Board of Directors
The AzAEYC Board of Directors oversees the actions and promotes the mission and goals of NAEYC in Arizona. In working to advance the early childhood profession, the AzAEYC Board of Directors supports all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children.
Victoria Damjanovic, Ph.D., has been in the early childhood education field for more than 30 years. She is currently an assistant professor in early childhood education and early childhood special education in the department of Teaching and Learning as well as Educational Specialties at Northern Arizona University.
Victoria served on the Florida chapter of NAEYC (FLAEYC) for 2 years prior to moving to Arizona.
I feel it is more important now than ever to support and advance the field of early childhood education. Teachers in the field need support and resources as we face a mass exodus of educators, especially in early childhood. Children and their families need access to quality care that is equitable and just.
These are the areas that I feel the most passionate about and I hope to serve on the Arizona AEYC board to advance our field in the state of Arizona.
Berenice Rodriguez, ED L.D. | President-Elect
Dr. Berenice Rodriguez is an experienced educational leader who is deeply committed to fostering equity and excellence in early childhood education. She is the Lead Data Wise Teaching Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, mentoring leaders in data-informed decision-making and strategic improvement. With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, professional development, and system improvement, Dr. Rodriguez has led impactful school, district, and state initiatives. As an executive coach and improvement specialist, she equips leaders with data-driven strategies to create meaningful change.
Every child deserves access to quality early learning experiences that set the foundation for lifelong success. Supporting educators with the resources and tools they need to create equitable and inclusive environments is essential for fostering thriving children, families, and communities. I am honored to serve on the Arizona AEYC board to advance this vital work across our state.
Lauren Hardy, A.A.S. | Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy
Lauren Hardy is a toddler teacher at Paradise Valley United Methodist Preschool and an afterschool Lego STEM instructor for elementary students. With over 12 years of experience working with children in various roles in early childcare centers around the valley, she strives to promote the voices of children, families, and the community through support of the field.
Lauren holds an associate’s degree in Early Learning and Development from Rio Salado and is attending Grand Canyon University where she’s working towards a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies.
The field of early education needs our support now more than ever. I believe we all have a voice and stories that deserve to be heard. With continued education, research, and advocacy we can support quality child care throughout the State. Together we can provide support for providers, teachers, children, families, and the community. By serving on the AzAEYC board, I hope to amplify the voices of those involved in the field.
Kim Hatt, M.Ed. | Vice President, Membership and Communication
Kim Hatt, M.Ed. is an early childhood professional with over 18 years of experience. She is currently an Assessment Supervisor and Statewide Trainer for the Quality First program at Southwest Human Development. She is also Early Childhood Adjunct Faculty and supports early childhood course development at Mesa Community College and Rio Salado College. Kim advocates for children, families, and educators with her work on a First Things First Regional Partnership Council in Southeast Maricopa. She is also an active member in local initiatives, such as the development and advancement of Read On Mesa.
My passion includes supporting Arizona’s youngest learners (and their families), children with exceptional learning needs, dual language learners, and future educators. AzAEYC allows us a unique opportunity to gather within a community of incredible people who strive to support the equity of all children, families, and educators. I hope to support the continued growth of the AzAEYC community.
Katherine Kicey, M.Ed. | Vice President, Professional Learning
Katherine Kicey holds a master’s degree in early childhood Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. She has an extensive background in teaching young children, spanning from toddlers to first graders, in various educational settings, including school districts, and the Arizona State University Child Development Lab. Her teaching experience encompasses working with Title One schools, second language learners, home visiting programs, and inclusive classrooms.
Katherine has also dedicated her time and expertise to non-profit organizations, with a focus on enhancing the lives of children aged from birth to five years. She has actively contributed to the First Things First grant initiative, collaborating with and training early childhood infant, toddler, and preschool providers in play and relationship-based teaching practices. This work has involved conducting observations and coaching in childcare and HeadStart centers across Arizona.
Currently, she is actively engaged in the Early Childhood Studies program, where her primary focus is elevating the early childhood profession. Her approach centers on empowering online students as they engage in coursework and gain practical experience in the field, working with young children aged 0-5 years who have not yet entered kindergarten. Katherine’s teaching philosophy emphasizes relationship and play-based methods while fostering strong connections with both her students and the wider community to advance the field of early childhood education.
Bjorg LeSueur, Ph.D. | Secretary
Björg LeSueur has been in early childhood education for over 20 years and is a clinical associate professor of Early Childhood Studies at Arizona State University. She is dedicated to empowering early childhood educators, who are the heart of the early childhood field, by fostering collaboration, advancing professional development, and advocating for equitable systems. Her work emphasizes educators’ vital role in shaping the future for children and families.
Early childhood educators are the foundation of our field. Investing in their growth and well-being creates lasting, meaningful change for children and families.
Susan Randolph | Treasurer
Susan Randolph is the owner/director of Nana’s House of Childcare in Maricopa, Arizona. She also serves in the community as a mentor and trainer for other early childhood educators, helping them become DHS-licensed in her city. She has worked in the early childhood education field for more than 30 years.
For years, I saw the work AzAEYC and NAEYC did in improving the quality of care for children and that’s something I’m really passionate about and I wanted to be a part of it. I want to just be boots on the ground and really working for children.
Lynn Hockenberger, B.A. | Member-at-Large
Lynn Hockenberger, B.A., serves as Director of Children of Hope Child Development Center, a 5-Star Quality First preschool located on the campus of Esperanza Lutheran Church in the Ahwatukee Foothills. An early childhood educator for more than 20 years, Lynn is passionate about providing a high-quality early learning experience for her students and families and committed to implementing developmentally appropriate practices that nurture the cognitive, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical growth of the students.
Lynn’s work extends beyond the classroom as she holds the Faith Seat on the First Things First East Maricopa Regional Council where she participates in a sub-committee focused on the effects of trauma on a child’s developing brain. Lynn was recently awarded the Early Childhood Director of the Year from the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association, and she holds an Early Childhood Director’s Credential from National Louis University.
It is an honor to serve as Member-at-Large on the AzAEYC Board. Having been an NAEYC member since 2017 I believe in the work of this board and have seen firsthand the difference that high quality early childhood education can make on the trajectory of a child’s life and consequently strengthening our communities. I will work hard as a board member to promote awareness and access to early learning and care, and will advocate for all of Arizona’s students, families, and workforce.
Darcy Heath, M.Ed. | Member-at-Large
Darcy Heath is a dedicated professional in early childhood education and equity, with a background in teaching, program management, training, research, and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of education, equity, and early childhood systems, always with a focus on strengthening the quality and accessibility of services for children, families, and early childhood professionals. Darcy’s current role is as a Research Manager at Teaching Strategies.
As a board member of AzAEYC, I will champion and support the development of high-quality, accessible, equitable, and joyful early childhood care and education opportunities for all children. I am dedicated to advocating for policies and resources that ensure every early childhood professional has the resources and support they need. Through collaboration with stakeholders, policymakers, and communities, I will strive to influence systemic change and improve outcomes for young children and their families.
Zoe Clyde | Member-at-Large, Student & Chair, Northern Arizona Chapter of AzAEYC
Zoe is an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University. She is studying Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025. While attending NAU, Zoe has been actively involved with the Northern Arizona Association for Educators for Young Children, previously serving as Community Service Chair and Treasure Chair.
As a dedicated student and early child educator I am passionate about advancing the field of early childhood education. By being a part of AzAEYC I plan to collaborate with the community in Arizona to advocate for early childhood education.
Rachel Learn Mayercek, M.A. | Member-at-Large, Higher Education
Assistant Clinical Early Childhood Education Faculty, Arizona State University
Anthony Flores | Chair, Maricopa Chapter of AzAEYC
Anthony Flores is a dedicated early childhood educator with over five years of experience and currently serves as the Lead Pre-K Teacher at Risen Savior. He mentors aspiring educators through the Arizona Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Pathway and contributes to his school’s leadership team for the Pyramid Model Consortium. Coming from a family of early childhood educators, Anthony is deeply passionate about advocating for young children, their families, and early learning professionals.
Advocacy for early childhood education isn’t just my passion—it’s my legacy. Together, we can create brighter futures for every child, family and educator.
