Twenty-five years of
building something
families can actually use

We coordinate VQB5 quality measurement and improvement for every publicly funded birth-to-five classroom in the region.

We administer Mixed Delivery funding, coordinate enrollment, and help families find out what they qualify for.

We bring employers, chambers, economic development, local government, and community partners into the same conversation.

We support a Family Council of parents from across the region, and three of them sit on our board.

All children birth to five have a solid foundation that leads to success.

At Foundation First, we know families and providers are often held back by a broken early childhood system. We bring partners together to build a more accessible system so every child can succeed, families and providers get the support they need, and communities grow stronger.

We take responsibility for making the early childhood system more connected and accessible, so children and families can get the support they need.

We use data, insight, and accountability to make informed decisions, so children and families experience better outcomes.

We stay adaptive in our thinking, because the early childhood field does not stand still.

We build relationships people can count on, so communities can work together around what children and families need most.

Executive Director and Ready Region North Central Coordinator

Gina Davis is the Executive Director of Foundation First, and the Ready Region North Central Coordinator. Foundation First is the lead agency responsible for the VDOE and VECF (Virginia Early Childhood Foundations) state initiative for Ready Region North Central and the new VQB5 quality improvement program. Gina’s outstanding team development, strategy implementation, and community partnership building has brought Foundation First and the RRNC region into the spotlight at a state level since beginning there in May of 2022. Her expert knowledge of early childhood education, relationship building, community engagement and systems building has created a “strong foundation” for families, children and programs within Culpeper, Caroline, Fauquier, Loudoun, King George, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park, Virginia. Prior to working at Foundation First, Gina worked as the Director of Operations and Center Director for a Northern Virginia non-profit childcare organization, ImagiNation Learning Center, for over 17 years. Gina is married and has two teenage boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Shepherd University. “I always wanted to become a leader in early childhood education. Throughout my career, I have always believed I can make a difference for families, children, and educators. Foundation First has provided me with excellent opportunities for new challenges and professional and personal growth. It is beautiful when a passion and career come together!”

Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Amudha joined Foundation First as a Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area Technical Assistance Specialist in 2017, providing support to early childhood programs through the Virginia Quality initiative. She is a CLASS trainer and observer in PreK, Toddler and Infant. She transitioned into the role of Early Childhood Education Coordinator as part of the Ready Region initiative. Amudha moved around a lot in her early years and finally settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she spent a good part of her school years. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (B.S.) and Florida State University (M.S.). Amudha has been active in national and local advocacy organizations to support early childhood care and education. Amudha lives in Warrenton, Virginia with her husband and three children, where she is involved in local organizations.

Systems Coordinator

Pam joined Foundation First—then known as Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area—in 2019 to support the implementation of the PDG B-5 pilot. As the pilot evolved into the VQB5 system today, her role has expanded from LinkB5 and Program Manager to Systems Coordinator. In her current position, Pam plays an active role in shaping organizational strategy and strategic decision-making, provides regional VQB5 oversight, ensures continuity across Foundation First teams, and guides organizational workflow processes. She is also a PreK CLASS observer. Pam holds a B.S. in Elementary Education PK–6 from Framingham State University in her home state of Massachusetts and an M.S. in Education/Reading Specialist from Old Dominion University. She has more than 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and initiatives and program administrator. Pam lives in Warrenton, Virginia, with her husband, Rick. They share a passion for travel and adventure with their two children, both of whom are pursuing careers in the Geography/GIS field.

Family and Engagement Coordinator

Megan Miloser serves as the Family and Engagement Coordinator for Foundation First, where she oversees Coordinated Enrollment and Family Engagement initiatives and manages the Mixed Delivery grant across Ready Region North Central. In this role, she collaborates closely with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) to strengthen the quality, affordability, and accessibility of early childhood education for young children and their families. Prior to joining Foundation First, Megan spent twenty years as the Director and CEO of Warrenton United Methodist Preschool and Childcare Center and the Director of Children’s Ministries. During that time, she also served as Secretary to the Virginia State Board of Social Services, chaired the Warrenton Area Children’s Ministry Leaders Coalition, and was actively involved in both Leadership Fauquier and the Fauquier Alliance for Youth. Megan holds degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology with a concentration in Child Development from Mary Washington College. She is passionate about working collaboratively with regional partners and stakeholders to expand and improve early childhood systems across Northern Virginia. Outside of work, Megan enjoys hiking and riding rollercoasters with her blended family of eleven children.

Operations Specialist

Dawn Chapman serves as the Operations Specialist at Foundation First, where she plays a key role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations across multiple areas. From managing invoice processing and reimbursement coordination to supporting the onboarding of new team members, Dawn’s work is essential to the day-to-day success of the organization. She is committed to continuous improvement, leveraging her keen attention to detail to streamline administrative systems and enhance workflow efficiency. Dawn is dedicated to supporting the Foundation First team and ensuring that all processes run seamlessly to advance the foundation’s mission.

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Emily Medellin leads the marketing and communications efforts at Foundation First, helping to share our mission and connect families, partners, and supporters with the resources they need. She manages digital content, storytelling, and outreach strategies that strengthen awareness of our work and build meaningful relationships with the community. Through her role, Emily helps ensure that the importance of early childhood education is clearly communicated, accessible, and engaging. By highlighting the impact of our programs and elevating the voices of families and educators, her work supports Foundation First’s mission to expand access to quality, affordable child care during a child’s most critical years of development.

Prince William County, Manassas City, Manassas Park

Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper

Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, City of Fredericksburg

Our Board of Directors brings together leaders from business, education, philanthropy, government, and community organizations. Three of those seats belong to members of our Family Council, so the people the system is built for help govern the organization building it.

The rest of the board reflects the region it serves: school superintendents, community college leaders, social services, economic development, childcare owners, therapy providers, and local business.

Chair · Founder & CEO, 5C Consulting

Greg Ballard, husband, father, and founder and CEO of 5C Consulting, a Washington, D.C. Metro-based firm dedicated to empowering non-profit leaders to build lasting habits that drive personal and organizational impact. Drawing on over 15 years of community leadership experience, Greg has trained hundreds of group and team leaders to foster thriving, supportive communities. With over 25 years in leadership across corporate, entrepreneurial, and non-profit sectors. For the past nine years, including seven-plus years consulting in early care and education, he has guided executives and community stewards to develop transformative habits, enhancing productivity, strategic decision-making, and effective communication. Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Science with an emphasis in Cross-Cultural Communications and is deeply active in his community, serving as Board Chair of Foundations First, Committee Chair of Trail Life Troop VA110, and LPW Regent. He resides in Lake Ridge, VA, with his wife and family.

Director · CEO, 135 Consulting Group

Aaron Tolson is an Air Force Veteran with over 20 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit industries. He has a passion for equity, empowering people, and excellence. After 6 years active duty as a Boom Operator on the KC-135 Stratotanker, his journey includes completing a BS in Computer Science; directing operations in the service industry and cyber security government contracting space; and leading philanthropic efforts in Virginia, Appalachia, Brazil, Haiti, and South Africa. He now supports strategic initiatives for Hekima Solutions as a Sr. Business Analyst and is the Director of the Emerging Leaders Program for Leadership Prince William. In 2019, he started the Prince William Food Rescue program as a new program of Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) and then expanded it as Founder and CEO of Northern Virginia Food Rescue in 2021. As a result of his leadership during the pandemic, volunteers completed over 27,000 food rescues using the Food Rescue Hero technology preventing over 3 million pounds of food from being thrown away with another 16 million pounds of bulk food redirected from the warehouse – ensuring food equity for thousands of food insecure residents throughout Prince William, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties. He is an alumni of Leadership Prince William (2018) and Manassas City Leadership Academy (2022) and serves as Vice Chair for Foundation First and Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF). Recognition and Awards: Community:  2020 Kathy Ellington Alumni Leadership Award, 2020 Human Rights Award, DAR Community Service Award, PWC 100 Community Service Award, Fox5 Hometown Hero, PWCCF Special Appreciation Air Force:  Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal

Secretary · Provost, NOVA Manassas

Dr. Molly Lynch serves as the Provost of the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. She also continues to teach Principles of Psychology. She joined the NOVA faculty in 2003 teaching psychology and statistics. In 2014, Dr. Lynch was selected as Dean of the Manassas Campus Communications Technologies and Social Sciences Division. In 2016, she took on her current role as campus Provost.  Previously, Dr. Lynch was a faculty member at the University of Texas at San Antonio and also taught at other community colleges in San Antonio.  Immediately prior to joining NOVA, Dr. Lynch was a research associate at the Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lynch is 2017 graduate of Leadership Prince William. In addition to serving on the Board of Foundation First North Central Region she is active on other Boards and in other activities that serve the community. Dr. Lynch earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology with a minor in Quantitative Psychology from The Ohio State University. She also earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. She is an avid reader, loves dogs and playing board games, and will never turn down chocolate.

Treasurer · ACTS

I have lived in Northern Virginia for 25 years, with the last 15 years in Prince William County, though I am originally from Ecuador. My professional background is in finance, where I have worked for almost 30 years, including more than 10 years in the nonprofit sector. That experience has given me a deep understanding of the needs of our community and reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins with the younger generations. Serving as Treasurer is a natural extension of my passion for making an impact and supporting efforts that strengthen families and future leaders. I also have two young children who are growing up here, which makes this work all the more personal and important to me.

Executive Director & Ready Region North Central Coordinator

Gina Davis is the Executive Director of Foundation First, and the Ready Region North Central Coordinator. Foundation First is the lead agency responsible for the VDOE and VECF (Virginia Early Childhood Foundations) state initiative for Ready Region North Central and the new VQB5 quality improvement program. Gina’s outstanding team development, strategy implementation, and community partnership building has brought Foundation First and the RRNC region into the spotlight at a state level since beginning there in May of 2022. Her expert knowledge of early childhood education, relationship building, community engagement and systems building has created a “strong foundation” for families, children and programs within Culpeper, Caroline, Fauquier, Loudoun, King George, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park, Virginia. Prior to working at Foundation First, Gina worked as the Director of Operations and Center Director for a Northern Virginia non-profit childcare organization, ImagiNation Learning Center, for over 17 years. Gina is married and has two teenage boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Shepherd University. “I always wanted to become a leader in early childhood education. Throughout my career, I have always believed I can make a difference for families, children, and educators. Foundation First has provided me with excellent opportunities for new challenges and professional and personal growth. It is beautiful when a passion and career come together!”

Director · Foundation First Family Council

Phat Vuong is an experienced educator, creative professional, and community leader with a diverse background in teaching, the arts, business, and ministry. He earned his BFA in Painting and Drawing and Art Education from James Madison University. His career has included teaching middle school, working as a professional painter, and owning and operating a graphic and web design company for eight years. For fifteen years, he served as a full-time pastor, leading a wide range of ministries including youth, worship, young professionals, and young marrieds, and later serving as a lead pastor. For the past two years, he has been a program director at Blue Ribbon Results Academy, where he is passionate about inspiring children and families to dream, discover, and reach their goals. Outside of his professional work, he is a husband and father to 3 wonderful girls. He enjoys sports such as racquetball and basketball, hiking and camping, relaxing at the beach or in the mountains, reading comics, and exploring all kinds of food. He is

Director · Foundation First Family Council

Catherine Sturtevant is a Realtor in Fredericksburg and co-owner of a top-producing real estate team. A working parent of 3 young children, she understands the importance of quality, affordable childcare and is passionate about supporting families in our community. Catherine serves on the RAP Family Council and represents them on the Board, working to ensure every child has the early learning opportunities they need to thrive.

Director · Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences Germanna Community College

Before becoming a dean I was an English Professor for many years. I live in Stafford County with my partner and two children.

Director · Prince William County Dept. of Social Services

Karen Miller is the Child Care Subsidy Manager in Prince William County. Karen has dedicated her career to the education of young children from birth through elementary school age. She has served in a variety of environments and roles including public school, private preschool, and the subsidy program. Karen currently resides in Fauquier County with her husband and beloved dog, Chief. She raised 2 wonderful young men who now serve their country in the United States Coast Guard and Marines.  She enjoys visiting any beach she can, reading, boating, and most of all – enjoying time with her family.

Director · Foundation First Family Council

Jess has served as a Director on the Foundation First Board since July 2024 and joined the Family Council in April 2024. She became involved after being invited by a close friend and fellow council member, driven by a strong personal commitment to ensuring access to high-quality early childhood education. As a parent of two young children currently enrolled in a center, Jess brings firsthand experience and insight to her advocacy. Both she and her husband work full time outside the home, so quality child care is essential to her family. She lives in Warrenton, Virginia, with her husband, their two sons (ages 3 and 21 months), and their dog, Leia. Outside of her work with Foundation First and time with her family, Jess enjoys staying active by playing in an ice hockey league and a women’s pick-up soccer group.

Director · Learn & Play

Christine Munoz is the Owner of Learn ‘n Play, a childcare center established in 1988 and working to support teachers and families in early childhood education. Her leadership has contributed innovative childcare system solutions, including providing low-cost teacher housing and free/low-cost childcare to 80% of families enrolled at her school. Christine earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences from The University of Alabama with a concentration in health studies. She carries the designations of Certified Health Education Specialist, Child Care Health Consultant from the Virginia Department of Health, and Certified Yoga Instructor from her time spent in India. Christine continues to pursue her passion of bringing wellness in all its forms to her hometown of Fredericksburg, VA, where she lives with her husband and two young sons.

Director · Loudoun County Public Schools

Alexis Duffin serves as the Head Start & STEP Supervisor for Loudoun County Public Schools, bringing a deep commitment to early childhood education and family empowerment. With a strong background in program leadership and community engagement, Alexis has dedicated her career to ensuring that children and families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. In her current role, Alexis oversees comprehensive early learning initiatives, guiding teams to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of both students and families. She is known for her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and ability to foster strong partnerships across agencies and stakeholders. Her leadership has contributed to measurable improvements in program outcomes and family engagement. As a Board Member of Foundation First, Alexis brings a wealth of practical experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing children and families. Her leadership in early childhood programs informs her strategic contributions to the Foundation’s initiatives, helping to shape policies and programs that promote equity, resilience, and lifelong success. Alexis is passionate about building strong systems of support that empower families and create lasting impact.

Director · LLE (Childcare Organization)

I am a seasoned leader in Early Childhood Education with over 40 years of experience dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young children. She currently serves as District Director for LLE Education, overseeing early childhood centers and private schools with a focus on providing high-quality care and education during the critical formative years from birth to five. My career spans every level of the field—from assistant teacher to lead teacher, head teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and now district director—giving her a deep, hands-on understanding of the needs of children, families, and educators alike. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. As a mother of three and proud grandmother of three grandsons, I am personally and professionally committed to the importance of early learning. My work is driven by a belief that every child deserves a strong, supportive foundation to thrive in school and in life. In my roles as a District Director, Foundations First Board Member, Youth for Tomorrow Volunteer, and COGNIA Accreditation Liaison for my company I strive to bring decades of practical insight, educational leadership, and a lifelong passion for advancing early childhood education.

Director · Realtor at Pearson Smith Realty

Leigh-Anne Vaughn has called Northern Virginia home for over 33 years and has spent more than 22 years serving the community as a professional Realtor®. Her passion for people and relationship-building has allowed her to create lasting connections and help countless clients achieve their goals. Before and during her real estate career, Leigh-Anne owned and operated a Virginia-licensed daycare, an experience that deepened her lifelong commitment to supporting children and families. That same passion continues to inspire her work with Foundation First and the early childhood community. A graduate of the Leadership Prince William Class of 2020 and a Top Producing member of the Prince William Association of Realtors®, Leigh-Anne brings extensive experience in corporate relocation and an in-depth understanding of the local market. When she’s not helping clients or volunteering, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, three adult children, six beagles, and two grand-pups, exploring all that the DMV area has to offer.

Director · Manassass Park City Schools

Dr. Melissa Saunders was appointed Superintendent of Manassas Park City Schools by the School Board, officially beginning her tenure on July 1, 2021. She brings over 30 years of experience in public education, marked by a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success. Before joining Manassas Park, Dr. Saunders served as the Executive Director of Student Achievement for Manassas City Public Schools from 2016 to 2021. Her extensive career also includes roles as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, Assistant Principal, and classroom teacher. She has served in school systems across Loudoun County and Manassas City, as well as in Pennsylvania and Delaware, gaining a broad and diverse perspective on educational leadership. Dr. Saunders holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Director · Tots to Teen Therapy Services

Jennifer Ruckner received both her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University. She has been a speech-language pathologist since 1990, gaining experience in various settings, including early intervention, school districts, and private practice. In 2008, Jennifer co-founded Tots To Teens Therapy Services, Inc., to offer speech and language resources through an interdisciplinary approach to families in Northern Virginia. Tots To Teens provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy services to children from birth to 21 years old. Jennifer is passionate about educating and supporting families in Prince William and surrounding counties, with a strong emphasis on the importance of early intervention. She was eager to accept the invitation to join the Foundation First Board, as its mission closely aligns with that of Tots To Teens Therapy Services.

Director · Director, Culpeper County Economic Development

Bryan Rothamel, CEcD, started in Culpeper County September 2021. He oversees the department and manages business expansion and attraction. He led the region in job growth between 2020-2023, including the last two for Culpeper County. Bryan was named to Virginia Business 40 Under 40 in Virginia in 2025, honored as the Virginia Economic Developers Association Rising Star in 2022, and earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential in 2024. He is a graduate of the OU Economic Development Institute (2022) and High Point University (2009). Bryan serves on the Foundation First (Early Childhood Education) Board of Directors. He previously served on the Virginia Economic Developers Association (Economic Development) Board of Directors and Virginia Career Works-Piedmont Region Workforce Development Board. Prior to Culpeper County, he led economic development efforts in another regional locality. He lives in Central Virginia with his wife and two daughters.

Director · Early Childhood Development Head, NOVA Loudoun

Director · GMU Associate Professor of Education Internship Coordinator, Early Childhood Education

Dr. Bweikia Steen is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education. She earned her doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Steen is also the author of Hear our voices: Engaging in partnerships that honor families.

Director · Prince William County Public Schools

Dr. LaTanya D. McDade was appointed July 1, 2021, as the Superintendent for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), which is the second-largest division in Virginia and serves nearly 90,000 students. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as Superintendent of the school division. She is a proven leader and passionate advocate for students. A lifelong educator, Dr. McDade is a former teacher, principal, chief schools’ officer, and district leader. As Superintendent of PWCS, Dr. McDade launched an ambitious four-year strategic plan, Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures. This plan is committed to improving learning and achievement for all, building a positive climate and culture, increasing family and community engagement, and achieving organizational coherence. Dr. McDade has also led the development and School Board approval of exceptionally strong and unprecedented budgets, most recently the Fiscal Year 2026 $1.89 billion budget driven by the division’s strategic priorities. Eighty percent of the budget is allocated to the instructional core, encompassing our students, staff, and curriculum. Under Dr. McDade’s leadership, PWCS achieved an all-time high 94.3% on-time graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year, marking a 2.6% increase over the previous year, while also reducing chronic absenteeism by 5.4%. PWCS has also seen improvements in student academic achievement, increasing performances in math by 17%, science by 9%, and early literacy performance on the Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLS) by 19%. Dr. McDade has also led efforts to expand career and technical education (CTE) programming and certifications, offering more than 135 CTE courses in agriculture, aviation, culinary arts, cybersecurity, etc. To date, PWCS has established over 373 registered CTE partnerships. More than 23,500 students have obtained one or more CTE credentials in the past four years. Dr. McDade has removed barriers for equitable access to advanced courses for all students, leading to a more than 10% improvement in equitable access to gifted, AP, IB, Cambridge, and dual enrollment classes. Currently, 53% of graduates earn one or more early college or career credentials. Dr. McDade knows that representation matters and has increased the diversity of staff to reflect the 159 countries and 174 languages represented in PWCS classrooms. She secured $13.52 million in philanthropic support and ensured 100% of graduates have a concrete postsecondary plan. PWCS students are excelling, with students earning more than $492 million in scholarships from 2022-25. Dr. McDade joined PWCS with 23 years of experience at Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest district in the nation. She previously served as the Chief Education Officer at Chicago Public Schools, charged with overseeing all academic offices and supporting over 340,000 students across 638 schools, while managing a $3.4 billion budget. Under her leadership, Chicago Public Schools increased academic achievement, expanded academic programming, increased graduation rates and college enrollment, and reached record low drop-out, suspension, and expulsion rates. In 2024, Dr. McDade was unanimously nominated by her neighboring Northern Virginia school division colleagues and received the Region IV Superintendent of the Year Award. Dr. McDade’s groundbreaking work has earned her numerous prestigious honors, including the Northern Virginia Kappa Achievement Foundation’s 2024 Women of Achievement Award, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.’s 2024 Courageous Generational Women’s Leadership Award, Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Most Influential People of 2024, and the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s 2022 Citizen of the Year Award. In 2025, she earned recognition as one of District Administration’s Top 100 Influencers in Education, was awarded the Virginia Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Association’s School Administrator Award and received the Epsilon Sigma Boulé Foundation Community Partner Award. In 2021, she was honored by the Washingtonian Magazine as one of Washington D.C.’s 150 Most Powerful Women. Dr. McDade completed her doctorate in educational leadership and supervision from Lewis University. She holds a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Loyola University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Chicago State University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and currently serves on the Board of Directors for 1EdTech, Foundation First, Heart of America, and Women Leading Ed. She is also a member of the UVA K-12 Advisory Council and Northern Virginia’s Regional Public School Leaders Network. Additionally, Dr. McDade serves on the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council, aimed at improving the health and well-being of students, families, and educators. Dr. McDade deeply understands school communities and knows how to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. She is dedicated to education and passionate about improving the quality of life for all children through an equity lens. Her mantra, Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. – John Dewey.

Handles strategy and governance leadership.

Covers sustainability, budgeting, and risk.

Manages recruitment, bylaws, and compliance.

Drives community partnerships, philanthropy, and advocacy.

We began as Success By 6, a project of the Rappahannock United Way focused on early literacy.

The work grew into a regional coalition with its own steering committee.

A planning grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation funded our first coalition manager and our first strategic plan.

We became Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area, with a Leadership Council and a defined mission.

A Getting Ready II grant let us fund staff and launch our first quality and developmental screening initiatives. Our 501(c)(3) status took effect on December 17.

The Leadership Council became a Board of Directors, with articles of incorporation, bylaws, and committees.

In January we became Foundation First. The name changed because the work had grown well past where it started, from one river valley to eleven localities.

We are the lead agency for Ready Region North Central, one of nine regions the Virginia Board of Education created to coordinate early childhood across the Commonwealth, and a partnership of more than 150 agencies, businesses, and individuals.