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 Kansas early learning programs through advocacy, professional development and leadership.

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:

  • Jennifer Biehler, Head Start Staff
  • Rita Gedney, Head Start Staff (President)
  • Placido Arturo (Art) Hoernicke, At-large member
  • Andy Hutchinson, Head Start Staff
  • James E. (Jim) McDaniel, At-large member
  • Rob Redmond, At-large member
  • Tamika Sellars, Head Start parent
  • Kim Sill, Head Start Director (Vice-President)
  • Sally Stevens, At-large member
  • Penny Stoss, Head Start Director
  • Martina Thompson, Head Start Friend
  • Arthur (Skip) Tichenor, Head Start Friend (Treasurer)
  • Devin Weis, At-large member
  • Linda Wilson, Head Start Staff (Secretary)
  • Terry Wilson, Head Start Staff

Ex-Officio Members:

○  Mary Baskett, Executive Director KHSA
○  Glenda Wilcox, Head Start Director (Past President)
○  Kim Kennedy, Head Start Collaboration Coordinator

KHSA Staff includes:

Please contact us at:

Kansas Head Start Association
932 Massachusetts St., Suite 301
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Telephone: 785-856-3132
Fax: 785-856-3134