Meet our team
Welcome to the Arizona Head Start Association! Our mission is to is to pursue excellence in collaboration with local agencies and partners that promotes educational achievements, family self-sufficiency, and generational progress. To achieve this, we advocate for the wellbeing of a high qualified workforce, including opportunities for state level engagement with key stake holders and elected leaders.
Our staff
Jessica Rivera-García
Executive Director
Jessica has dedicated her career to early childhood development and has over 14 years of experience in the early childhood sector including with Head Start as a former ERSEA and Family Engagement Manager. She served as the chair for the Parent, Family and Community Engagement AZHSA Subcommittee prior to becoming the Executive Director. Jessica has devoted her career to creating early childhood policies and systems and advocating for quality family engagement in the Head Start field. Jessica has a master's degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University with a certificate of Participatory Governance. She also serves on the Valley Leadership and Arizona Talks Board.
Patricia Kirkland
Assistant Director
Patricia Kirkland has been appointed Assistant Director of the Arizona Head Start Association (AZHSA), bringing with her more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education—17 of those dedicated to Head Start. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, and unwavering advocate for young children and their families.
Patricia recently retired from the City of Phoenix, where she served as Deputy Human Services Director and led the largest Head Start program in Arizona for six years. She also contributed to statewide leadership as Vice President of AZHSA for the past four years.
“This role gives me the opportunity to help shape the future of Head Start in Arizona by supporting programs that change the lives of children and families every day,” she shared.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patricia has been married for over 40 years and is the proud mother of two adult children and grandmother to four. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, who remain at the center of her life.
AZHSA Board
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished leaders with diverse backgrounds in business, innovation, finance, and community engagement. Their combined expertise and strategic guidance help shape the vision, drive growth, and ensure accountability across all areas of our organization. Each member brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and long-term impact.
Board President
Eve Del Real
Term Expires: December 2026
Represents: Southwest Human Development- Head Start
Board Vice President
Alma Quintana
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: City of Phoenix - Head Start
Board Secretary
Janell Stringfellow
Term Expires: December 2026
Represents: City of Phoenix - Head Start
Program Representative
Cindy English
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: Child Crisis Arizona - Early Head Start
Program Representative
Erin Lyons
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: Child Parent Centers- Head Start
Program Representative
Deb Schlamann
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: Western Arizona Council of Governments
Member At Large Representative
Joe Barba
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: First Things First
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Member At Large Representative
Lori Masseur
Term Expires: December 2026
Represents: Read On Arizona
Member At Large Representative
Nadia McKernan
Term Expires: December 2026
Represents: Herself
Program Representative
Natalie Alvarez
Term Expires: December 2028
Represents: Greater Phoenix Urban League - Head Start
Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves the support they need to thrive. At the Arizona Head Start Association, we believe in the potential of every child and the power of early childhood education to shape a brighter future for all.