Houston, TX (August 19, 2015) – Collaborative for Children announced today that Jennifer Brandino, Shelley Byrd and Andrea Mazzei have received promotions in recognition of their important work to further the organization’s mission.
Jennifer Brandino was named Director of Communications, where she will oversee communications and brand strategy for Collaborative for Children, including its print and digital publications, media relations and internal and external communications. Ms. Brandino has 19 years of experience in client-side marketing and communications, including media relations, advertising, public relations, digital marketing, collateral design and production, and internal and external communications. In addition, she has extensive experience in non-profit marketing and plans to use her skills to advance Collaborative for Children’s mission of improving early learning opportunities for all Houston children.
Shelley Byrd was named Consultant/Trainer, and she will work with early childhood programs serving children with special needs by providing mentoring, coaching and training on best practices for inclusion in the classroom. Ms. Byrd currently works at Collaborative for Children as a Workforce Solutions Consultant/Trainer. With a B.S. in Child Development from Texas Southern University, Ms. Byrd has been with the organization for nine years. Prior to joining Collaborative for Children, Shelley worked with the Harris County Department of Education and Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Ms. Byrd continues to stay abreast of educational standards and initiatives by staying professionally affiliated with organizations such as NAEYC, HAAEYC, TAEYC, and the Boy Scouts of America to name a few.
Andrea Mazzei was named Provider Engagement Manager, where she will oversee the Texas Rising Star project in working with child care providers that are interested in being part of Texas’s quality rating and improvement system. The TRS team mentors child care providers in the achievement of higher quality care and supports program directors in their work toward TRS certification. Ms. Mazzei holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in early childhood for more than 20 years, including prior experience as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. For the past several years, Ms. Mazzei has worked with teachers and families as a child care center director in the Houston area. She joined the organization in November of 2014.
