The Children's Forum Board of Directors

Bob Buesing, Board Chair

Bob Buesing, Board Chair As a Board member for the past eight years, Bob has provided sound advice, counsel and dedication to the Forum's visionary goals. It was a natural fit to appoint him as the newly-elected Board Chair.

As an attorney for Trenam & Kemker, Bob brings a fresh business perspective to the Forum's early care and education and after-school initiatives. He initially decided to serve on the Forum's Board because he is deeply committed to the cause of quality pre-K services for children. "It is our best hope for long term economic success, efficient use of tax dollars and a better life for the next generation," said Bob. "The Forum enjoys an excellent reputation for providing high-quality services for the Pre-K community based on the best research and knowledge and is committed to doing this right. When they succeed with small children, we all succeed with better students, better employees, better customers and better citizens."

Research shows that 90 percent of brain growth occurs by the time a child is five. That figure is precisely why Bob advocates on behalf of increased funding for young children to have the best possible learning environments. "We spend most of our limited resources on the later years when it is much harder to be successful," Bob explained. "Let's get it right from the start!"

If he could change one thing about early care and education or school-age policy, Bob would make sure that high-quality services are available for all children. Kids occupy Bob's spare time and have a special place in his heart. In addition to his own biological children, Bob and his wife are currently providing foster care for two teenage girls.

Wil Blechman, M.D., Board Vice Chair

Wil Blechman, M.D., Board Vice Chair For the past six years, Dr. Wil Blechman, a retired rheumatologist, has served on the Forum's Board as a representative of the infant mental health community. He recently was appointed to the position of Board Vice Chair. Wil's expertise on human brain development brings a fresh scientific approach to the Forum's programs. "I have become even more impressed with the Forum and its activities ever since I became a Board member," said Wil. "These activities include acting upon early childhood mental health issues along with increasing both the availability and quality in early care and education."

Neuroscientists recognize that the basic foundation of the brain, and therefore of an individual's future course in life, are markedly affected by the environment in which the young child is growing. To make the most of that environment, the people continuously involved with that child can be most helpful when they have a general understanding of human development. "In today's society, those people are very likely involved in child care and early elementary school settings in addition to the parent," explains Wil. "Early care and education and school-age services are important to the child and his family as well as society as a whole. Also, economists tell us that we can gain a return on investment of up to $17 for each $1 spent on high quality early care and education programs."

If Wil could change one thing about early care and education and school age policy, he would demand that all adults in child care and after-school settings have a greater understanding of child development and their role in supporting that development.

In his spare time, Wil likes to mow his lawn and pull weeds that helps him take out aggression.

David Harless, Board Treasurer

David Harless, Board Treasurer As Board treasurer, David Harless ensures that the Forum is making sound financial decisions and is operating on a high level of accountability. For the past three years, David has brought a banker's perspective and business knowledge to the Forum. "Participating on the Board of the Forum is a great way to support an organization that gives back so much to our communities," said David. "It does not take long to appreciate the deep passion they have for the children for whom they advocate."

David, who grew up in a rural town in a single-parent household, experienced first hand the advantages a child has who is raised in a positive environment. "At the time, I did not know what the word advocate really meant," David explains. "I also didn't spend much time thinking about what things would have been like if certain people and programs were in place to help the kids that could not help themselves. Perspective is a precious gift that we earn over time."

If David could change one thing about early care and education and school-age policy, it would be to try and make the business community aware of the challenges that the early care and education communities face. "Because my background is from the business community rather than the true trenches of early care, I remember the confusion of my first Forum Board meeting," David said. "The acronyms used, and the research studies that they knew in detail, were completely Greek to me. The more I was exposed to the research, the more I remembered things from my childhood and how it shaped my personality."

In his spare time, David likes to spend time with his wife and 10-year-old daughter.

Barbara Saunders, Board Secretary

Barbara Saunders, Board Secretary As the Board Secretary and Chair of the Forum's Nominating Committee, Barbara brings a broader perspective of state policies, national initiatives, advocacy efforts and resources to support the Forum's projects. She is an early childhood consultant who was appointed to the Forum's Board in 2006. "I am incredibly proud to join my colleagues on the Forum's Board in active pursuit of our collective mission and vision for children in their early and school-age years," said Barbara.

For the past 36 years, Barbara has held a multitude of positions in the early care and education field. Throughout her career, she has seen the field grow as a profession through research, advocacy, standards, outcome measurements, and a combined vision for high-quality services as well as supports for children, their families and all those who work with or on their behalf. "We now have irrefutable evidence and research that proves investing in young children can improve school readiness while providing significant economic benefits to children and to society," explains Barbara. "It is incumbent upon each of us to support this nation-wide effort to increase public engagement and investment in this important mission."

If Barbara could change one thing about early care and education or school-age policy, it would be to have a public policy that supports the early childhood workforce through an integrated professional development system. This system would provide resources, incentives, and multiple opportunities for professional development along an articulated career path. "To achieve our vision for children to be 'ready for kindergarten and beyond' is directly related to our ability to recruit, retain and properly remunerate a diversified, highly skilled, stable and motivated early childhood workforce," said Barbara.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoys the arts, gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Mary Bryant

Retirement doesn't stop Mary Bryant from continuing to advocate for early care and education. As a former Forum Board member, Mary was reappointed to the Board in January 2009 with a vision to expand the influence of the Forum nationally and to continue their efforts in Florida. "I am proud to serve on the Board of this organization that is recognized for its outstanding commitment to advocacy and education efforts on behalf of Florida's children, their families and the people to who care for them in child care and school-age care programs," said Mary.

Mary spent her professional life working with young children and their families and says that the early childhood years provide the foundation for the healthy development of children socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Currently, she is an independent consultant who assists statewide human service organizations with strategic planning and serves as an expert reviewer for federal early childhood and literacy grants.

If Mary could change one thing about early care and education and school age policy, it would be to make sure that families have access to affordable, high quality early education and care and school age services. "This would require funding systems to help defray the costs of care to families, support efforts by workers to achieve their educational goals and ensure that all providers earn a livable and fair wage," Mary explains.

Since her retirement, Mary spends time involved in local politics and committees in Washington state. She also serves on the Board of a recreational fishing and conservation organization. In her spare time, Mary enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren and husband, fishing, boating and camping.

Chris Card

As one of the longest-serving Board members, Chris Card is the watchdog of the Forum. He makes sure that the Forum's mission is reflected in all of its programs, services and projects. Chris is Executive Vice President of Providence Management Corporation and has also served as the director of a provider organization. He has found that the Forum's services are critical to the success of child care providers and wants to help assure that these services remain well supported. "I believe in the mission of the organization and strongly believe that early learning and child care need a strong voice in Florida to assure that effective policy focused on access and quality is developed and implemented," said Chris.

Chris believes that early care and education and school-age services are the foundation for our society. He feels if we can get early childhood and school experiences right for all our children then all other societal issues will be significantly reduced and some would disappear. "These services level the playing field for socio-economically disadvantaged children and families," explains Chris. 'We all will benefit from the great contributions these kids will make in our communities given the opportunity to succeed from the very first part of life."

If Chris could change one thing about early care and education or school-age policy, it would be to provide funding to support the quality care that we all know works.

In his spare time, Chris likes to advocate for teenagers.

Linda Foy

Linda Foy is an important force to the Forum's Board. As the CEO of Childhood Development Services, she serves to bring the perspective of a central agency providing services in several counties in central Florida. In addition, Linda brings a nuts and bolts perspective on the daily operations of serving children and their families. "I serve on the Forum's Board because I believe that they are one of the few organizations that has statewide respect and speaks clearly on all issues that pertain to children," she said. "The Forum has proven its value in recreating itself after the political debacle of the last administration."

Linda believes that childhood experiences in early care and education and school age programs will influence the society of tomorrow. She explains: "In quality early care, we help develop trust in adults and life in general, we teach social attributes and group living, as well as develop those intellectual attributes that help children get ready to learn. In many cases, we make up deficits at home."

Recent statistics suggest that crime increases in the hours after school when children are unattended which is why Linda is passionate about keeping kids in quality after school programs and out of situations where they could face trouble. "After school care is a neglected area, and the tendency is to warehouse kids, but this population needs attention also," she said.

If she could change one thing about early care and education or school-age policy, it would be to provide higher salaries for child care practitioners.

In her spare time, Linda loves to read and is active in her church.

Nancy Kline

Nancy Kline is one of the Forum's newest Board members. As the Superintendent of the Martin County School District and throughout her career, Nancy has focused on helping children and families. She brings a unique insight to the Board regarding the struggles and challenges families face in finding quality, inexpensive childcare. "Serving on the Board of Directors for the Children's Forum affords me the opportunity to continue having a positive impact on the lives of our youngest learners," said Nancy.

Making early childhood education affordable for families is one of Nancy's priorities. She feels that all children, regardless of their economic status, should begin kindergarten with the skills necessary for success. "It is a fact that the majority of families nationwide depend on some form of early child care," explains Nancy. "In these economic times, it is paramount that families be aware of the services that are available to them and that families have access to quality programs that are affordable."

If she could change one thing about early care and education or school-age policy, it would it be to provide half-day services for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) students and free transportation, if it is necessary for the child to attend. "These changes would increase participation, allowing more families, particularly those most in need, to take advantage of the free VPK program," she said.

In her spare time, Nancy enjoys painting, boating, skiing and spending time with her husband and two grown sons.

Ann Levy

Dr. Ann Levy is one of the Forum's longest serving Board members and is the immediate past Chair of the Board. For nearly nine years, Ann has guided the Forum with her gentle demeanor yet firm dedication for early care and education initiatives. "I am very proud and honored to serve on the Forum Board," said Ann. "Since it's founding, the Forum has worked and supported efforts to provide the very best in quality services for children and their parents."

Although Ann is retired, she continues to serve organizations as an early childhood consultant. She dedicated her career to improving prekindergarten, kindergarten and child care programs for young children through a variety of positions including directing an educational research center, lecturing prevention and early intervention policy at Florida State, advising the Florida House of Representatives on education policy and teaching classes for students in prekindergarten through second grade. "When I first started teaching in Florida, there were no public kindergartens or any type of public programs for young children," Ann explains. "There was no regulation and very little training for the caregivers."

Ann feels that the child care workforce has come a long way, but there is much needed to improve the field so that every young child can obtain a high-quality education. "Every child deserves to have the best care and education, every parent deserves to know their children are safe, happy and well cared for and every caregiver deserves to have the best training and education," Ann explains.

If Ann could change one thing about early care and education and school age policy, it would be to provide funding and support for quality care, education and health services for all children.

In her spare time, Ann likes to play with her five grandchildren, read, and spend time with her friends and family.

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