Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start Welcomes Two Members to Policy Council

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently welcomed two new members, Monalisa Smith and Maritza Sostre, to its parent-led policy council.

Across the country, Head Start organizations engage parents and community representatives to make up local policy councils, providing input and guidance on program decisions. Council members play a critical role in shaping policies, ensuring accountability, and representing the voices of the families and communities served by HCS Head Start. Their active participation helps ensure the program remains responsive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the children and families it serves.

Other 2025-26 HCS Head Start policy council members include Jasarah Burgos (chairperson), Kathy Gasque (vice-chairperson), Gladys Rivera (shared governance liaison), Amber Cichowski, Cinnamon Smith, Esther Alicea, Fanny Perez, and Raven Core.