About Us

Our Beliefs

• The well-being and success of every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or developmental and learning differences and are foundational to the well-being of adults and essential to the long-term economic vitality of our community.
• Parents and caregivers are the child’s first and most important teachers.
• Families are strengthened when they have access to a broad, community-based network of partnerships, resources, and services that support them in their role as primary caregivers.
• Our community shares responsibility for providing effective strategies, services, and opportunities that promote high-quality early care and education and support children’s healthy physical, social, and emotional development.
• Every child deserves access to enriching, inclusive early care and education that nurtures their development, supports their individual needs, and prepares them for success in school and beyond.
• Early educators are vital to children’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, healthy development, and future success while strengthening families and communities.

• Lisa Wurtzbacher, Appointed Designee for New Hanover County Manager
• Morgan King, Appointed Designee for Cooperative Extension Director
• Natalia Dunn, NHC Head Start, Excel Learning Center
• Rob Zapple, Board of County Commissioners
• Sheree Darien, Business Representative, REV Federal Credit Union
• Sara Movahedaz, Community Member
• Sarah Flaherty, Childcare Center Director
• Susan DeMarco, Appointed Designee for the Public Library Director, New Hanover County Library
• Vanell Walker, Appointed Designee for Social Services Director, New Hanover County Health and Human Services

Racial Equity Statement

The staff and board of Smart Start of New Hanover County have the honor of working with and for families, caregivers, and early educators as they shape the hearts and minds of children in their critical first few years of life. With that honor comes the responsibility to work to ensure not only that we serve all children in every community but also that we actively seek to promote racial justice, stand firmly against racism, and work diligently to eliminate racial disparities. To do this well, we will work in partnership with the community. We welcome the thoughts, insights, and feedback that can help us improve and grow. Only as a learning organization can we do better, and we can learn first by listening.

Smart Start of New Hanover County has a strong history of ongoing organizational excellence. This foundation sets the very highest standards of accountability through strong internal controls and constant programmatic monitoring, allowing optimal use of all funding provided for the children and families of our community.