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.

    Amy Britt, President
    Isle of Wight County

    Raleigh Isaacs, Vice President
    Suffolk
  
    Rose Goodman, Vice President II
    Suffolk 

    Kristen Ellis, Secretary
    Isle of Wight County

    Kandy Lewis, Treasurer
    Suffolk

    Nancy Brewbaker
    Franklin

    Martha Kello
    Southampton County

    Rev. Edward Boyce III
    Franklin

    Dr. Ernest Knight
    Franklin

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

Assistant Director
   Rosalind Cutchins

Early Head Start Director
   Tamie Rittenhouse

Early Intervention Coordinator
   Katie Humphrey

Franklin Child Care Coordinator
   Leslie Brittle

Suffolk and Smithfield Child Care Coordinator
   Toni Daye