Please read the biographies of the nominees below and then vote for three representatives. Please remember there is only one vote per family.

Gunes Avci (UH faculty) Butterfly Room

Hello, my name is Gunes Avci and I am very interested in becoming a CLC Advisory Board member and contributing to the CLC community.

I am a cognitive psychologist and research assistant professor in the psychology department at UH. As a part of my education/training, I have been involved in numerous developmental psychology projects. Now as a mother, I am even more interested in the development of young children. As a mother and scientist, I support high-quality learning environment by connecting science and practice as the long-term cognitive and academic effects of early childhood education on children have been established by research. I have been observing the functioning of the CLC since my son was first admitted to the Ladybug room, and I am a huge fan. Serving such a respected organization will be a great honor.

I am excited about the prospect of becoming an advisory board member. I believe that I would be a great addition to the Board, and I would be eager to contribute my knowledge and experience. For example, age-appropriate games and activities boost cognitive development. If needed, I would gladly review scientific data and work on developing/modifying curriculum in collaboration with teachers and staff.

I believe I would be a valuable asset to the team as I will serve the mission of the CLC and will provide support and guidance to the center. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Lien Busby (UH alumni) Ladybug Room

I am a new first time mom with a baby in the Ladybug room at the Cameron building! I graduated from UH in 2013 and am glad to be back on campus with my daughter's enrollment at the CLC. I am excited to be involved and would love to provide assistance in any area where help is needed.

Rachel O'Mara (UH staff) Yellow Room

I am a mom to two girls, and my youngest (4) is in the yellow room. The CLC does so many amazing things and I have been fortunate to have served on the Advisory Board as a member and Secretary. It’s a rewarding experience to serve and advocate for the center, staff and children and I hope to continue to do so for the last year that my daughter is attending!

Jerrell Sherman (UH staff) Yellow Room

Hello, I am Dr. Jerrell Sherman, and currently serve as Associate Dean of Students in the UH Dean of Students Office. In my role I oversee parent & family engagement, student advocacy, student outreach & support, commuter student programs, and student engagement/success initiatives. Having a child at the CLC now, I would like to join the board to aid in influencing the renovation and center support budget aside from creating a strong bond between the board and current stakeholders. I would also like to explore partnerships with local companies for financial support of and collaboration with the CLC. In addition, it’s just nice to give back and use my talents to enhance the experience for the CLC staff & students.

Georgina Tomalty (UH alumni) Blue/Purple Room

Hello everyone, my name is Georgie and I am the proud mom of Teddy and Gus Tomalty, students in the Purple and Blue Rooms. I studied law at the University of Houston; Teddy was born during my final exams my first year of law school and Gus was born during my fall semester of third year. I graduated from the UH Law Center this past May and I will write the bar exam in 2 weeks before beginning work as a corporate attorney at Munsch, Hardt Kopf & Harr in September. I have sat on a university board for my undergraduate institution in Canada as both a member and as a vice chair in the past, and I believe I could mix some of these skills with my passion for early childhood educational support in this role as a CLC board member.

My husband and I chose to send both boys to CLC because of its reputation, the dedication of the teachers to their students, and the tailored programming offered in their classrooms. From the first day of daycare we saw both of our boys learning new skills and they both thrived being social with their peers and teachers. I can confidently say that I would not have been able to finish my education without the support of CLC and I am eternally grateful that my boys have a safe place to go during the week that they learn from and thoroughly enjoy.

If elected I have three broad goals I would like to achieve. First, I want to help provide continuing support for teachers to execute their "dream curriculums". Both Teddy and Gus' teachers have phenomenal lesson plans that both boys engage with actively and I would like to continue to ensure that their teachers are able to gain the support they need to execute them. Second, I would like to increase alumni engagement with the center. I have met numerous alumni who sent their children to CLC upwards of 15 years ago who rave about the center. I think they would be a great resource. Finally, I would like to continue some of the programming I saw this year in regard to social events among parents, expanding on the times and locations to engage as many parents as are able to come.

Thank you so much for considering me, it's an honor!

Name- Katherine Turner (UH staff) Green Room

My son has been with CLC since he was 8 months old (now 4 years old) and it has been an incredibly positive experience, in both centers and through Covid, this is a place that nurtures the tiniest Cougars. I'd like to give back some of my time and energy by serving on the Advisory Board and promoting the CLC in the community. Katherine Turner, Moores School of Music

Emily Vinson (UH staff) Light Blue/Green Room

I have worked at UH Libraries for the past eight years and enjoyed five years as a CLC parent. My oldest is a graduate of green room, and my younger is currently in Light Blue. I currently serve as vice-chair of the CLCAB, and hope to continue on the board to foster great relationships between parents and opportunities to celebrate our outstanding teachers.

Andrea Ward (UH staff/alumni) Butterfly Room

My husband and I met at the University of Houston - we were both members of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. We both always knew the CLC was an option of future children and are proud to have our daughter Cailin enrolled. I appreciate the opportunity to be on the Board again and hope to continue to foster a sense of community and assist with fundraising awareness and initiatives.

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