Cynthia Yao is a seasoned public sector leader whose 25-year career in early childhood education and human services has been defined by innovation, impact, and dedication. As the former Regional Program Director for the Office of Head Start (Region IX), she managed a budget exceeding $1.8 billion and provided federal oversight for federal early childhood programs serving over 100,000 children across five states and territories. Prior to her tenure with the Office of Head Start, Cynthia’s professional experience includes the provision of training and technical assistance while also spanning across the fields of foster care, juvenile delinquency, child protective services, and family services. Cynthia’s leadership has been marked by strategic vision—implementing policies, driving cross-agency collaborations, and strengthening program quality to better serve children and families.
A proud Head Start alumna and mother of two, Cynthia blends her professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to her mission. She has built and led high-performing teams and has been a mentor and advocate for emerging leaders in her field. Now, she has started her own consulting firm, RISE Partners LLC, partnering with mission-driven organizations to elevate leadership capacity, guide organizational development and strategic planning, and strengthen systems for sustainable lasting positive change in communities and the lives of families and children.
Dr. Andre Walker, Ph.D., MPH, the Chief Operating Officer for D.E.&C Consulting, has served non-profit, academic, and health-based institutions for over 30 years. His commitment to health and human services includes an extensive background in direct service, internal monitoring, clinical research, and regulatory oversight. His professional experience expands into project management, education and training, chemical dependency counseling, case management, and managed care. His work with health and human services agencies and academic institutions resulted in improved client outcomes, proven evaluation and measurement systems, and research publications. Furthermore, Dr. Walker earned a National Defense Service Medal for honorable service while enlisted as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy. He obtained a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in health promotion and education and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Health Services Policy and Management from the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on health disparities and pathways to equitable healthcare for children and adults. Most notably, Dr. Walker’s Dissertation research served as the template for the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Adult Preventative Dental Care Benefits Program. Dr. Walker is keenly interested in expanding access to education, health, and mental health services to underserved populations. His current focus is promoting evidence-based recommendations to state and federally funded programs that promote the inclusion of fathers and males in early childhood development. Dr. Walker also lends his extensive skills in secondary-data research analysis to developing resources such as data-informed practices that bridge resource gaps in oral and medical care, mental health services, and the full inclusion of historically minoritized children and families in the early years.
p: 704.960.8446
e: andre@deandcconsulting.com
Dr. Desiree Del-Zio is a proven management systems and operations leader with a track record for creating high-functioning teams. Her professional development is grounded in organizations serving children and families. Notable leadership roles include operations management, regional management, evaluation and monitoring, program design and improvement, and federal oversight. Dr. Del-Zio’s most recent professional work was with the Office of Head Start Federal Monitoring contract. During her service to the contract, she facilitated or managed approximately 400 federal reviews. Dr. Del-Zio earned a Master of Arts Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and an Education Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership. In her years of academic development, Dr. Del-Zio received a lifetime membership in Mu Lambda Nu and Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Societies for academic excellence in public service and education studies. Dr. Del-Zio is certified in Diversity and Inclusion and Nonprofit Management and Leadership. She is a bestselling author and earned the global Education 2.0 award for excellence in early childhood education services. As the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant for D.E.&C Consulting, Dr. Del-Zio has consulted and coached more than one hundred agencies in various sectors including Head Start agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and beyond. Her firm offers services such as Federal Monitoring Review Preparation, Gap Analysis and Change Implementation, Continuous Quality Improvement System Development and Implementation, Leadership Coaching, Training and Technical Assistance, and customized services that meet organization’s unique learning and growth development needs.
p: 760.420.2874
e: desiree@deandcconsulting.com
I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Head Start WEST’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.
