At EOAC, we believe that investing in our people is one of the best investments we can make in the families and communities we serve.
Summer is often a season of preparation, learning, and growth, and this year has been no exception. Across our agency, team members have earned nationally recognized credentials, completed degrees, and participated in specialized training that strengthens the quality of services we provide throughout the Heart of Texas.
Each accomplishment represents a commitment to lifelong learning and to the mission of Helping People. Changing Lives.
Celebrating Professional Achievement
We are proud to congratulate Sonya Rodriguez, who recently earned the Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation.
The CCAP is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a deep understanding of the history, values, governance, leadership, and service delivery systems that define Community Action Agencies like EOAC. Earning this certification reflects Sonya’s dedication to serving families with excellence and advancing the Community Action mission.
Strengthening Family Services
Congratulations to Maranda Jones, Child and Family Advocate at Marlin Head Start, and Elizabeth Patterson, Child and Family Advocate at Brazos Head Start, for earning their Family Service Credential (FSC) through The Portage Project.
This professional credential equips family service staff with advanced skills to:
- Build meaningful partnerships with families
- Support family goal setting
- Conduct effective home visits
- Connect families with resources that promote self-sufficiency and child well-being
These skills strengthen one of the most important aspects of Head Start: partnering with families to help children thrive.
Growing Early Childhood Expertise
We are also proud to recognize five Early Head Start teachers who recently earned their Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential:
- Bre’Onna Hailey, Brazos
- Desiree Childers, Brazos
- Maria Gonzalez, Thurman E. Dorsey
- Ran’Neshia Carpenter, New Road
- Valerie Lloyd, Brazos
The CDA is a nationally recognized credential that prepares early childhood educators to provide high-quality care and learning experiences during the most critical years of child development.
Congratulations as well to Kelley Garcia, Early Head Start teacher at New Road, for earning her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Tarleton State University. This achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to excellence in early childhood education and to the children and families she serves each day.
Learning Together
Professional growth also happens through collaboration.
This summer, EOAC Head Start managers attended the 2026 Texas Head Start Association Summer Conference in San Antonio. Centered around the theme, “Whole Program. Whole Community. Whole Child: A 360° Path to Head Start Excellence,” the conference provided opportunities to explore best practices, emerging initiatives, leadership development, and innovative strategies to strengthen services across our Head Start program.
By learning from peers and leaders across Texas, our team returns with new ideas and renewed energy to serve children and families even more effectively.
Investing in the Future
Professional development is about much more than earning credentials or attending conferences.
Every new certification, every completed degree, and every training opportunity strengthens EOAC’s ability to serve our community with knowledge, compassion, and excellence.
When our employees grow, our programs grow.
When our programs grow, children, families, and communities benefit.
We are incredibly proud of each of these team members and grateful for their dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence.
Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments and thanking them for the important work they do every day across the Heart of Texas.