Training Resources


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  • Cynthia Yao
    Consultant | Strategic Advisor | Former Regional Program Director, Office of Head Start

    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 partners with mission-driven organizations to elevate leadership capacity, guide organizational strategic planning, and strengthen systems for sustainable lasting positive change in communities and the lives of families and children.

    Email: cynthiatyao@outlook.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-yao-858565277

  • Dr. Andre Walker, Ph.D., MPH
    COO - D.E.&C. Consulting

    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

    LinkedIn

  • Dr. Desiree Del-Zio, Ed.D.
    CEO and Principal Consultant - D.E.&C. Consulting

    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

    LinkedIn

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