Staff

Robyn Lightcap 

Robyn serves on the Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council and is Board Chair of Groundwork Ohio, Ohio's early childhood advocacy organization. She has led complex projects in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, including at IBM, Chicago's Willow Creek Community Church and Evenflo. She has a business degree from Wake Forest University. Email

She is responsible for all the accounting functions of the organization. She has years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting and has taught financial and managerial accounting at the University of Dayton. Marie graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. Email

Barbara Elrod 

With more than 20 years of experience in education, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations, Barbara streamlines our processes and keeps our organization running efficiently. She is excited to help our families, providers and Montgomery County fulfill the educational needs of our youngest learners. Email

She is an accomplished, career educator with over forty-five years of experience. Her fellowship through The Dayton Foundation is assigned to Preschool Promise to create workforce pathways. Dr. Brathwaite earned a B. A. in education, M. S. in education and a professional diploma in the administration and supervision of education. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. Email

James will be helping early educators create an individualized career path to improve their skills and earn credentials and degrees. He has a master’s degree in counselor education and a bachelor’s degree in communications, most recently was a senior financial aid officer and enrollment specialist at Central State University. He has also worked at the Modern College of Design in Kettering, University of Dayton and Xavier University. Email

Christopher James 

Christopher M. James is a Cleveland transplant who fell in love with the city as a college student at Wright State University. As the Senior Program Manager, he will grow our male volunteer endeavors, discover avenues for high school students to matriculate into early childhood education, and assist our preschool partners with efforts in equity. With aspirations to one day provide executive support in bridging community and education platforms for youth, Christopher brings experience from all levels of education and has long been a community advocate. E-mail

Director of Operations 

Ashley leads the operations team in managing the application process, Star Attendance, building and maintaining Preschool provider relationships. Previously, Ashley was the Director of the University of Dayton’s Demonstration School, the Bombeck Family Learning Center. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where she studied early childhood education and received her master’s in educational leadership. Email

As a member of the operations team, Lindsey is dedicated to supporting families and helping students join Preschool Promise. She has spent the last nine years as the Director of a community-based SUTQ preschool program and is passionate about ensuring all children have access to quality early learning opportunities. Lindsey graduated from the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University. Email

She has 22 years in the field of advocacy and is a Registered Advocate in the state of Ohio. Mandi uses her knowledge of trauma informed care to ensure that every family benefits from the highest level of support and equitable access to Kindergarten readiness. Email

Missy brings to the operations team over 10 years of data processing experience with a variety of organizations. In her role she will be working to process student applications and other related documentation. She grew up and lives in the Dayton community and is excited to provide support to Preschool Promise families and providers. Email

She is passionate about eliminating the barriers families face when trying to find and afford a high quality Preschool for their children. She assists families in finding a Preschool that's right for them as well as offering continued support throughout the school year. Ryhan has over 15 years of experience in providing legal advocacy support to survivors of relationship violence in both Ohio and Georgia. She attended Central State University and studied economics. Email

She has been working with Preschool Promise since the Kettering Pilot in 2014-2015. She ensures all families’ requests for tuition assistance are processed and maintains our database. Tiffany graduated magna cum laude from Strayer University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Tiffany says, "My work at Preschool Promise gives me great pride. My No. 1 goal is helping families to ensure a high quality Preschool experience for their child." Email

Emily's career has afforded experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations and she oversees all Preschool Promise marketing initiatives. She has three daughters and is passionate about early childhood education. Emily is involved with board and committee participation in TEDx, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Women's Board of Dayton Children's Hospital, PRSA, Clothes That Work, and United Rehabilitation Services. Email

Erika has 10 years of experience in child-based non-profit organizations, committed to serving the community through fundraising efforts. She is responsible for submitting proposals for private and public funds, discovering new funding opportunities, and building and maintaining relationships with funders, donors, and others within the community for Preschool Promise.  She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Anthropology.  Email

"Mr. Josh" comes to Preschool Promise as a former Preschool teacher. He is excited to bring his creative talents and caring for children into this position. Email

She has been part of the Outreach Team since 2018 and comes to us from Kettering City Schools Integrated Preschool Program. She and the Outreach Team connect with families and their young children and recruit them to join the Preschool Promise Family. Shelly is passionate about Preschool Promise’s mission to help all children in Montgomery County be ready for success in Kindergarten and life and looks forward to greeting you in the community. Email

She is helping Montgomery County Preschools implement effective curriculum and leading the work to promote strong relationships between teachers and young learners. She has been a classroom teacher, 4C for Children coach, and Team Lead. Sandra is proud graduate of Wilberforce University, and earned her Master's in Education from Antioch University McGregor. Email

Catherine supports Preschool teachers by coordinating the Teacher Promise Stipend program, the classroom supply fund, and a weekly provider newsletter along with supporting the Quality Education staff through data reports and analysis. Catherine has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work and has almost 30 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. Promoting quality early childhood education is close to her heart. Email

Crystal received a Master's in Talent and Development from Tusculum University College of Education. Her role at Preschool Promise is to provide coaching, support, training, and professional development for early childhood educators and staff.  She brings nearly twenty-five years of experience in child care. She has been an administrator, classroom, and home-based teacher. Crystal has also served as a family service specialist. She is passionate about building relationships, improving teacher quality, child outcomes, training, and development. Email

Hertia provides coaching, support, training and professional development for early childhood educators and staff. She specializes in implementing Conscious Discipline in our sites.  She has over twenty years of experience in the early childhood education field and has a passion for the Dayton community, working with families, and volunteering at local charities. Hertia is a graduate of Sinclair Community College where she studied Early Childhood Education. Email

As the Director of Partnerships, Jen brings experience in elementary and early childhood education, business and consulting with a focus on building teams and new programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miami University and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her non-profit committee service includes Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Ohio Diaper Bank Coalition and Dress for Success. She serves on the Board of Directors at The Blanket Crew and New Foundation Savings Bank. Email

Hope Vuto 

Hope Vuto manages prenatal to three strategies for Preschool Promise and is passionate about leaning into the voices of parents and providers to expand high-quality health and educational supports for babies, toddlers, and families. Hope leads the Play on Purpose Collaborative, Birth to 3 Collaborative, and Parent & Family Voices Committee. She has a degree in economic development and is certified in prenatal yoga and as a birth doula. Email

Brittnee Hoover 

Brittnee Hoover was a Lead Early Head Start Teacher for 8 years. She was the first graduate of the Promise Scholars Program, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Education Studies in 2021 from the Univerisity of Arizona Global Campus, Summa Cum Laude. She is the mother of an adorable 5-year-old boy. When she's not being a full-time mom, she enjoys trying new adventures, traveling, and spending time with loved ones! Her passions are to educate, build partnerships, and dedicate her time to serving children and families in Montgomery County. Email

Tiarra was a Head Start Lead Teacher for 4 years and has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a lot of energy and looks forward to impacting the lives of children and families that she will encounter through her journey with Preschool Promise. She is a mother of two beautiful children and enjoys being outdoors, crafting, journaling, and exercising. Email