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MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Discover Who We Are
BRENDA ATENCIO
Chair
Ms. Brenda Atencio (retired) received her BA in Business and her Masters in Educational Media with an emphasis in business education and Early Childhood Leadership Cedential, as well as has experience as an educator.
ASHLEY VILLASENOR
Vice Chair
Ashley Villaseñor is a past RGCD&FS Preschool parent and Policy Council member. Ms. Madrid is also a local business
MICHELLE VELASQUEZ
Secretary/Treasurer
Ms. Michelle Velasquez received her AA in Business/Accounting. Her Experience is that of a businesswoman, past RGCD&FS Preschool Policy Council member, and parent and grandparent of Head Start children.
JERRY GALLEGOS
Board Member
Mr. Jerry Gallegos received his BA degree in Business. His experience is that of a businessman, past RGCD&FS Policy Council member, and parent and grandparent of Head Start children. He has been actively involved with Head Start for over 25 years.
AMY DEWITT
Board Member
Ms. Amy Dewitt received her M.A. in Human Development and Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Her experience is that of a classroom teacher for early childhood and a teacher educator for graduate students.
ESTELLA MONTOYA
Board Member
Estella Montoya (retired) worked for Del Norte Public Schools in the library for 24 years, and she also worked at the Del Norte Public Library for 7 years. Ms. Montoya is a past Head Start parent. One of Ms. Montoya's fondest preschool memories is seeing her little girl get off of the preschool bus wearing a flowered hat made out of a paper plate.
PLACIDO GOMEZ
Consultant
Mr. Placido Gomez is a licensed attorney familiar with issues that come before the governing body, serving as a consultant.
DONNA BRIONES
Executive Director
Ms. Donna Briones has over 30 years experience in training and education with minors, and has administered and managed federally, state, and locally funded programs through SAMHSA, CSAP, and CSAT, Administration of Children and Families- Head Start, Colorado Department of Health & Human Services, Coors Foundation, and the Head Start program.
CHRISTY WHITESIDE
Classroom #3 Teaching Assistant
My name is Christy. I currently teach in Classroom 3. My favorite thing about this age group is watching and listening to the children play. There is never a dull moment when their imaginations are working. I have had nine years of experience working with preschool children. I grew up in Del Norte and have lived here for more 30 years and now in Monte Vista for 5 years. I have three children- two girls and one boy. My favorite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my family. I love to support my children in their sporting events. My son, a freshman, plays football, wrestling, baseball, and track. My middle daughter plays volleyball and basketball. My youngest daughter cheers and plays basketball. My kiddos keep me busy in my spare time, but I enjoy every minute of it.
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education; Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education; pursuing a Masters Degree with an emphasis in Special Education.
Directors License; Colorado Shines- Level III; CPR/First Aid Certified
