On March 25, Vermont’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council (SAC) met to build relationships among members and learn about early successes and impacts of the Building Integration in Vermont’s B-5 Early Childhood Systems (VIP B-5) project. At the meeting, we welcomed five new members: Dr. Debra Hartswick, Kiona Baez Heath, Amber Hewston, Erica McLaughlin, and Danielle Lindley Mitchell. We also thanked outgoing members Paul Dragon, Alexis Duquette, and Mike McRaith.
The SAC is the state’s Governor-appointed, primary advisory body on the well-being of children from the prenatal period through age 8 and their families. The SAC advises the Governor, Administration, and Legislature on early childhood policy and systems improvements. The SAC brings together early childhood leaders and decision-makers from across sectors to better coordinate and enhance services for young children. The Council has 27 members, including seven public designated members, two legislators, 15 at-large members, and three non-voting members.
Dr. Debra HartswickKiona Baez HeathAmber HewstonErica McLaughlinDanielle Lindley Mitchell
The current SAC members are:
Designated Members
Representing Agency
Ilisa Stalberg, Public Co-Chair
VT Department of Health
Renee Kelly
Head Start Collaboration Office
Shayla Livingston
Agency of Human Services
Janet McLaughlin
DCF Child Development Division
Meg Porcella
Agency of Education
Jessica Vintinner
Agency of Commerce
Cheryle Wilcox
Department of Mental Health
Appointed Members
Representative Jessica Brumsted
Vermont House
Senator Ruth Hardy
Vermont Senate
At-Large Members
Representing Organization
Flor Diaz Smith, Private Co-Chair
Vermont School Boards Association
Libby Daghlian
Family Representative
Xusana Davis
Vermont Office of Racial Equity
Eddie Gale
A.D. Henderson Foundation
Dimitri Garder
Global-Z International
Sharron Harrington
VT Association for the Education of Young Children
Dr. Debra Hartswick
Retired Medical Professional
Kiona Baez Heath
Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Amber Hewston
Family Representative
Carol Lang-Godin
Lamoille Family Center
Erica McLaughlin
Vermont Principals’ Association
Danielle Lindley Mitchell
Washington County Mental Health Services
Christy Swenson, Secretary
Head Start Representative
Rebecca Webb, Treasurer
Act 166 Coordinator/Special Education
Non-Voting Members
Aryka Radke
Director of Family Services at DCF
Kendal Smith
Governor’s Office
Miranda Gray
Deputy Director of Economic Services
Learn more about who is serving on the SAC by reviewing the bios of the current members.
There is no SAC meeting in April. The next meeting, on Monday, May 20, will serve as the annual Vermont’s Early Childhood Action Plan (VECAP) Summit to mark progress we have made toward the four VECAP goals and identify priorities for the coming year. Register here for the May 20 SAC meeting.
