GOALS & GOVERNANCE

At GAGES

We keep on track and achieve our goals with governance.

GAGES Organizational Goals

  • To provide leadership in the development of Shore-wide systems, policies and initiatives that will promote the health, well-being, school readiness and success of young children on the Eastern Shore.

  • To engage business, health, education, government, and civic organizations in supporting initiatives that promote an array of affordable coordinated quality services for young children and their families across the Eastern Shore.

  • To build systems and policies and initiatives that actively engage Shore families in fostering their child’s positive growth and development.

  • To identify and secure funding for systems, policies and initiatives promoting child health, well-being and school readiness.

  • To promote public awareness that leads to community-wide support for quality early childhood services, resulting in success in school, work, and life.

GAGES Steering Committee Members 2023

Peggy Shaeffer, PhD
GAGES Acting Chair
Early Childhood Specialist & Community Advocate

Linda Schulz, PhD
GAGES Vice Chair
Early Childhood Specialist & Community Advocate

Roberta Newman
GAGES Consulting Coordinator
Child, Youth, and Family Program Development Specialist

Ann Beamer Williams, M.Ed.
Owner, Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Sleep Now Baby, LLC
Consultant for Children’s Harbor
Child Advocate

Wayne Bell
CEO, Children’s Harbor

Lynn Bowen
Early Childhood Manager, Region XI ICF

Honorable Cela Burge
District 2A Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Judge

Katie Farrell
Director of Elementary Schools
Accomack County Public Schools

Janice Felker
Retired Youth Services Librarian
Child & Youth Advocate

Tange Francis
Director, Eastern Shore Head Start

Megan Gallipeau
Youth Services Librarian
Eastern Shore Public Library

Kathy Lewis, RN, BSN
Nurse Supervisor
Eastern Shore Health District
Virginia Department of Health

C Reneta Major
Member, Accomack County Board of Supervisors;
Family Services Specialist, Northampton County
Department of Social Services

Barbara O’Hare
Retired Social Scientist

Keren Plowden
Region 2 & 3 VA DOE Tiered Systems of Support

Susanne Rakes
Professional Development Coordinator
Child Care Aware of Virginia

Donna Smith
CEO, Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging
Community Action Agency

Sharon Silvey
Library Manager, Cape Charles Memorial Library

Jodi Urban
Employment Services & Child Care
Accomack County Department of Social Services