About Us

We assist parents, caregivers, and educators in preparing children to succeed — mentally, socially, and academically — from the very beginning.

 

Careers   Leadership   Reports   Culture

How You’re Investing in Kansas City’s Greatest Opportunity

At Futures First, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to flourish. The first five years of life shape how children learn, build relationships, and grow for a lifetime. That’s why we partner with parents, caregivers, and early educators—strengthening the people who nurture young lives so every child has the strongest possible start.

Opportunity The Reason
Strategy Our Approach
Outcomes Measuring Success

Impact

We envision a Kansas City
region where every child has the foundation to flourish — and every caregiver is supported to nurture that journey.

 

Futures First Leadership Team

Paula Neth President & CEO
Jocelyn Mourning Vice President of Advancement
Debbie Siragusa Vice President of Finance
Dr. Gino Taylor Vice President of People, Culture & Equity
Jenny Brandt Senior Director of Early Learning & Care
Brian McCollam Senior Director of Mental Health
Laura Bellis Finance Controller
Scott Hanson Director of Marketing & Communications
Casey Thomas Director of Impact & Strategy
Jennifer Traffis Director of Head Start & Early Childhood Partnerships

Futures First Board of Directors

Jenny Faught Board Chair, Deloitte
Chris Constant Vice Chair, Planning & Assessment Committee: Flanagan Wealth & Trust
Ericka Duker Vice Chair, Board Development: Airshare
Brett Loxterman Vice Chair, Finance Committee: GR8 Global
Ernesto Márquez Vice Chair, Head Start Oversight Committee: KPMG
Courtney Starnes Secretary, Imperial PFS
Anna Thomas-Rios Vice Chair, Resource Development: University Health
Ashley Daniels, LCSW Kansas City Public Schools
Megan Elder Bank of Labor
Angelia Ewing Commerce Bank
Seth Frieden Constructive Playthings
Kim Herman PNC Bank
Chris Hermreck JE Dunn
Brian Herrmann Lettermen's Energy
Tony Jackson SelectQuote
Larry Lerner Retired Attorney
Danica Love Park University
Kevin Macfee KPMG
Marcus McLaughlin Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Jenn Miller McCown Gordon
Jon Porter Community Volunteer
Monica Rayford OCHIN
Jacqueline Rodriguez Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Melvin Sarmiento NBKC Bank
Annette Shelton University of Missouri-Kansas City
Madison Connolly Stinson LLP
Amy Shunick Bennett Packaging

Our Culture

Futures First is committed to being thoughtful, responsible and accountable in its work around issues of diversity, cultural competency and inclusion, so we provide high quality services in an environment that is welcoming, nurturing and equally beneficial to all. This commitment is outlined in our Cultural Competency Plan and is guided by the following core values:

Equity

We meet clients where they are emotionally, financially, and socially to promote a healthy and thriving life.

Dignity

We acknowledge the inherent value that each person brings to the world and treat every individual with compassion and respect.

Community

We collaborate with families, caregivers, educators, and other partners to create opportunities for children.

Quality

We utilize data to promote continuous quality improvement, innovative approaches, and client centered high quality services.

Stewardship

Sustain our mission by wisely managing our human and financial resources for the greatest impact.

Workplace Programs

Futures First strives to create a working environment that supports the growth of team members in work and life. We’re proud participants in the following workplace improvement programs:

workplace awards
breastfeeding award

 

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