When I found out that I will now be trained as a Head Start teacher, I was overjoyed!
– Ann Sullivan, Head Start teacher, Lexington, VA
My father, John Lindstrom, a pastor at the Mount Vernon Methodist Church in 1963, helped to bring Head Start to Washington, DC, along with Judith Viorst, the author of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day. The classroom was in the National Presbyterian Church in DC. I was one of the students to attend the very first class. My father was always concerned about meeting the needs of inner city families and was so proud of this accomplishment.
Now, as a mother of six beautiful daughters who are married with 13 grandchildren, I understand firsthand the importance of early education opportunities. After being a stay-at-home mom for 21 years, I went into the public schools as a teacher's assistant in special education, in northern Virginia. After moving here to Lexington, VA, I got a job in a local Montessori school for four years. I found my niche in working with pre-toddler age children and thrived! I have now accepted a job as a lead teacher for Infant II (12–18 month olds) at Yellow Brick Road here in Lexington. When I found out that I will now be trained as a Head Start teacher, I was overjoyed! It's all come full circle and I know my daddy is looking down from heaven rejoicing in this opportunity for me to "pass on the baton" and help to make a difference in my community!