Project Team

Project Lead

Marleen brings over 30 years of experience in early care and education to her role as Project Lead, where she keeps everything running smoothly: managing the team, guiding strategy, and ensuring providers get the support they need.

Project Coordinator, Coach

Ava keeps everything on track as the Project Coordinator and also leads one-on-one and group coaching in Sales & Marketing and Technology, helping providers boost enrollment through marketing strategies, social media, websites, and build confidence with tools like Google Suite and Canva.

Provider Support, Coach

Jenn leads provider support for the project and serves as both an advisor and coach. She offers one-on-one and group coaching on Mitigating Business Risk, Tax Education, and Retirement Planning, helping providers strengthen their business foundations, navigate tax responsibilities, and plan for the future.

Operations

Ashley keeps everything running behind the scenes as the Operations Lead, building systems to track data, manage registrations, and keep the project organized. Her work ensures providers have a smooth experience from sign-up to follow-up.

Shared Services, Coach

Margaret leads the Shared Services work for the Texas FCCN, connecting providers with valuable resources like CCMS licenses, telehealth services, and technology donations. She also leads small group coaching on Utilizing Technology.

Web Design

Brooklyn is the creative force behind the Texas FCCN website, designing and managing the platform to make it easy for providers to find tools, services, and support.

Mini-Grants, Coach

Tim Tran supports the Texas FCCN by monitoring mini-grant applications and providing one-on-one and small group coaching on Financial Foundations and Mitigating Risk, helping providers strengthen their budgeting skills, build financial stability, and implement systems to protect their businesses.

Technology Support, Coach

Carlos provides tech support to help providers feel confident using network services. He also offers one-on-one and small group coaching in English and Spanish on Utilizing Technology, Revenue & Growth, and Tax Education, helping providers explore growth and tax strategies.

Coach, Project Support

Beth offers one-on-one coaching on Starting Up a High-Quality Child Care Business and Mitigating Risk. She also leads small group sessions on topics like Revenue & Growth, Infant & Toddler Care, Non-Traditional Hours, and supporting families in underserved areas through Thriving in Child Care Deserts.

Coach, Project Support

Rob offers one-on-one coaching on Retirement Planning. He also leads small group sessions on a wide range of topics, from Starting Up a High-Quality Child Care Business and Mitigating Risk to Sales & Marketing, Utilizing Technology, and exploring growth strategies like Revenue & Expansion, Infant & Toddler Care, Non-Traditional Hours, and Thriving in Child Care Deserts.

Coach, Project Support

Vanessa offers one-on-one and small group coaching in Spanish, helping providers with Starting Up a High-Quality Child Care Business. She also supports providers with Mitigating Risk, building effective Sales & Marketing strategies, and exploring practical ways to boost Revenue & Growth.

Coach, Project Support

Melinda offers one-on-one and small group coaching to support providers with Mitigating Risk, Starting Up a High-Quality Child Care Business, and enhancing outreach through Sales & Marketing. Melinda also coaches on growth strategies like Thriving in Child Care Deserts, Adding Infant and Toddler Care, Offering Non-Traditional Hours, and building Revenue & Growth plans.

Coach, Project Support

Nicole supports small group coaching across a wide range of topics—including Starting Up a High-Quality Child Care Business, Mitigating Risk, Sales & Marketing, Utilizing Technology, Thriving in Child Care Deserts, Adding Infant and Toddler Care, Offering Non-Traditional Hours, and Revenue & Growth.

Project Support

Aaron supports essential administrative and project work, compiling data, managing communications, coordinating schedules, updating the website, and more. His flexibility and attention to detail help keep the project running smoothly and providers supported.

Shine Early Learning Coach

Misti, from Shine Early Learning, provides one-on-one coaching and small group sessions focused on Pre-Texas Rising Star and Financial Foundations, helping providers understand licensing pathways and program standards, while also building strong financial practices.

Shine Early Learning Coach

Victorian, from Shine Early Learning, offers one-on-one coaching and small group sessions on Pre-Texas Rising Star and Financial Foundations, helping providers get started on the path to licensing and quality care, while also strengthening their financial practices.

Shine Early Learning Coach

Marika, from Shine Early Learning, supports providers through one-on-one coaching and small group sessions on Pre-Texas Rising Star and Financial Foundations, guiding them through the licensing and quality standards process, and helping build solid financial management skills for greater stability and sustainability.

Advisor

Kelly serves as an advisor to the Texas FCCN, bringing big-picture strategy and deep experience in supporting small child care businesses across the country. As the President & CEO of Civitas Strategies, Kelly leads a national team of 20 dedicated to driving real impact for providers and families.

Advisor

Michelle is an advisor to the Texas FCCN, bringing over 30 years of early childhood experience and a passion for strengthening small businesses through innovation. As Associate Director at Civitas Strategies, she helps reimagine how the company supports businesses by weaving in new technologies and building adaptable systems of support.