At Gads Hill Center, we believe that strong leadership is essential to building strong families and brighter futures. That’s why we’re proud to introduce you to Rayshonda McElroy, our Director of Early Childhood Education & Children Services—an education expert, systems thinker, and passionate advocate for equity in early learning.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, Rayshonda brings not only a deep understanding of child development but also a strategic, data-informed approach to program implementation. Her commitment to high-quality early childhood education is matched by her drive to build smart systems that strengthen outcomes for children and families alike.

A Mission That Matters

For Rayshonda, joining Gads Hill Center wasn’t just a career move—it was a values alignment. “All children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserve access to quality education,” she says. That belief is woven into the fabric of our work at Gads Hill Center, where we take a two-generational, holistic approach to support both children and their caregivers.

From preschool readiness to family wellness and financial stability, our programs are designed to meet families where they are and help them build the future they envision.

As Rayshonda puts it, “When families are strengthened, children thrive.”

Rayshonda addresses parents at a Gads Hill Center
Children Services transition ceremony in June.

Learn more about our Early Childhood Programs.

An Eye for Innovation and Impact

Known for her laser-focused leadership, Rayshonda is a systems strategist who knows how to analyze complex challenges and drive innovative solutions. Whether it's streamlining internal processes or adapting curriculum to meet the evolving needs of our communities, she is always looking for ways to optimize impact and enhance quality.

A Lifelong Learner and Leader

Rayshonda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. She is a 2023–2024 Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellow, a prestigious program designed to elevate equity-focused early childhood leaders, and is currently pursuing the National Head Start Association Executive Credential through Harvard University’s Early Education Leadership Program.

These accomplishments speak not only to her expertise, but to her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and leadership development in the early childhood field.

Why Leadership Like Rayshonda’s Matters

Across the country, access to affordable, high-quality early learning remains one of the most urgent challenges for working families. At Gads Hill Center, we’re proud to have leaders like Rayshonda McElroy at the helm—those who bring experience, innovation, and heart to everything they do.

To support our work in early childhood education, consider making a gift today.