Meet Our Staff

Kara McFalls, Executive Director
[email protected]

Kara joined the Association in 2018.  As a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro she has a degree in Child Development & Family Dynamics with Teaching Certification. Her career has blended the development of staff, advocacy on the behalf of families and children, nonprofit operations and community leadership. Kara has worked with Early/Head Start programs and curriculum companies, led a non-profit, been a consultant and taught first grade. She and her family live in Hanover, where she is found at the lake, on her yoga mat and in her garden.


Brandie Cool, Associate Director 
[email protected]


  Brandie joined the Association in 2024. She graduated from Elizabethtown College in Social Work and continues to   further her education with Early Childhood Education and Trauma Informed Certification. Throughout her career, Brandie has advocated for the safety and well-being of children and families, gained a deep understanding of early   childhood milestones and development, and learned authentic relationship and connection building skills to work with   individuals of diverse backgrounds. In each of her roles, Brandie has pursued leadership opportunities and contributed   to several system changing initiatives. Brandie, her spouse, and two dogs live in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, but love to   adventure any chance they get.