OUR WORK
With a variety resources and partners, OPSR works with both local and national private funders as well as the state and federal government to achieve its mission to lead Oklahoma in coordinating an early childhood system that strengthens families and ensures all children are ready for school. Our projects rely on the expertise and guidance of parents, community leaders, early childhood providers, state-level organizations and leadership. Together, we can make an impact and improve the well-being of young children.
PARTNERSHIP BOARD
The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board is comprised of early childhood experts and state leaders, that are responsible for carrying out state and federal mandates.
Each year the OPSR Board prioritizes several focus areas to improve the lives of young children and their families, such as the following:
• Engage policymakers and the community with the intent to gain support for school readiness.
• Convene and support partnerships within the board, throughout communities and statewide.
• Incubate innovative, research-based solutions to encourage early language, interaction and brain development.
• Ensure continuous improvement and accountability of Oklahoma’s programs that touch families with young children.
• Click the links below to learn more about the OPSR Board.
If you’re interested in becoming an OPSR board member, you can apply on the governor’s website.
Click here to be directed to that application page.
Annual Reports
This Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness annual report spotlights the tremendous work done by OPSR staff and our incredible partners as well as provides a report on the state of school readiness among Oklahoma children.
As OPSR continues to push Oklahoma forward and coordinate an early childhood system that ensures ALL children are ready for school, we appreciate Gov. Kevin Stitt and our legislature's support, leadership and commitment to building a strong foundation and bright future for Oklahoma’s children.
Financial Reports
OPSR PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEMBERS
Public Sector Representatives or their Designees
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Ryan Walters
Designee: Sharon Morgan
State Commissioner of Health
Keith Reed, Commissioner
Designees: Lorri Essary
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Gregory Slavonic, Interim Commissioner
Designee: Stephanie Bell
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
John Budd, Director
Designee: Marshall Vogts & Jessica Izquierdo
Oklahoma Department of Libraries
Natalie Currie, Director
Designee: Trisha Hutcherson
Department of Human Services
Jeffrey Cartmell, Director
Designees: Deb Smith
Oklahoma Health Care Authority Administrator
Ellen Buettner
Designee: Kasie McCarty
Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
Annette Wisk Jacobi, Director
Designees: Danielle Dill & Caitlin Merritt
State Department of Rehabilitation Services
Melinda Fruendt, Director
Designees: Tonya Garman
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority
Shawn Black, Interim Executive Director
Designee: Darrell Strong
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Brent Hanken, Director
Designee: Teena Friend
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor
Sean Burrage, Chancellor
Designee: Gina McPherson
Cabinet Secretary with Responsibility for Education Agencies
Nellie Sanders
Designee: Vacant
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Dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Oklahoma State University
Dr. Jon Pedersen
Designee: Dr. Jennifer Stepp
State Director of Head Start Collaboration
Paula Brown
Designee: Zoe Campbell & Curtis Mays
Private Sector Representatives Appointed
by the Governor
Representative of Licensed Child Care Providers
Rachel Proper
Vice President, Child Care, Inc.
Representative of the Licensed Child Care Industry Appointed by the Governor from a List Submitted by an Association Representing the Licensed Child Care Industry
Angie Clayton
Kids R Us of Tecumseh
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Two Parents of Children Age 8 or Younger:
Brett Vanderzee
Music & Preaching Minister, The Spring Church of Christ
Dr. Jennifer Pham
Director of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Representative of a State Association of Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs
Suzie Powers, EHS Director/CCP Manager, Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency, Inc.
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Governor Appointees
Dr. Hokehe Effiong
Pediatric Specialist, Jackson County Memorial Hospital
Jacqueline Evans
CEO & Director, Aunt Jackie's Family Childcare
Kelly Kay
President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City
Dr. Sada Knowles
Dean of New College, Oklahoma Christian University
Melissa Larimore
Community Programs Director, Youth & Family Services, Inc.
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Cindy Lee
Executive Director, HALO Project
Dr. Amanda McCabe
Adjunct Professor for the Educational Psychology Department at Oklahoma State University
Vicki Weaver Payne
Mental Health Counselor, Hope Community Services
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Sarah Roberts
Vice President of Programs, Inasmuch Foundation
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Anthony Stafford
Senior Program Director, Sunbeam Family Services
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Kody Suanny
Executive Director, Great Plains Youth & Family Services
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Annie Koppel Van HankenSenior Program Officer, George Kaiser Family Foundation
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BOARD MEETINGS
FOUNDATION BOARD
Dr. Amy Emerson
Board President
Pediatrician
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AJ Griffin
Board Vice President
Executive Director, Potss Family Foundation
Annie K. Van Hanken
Board Director
Sr. Program Officer, George Kaiser Family
Foundation
Pam Campbell
Board Director
Tenth District Outreach Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Marsha Schmidt
Board Director​
Business Manager, The McIntosh Group
Business Manager, Site Soultions
Ginny Bass Carl
Immediate Past President
CEO, Giving Well, OKC
Suzanne Thompson
Board Secretary
Former ED of CART and El Reno Public Schools Foundation
Mike Gibson
Board Treasurer
Retired CPA
Collette Shepard
Board Director
Regional Manager Oklahoma, Lakeshore Learning
PARTNERSHIPS
