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.
Lily Richards Community Partnerships and Development Coordinator

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions about Partnerships and Development.
Amalia Bay  Intern

 
Smart Start Board of Directors

 

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 Gibson
Johnson Farm
James Hylemon
Boyscouts of America
 Marsha Justice
Henderson County Public Schools
Elizabeth Lee
Henderson County Public Library
 Anne McClintic
MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center)
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.

 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**

**Vote to Update Smart Start Bylaws Scheduled for the June 25, 2026 Meeting