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Leadership
Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our mission to support early childhood education in Washington, DC.
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DCELC
DC Early Learning Collaborative
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our mission to support early childhood education in Washington, DC.
Our 15-member board brings together diverse expertise from across the early childhood education sector, united in their commitment to building a thriving future for every child.
Board President
DC Early Learning Collaborative
Carrie Thornhill serves as Board President of the DC Early Learning Collaborative, bringing a steadfast commitment to equitable early childhood education across Washington, DC. With a career rooted in advocacy and community leadership, she guides the organization’s strategic direction and ensures that every child in the District has access to quality early learning opportunities.
Vice President
Dinsmore
William Sherman brings seasoned leadership and strategic insight to his role as Vice President of the DCELC Board of Directors. Drawing on his professional background at Dinsmore, he works closely with board leadership to advance the organization’s mission and strengthen governance, partnerships, and long-term planning for early childhood education in DC.
Treasurer
Community Education Research Group
Jeffrey Credit serves as Treasurer of the DCELC Board, overseeing the organization’s financial stewardship and ensuring responsible management of its resources. Affiliated with the Community Education Research Group, he brings a data-informed perspective to fiscal oversight, helping DCELC remain accountable and sustainable in its work supporting early learners across the District.
Secretary
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Julie Dobies serves as Secretary of the DCELC Board, managing board records and communications to support strong organizational governance. With her background at Kaplan Early Learning Company, she brings expertise in early childhood education systems and a dedication to operational excellence that keeps the board well-coordinated and mission-focused.
Board Member
DC Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC)
Berna Artis is a dedicated board member who brings the spirit and expertise of the DC Association for the Education of Young Children to her work with DCELC. Committed to building a thriving future for every child, she supports collaborative leadership and champions high-quality, inclusive early learning environments across Washington, DC.
Board Member
EduCare DC
Jamal Berry is a passionate advocate for early childhood education, committed to ensuring every child in DC has equitable access to quality learning experiences. Through his work with EduCare DC, he has developed deep expertise in early education programming and community engagement, and he brings that energy and drive to his service on the DCELC Board.
Board Member
DC Family Child Care Association
Cynthia Davis represents the DC Family Child Care Association on the DCELC Board, where she works to strengthen community partnerships and support the early childhood education workforce. A dedicated advocate for family child care providers, she brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing educators and families across the District.
Board Member
The Community Foundation
Dr. Marla Dean is a dedicated advocate for early childhood education, drawing on extensive experience in educational leadership and community development to inform her board service. Through her affiliation with The Community Foundation, she brings a philanthropic lens to DCELC’s mission, helping to build the partnerships and resources needed for lasting impact.
Board Member
Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association
Cristina Encinas brings a vital multicultural perspective to the DCELC Board through her work with the Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association. She is committed to advancing quality early learning programs and ensuring that diverse communities across the DC area — including Spanish-speaking families — have full access to the supports and services they need.
Board Member
University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Marilyn Hamilton brings the rigor of academia to DCELC’s work, contributing research-driven insights and scholarly expertise as a faculty member at the University of the District of Columbia. Her deep knowledge of early childhood development and educational policy strengthens the board’s capacity to advance evidence-based initiatives that improve outcomes for DC’s youngest learners.
Board Member
Former Head Start Staffer / Early Childhood Education Expert
Dr. Beverly Jackson is an experienced educator and researcher whose career has been dedicated to improving outcomes for children in their earliest years. With a background rooted in Head Start and decades of expertise in early childhood education, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and unwavering commitment to the DCELC Board’s efforts to serve DC’s young children.
Board Member
Early Childhood Education Expert
Sia Barbara Kamara is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for young children and families across Washington, DC. As an early childhood education expert, she brings both professional depth and personal conviction to her board service, advocating for systems and programs that ensure every child — regardless of background — can thrive during their most formative years.
Board Member
CEO, KU Kids
Cassandra Nelson is the CEO of KU Kids and a respected leader in early childhood development and community engagement. She brings executive experience and operational expertise to the DCELC Board, with a deep commitment to expanding access to quality early education and building strong partnerships that support children, families, and providers across the DC community.
We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board. If you're passionate about early childhood education, consider serving on our board.
Position Available
Board Member
This board seat is currently open. Interested in serving? Contact us to learn more about board opportunities.
Position Available
Board Member
This board seat is currently open. Interested in serving? Contact us to learn more about board opportunities.
We welcome individuals who are passionate about early childhood education and committed to making a difference in Washington, DC. Share your interest and let us learn more about you.