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.
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. 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Rachel Learn Mayercek brings over 30 years of expertise to the AzAEYC Board as a Member-at- Large for higher education. Rachel is an Early Childhood Clinical Professor, specializing in emergent literacy, oral language development, and support for children with disabilities. Rachel has dedicated the past 17 years to serving as the director of the Infant Child Research Laboratory in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College where she has made contributions to advancing research and practice in early childhood education. Rachel is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of future early childhood education professional by emphasizing practical applications of research findings and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments.
I am excited to serve on the AzAEYC Board and look forward to collaborating with community partners to further advance and strengthen early childhood education in Arizona.
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.
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.
Lauren Drake is a dedicated advocate for early childhood education with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality learning experiences for all young children. With 17 years of experience in the field, Lauren has worked in many roles to support both educators and families in fostering meaningful learning environments.
Currently, Lauren balances multiple roles in the field. She works part-time as an Academic Associate with the Early Childhood Education Program at Arizona State University and as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for AZA United. In addition, she serves full-time as an early childhood special education teacher coach and behavior specialist with Chandler USD, dedicated to supporting educators in fostering inclusive and supportive classrooms.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” -Alexander Den Heijer
