The Children’s Center originated in 1983, providing speech, physical, and occupational therapy to developmentally delayed children under the age of three. At that time, the Commonwealth of Virginia awarded the Children’s Center state funds and grants to help provide these well needed services in Western Tidewater. This support continues today enabling the Children’s Center to offer these services through its early intervention program.

Through the years, the Children’s Center has expanded to offer three additional programs: pediatric therapy for children birth through the age of twenty-one; community child care for infants and children through twelve years of age; and early head start for low-income pregnant women and families with children under the age of three. These four programs receive funding support in various ways from local, state and federal governments, United Way, medical insurances, charitable contributions, bequeaths, and individual fees for services.

In 1983, the Children’s Center operated on a $120,000 budget, supporting twelve employees who served sixty-three children.

Today, the Children’s Center maintains a $3.8 million dollar budget, employing over one-hundred professionals who serve over eight hundred children annually.

Our Board of Directors

A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Children’s Center.

    Donald T. Robertson, President
    Isle of Wight County

    Jewel Goodman, Vice President
    Suffolk
  
    Bob Petty, Treasurer
    Franklin

    Diana Conco, Secretary
    Franklin

    Steve Stewart
    Franklin

    Deborah Goodwyn
    Southampton County

    Jennifer Spencer
    Suffolk

    Mark Popovich
    Suffolk

    Chris Tsitsera
    Southampton County

    Daniel Simonsen
    Franklin

    Lorraine Greene
    Southampton County

    Lisa Godwin
    Suffolk

Board members live and work in the communities served by the Children’s Center: Franklin, Suffolk, and the counties of Southampton and Isle of Wight. They represent a diverse group of individuals who care about the children in their community and are prepared to advocate on their behalf.

Our Program Directors

Executive Director
   Barbara S. Mease

Director of Programs
   Rosalind Cutchins

Finance Director
    Janet Owen
 
Early Head Start Director
   Tamie Rittenhouse

Mental Health Director
    Anne Bruehl

Early Childhood Education Director
    Toni Johnson

Franklin Child Care Coordinator
   G. Lee Taylor

Suffolk and Smithfield Child Care Coordinator
   Corrie Walker (interim)