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!

Smart Start Staff
Sonia Gironda Executive Director

 Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for information about the Smart Start Network, Publicity, and Board of Directors.
Erica Woodall Assistant Director

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about Finances and Contracts.
Ashley Lamb Program Coordinator

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to Volunteer or for Child Care Subsidy and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Kendal Heck Kindergarten Transition Coordinator

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.about Kindergarten Transition and Sesame Street in Communities.
Emma Appleby Program and Operations Coordinator

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions about Smart Start Programs and Operations.
   
 

 
Smart Start Board of Directors

 

Jessica Bently, Chair
WNC Bridge Foundation
 Heather Taylor, Vice Chair
Town of Fletcher
Jennifer Kinney, Treasurer
Bojangles of WNC
 Anne McClintic, Secretary
MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center)
Kenzie Eck
XSYS Global
 Mandy Gibson
Johnson Farm
James Hylemon
Montreat College
 Marsha Justice
Henderson County Public Schools
Elizabeth Lee
Henderson County Public Library
 Amber McPhee-Blanco
 First Bank
Journee McMinn
Aeroflow Health
 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.

2026 - 2027 Meeting Schedule for the Smart Start Board of Directors

Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 8:30 AM

*The August 27 meeting will include a vote on proposed by-law revisions.  

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Thursday, February 25, 2027 at 8:30 AM

Thursday, April 22, 2027 at 8:30 AM

Thursday, June 24, 2027 at 8:30 AM