Our Team
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Melanee Cottrill
Executive Director
+ View BioAboutMelanee Cottrill Executive Director Questions? Contact us »Melanee works with the board of directors to plan for the association’s future and provides direction and oversight for day-to-day operations. She serves as the primary liaison with other state, regional and national associations, as well as other policy and research groups that impact Head Start. She has over 15 years of experience in association leadership and holds a Master of Business Administration from the California State University, Stanislaus. Melanee lives in Elk Grove with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, gardening and watching Star Trek.
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Karen Burke
Director, Membership and Communications
+ View BioAboutKaren Burke Director, Membership and Communications Questions? Contact us »Karen creates, manages and directs the workflow of marketing, messaging, and membership communications through a variety of channels including the website, emails and social media, print media and webinars. Karen enjoys baking cookies, beach vacations, and watching war movies.
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Threasa Hernandez
Director, Member Learning & Events
+ View BioAboutThreasa Hernandez Director, Member Learning & Events Questions? Contact us »Threasa leads and directs logistical and programmatic planning for all of Head Start California’s online and in-person events and learning programs. Threasa enjoys visiting amusement parks with her family, kayaking and getting lost in a good book.
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Kindell Graham
Engagement Coordinator
+ View BioAboutKindell Graham Engagement Coordinator Questions? Contact us »Kindell supports HSC’s member engagement activities including virtual and in-person events, member communications, meeting coordination, and advocacy activities. Kindell enjoys spending time with her family on the lake.
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Edwin Abarca
Administrative & Finance Coordinator
+ View BioAboutEdwin Abarca Administrative & Finance Coordinator Questions? Contact us »Edwin supports the Executive Director and staff to ensure smooth operations and delivery of services to members. He is responsible for conducting accounting tasks, human resources functions, supporting registration for conferences, and administration duties. Edwin enjoys reading, exercise, and spending time with family and friends, finding excuses to get outside whenever possible.
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