Leadership Team

At Reach-Up Head Start, our leadership team is a dedicated and dynamic group of professionals committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families through high-quality early childhood education. Our visionary team of leaders combines a wealth of experience in early childhood education, social work, health and wellness,  and community outreach. Each member of the Reach-Up team brings a passion for educational equity and a proven track record of implementing innovative programs that address the unique needs of our communities.

Our leadership team collaborates seamlessly to create a holistic approach to early childhood education, integrating academic, social, and emotional development. Through their collective expertise and unwavering dedication, they drive our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to every child in our community.

Jill Eickhoff

Executive Director
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What are your hobbies?
Camping, downhill skiing, kayaking, reading, spending time with family

What is your favorite quote?

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Medium hot campfire mocha from Caribou – sometimes with an extra shot of espresso ☺

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Mind reading – so you wouldn’t have to guess what people actually want or want to say OR Omnilingualism, the ability to perceive and communicate all languages – that way I could communicate with everyone!

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Laurie Whitaker

Human Resource Coordinator
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What are your hobbies?

Baking, spending time with family, being outdoors and traveling

What book had the most impact on your life?

I read for pleasure; I really enjoyed the James Patterson's Women's Murder Club Series.

What is your favorite quote?

"Be curious, not judgmental" and about 100 other quotes from Ted Lasso

What is your go-to coffee shop order?

Anything that doesn't taste like coffee

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?

Either teleportation or being able to be in multiple places at one time

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Rod Runge

Fiscal Manager
Rod

What are your hobbies?

Farming, home projects, and traveling.

What is your favorite quote?

"To be a rock and not to roll."

From Lep Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" lyric, I find much meaning and lessons in this classic line.

What is your go-to coffee shop order?

I don't drink coffee so I would order mint hot chocolate with a Cinnabon.

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?

The super power that has most meaning to me would be to have the ability to give others the strength, persistence, and tenacity to overcome any obstacles they may face in their life.

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Martina
Juvera-Paul

Early Childhood Education & Professional Development Coordinator
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What are your hobbies?
Photography, reading, traveling, attending sporting events & concerts.

What book had the most impact on your life?
No particular title, but any novel by Jodi Picoult. She is known for her fictional writing surrounding moral dilemmas. I love stories that lead to me to consider different perspectives.

What is your favorite quote?

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Hoho Mint Mocha from Caribou (a seasonal favorite!) or White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Thought manifestation because I could think about anything (ex: person, place, thing) and it would become real! I could use this superpower to make other powers happen like teleportation, invisibility, flight—the possibilities are endless!

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Heidi Larson

Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Heidi L

What are your hobbies?
Camping, crafting, spending time w/family/friends, hiking & biking

What is your favorite quote?

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
—Oscar Wilde

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
I rarely go to coffee shops and when I do, I order something I haven’t tried before.

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
The ability to heal. I hate to see people hurting and would love to be able to do more to help them.

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Amy Korbel

Education Coordinator
Amy C

What are your hobbies?
Riding motorcycle, camping, boating, traveling

What is your favorite quote?

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Caramel Frappe

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Super Speed – to get tasks done even faster and have more free time!

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Emily Skelly

Early Childhood Education & Disabilities Coordinator
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What are your hobbies?
Experimenting with my espresso machine, camping, spending time with friends/family, walking my dog, Pilates, trying new restaurants/bars.

What is your favorite quote?

“The grass is greener where you water it.”

- Neil Barringham

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Ooh, tough to pick just one... I love an iced shaked espresso!

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
My go-to response for this question is teleportation, but I’m going to switch it up and say to be able to master any skill! I don’t usually like to do something I know I’m not good at, so this superpower would allow me to try new things I wouldn’t normally try!

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Suzanne Amundson

Family Engagement Coordinator
Suzy A

What are your hobbies?
Down Hill Skiing, Crafting, Gardening

What book has had the most impact on your life?
All I ever wanted to know I learned in Kindergarten.

What is your favorite quote?

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
– Soren Kierkegaard

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Hot Chocolate with whip cream

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
To see what people really needed and be able to give them that support.

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Briana Hollis

Nutrition Services Coordinator
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What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, golfing, baking, playing volleyball, and spending time with my husband and dog, Lucy!

What book had the most impact on your life?
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

What is your favorite quote?

“Dream big, work hard, stay humble” – Brad Meltzer

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
It’s a bit boring, but a light roast coffee with a splash of almond milk or a sparkling water.

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Teleportation – how great would it be to travel the world without needing to hop on a flight?!

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Kerri Nelson

Health Coordinator/Nurse
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What are your hobbies?
Cookie decorating, reading books, furniture refurbishing, home remodeling, cleaning ☺

What book had the most impact on your life?
Marley and Me (first book I read for “fun” and discovered I loved reading and never stopped.)

What is your favorite quote?

“It is what it is…”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Iced non-fat chai with light ice.

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Speed, I have no patience and want things done now!

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David Kaczor

Behavior Specialist
David

What are your hobbies?
Golfing, Fishing, Hiking, Watching Sports

What book had the most impact on your life?
Go Dog Go, to this day my mom has the book memorized, because I asked her to read it so many times... reminds me of my relationship with her.

What is your favorite quote?

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."  – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
Anything with caramel

If you could have any super power, what would it be + why?
Super speed, I could knock out that honey-do list in no time.