Meet Our Alabama Quality STARS Team!
Kellie Holcomb
Alabama Quality STARS Director
“There is so much to love about my job! Most of all, I love the team I work with. I am surrounded by some of the most experienced, educated minds wrapped in the funniest, warmest, and joyful hearts. They are truly exceptional, and they make me a better human, leader, and educator every day!”
Ciara Alford
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love working with providers to create plans to build quality into their program. It makes me so happy to see the joy and excitement on their faces when their goals have been accomplished and higher STAR levels are achieved! I love knowing collectively, we are making a positive impact in the lives of the children in Alabama!”
Anna Barlow
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
” My favorite thing about my job is to work with so many who are passionate about the early years of a child’s life and getting to see that passion in providers as well. I love empowering others to see the goodness they are doing in their work!”
Melissa Beeson
Alabama Quality STARS Communication and Information Specialist
“As someone who works in the Montgomery office full time, I love hearing from the childcare providers and helping them get the most up-to-date information as our program continues to grow and expand in an effort to recognize the quality practices in Alabama childcare programs. I also love supporting my team of some of the most experienced and knowledgeable women in the field of education.”
Kara Cosby
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“My favorite thing about my job is working with directors and teachers who truly want to make their environment and instruction be at the best possible level. I love seeing educators and childcare professionals living their best lives because this means the children are as well! “
Theresa Dalton
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love working with this team of intelligent, strong women. As a team, we have many years of experience and knowledge about early care and education. I learn something new every time we meet together. I also love getting to meet providers across the state and supporting them as they work to reach for the STARS! “
Amber Edwards
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love the relationships that I am able to have with my providers and I really enjoy watching them make a difference in our children’s lives.”
Cynthia Garner
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I enjoy working with a dynamic group of individuals dedicated to validating and improving the quality of early learning programs available to children and families throughout Alabama regardless of the service delivery model. As a parent and an educator, I understand the value of the work we do, and it is very exciting in regard to the impact we are making.”
Sarah Jones
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“Our QRIS team is such a fun, dynamic, and knowledgeable group. We learn together and work hard to improve the educational experiences for children ages birth to preschool across Alabama. I also love getting to know my teachers and directors I work with throughout the state.”
Rachel Kitsos
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“The best part about what I do is getting to partner with so many amazing people who share the common goal of enhancing quality care for our children.”
Symone Mixon
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“With this position, I have the opportunity to educate, empower, and inspire children and adults toward greater autonomy. At the same time, I am fostering partnerships and lifelong success. This is one of the most rewarding sensations in the world.”
Virginia Mostellar
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“My favorite part of my job is knowing our team is working together to care for Alabama’s youngest children who do not have a voice yet and depend on us to speak on their behalf. A big part of caring for children is caring for the childcare providers, and I really enjoy making connections with them and learning about each person’s aspirations.”
Amanda Pate
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“The thing that I enjoy most about my job is visiting the childcare programs. I love meeting the directors and teachers and spending time with the sweet kiddos of our state!”
Tyesha Powell
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love that I get to interact and build relationships with the teachers, children, and directors. Also, that I get to work with them on building on the needs of the children and centers/homes.”
Tracy Richards
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“My favorite thing about my job is meeting and working with people from across the great state of Alabama who have the same passion as I do, which is increasing the quality of care provided to our children!”
Marche’ Scott
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“My favorite thing about my job is the wonderful group of women that I work with and the relationships built with directors and teachers that I have met on my many travels.”
Michelle Shelton
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love helping people and I love seeing the change from the classroom all the way through to administration. I love being able to connect to people and to help make that change.”
Courtney Shivetts
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love being part of a team that makes its mission to improve the lives and learning experiences for the children in the state of Alabama.”
Shannon Stewart
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“I love being part of a group of knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated women who share the mission of increasing the quality of education for the young children of Alabama.”
Ginny Tharp
Alabama Quality STARS Specialist
“My favorite part of this job is hearing providers share about their program. I get to hear their heart and learn new and creative ways to provide exceptional childcare. Showing them where their current practices fit into the Best Practice Rubric highlights and validates what they do every day for the children and families they serve. That’s a win for both of us!”