Board of Directors

 
 
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PRESIDENT
- Jennafer Miller -
Principal of Community Engagement, Evans Incorporated

Jennafer Miller, is the Principal for Community Engagement at Evans Consulting. She has a personal and professional commitment to effecting positive change and has over 25 years of combined experience as an educator, facilitator, administrator, and program manager.

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SECRETARY
- Leslie La Croix -
Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Dev. George Mason University

Dr. Leslie La Croix is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University in the College of Education and Human Development in the Early Childhood Education Program. Dr. La Croix’s areas of expertise are grounded in curriculum and instruction for young learners, birth through age 8, and in teacher education and professional development for early childhood educators.

TREASURER

- Patricia Wilcox -
Vice President, Commercial Banking

Tricia Wilcox is a Vice President at PNC Bank. With over 15 years in commercial banking, she helps businesses and nonprofits achieve their financial goals and pursue their corporate missions. She also has experience with process improvement projects, strategic planning, and sales development. She holds a BS in Marketing and a BA in Hispanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an MBA from George Washington University. With three young children of her own, she is personally invested in early childhood education.

 
 

BOARD MEMBER

- Susan Baker -
Continuous Improvement Officer, DC Government

Susan Baker has been connected with Main Street for many years, having served on the Board previously from 2021-2016. Susan is a retired HR professional that has worked extensively with government and noprofit organizations. Susan was essential in building human capital strategic plans and supporting the growth of organizations. Susan is excited to continue her service to Main Street.

BOARD MEMBER

- Ana Hoover -
ESOL Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools

Ana Hoover is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 39 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators. She has worked in a wide range of roles, including teacher, coach, mentor, and college instructor, and currently teaches courses at Northern Virginia Community College. Ana is deeply committed to inclusive practices, family engagement, and high-quality early learning experiences. Throughout her career, she has provided coaching and professional development for Early Head Start Family Child Care educators, supported CDA® candidates, and contributed to local and regional early childhood initiatives. Ana is known for her collaborative approach, her passion for mentoring adult learners, and her ability to translate research into meaningful, practical strategies. Beyond her professional work, Ana enjoys gardening, cooking, baking bread, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three adult children, and two grandchildren. Her work is grounded in both deep expertise and a genuine love for supporting others, making a lasting impact on the early childhood community.

BOARD MEMBER

- Carole Mahady -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Carole Mahady, LMI's capital infrastructure and real estate practice area lead, brings a 20+years of expertise to Main Street CDC's board. With a background in land development and wireless telecommunications, she excels in managing, coordinating, and designing projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and innovation. Carole's strong leadership and commitment to safety, critical schedules, and community involvement make her a valuable asset to our organization. She holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from Iona College. She is passionate about closing the gap for women in salary, leadership, and wealth and providing opportunities for individuals to leverage their passions and skills to improve society’s biggest problems. She is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax 2023 class, and she holds a BA in Religious Studies from Florida International University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.

BOARD MEMBER

- Andrea Martinez -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Andrea Martinez is a first generation American, native Spanish speaker, and a mom to a wonderful little boy. Professionally she is a Program Manager at Stand Together Fellowships, a nonprofit supporting social entrepreneurs across society working in education, communities, business, and government. Prior to joining the Stand Together Community, Andrea was at the American Association of University Women working on issues of pay equity and economic security and delivering AAUW’s economic security and leadership programs, including Work Smart, Money Smart, and Empower with partners across the U.S. including, Women.NYC and the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about closing the gap for women in salary, leadership, and wealth and providing opportunities for individuals to leverage their passions and skills to improve society’s biggest problems. She is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax 2023 class, and she holds a BA in Religious Studies from Florida International University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.

 
   

BOARD MEMBER

- Christine Schull -
Professor, Early Childhood Education Program, Northern Virginia Community College

Christine Schull is a professor in the Early Childhood Education program at Northern Virginia Community College where she trains students who are currently in the early childhood field, or looking to enter it. Prior to her work at NOVA, she was a research fellow for the Rural Poverty Research Institute, where she examined school readiness and physical health. At various points, she has taught infants, toddlers and preschoolers in child care settings. She also taught first grade in the Spanish immersion program in Fairfax County Public Schools. Christine believes that a crucial part of addressing children's school readiness is by supporting the workforce through professional development. Her most recent work has focused on professional development pathways. She also recently coauthored a textbook on language and literacy from birth to age 5, and along with Dr. La Croix and other colleagues, published it in a free online repository: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/earlychildhoodliteracy/ 

Christine attained her MA in Child Development at Michigan State University and her PhD at the University of Maryland. She served as a member of Virginia School Readiness Committee from 2016-2020. 

 
 
 

Our Administrative Staff

 
 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

- Susan Keightley-

Susan comes to Main Street with over 25 years of experience in the early childhood field! Most recently from the Child and Family Network Centers in Alexandria, VA, Susan served as the Director of Partners and Engagement She led a team of educators and family support personnel to best provide for the children and families - much like here at Main Street! At heart, Susan is a great supporter of educators. She’s worked at the University of Maryland, where she worked to provide students with the support needed to excel in their own early childhood teaching careers.
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DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

- Katherine Pardo Polo -

Katherine Pardo has steadily advanced through key leadership roles within the organization. She was promoted to Office Manager in the fall of 2015, became Director of Finance & Administration in 2019, and served as Assistant Director beginning in 2022. Today, Katherine holds the position of Director of Finance, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy and oversees fiscal operations with precision and integrity. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Her educational background, paired with extensive leadership experience, enables her to guide the organization’s financial strategy and streamline operations with confidence and precision. “My faith is a guiding force in how I lead—with integrity, compassion, and purpose.” Fun Fact: Katherine is originally from Bolivia and has a deep appreciation for the small joys in life—quite literally. She’s especially fond of the Alasitas Festival, a beloved Bolivian tradition where people purchase miniature versions of their dreams as symbolic wishes for the future. Whether it’s a tiny house representing hopes for a loving home or a miniature business symbolizing entrepreneurial success, Katherine finds inspiration in the idea that even the smallest things can carry big meaning. Katherine says “It is an honor to be part of this beautiful organization. I feel especially proud to witness the growth and empowerment of our families throughout their time with us. Watching them find their voice—advocating for their children and embracing a sense of belonging within our Main Street family—is deeply inspiring. This connection fosters a strong support system that uplifts not only the individual but the entire community”. Katherine’s favorite thing to do is go on nature walks with her family. “I cherish spending quality time with my loved ones, especially through meaningful experiences and connections with nature and new places. These moments not only bring us closer together but also create lasting memories that nourish the soul.”

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TEACHER MENTOR & COACH

- Susan Rismiller -

Susan Rismiller comes to Main Street after 25 years teaching young primary aged students in Fairfax County Public Schools’ special education classes. Susan founded and led her school’s first collegial support program, mentored over 12 pre-service and new teachers, and for over 7 years, collaborated as clinical faculty with George Mason University’s Special Education cohort. Susan served as Education Director at Main Street before taking on the new role of Teacher Mentor & Coach.

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Development Manager

- Christi Schwarten -

Christi Schwarten joined Main Street in 2018. She earned her Grants Professional Certification (GPC) in 2022. Prior to joining Main Street, Ms. Christi was the Cultural Arts and Marketing Specialist for the City of Fairfax for 2 years, and the Executive Director of the Fairfax Choral Society for nearly 8 years. Ms. Christi’s passion for children started early, through volunteerism in a preschool for children with disabilities while in college. She has taught theatre to kindergarten students, as well as vacation bible school and Sunday school.

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Administrative Assistant

- Ruth Martinez -

Ruth Martinez joined Main Street Child Development Center in 2014 with over 30 years as an Administrative Assistant. Originally from El Salvador, Ms. Ruth graduated as a Bilingual Secretary in Public Relations. Before Main Street, she worked as the Administrative Assistant of the Presidency for ALDECA, an American company in El Salvador.

 
 

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

- Diana Iarussi -

Diana joined Mainstreet in Spring of 2024, excited to use her extensive experience, knowledge, and skills to assist our Mainstreet families. Born in Cali, Colombia, Diana is a native speaker of both Spanish and English. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Immigration Studies. Prior to graduating, Diana worked in multiple preschools and has seven years of experience working in childcare, specifically with children between the ages of 1 to 3 years old and with special-needs toddlers. Aside from her experience in childcare, Diana worked as an Administrative Assistant at NatureServe, a non-profit located in Arlington that helps collect data for biodiversity, and she also worked in the Provost's office at George Mason University.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

- Veronica Ruanova -

Veronica’s journey with Main Street began as a student when the center was still located in a church. As a teenager, she returned to volunteer for two years before joining the staff as an Assistant Teacher in 2012.
In 2019, Veronica became a Lead Teacher, and in 2024 she was appointed as the Education Coordinator. She has earned her CDA certification and is currently pursuing her associate's degree in early childhood education at NOVA.

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ADMINISRTATIVE ASSISTANT

- Melany Hearin -

Melany Hearin joined Main Street, first as a volunteer, then as an Assistant Teacher and now as an Administrative Assistant. A native of Bolivia, she is a bilingual speaker.

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Food Manager

- Aymee Robles -

Aymee, originally from El Salvador, has called the US home for over 23 years. She holds her Food Manager Certificate in Northern Virginia and has worked with children for many years. She takes pride in ensuring that all meals served at Main Street meet USDA requirements, helping children stay well-nourished and ready to learn every day. Aymee is also responsible for training teachers in USDA standards as well as organizing and supporting teachers for the morning shift, to ensure everyone is present and engaged in the classrooms.

Office Assistant

- Carlos Quiroz -

Carlos joined Main Street in 2022.

 
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Support Specialists

 
 
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LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

- Mark Gardner -

Mark Gardner has been part of the Main St. community since 2005, serving as its Mental Health Consultant. Mark’s main job, by working closely with staff and parents, is to ensure that each child has all the social, emotional and cognitive skills he or she needs to be successful in the classroom and in life. These include the abilities to understand and manage his/her feelings and behavior in order to learn well, participate in classroom activities and get along with his/her teachers and classmates.Licensed by the state of Virginia as a Clinical Social Worker, Mark has been helping young children and their families for over 20 years.

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

- Karla Albracht -

A native of Nicaragua. Karla is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker whose career spans over 30 years and has involved working with children ages 2 through 12 years old and their families. Past practice settings include the Health Department, Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health, and a public school preschool. I am currently in private practice in Fairfax. Karla is a big proponent of early intervention using a biopsychosocial framework. It makes perfect sense to get the families back on track so they may live optimally. Karla uses multiple treatment modalities including talk, play and sand therapy. It is a pleasure to be working with preschool children again.

 
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Our Teaching Staff

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