Her Story
About Sara
Sara Whitley is an Early Childhood Director at Community Family Development, a nonprofit childcare center in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she has led the program for nearly three years. With approximately 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Sara oversees a center serving children from six weeks through school age, with a capacity of more than 100 children and a team of 20 to 25 staff members. She manages day-to-day operations, maintains compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations, and oversees before- and after-school programming during the academic year as well as a full-day summer camp. Her career in childcare began at age 13 through volunteering and summer camp work, eventually leading her to earn a bachelor's degree in education and special education. After beginning her career as a special education and pre-K classroom teacher, Sara transitioned into administration, including serving as a Head Start director, before stepping into her current leadership role.
For Sara, effective leadership begins with relationships. She considers building trust and rapport with her staff one of her most meaningful professional accomplishments and believes that her team members are the “boots on the ground” who make quality childcare possible every day. She is committed to creating a positive, inclusive work environment where educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Sara attributes her growth as a leader to her educational foundation, ongoing professional development, mentorship, and the network of fellow directors who have helped her navigate the challenges of the field. She is a member of the New York Association for the Education of Young Children and regularly participates in early childhood conferences and local networking opportunities. She is also passionate about changing the way society views childcare professionals, emphasizing that educators are not simply caregivers, but “brain architects” who play a critical role in shaping children's development during their most formative years.
Sara's commitment to children and families extends well beyond the walls of her center. She works closely with the Child Care Council on professional training and advocacy, partners with the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie to connect families with therapeutic services and holiday support, and collaborates with Westcop Early Head Start to access specialists and supplies for infants and toddlers. Her leadership reflects a deep belief that strong childcare programs are built through collaboration, community, and a shared commitment to families. Sara takes pride in creating a place where children feel safe and supported, families feel welcomed, and staff know they are valued. Through her work, she continues to advocate for the importance of early childhood education and for the professionals who dedicate themselves to helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors, colleagues, and experiences that have shaped me throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who challenged me, believed in me, and pushed me to see my own potential, even when I didn’t always see it myself. Every experience I've had along the way--both the good and the challenging--has taught me something and helped me grow into the leader I am today. My colleagues have also played a huge role in my journey. Leadership is never something you do alone, and I’ve learned so much from the people I work alongside every day. I’m grateful for every person who has poured into me, every lesson that has pushed me forward, and every opportunity that has allowed me to grow. I truly believe that success is not just about where you end up, but about the people who help you get there and the experiences that shape you along the way. I also attribute my success in large part to my educational background and my commitment to ongoing professional development. Outside the scope of my formal education, I have extensive training and experience in the field of education and child development. I continue to invest in my professional growth by attending annual three-day conferences and participating in local networking opportunities. I am also a member of the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC), which provides valuable opportunities for professional development and advocacy. These experiences have helped me continue learning, strengthen my leadership, and remain connected to others in the field.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning and never be afraid to grow beyond where you are comfortable. Every position, challenge, and person you encounter has something to teach you.
I’ve also learned that you don’t have to know everything to be a good leader. Be willing to listen, ask questions, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and trust yourself enough to make decisions. Not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. Stay focused on your purpose, lead with integrity, and keep moving forward. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about the position you hold—it’s about the impact you make along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering early childhood education is to never underestimate your voice or your ability to lead. This is a field where you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact, not only on children, but on families, educators, and your community. Be willing to learn, ask questions, and make mistakes because growth comes from all three. Advocate for yourself, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to take up space in leadership roles. You do not have to have everything figured out to be a good leader. Most importantly, remember why you started. There will be challenging days, but the work we do matters. The relationships we build with children and families can last a lifetime. Lead with compassion, stay true to your values, and never stop believing that you can make a difference .I would also encourage young women entering this field to develop patience, flexibility, and strong time-management skills. In early childhood education, plans can change throughout the day, so it is important to be able to balance essential responsibilities while remaining flexible enough to respond to unexpected situations. Being able to adapt while staying focused on what needs to be accomplished is essential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education right now is finding and retaining qualified, dedicated educators. We are asking teachers to do so much while also navigating staffing shortages, rising costs, increased behavioral and developmental needs, and the expectations of families. At the same time, I think there is a huge opportunity to continue changing the way people view early childhood education—not just as childcare, but as the foundation for a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development.
With regard to opportunites--in my work specifically right now--there is a real opportunity to strengthen partnerships with families and the community. When we work together, provide teachers with the support and professional development they need, and make sure children have access to high-quality early learning experiences, we can make a lasting impact. I think the biggest opportunity is continuing to advocate for the value of early childhood educators and creating environments where both children and educators can truly thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Building trust, creating strong relationships, and supporting people are among the values that are most important to me. When I stepped into leadership, some staff members were initially skeptical about the changes. I understood the importance of earning their trust and supporting the front-line workers who are the “boots on the ground” of our organization. I am proud of the relationships I have built and the trust I have earned from our staff. I also value collaboration and shared vision. I have been fortunate to have a network of directors, including local colleagues and our CEO and Assistant Director, who have supported me and shared a commitment to elevating the profession and ensuring that early childhood educators are recognized as qualified educators. These relationships and partnerships have strengthened both my work and my ability to advocate for the field.
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