HCS Head Start Celebrates Team Members, Volunteers, Leaders

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals who continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Western Mass.

As part of the celebration, HCS Head Start presented three Head Start Hero Awards recognizing extraordinary service and commitment to the organization’s mission.

One of the honorees was Sandra Zieminski, a long-time volunteer who has supported numerous initiatives throughout the years. Among her many contributions, Zieminski has played a significant role in supporting the organization’s “All I Want for Christmas” campaign, helping bring joy and support to families during the holiday season.

Also recognized was Christina Compton, site director for the Parkside Early Learning Center in Ludlow, Westover Early Learning Center in Chicopee, and Robinson Gardens Early Learning Center in Springfield. Compton is retiring after a 25-year career with HCS Head Start. Her passion for this work began years ago while living in West Berlin, Germany, on an Army post after the birth of her son. Being far from family and navigating life without childcare support gave her a deep understanding of the importance of early childhood services and family support systems. A graduate of Cambridge College, she has spent her career supporting children, families, and educators across multiple communities.

Juana Santiago, a teacher retiring from HCS Head Start, was also honored. Santiago began her career with the organization in 1995 as a teacher assistant and has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting young learners. When asked what she has loved and will miss most about her career, her answer was simple and heartfelt: “the children.”

The organization also announced the recipient of the 2026 Janis Santos Scholarship, an annual scholarship created to support current HCS staff, parents, and Head Start alumni pursuing education in the early childhood field. This year’s scholarship recipient is Diana Learned, a teacher at the Parkside Early Learning Center. She is currently pursuing her education at Bay Path University with the long-term goal of entering the field of special education. Her connection to HCS Head Start spans generations and experiences. She was once a Head Start student herself and later became a Head Start parent, both at the Parkside center where she now works. Learned joined HCS Head Start in October 2012 and previously served as chair of the organization’s policy council before joining the staff team.

“HCS Head Start has always been powered by passionate people who care deeply about children, families, and one another,” CEO Nicole Blais said. “These recognitions reflect the heart of our organization and the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters.”

In addition to the Professional Development Day recognitions, HCS Head Start is also celebrating two additional accomplishments from members of its leadership team.

Alisha Durocher recently graduated from the Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute, a 12-week leadership development program through Western New England University designed to strengthen skills in communication, strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership in today’s evolving business environment.

Meanwhile, Blais was recently honored at the Human Services Leadership Summit with the Human Services Innovation Award. The recognition celebrates leaders across Massachusetts who are making a meaningful impact within the human services field through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.