Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Recognizes Leadership of both Board of Directors and Polic
Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) is proud to acknowledge the dedicated members of its Board of Directors and parent-led Policy Council; as well as welcome new members to each. Everyone involved in these two leadership groups continue to show their deep commitment to the organization’s mission of providing high quality early childhood education and family support services.
The HCS Head Start Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, fiscal management, and leadership for the program. Key responsibilities include hiring and evaluating the Executive Director, approving the annual budget, establishing policies, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and guiding the long-term direction of the organization. The Board works to create a healthy learning environment and oversees the program’s overall mission and goals.
2025-2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee:
- Board Chairperson: Susan Gosselin, 10 years on Board (8 years as Chair); retired Director of Literacy, Springfield Public Schools; Springfield resident
- Board Vice-Chairperson: Raymond Akers, 11 years on Board (8 years as Vice-Chair and previously on Policy Council); retired from Costco; Springfield resident
- Board Treasurer/Clerk: Alison Walsh, CPA, 14 years on Board (10 years as Treasurer/Clerk); Boisselle Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP; Springfield resident
Additional Board Members:
- Andrew Balder, M.D.: 15 years on Board; Baystate Mason Square NHC; Longmeadow resident
- Cynthia Miller, M.Ed.: First year on Board; Springfield International Charter School; Hampden resident
- Daniel Blakesley, Esq.: 6 years on Board; Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, PC; Longmeadow resident
- Jennifer Wallace Jacoby: 11 years on Board; Professor, Mount Holyoke College; Amherst resident
- Kate Barlow, Ph.D.: First year on Board; Pediatric International, Therapy Services, LLC; Wilbraham resident
- Marie-Ange Delimon: 2 years (previously on Policy Council); Director of Community Impact, Tech Foundry; East Longmeadow resident
- Sally Carlton, Ph.D.: 11 years on Board; retired Psychologist, Chicopee Public Schools; Holyoke resident
Across the country, Head Start organizations engage parents and community representatives to make up local Policy Councils. These individuals provide input and guidance on program decisions. Council members play a critical role in shaping policies, ensuring accountability, and representing the voices of the families and communities served by HCS Head Start. Their active participation helps ensure the program remains responsive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the children and families it serves.
2025-2026 Policy Council Members:
- Jasarah Burgos: Chairperson
- Kathy Gasque: Vice-Chairperson
- Gladys Rivera: Shared Governance Liaison
- Amber Cichowski
- Cinnamon Smith
- Esther Alicea
- Fanny Perez
- Maritza Sostre
- Monalisa Smith
- Raven Core
Important work comes from each of these leadership groups individually throughout the year, but once a year the two connect for a joint meeting. This occurred recently and provided an opportunity for the Board and Policy Council members to discuss key areas of Head Start leadership and governance. Topics included:
- Roles and Responsibilities of Head Start Leadership and Governance
- Setting program direction
- Exercising fiscal and legal oversight
- Creating a balanced representation of voices to ensure input and accountability
- A Year in Review
- Positioning HCS Head Start to be responsive to community needs
- Building an invested and engaged workforce
- A Look Forward
- Transforming workflow practices
- Fostering a culture of health and safety
- Ensuring positive outcomes for children and families
HCS Head Start thanks its Board of Directors and Policy Council Members for their ongoing leadership, guidance, and dedication to supporting the children, families, and communities we serve. Their commitment is essential to the continued success and impact of the program.
To learn more about HCS Head Start visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
For more information or questions please contact Meghan Rothschild (413) 218-4994 | meghan@chikmedia.us.
MEDIA: A Board of Directors and Policy Council group photo is available for use with the following caption:
Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start thanks their Board of Directors and Policy Council Members including (L to R): Jasarah Burgos (Policy Council Chairperson); Terri Lombardo (HCS Head Start, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator); Amber Cichowski (Policy Council); Cinnamon Smith (Policy Council); Marie-Ange Delimon (Board Member); Susan Gosselin (Board Chairperson); Jennifer Wallace Jacoby (Board Member); Sally Carlton, Ph.D. (Board Member); Daniel Blakesley, Esq. (Board Member);
Cynthia Miller, M.Ed. (Board Member); Andrew Balder, M.D. (Board Member); Nicole Blais (HCS Head Start, Chief Executive Officer); Raymond Akers (Board Vice-Chairperson); Kathy Gasque (Policy Council Vice-Chairperson); Esther Alicea (Policy Council); Fanny Perez (Policy Council); Gladys Rivera (Policy Council); Maritza Sostre (Policy Council); Monalisa Smith (Policy Council). Also, not pictured: Alison Walsh, CPA (Board Treasurer/Clerk), Kate Barlow, Ph.D. (Board Member) and Raven Core (Policy Council)
###
About Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start: HCS HS has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. They are committed to providing low-income children and their families with a source of support for a brighter future. They strive to do so by providing high quality comprehensive child development services to enrolled children and empowering families to achieve stability in their home environment.
-(002).png){kind=logo}
-
Meghan Rothschild President & Founder Chikmedia
- December 06, 2025
- 4132184994
- Send Email
