
About Us
Our Mission
Our Mission
Inspire, support, and advocate for young children and their families in areas including health, education, and childcare.
Our Vision
Our Vision
All children will reach their full potential by having the best childhood possible.
Meet The Team
Juliet Rogers
"I love to see that light go on when someone realizes that being strong is one of the greatest feelings in the world." Passion for children has greatly influenced Juliet’s life and work. She is excited to lead this small but mighty nonprofit. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. Juliet lives with her husband, Richard, in Morehead City. She has 2 children, Kelly and Julian, and loves the beautiful Crystal Coast.
Linda Van Pelt
Linda serves as the Program Manager. She works from sun up to sundown, and needs a vacation that she will never take! She has managed finance and programs for the last 14 years. Originally from Iowa, she loves to spend her spare time making crafts and playing with her grandchildren.
Lisa Culpepper
Lisa Culpepper is our Early Education Outreach Coordinator, as well as the affiliate coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Lisa has worked passionately to enhance the lives of young children since 1999. She has earned Associate's degrees in Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation and a Bachelor’s in Early Education. Her greatest enjoyment is hanging out with her family, especially her two grandbabies.
Rene Fox
Rene Fox serves as our Enhanced Ratio Reduction Subsidy Coordinator and Technical Assistant Specialist. Rene has been working in the Early Childhood field for over 25 years. She believes that children learn best when their learning environment is designed in a way that meets their unique developmental needs and encourages exploration, creativity, and independence. Rene believes that early childhood education should constantly evolve with our fast-paced society.
Cynthia Jackson
A local girl who has worked in CCRR for the last 20 years. During that time, she has worked with parents providing childcare options. Cynthia has worked in facilities providing training and technical assistance. She advocates for Early Childhood teachers, believing they are necessary for our youngest citizens to have a wonderful, smart start.
Constance Sowers
Constance is the Office Manager, handling fiscal and administrative responsibilities as well as acting as a liaison for the Board of Directors. She loves gardening, music, and great books. She is originally from western North Carolina but has made the Crystal Coast her home since 2001. Constance has been in her current role for 16 years.
Tara Willeford
Tara is our Family Support Specialist. For the past 20 years, Tara has had the privilege of working directly with children and families. She is the coordinator of our Baby Steps program, works with families each week during Story Explorers, and oversees the Reach Out and Read program. Tara has seen the positive impact that investment in early childhood programming has on our community. When families succeed, children succeed.
Board of Directors
Gwen Roberts, Board Chair, Carteret County Rape Crisis
Elizabeth Lewis, Vice Chair
Shannon Henry, Secretary, Grandmaster Dong's Martial Arts
Zac Everhart, Treasurer, Excel Learning Centers
Lucy Bond, At Large
Nic Carey, Crystal Coast Proud/Wild Arrow Hair Studio
Donald Crooms, Faith Tabernacle of Praise
Tiffany Crosley, Easter Seals/Child First
Bart Farrell, Edward Jones
Kay Huffman, Carteret County Department of Social Services/Health Department
Kathryn Hunsucker, Carteret Counseling Services
Jennifer Johnson, At Large
Jodi Justice, Justice Elite Dance Company
Lisa Kittrell, Carteret County Public Schools
Rebecca Marson, Crystal Coast Gymnastics
Katharine Moorehead, Carteret Children’s Clinic
Michele Querry, Crystal Coast Economic Development
Zac Steffey, Town of Cape Carteret
Stephanie Stevenson, Carteret County Cooperative Extension
Jessica Vasquez, Carteret County Health Department
Donors
Shortway Brewing
Tru Fit Gym
Island Girl Charters
Mitchell Village Animal Hospital
J. M. Davis
Project Superhero
PNC Financial Group
Artistic Tile and Stone
The Pool & Patio Store
Sports Center
Childcare Network
Excel Learning Centers
Carteret Children’s Clinic
Amos Mosquitos
Remax Ocean Properties
Putnam Real Estate
Johnson Family Dentistry
Carteret Craven Electric
PNC Foundation
Carteret Community Foundation
Beaufort Food & Wine
Wal-Mart
Beaufort Woman's Club