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 will graduate in May 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.
