Welcome to the UMHS Head Start and Early Childhood Services Staff Resource Center!
Component Forms, Resources, and Trainings
UMHS preschool programs offer enriching early learning experiences in enjoyable, safe environments designed to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our comprehensive services extend beyond the child to support the entire family, encompassing mental and physical health, family services, and nutrition. We empower parents and caregivers to become confident advocates and leaders in early childhood education. Together with parents, staff, and children, we envision a future that embraces diversity, values individual contributions, and enables everyone to thrive.
Head Start & Early Childhood Services
Program Management & Governance
Suellen Whitlock
Director of Head Start & Early Childhood Services
Program Services
Bobbi Harrison
Assistant Director of Head Start & Early Childhood Services
Program Support
Brissa Tejeda
Administrative and Program Support Specialist
Education & Inclusion
Katherine Robinson
Early Childhood Regional Manager
Striving to implement high-quality services by providing a variety of supports and resources to education staff through training, one-on-one, and group coaching. Staying up-to-date with any changes and assisting education staff in following/implementing policies and procedures. Being open-minded, and flexible to learn and grow as we go.
Education & Inclusion
Ozzely Jex
Early Childhood Regional Manager
Striving to implement high-quality services by providing a variety of supports and resources to education staff through training, one-on-one, and group coaching. Staying up-to-date with any changes and assisting education staff in following/implementing policies and procedures. Being open-minded, and flexible to learn and grow as we go.
Family Services & Parent Leadership
Kayley Schmidt
Family Services Manager
Family Services focuses on supporting the families we serve and partnering with them as they go through a variety of difficult situations. Family Advocates work with their assigned families to support them in all aspects of their lives while their children are in our program.
Enrollment, Attendance & Child/Family Data
Jessi Mills
Child and Family Data Manager
Health & Mental Health
Jon Cabrera
Health Manager
UMHS health component is committed to promoting and supporting the healthy growth and development of children through a variety of services ranging from early childhood health screenings, assisting families with enrolling in Oregon Health Plan and system navigation, and mental health promotion to support positive peer interaction.
Nutrition
Cindy Tolman
Children's Nutrition Manager
Health & Safety
April Utecht
Health & Safety Manager
Our priority is to maintain the health and safety of all UMHS facilities and classrooms. Ensuring that our classroom is following our DELC licensing requirements to provide the best safety for our children and families. We do so by completing monthly health & safety monitors at all our licensed facilities along with assuring that our facilities are checked annually to meet the state sanitation and fire requirements.
