Mathews Elected Policy Council President

Head Start was a “godsend” for Melinda Mathews’ son Jaxon and she is glad to support the program any way she can.

Serving her second year on the Parent Policy Council, Mathews was elected President earlier this year. Her election also seats her on the LCCAA Board of Directors where she is already learning a lot she said.

“It’s broadened my horizons in ways I’m absolutely enjoying,” Mathews said. “It’s definitely piqued my interest.”

Mathews grew up in Elyria and worked as a nurse’s assistant for several years before going back to school. In 2013, she earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Remington College. Since then, she has worked at Sterling Check, a global firm specializing in pre-employment and other background checks.

Her son Jaxon was both a miracle and a surprise in Mathews’ life. When he turned three, she began looking at preschool but found it out of reach, until she found Head Start.

“The fact that my son was able to get in was a godsend,” she said. “I made it my mission to be sure I was involved. The more I know the better off I am.”

Policy Council has helped her see the business side of Head Start and she has been welcomed by her fellow agency board members.

“They are just a wealth of knowledge,” she said. “I so appreciate it.”

Mathews serves in the low-income sector of the board which includes 15 people from three sectors of the Lorain County community. The public sector includes elected officials or their designees and the private sector is usually made up from the business community.