Chief Executive Officer

John Browne has been working with children and young adults since 1990.  He completed his undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina and earned his master’s from Columbia College.  He owns the distinction of being one of the first Head Start children in the state of South Carolina.  He came to Vital Connections in the role of Behavioral Health and Quality Assurance Manager and is now the Executive Director/Early Head Start Director.  He has over twenty years of experience working in the non-profit world and is excited about the future of Vital Connections.  He believes that exposure to new ideas (A mind once exposed to a new idea never regains its original dimensions…Oliver Wendell Holmes) is one the keys to preparing children for educational and life success.

Education Coordinator

Althea Benson has been working in the field of early childhood education since 2007. Althea attended USC for a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Columbia College. She is a Certified Trainer and Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) with the S.C. Center for Child Care Career Development, an accredited provider for the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, a certified trainer for Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, Certified to train First Aid and CPR, along with SCPITC Modules and the SC Infant and Toddler Field Guide.

Family Advocate Male Involvement Manager- Tender Years

Schafonda Byrd has been with VCM for more than seven years and has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Midlands Technical College. She started at Tender Years as a teacher before moving into the Family Advocate/Male Involvement role. Currently she also manages VCM’s Facebook page and Website. She is located at the Tender Years location in Hopkins. She has two children and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family. Schafonda says, “I always knew I had the kind of heart that wanted to make a difference. Helping others and making a difference is what I succeed at best.”

Health Services Manager

Kimberly Capers serves as the Health Services Manager at Vital Connections of the Midlands, where she has dedicated eight years of committed service to the organization and the communities and families it serves.  

Center Manager- Arthurtown

Melissia E. Miller has been with VCM since 2013 and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Allen University. She has an Infant and Toddler Certification from Midlands Technical College. Melissia has worked in disabilities and special needs for 21 years. She is a mother of two daughters, is an active member of her church, loves spending time with her family, participating in the performing arts and writing. Melissia says, “I love working with children. It gives me great joy and pleasure to help shape these young minds and prepare them to meet their future.”

Human Resources & Business Manager

Karen Noble began her career in Business Administration working for the Department of Education and Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. After many years of traveling, Karen moved from Hawaii to South Carolina. She later gained knowledge and experience in childcare working as a Floater, Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Acting Center Director at the Columbia Federal Child Development Center.
In 2003 Karen was offered the Business Coordinator position for Vital Connections of the Midlands. Karen’s words to live by “Let all things be done decently and in order” which she abides by in her home life and professional life. It is a privilege and an absolute joy to provide support, respect, and a listening ear to everyone connected to vital connections from our newly hired employees to our seasoned
employees, our consultants and vendors.

Coach Mentor

Christy Rhodes serves as the Coach Mentor for VCM. She has been with Vital Connections of the Midlands for over 8 years. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and served as CACFP support staff.  Christy has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies Management from Southern Wesleyan University. Christy enjoys going to the beach, laying out by the lake, and taking care of her grandma.

Center Manager- Children’s Garden

Anita Robinson serves as the Center Director at Children’s Garden and has been in the early childhood profession for 30 years, caring and educating children and collaborating with parents, staff, and multidisciplinary teams to help children reach their fullest potential. Anita has a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from Benedict College in Columbia. Anita lives in Irmo with her husband and three children and loves watching movies and spending time with her family and friends. Anita says, “The love of God, family, and friends fuels me to be the best person I can be. Therefore, I am able to share my love with the children and families we serve at Vital Connections.”

Center Manager- Tender Years

My name is Tomika Shell, and I am the Center Manager at Tender Years EHS. I have worked in childcare for over twenty years, six of those years I spent with Vital Connections of the Midlands. I studied elementary education for two years at South Carolina State University and completed my associate degree in early childhood education at Midlands Technical College. After years of working with children and families in the classroom I decided that I wanted to work in the community. I earned my bachelor’s degree in social work from Limestone University. I worked as a Rehabilitation Behavioral Health Specialist and a Community Base Prevention Service Case Manager. I also worked as an early interventionist supporting families and children with delays and disabilities. I enjoyed my time working in the community with children and families; however, Vital Connections allowed me the opportunity to continue working with the community and fulfill my first love; childcare.

Family Advocate Male Involvement Manager- Arthurtown & Children’s Garden

Charlene Sumpter is the Family Advocate Male/Involvement Manager for two locations Arthurtown and Children’s Garden.  She has over 18 years of experience working in Head start with children, and families. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from South Carolina State University.

Her professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of children and families as a Family Advocate/Male Involvement Manager at Vital Connections of the Midlands.

Early Head Start Director

My name is Gloria Watson, and I am a proud native of Columbia, South Carolina, as well as the mother of two outstanding sons. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence. In 2024, I completed a Continuing Education Program in Grant Writing at the University of South Carolina. I am also a 2023 UCLA Head Start Management Fellow, and I hold two master’s degrees— a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership—both from Webster University. Additionally, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from Benedict College.