2009 Officers
PRESIDENT-ELECT - Part of the three-layer Presidency, serving for three years.
Scott Moncrief -Scott is serving on the WECA Board as the Regional Representative for Region 7. He has experience working with a wide variety of programs including center and home-based, early intervention, profit and non-profit facilities. He works at LCCC and has successfully coordinated statewide efforts for intervention screenings. He is a strong proponent for using technology to foster communication and strengthen activities. “I believe it is necessary to strengthen early childhood efforts across the state. I have been fortunate in my life to be able to make time for the things I value. Quality early education is one such area that I enjoy volunteering my time towards.”
VP OF PROGRAMS - Board liaison to oversee Spring Training and annual Conference.
Chandra Nettles--Chandra has served WECA as a Regional Representative and as Literacy Basket Chair for the annual conference. She is a Childcare Director, a WY Developmental Disabilities Case Manager, a certified nurses’ aide, and her involvement with 4-H shooting and archery are well known. She is involved in community and the state, and has been an involved part of the WECA Conference for the past three years. “Hopefully by becoming a WECA officer I could assist with the positive leadership, open communication, creativity and dedication for WECA’s mission of being a positive voice for WY children and caregivers. With experience in events for all ages I feel I can assist the appointed chairs in accomplishing their responsibilities and expectations.”
Mary Scherden --Mary comes with 23 years as an early childhood educator. She is a founding member of Coalition for Wyoming Children and co-founder of PEP - Providers Empowering Providers. She is currently the owner/director of The Whole Child Family Child Care Center, and is working on her Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education at LCCC. As being part of a military family she has had opportunity to serve travel, meet many people and serve in a variety of positions, and also has first-had experience working with a special needs child. “Early Childhood Education is changing everyday. New research and information seems to be on the forefront every week. In Wyoming we have the unique challenge of meeting the needs of educators and children from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic backgrounds. I’d like to be part of the movement to
help educators in Wyoming meet these challenges.”
VP OF MEMBERSHIP-ELECT - Plans and oversees membership efforts, benefits and records.
Kendel Jo Richards - Kendel holds a M.Ed. of Curriculum and Instruction and is currently teaching preschool in Big Horn School Dist. #1. The preschool program is partially funded through TANF. We are also DFS licensed. We have a very active parent volunteer program and host Family Literacy Nights monthly. I am CLASS certified and am also a Spalding Certified Teacher Instructor. I was invited to speak in Oxford, England in the spring of 2009 for the Early Childhood Literacy Round Table at Lincoln College. “I would like to serve Wyoming as a WECA Board member to help promote and enhance the services our children are receiving. I feel my years of experience and knowledge in the public school system will help me to be a contributing board member. I am passionate about kids and giving them the best opportunities available. My background allows me to come to the table with an elementary perspective, in hopes to bridge the gap between early childhood centers and caregivers and the public school system.”
SECRETARY - Responsible for keeping the records of the WECA Board, the historical and other records.
Pat Powell - Pat has been involved with early childhood classrooms from kindergarten to third grade and back to preschool since 1981. “Nothing is more exciting than the look on a child’s face when they grasp a new concept.” Pat recently completed two terms on the board of the Child Development Services. IN 2007, she completed an early childhood endorsement to her BA in education. Updating my knowledge was exciting and reaffirming to my beliefs in how children learn. “I relish the thought of continuing many joyful experiences with both children and grandchildren.”
TREASURER-ELECT - Monitors the WECA budget and assures fiduciary responsibility of WECA Board.
Heather Wagner - Heather began her career in the medical field working with children and families as a certified nursing assistant and speech pathology. She then moved to her own family and into a childcare facility serving over 20 families. She has maintained accounts and budgets including accounts receivables and payable. She is responsible for the fiduciary health of a childcare facility that serves approximately 70 families and 7 staff. “I belief it is important to be a part of membership organizations that advocate for children and families as well as those who provide for them. On the WECA board, it would allow me another venue to serve in the field and keep me on the cutting edge of our profession.”
