And families, and children, and the whole community
Angi Thomas was a Head Start kid.
Now she is the FNA Head Start family wellness coordinator.
She grew up poor in Wisconsin in a single mother home. Her mother fought to get her family out of those circumstances. While the children were at Head Start, mom attended college classes.
“I remember her cap and gown,” Thomas said. “Mom was the first college graduate in the family. Head Start gave her the opportunity.”
She is following in her mother’s education footsteps, and this time, FNA Head Start paid for much of her tuition. It’s an opportunity offered to FNA Head Start staff and many have taken advantage of it.
Thomas has earned a child development certificate and applied associate of science degree in early childhood development. She graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in child and family services. All courses have been at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Thomas has a deep knowledge of child behavior, brain development and parenting styles, said Fran Cachucha, FNA Head Start director.
“We are happy to help with her education,” Cachucha said. “Her success story as a Head Start student to a Head Start college graduate is something we continue to see and are looking for more like her.” 
Francisca Charriez-Miranda earned a child development certificate, an A.A.S. degree in early childhood development and a Bachelor of Arts in child development and family services, all from UAF and partially paid for by FNA Head Start. She started as a primary teacher and is now the FNA Head Start enrollment coordinator.
“I really wanted to provide quality services to our families,” she said.
As she adapted her learning to her classroom and was able to see the difference it made for children and families.
“Not all children develop the same and they have different learning styles.” Charriez-Miranda said. “And I want to add we work in partnership with parents, recognizing they are the child’s first teacher.”
She came from Puerto Rico to Alaska. “Love brought me here. Courage made me stay.”
Francisca was not a Head Start student, but she saw her younger siblings attend in Puerto Rico. They were raised by a single mother, also.
“I saw how my mom changed her parenting style by volunteering in Head Start,” Charriez-Miranda said.
Head Start was started in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. The idea was that preschool education for youngsters and parent support would help families. Over 37 million children have been served since then, with many success stories of those who have gone on to earn college degrees.
“We broke the barrier of poverty,” Thomas said. “What I learned helps me at work and with my four adopted children.”
“Head Start works and changes lives for children, families and staff,” said Charriez-Miranda.