Our Teams
In Henderson County, your local Smart Start has spent more than 25 years finding the best ways to help children in our community succeed. We’re here to make sure you – the parents, early educators and leaders in our community – have what you need to help children learn, grow and succeed.
How? We help you make important connections.
When you take just a few easy steps with your local Smart Start, you’re one step closer to giving our kids a happy, healthy childhood – one that helps them grow up to be successful adults.
Connect with us today!
Sonia Gironda Executive Director |
Contact Sonia for information about the Smart Start Network, Publicity, and Board of Directors. |
Erica Woodall Assistant Director |
Contact Erica for information about Finances and Contracts. |
Ashley Lamb Program Coordinator |
Contact Ashley to Volunteer or for Child Care Subsidy and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. |
Kendal Heck Kindergarten Transition Coordinator |
Contact Kendal about Kindergarten Transition and Sesame Street in Communities. |
Elizabeth Caristo Program Coordinator |
Contact Elizabeth with questions about Smart Start Programs and Community Engagement. |
Lorraine Norwood Office Administrator |
When in doubt, Lorraine can connect you with the staff you need! |
Summer Stipe, Chair
Crafted by Juniper |
Jessica Bentley, Vice Chair
WNC Bridge Foundation |
Heather Taylor, Treasurer
Town of Fletcher |
Jennifer Kinney, Secretary
Carolina HR |
Kenzie Eck
XSYS Global |
Mandy GibsonJohnson Farm |
James Hylemon
Boyscouts of America |
Marsha Justice
Henderson County Public Schools |
Elizabeth Lee
Henderson County Public Library |
Anne McClinticMAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) |
Stacy Nash
Henderson County Department of Public Health |
Sherri Pridmore
Community Member |
Wendy Smith
Carolina Village |
Erik Weber
Buncombe County |
Smart Start board meetings take place at Grace Lutheran Church and are open to the public unless closed for a confidential discussion. For more information about meeting logistics, please contact Assistant Director, Erica Woodall.
2025 - 2026 Meeting Schedule for the Smart Start Board of Directors
Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 8:30 AM