The first 5 years of a child’s life are crucial!
We believe all families in Louisiana regardless of race, socio-economic status, or linguistic diversity should have access to affordable, equitable, and high quality early learning options.
Our mission
We exist to assist families, educators and communities in strengthening the foundation on which children can succeed.
TrainingGrounds in 100 Words
Once upon a time, these TWO WOMEN were delivering a community-based literacy program in NEW ORLEANS to parents of young children. Parents knew literacy was important, but they had so many questions about CHILD DEVELOPMENT, BEHAVIOR, and PARENTING. It was at that moment that these two women realized that ALL parents and caregivers need SUPPORT during those first five years. They need a trusted COMMUNITY RESOURCE where they can come together through PLAY and ASK questions, strengthen parenting practices, and create their VILLAGE.
Founders
Christine Neely
Co-founder/COO/Program Director
christine@mytraininggrounds.org
Christine has been in the field of Education for over 20 years and has always worked to improve standards and provide resources to families and students.
Melanie Richardson
Co-founder/Executive Director/Director of Parent Learning
melanie@mytraininggrounds.org
Melanie is a native New Orleanian who has been working in the fields of mental health and education for over 20 years.
Our Staff
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Sharon Gancarz-Davies
LCSW, BACS
Director of Relational Health and Staff Development
sharon@mytraininggrounds.org -
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Lisa Williams
Parenting Educator
lisa@mytraininggrounds.org
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Isis Johnson
CSW
Membership Coordinator
isis@mytraininggrounds.org -
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Zanthe De La Rosa
Communications Coordinator
zanthe@mytraininggrouds.org
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Shay Claiborne
We CONNECT HUB Program Coordinator
shay@mytraininggrounds.org -
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Ashley Butler
Director of Programming
ashley@mytraininggrounds.org
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Daniela De Marchena De La Rosa
We PLAY Center Coordinator / Parenting Educator
jugamos@mytraininggrounds.org -
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Arrian Tate
Parenting Educator / Perinatal Services
arrian@mytraininggrounds.org
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Patricia Garcia
Family Navigator
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Robert Harris
Referral and Data Analyst
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Pedro Carrasco
Family Navigator
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Andre Apparicio
Outreach and Event Planner
andre@mytraininggrounds.org
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Garrick Donaldson
Parenting Educator
garrick@mytraininggrounds.org
Our Board
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Nia Avery
Board Chair
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Adrienne Celestine
Director of CDBG-DR at HORNE LLP
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Danielle Rosemore
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Anna Whitlow
Founder at Be Nimble Public Relations
We envision communities…
WHERE sustainable, effective, child-centered early learning experiences engage parents and families with young children in ways that lead to healthy social development and educational success from birth to adulthood.
Help us make this vision a reality!
Thank YOU Sponsors!
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Thank YOU Sponsors! 〰️
