CPCD Stories 
 

 Terrance McWilliams

Some of Terrance McWilliams’ favorite memories include learning and playing with children in the first Head Start program in DeLeon Springs, Florida. His passion for Head Start is evident, particularly because his mother was one of the founding builders of the local program in 1965. Terrance went on to have a successful military career and retired in 2007 as Fort Carson’s top enlisted soldier after 30 years of service. Today, as an officer with the El Pomar Foundation, Terrance advocates for the needs of the local military population, especially enlisted soldiers and their families as they cope with multiple deployments. He never hesitates to refer these families to us, and we are excited and honored to serve them. 

 

Yvonne Tafoya

Yvonne is a teacher in the Head Start classroom in Stratton Meadows Elementary School in the Harrison School District.  It’s the neighborhood in which she grew up after her family moved from Taos, New Mexico when she was four.  It’s the neighborhood in which she attended Head Start, and it’s the neighborhood in which she still lives as an adult.

Yvonne began working at CPCD as a teacher’s aid and went on to earn her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education.  Since becoming a teacher, Yvonne has taught hundreds of young children who live in her neighborhood and she loves seeing the children and families she works with as she strolls or rides her bike through the community.

 

Victor Torres

Victor’s story began with a proud stint in the military, serving through deployments and retiring in the mid-1990’s to a good job and a wonderful family. His situation changed suddenly when one day, he simply couldn’t get out of bed. Victor was seriously ill for over a year, with minimal income and no answers as to the root of his illness.  When looking for support, his family found Head Start and his young children were enrolled. A family advocate visited their home to find out what they needed and how to help. As Victor’s health improved, he became involved with CPCD, participating in parent activities and ultimately chairing the Parent Policy Council, the parent governing body of the agency.  As a result of his experience with the Policy Council, Victor launched a campaign to join the Harrison School District School Board, and is now the Vice President. Not surprisingly, his children are doing well in school, too!