Our Mission

Melanie Mueller began her 27 year career working with young children and their families, with a deep passion for education, inspired by her own Kindergarten Teacher. Her dream of becoming a Teacher was first realized as a young student volunteer in a preschool classroom, and it grew into a multi-faceted experience over decades, including classroom teacher work, as well as roles in family services, and early childhood program administration. Melanie earned an MA in Early Childhood Education, which opened up the opportunity to teach as an adjunct faculty at the university level. Melanie has been an administrator for Head Start, Early Head Start and State… Read More

Pamm Shaw is the Director of Strategic Funding and Partnerships for the YMCA of the East Bay. Formerly, the VP/Executive Director of the YMCA Early Childhood Impact Branch, Pamm has extensive experience in implementing programs, professional development and managing multiple funding sources and is known for her innovative programs. With a focus on traditionally underserved populations, Pamm has brought together key stakeholders to effect systems change through a variety of projects at the state and local levels. 

In 2016, Pamm and her team created the YMCA Early Educator Apprentice program – training Head Start/child care parents and community members to… Read More

Daryl Bright has worked as a project coordinator and manager for over 15 years. His roles have consistently provided an opportunity to merge education, employment and community outreach to underrepresented communities. Daryl started with the Community College of Philadelphia to recruit, support and retain African-American males. During his seven-year tenure he helped to successfully recruit and support over 1000 students in their academic journey. Currently, in his position with the YMCA of the East Bay, he has the pleasure of managing a team that facilitates efforts to assist Head Start teachers, parents and community members, including youth from local high… Read More