has worked with American Indian and Alaska Native communities for over 25 years.  Her work has focused on children’s development, parenting, and early care environments such as Head Start, Home Visiting, and Child Care. Her current projects include the Tribal Early Childhood Research Center, the Native Children’s Research Exchange, the American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey Workgroup, the Multi-site Implementation Evaluation of Tribal Home Visiting, and two projects focused on alcohol-exposed pregnancy prevention among Native women.  Dr. Sarche also co-directs the Native Children’s Research Exchange Scholars program which supports the career development of American Indian and Alaska Native and other early career researchers whose work focuses on Native children’s development.  Dr. Sarche’s work is supported by funding from the Administration for Children and Families, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Areas of Expertise: Grant Writing (5 Year, Expansion, and DRS) and Community Needs Assessments/Updates 

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Rebecca Spiridis has been a member of the Head Start Community for 28 years, previously serving as a Director and Coordinator at a Region V grantee with funding of over $9,000,000. Rebecca now provides virtual consultant services to Head Start and Early Head Start programs throughout the country. She currently serves as an EHS/HS Grant Reviewer for the Office of Head Start and is a former Federal CLASS™ Reviewer.
 
Change in Head Start is inevitable and the increasing pace of change brings an increasing demand on time and staff resources. My mission is to Lighten the Workload for you, so your focus can remain on your everyday mission of providing comprehensive and quality services to children and families. My goal is to always provide a high standard of expertise, integrity, responsive and prompt communication, and personalized services for any project, large or small. Reach out to me by e-mail and I will gladly ensure a response within 24 hours.