Children First, a nationally recognized nonprofit providing high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening services, is pleased to announce two leadership appointments extending the organization’s expertise and commitment to children and families at both the community and regional levels.

Children First welcomes Robin Grossman, retired President of Clearview Management, to its Board of Directors. Grossman joins a group of community leaders from the human services, corporate, investment, and philanthropic sectors who provide governance and strategic leadership for the organization.

Michael K. Suarez, a Children First alumnus, continues his second consecutive year as Board Chair. Elizabeth Stamoulis, Esq., serves as Vice-Chair; Rebecca M. Lieberher as Treasurer; Carol L. Kalikow as Secretary; and Keith G. Johnson as Chair Emeritus. Additional Directors include Thomas L. Cunningham, Kenneth Hughes, Elenor Maxheim, Linda L. Monda, Robert L. Moulds, and Joe Stephan.

Meredith Mitchell, Director of Family Services, has been elected to the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) Board of Directors. RIVHSA represents the Head Start community across the Southeast, encompassing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff, and 300 member programs.

Mitchell has served Children First for more than 25 years, beginning as a Family Advocate and advancing through several leadership positions before becoming Director of Family Services, where she oversees the organization’s Family Strengthening programs. Her leadership has included expanding the Families First Institute, advancing career and educational opportunities for parents, and developing partnerships with employers and community organizations.

Together, these appointments strengthen Children First’s leadership locally while maintaining an active voice within the broader Head Start community as the organization celebrates 65 years of strengthening children and families.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First’s mission is: Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.
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