Great Start Collaborative Membership

Your Voice Matters

Our Great Start Collaborative membership is a group of diverse voices and change agents. From elementary school principals to parents of young children, each member is an active participant and committed to building and reforming the local childhood system. Through regular meetings, strategic plans are created to make a collective impact—and ultimately improve early childhood education.

To initiate change, we require a full, engaged body. Without it, we cannot start the right conversations. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact our Great Start Director.

Executive Team Members

  • Maureen Hale Chair
  • Joann Hoganson Kent County Health Department, Vice Chair
  • Tomarra Richardson Great Start Parent Coalition, Staff
  • Paula Brown Great Start Collaborative Director, Staff
  • Kelly Gerlinger Grand Rapids Public Schools
  • Kristin Gietzen Arbor Circle
  • MaDonna Princer Head Start
  • Jennifer Headley-Nordman First Steps Kent
  • Ashley Karsten Kent Intermediate School District
  • Chana Edmond-Verley Vibrant Futures
  • Kristyn Bomberg WGVU

Agency Partners

Parent Partners

  • Brittany Price
  • Nicole Burman
  • Deyni Ventura
  • Cara Sutliffe
  • LeeAnne Ritzema
  • Wali Thomas
  • Ray Sutliffe
  • Lana VanBuren
  • Sharquila Harris
  • Javier Arguinzoni - Rodriguez

Member Meetings

Sorry, there are no meetings to show at this time.

*These meetings are closed to the public.

Lessons From Past Meetings

Become Part of Our Collaborative
Join Today

GREAT START COLLABORATIVE KENT COUNTY

Funding from the Office of Great Start within the Michigan Department of Education supports the implementation of Great Start.