HCS Head Start Celebrates Three Educators for 25 Years of Service

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start Inc. announced that three longtime members of its team have each reached a milestone of 25 years of service: Casondra Alexander, site director; Myrna Nunez, infant/toddler teacher; and Nakeisha McLaurin, infant/toddler teacher.

Together, Alexander, Nunez, and McLaurin represent 75 years of service to Head Start children and families, demonstrating the lasting impact that dedicated early childhood professionals can have on generations of families throughout the region.

Alexander has spent 25 years with HCS Head Start, serving in a variety of roles within the Education Department. Her journey with the organization began as a Head Start parent and volunteer before she became a teacher in both preschool and infant/toddler classrooms. Over the years, Alexander continued to grow within the organization and today serves as site director of the Lincoln Grove Head Start Center in Chicopee, providing leadership and support to staff while helping ensure children and families receive high-quality early education experiences.

Nunez has dedicated 25 years of her teaching career to Head Start, working with children and families in both preschool and infant/toddler classrooms. Throughout her career, Nunez has remained passionate about caring for the program’s youngest learners and providing babies and toddlers with the nurturing environment, education, and support they need during some of their most important developmental years.

McLaurin has been an Early Head Start educator since the program’s inception at HCS Head Start and has devoted her professional career to infants and toddlers. Known for her nurturing approach, McLaurin has spent decades helping young children develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity that provide a foundation for future learning and development.

“Reaching 25 years of service is an incredible accomplishment, and we are so fortunate to have Casondra, Myrna, and Nakeisha as part of the HCS Head Start team,” said Nicole Blais, executive director. “Their commitment goes far beyond the number of years they have been with us. Each of them has played an important role in the lives of countless children, parents, and colleagues. Their dedication is a wonderful example of what makes the Head Start community so special.”