Children First’s Kathleen Sullivan Named a 2025 Unity Awards Recipient by Sarasota Magazine

SARASOTA, FL (March 20, 2025) – Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is proud to announce that Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Programs, has been honored as a recipient of Sarasota Magazine's 2025 Unity Awards. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering unity and improving the lives of others.
 
With over 35 years of experience in the early childhood community, Ms. Sullivan's journey began as a Head Start parent, a program she credits with transforming her life. In her role at Children First, Ms. Sullivan oversees the agency’s comprehensive and family strengthening services, serving nearly 1,100 local children and their families across Sarasota County.
 
Under her leadership, the organization has expanded vital mental health programs, increasing access to full-time specialists and additional contracted professionals to support children, caregivers, and staff. She has also driven advancements in early childhood education, ensuring more children receive high-quality care, developmental support, and school readiness services.
 
Ms. Sullivan joins an esteemed group of Children First leaders who have received this recognition, including CEO Philip Tavill and past Board Chairs Trevor Harvey and Brock Leach. Their collective leadership underscores Children First’s unwavering dedication to advancing opportunity for all families in need.
 
In 2024, Ms. Sullivan was honored with the Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award from the National Head Start Association, representing over one million children nationwide, for her commitment to advocacy and her passion for serving children and families in need. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Region IV Head Start Association and the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County.
 
About Children First
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens 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 from birth to five years old in low-income families. Through Children First, 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.net.
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