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.
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.
Suzi Brodof*
Tiffany Gale*
Tammy LaBarge*
*WVAYC Executive committee member
Mariah Burnley
Tanya Stewart
Nancy Cheshire
Shelly Haynes
Theresa Wascom
Pamela Ramsey
Dr. Jamie Jeffrey