Committees

Early Child Care Programs Committee

The Early Child Care Committee was co-chaired by Dr. Julie Leeth and Dr. Hal Higdon. Technical assistance was provided by Kimberly Shinn Brown, director of OACAC Head Start. Greene County Commissioner Roseann Bentley served as a liaison to the ECP Executive Committee. The Early Child Care Committee consisted of a broad range of community leaders, current and former educators, child care center directors, church leaders, pediatricians and interested agency directors.

Early Childhood Education Committee

The Early Childhood Education Committee was co-chaired by Michael Overton and Doug and Lisa Pitt. Technical assistance was provided by Missy Riley, director of Early Childhood services for Springfield Public Schools. Sandy Howard from Springfield Chamber of Commerce served as the liaison to the ECP Executive Committee. The Early Childhood Education Committee consisted of past and present preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, school administrators, faculty from several local universities, Mayor’s Commission for Children, business leaders, and interested community volunteers.

Safe and Secure Environments Committee

The Safe and Secure Environments Committee was co-chaired by Jill Patterson and Francine Pratt. Technical assistance was provided by Heather Ford, Circuit Manager for the 31st Circuit of Children’s Division. Brooke O’Reilly, community volunteer and Junior League of Springfield, served as the liaison to the ECP Executive Committee. The Safe and Secure Environments Committee had members of the health community, child care directors, physicians, directors of agencies working with abused and neglected children and their families, children’s service organizations’ leaders, foster parents, therapists, and members of Leadership Springfield Class 27.

Food and Proper Nutrition Committee

The Food and Proper Nutrition Committee was co-chaired by Gail and Clif Smart and Caron and Shawn Askinoise. Technical assistance was provided by Jean Grabeel, Director of Health Services for Springfield Public Schools. Mark Struckoff, Executive Director of Council of Churches, served as the liaison to the ECP Executive Committee. The Food and Proper Nutrition Committee included registered dieticians, members of the Mayor’s Commission for Children, child care directors, wellness directors and instructors, pediatricians, teachers, high school and college students, business leaders, and faculty and administrators from higher education institutions.

Health Committee

The Health Committee was co-chaired by Steve Edwards and Dr. Robert Steele, chief executive officers of our two major health systems, Cox Health and Mercy. Technical assistance was provided by staff from Cox Health and Mercy Health. Jennifer Kennally, United Way of the Ozarks Executive Director served as the liaison to the ECP Executive Committee. The Health Committee included nurses, hospital administrators, counselors, physicians, directors of service agencies, educators, and community volunteers.