About Us

The Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA) is dedicated to strengthening early learning programs through advocacy, education and leadership. Founded in 1997, KHSA represents all 28 Head Start programs in Kansas, creating a unified voice and point of contact for partners and policymakers. Here are the key elements of the KHSA Strategic Plan:

Our Vision: Kansas is the best state in the nation in which to raise a family.

Our Mission: KHSA supports and strengthens the Kansas early learning

Our Values:

  1. We believe all people have value, deserve respect, should have their basic needs met, can learn and make a difference by serving others.
  2. We believe that parents are their children's first teachers and most important advocates.
  3. We believe that true collaboration is the most important tool in accomplishing our mission.

Our Outcomes:

  1. The Kansas Head Start community is actively engaged and utilizes its KHSA membership.
  2. Kansas early learning community needs and resources are identified and connected.
  3. Early learning programs that positively impact Kansas children and families receive an increased investment of resources.
  4. The Kansas early learning community experiences increased personal and professional growth and development.
  5. An expanded and diversified funding base supports the KHSA mission.

KHSA Board and Staff

KHSA is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, composed of Kansas Head Start directors, staff, parents, partners and at-large members.

KHSA Board Members:

○  Leadell Ediger, At large member
○  Rita Gedney, Head Start Staff representative
○  Tara Goering, Head Start Parent representative
○  Placido Arturo (Art) Hoernicke, At large member
○  Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Head Start Director representative
○  Berta Lerma, Head Start Parent representative
○  David Lindeman, At large member
○  Rob Redmond, At large member
○  Tressa Roecker, Head Start Director representative
○  Michael Schiller, Head Start Staff representative
○  Linda Steinke, At large member
○  Arthur (Skip) Tichenor, Head Start Friend representative
○  Rebecca Turpen, Head Start Parent representative
○  Glenda Wilcox, Head Start Director representative
○  Linda Wilson, Head Start Staff representative

Ex-Officio Members:

○  Mary Baskett, Executive Director KHSA
○  Rhodanne Schiller, Kansas Technical Assistance Specialist
○  Mary Weathers, Early Head Start Program Manager
○  Carolyn Weinhold, Head Start Collaboration Coordinator

KHSA Staff includes:

  • Mary Baskett, Executive Director
  • Rebecca Drews, Member Services Coordinator
  • Lee Brown, Financial Services Coordinator

Please contact us at:

Kansas Head Start Association
925 Vermont
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Telephone: 785-856-3132
Fax: 785-842-2087
Email: www.khsa@kc.rr.com