Donna Briones, MA, is a Early Childhood adjunct professor at TSJC Valley campus for
the last 5 years and Executive Director – I have over 30 years experience in training
and education with minors. Donna has administered and managed federally, state and
locally funded programs through SAMHSA- CSAP and CSAT, ACF-Head Start, CO Dept. of
Ed.-Title 1 Funding, CO Dept. of Health & Human Services, Coors Foundation, for the
prevention, treatment, educational and Head Start programs. I have been administering
the Preschool (Head Start) program in Del Norte, Colorado since 2005.
I hold a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Language Literacy and Culture,
a Graduate Certificate, in Educational Leadership, from the University of Denver (DU)
and a Early Childhood Professional Credential Level V from the Office of Early Childhood,
Colorado Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Early Learning
and School Readiness, Colorado Department of Education.
My experience is that of a hands-on administrator/educator in which I instruct and
guide current staff/students in classroom management, content standards and curriculum
development and implementation.
I have a tremendous amount of education and experience in working with multiple populations,
partnerships, funding sources, budgeting, data collection, reporting, managing and
supervising diverse staff.
On a program /organizational level, I have purposely advocated and developed programming
to promote positive change. I have a strong commitment to the values of the field
of education. I welcome diversity in staff and am united by a profound respect for
human dignity and by a desire to serve the disenfranchised. I believe people deserve
excellence in service and education. I challenge myself and those around me to be
progressive pioneers that utilize change, to find innovative methods of meeting the
educational needs of youth & adults. I believe our work should be fulfilling, satisfying,
offer personal and professional development, and provide leadership and learning opportunities.
I relate to my staff and students by sharing my family history of being a native of
the San Luis Valley. I believe that by sharing of myself, demonstrates, that I can
relate and offer a multitude of assistance, education and service. Thus, allowing
us to work side by side to address their educational needs and other requirements.
My values are: integrity, dignity, respect, honesty and responsibility to the greater
whole.
The greatest and most fulfilling challenge I commit to is the continual process of
walking the talk, which I strive to integrate into each one of the programs that I
lead. By adhering to the following principles: First, honor and celebrate diversity
among people (staff and youth) encompass an empowering force, which facilitates movement
beyond life's challenges. Second, meaningful change and movement occurs when one walks
beside - rather than behind or in front of those one is attempting to serve or educate.
People are empowered - not when pushed or led - but when given support, care and new
tools and skills. Third, the only way to effectively impact the future of our children
is to address the educational needs and issues of all involved: the child, the family
and the community.
I am committed to give, learn and apply my leadership and educational skills in my
quest of “walking the talk.”
