It’s a pleasure to introduce Tonya Pickner, EHS Assistant Regional Manager.
Are you a Parent?
I am a proud wife and mother of two grown sons. My husband has been my best friend and the love of my life for 29 years now. Connor, our oldest son, is 30, and Christopher, our youngest, is 24. While I was not a Head Start child, I should have been, but my father did not know about Head Start.
Are you from Oregon?
My husband, children, and I were all born in Northern California. We raised our children in the Denver Metro area of Colorado for 12.5 years. In 2017 we moved to Oregon.
What surprised you most about Head Start?
I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 30 years, and I am overwhelmed with how much support the whole family can receive when they actively partner with Head Start. Most early childhood education centers I have worked with previously focus on the child’s well-being, not supporting the whole family.
What would you tell parents about HS/EHS you think they really need to know?
I am honored to be working at Head Start of Lane County. I am passionate about seeing children and families thrive and become the best version of themselves. When I started working with Head Start in January 2018, it felt like I was home. The staff and managers at Brattain welcomed me with open arms. Now I am the new Assistant Regional Manager for Early Head Start, and excited to continue serving the children and families of Lane County.
