Kristy Ritz is WVAYC’s first executive director. This position was made possible through The Earlier, The Better project, a 75th anniversary Benedum Foundation grant. Kristy is a past Child Care Resource and Referral Director and Head Start Teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Fairmont State University and Master of Business Administration from Salem International University. She is also the WV SECA Representative.
Kristy Ritz
Our board comprises experienced professionals committed to enhancing early childhood education in West Virginia. United by a shared vision, they advocate for inclusive, high-quality learning experiences and the professional development of educators. Meet the dedicated team behind our mission to foster lifelong learning from the earliest stages.
The WVAYC Board is comprised of representatives from the early childhood community.
It includes public school teachers, childcare center directors, childcare teachers, college faculty, and retired teachers.
Mariah Burnley*
Tiffany Gale*
Pamela Ramsey*
Helen Post-Brown*
*WVAYC Executive committee member
Tanya Stewart
Nancy Cheshire
Shelly Haynes
Connie Stout O’Dell
Theresa Wascom
Dr. Jamie Jeffrey
Jackie Branch
Jessica Mooney
Katelyn Vandal
Lori Barrett
Tara Lusby