JODY L. LEVITT
Executive Director

Prior to moving to Hilton Head from Ohio, Jody served 23 years as president of her local Junior Achievement organization and then worked at the local community college as the coordinator for a $1.6 million grant for alternative energy education. At the community college, a group of 10 colleges and universities, including Penn State, Ohio State and Kettering worked together through the support of a national science foundation grant. Jody also managed a decentralization process of contract training and community education division of the college.

Jody’s background is packed with service to her community. She is an active member of Rotary International, serving as chair of several committees, president in Canton OH and assistant district governor and now a member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head where she chairs the Safety Town committee. Jody has worked on school levy committees, character counts groups, church activities, involved in high school sport booster groups and was a member of the local Chamber board of directors.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University and her secondary education teaching license from Walsh University. Prior to moving south, she was working on a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University.

ALISHA COLLINS
Special Program’s Manager

Alisha Collins began working for The Children’s Center in 1998 as a teacher in the 4-5 year old class room. That same year, she moved into the kitchen as the cook, and later was promoted to interim Site Director. Being highly motivated, having a strong work ethic and determined to make a difference, she obtained her CDA and became the Site Director for the Bluffton Children’s Center. During her time as the director, the enrollment numbers doubled and rating scores increased.

Seeing her strengths in administration, superior customer care and efficient multi-tasking ability, the leadership brought to the Hilton Head center when Bluffton closed. Alisha is now the Special Programs Manager. She is the key point person for our USDA and ABC programs. She helps families navigate the process of applying and maintaining assistance. She also is responsible for assuring our food program meets and exceeds federal and state requirements. She maintains the highest performance standards within the diverse range of tasks under her care.

Aside from working at the Children’s Center, Alisha is very active in her church. She and her husband teach a Sunday school class of 2nd-3rd grade girls. She enjoys long walks on the beach and is very creative.

She was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and currently resides in Rincon, Georgia with her family. She is married and has two children, one recently honorably discharged from the Air Force and one pursuing a teaching degree at Kennesaw University.

TYMESHIA GADSON
Education Manager

Before joining The Children’s Center, Tymeshia taught preschool for 10 years and worked as an Assistant Director for nearly 2 years.  Tymeshia was very active in her church.  She was the church secretary, sang on the choir and taught Sunday School.  Currently, Tymeshia is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta, and very involved in serving the community.

Tymeshia’s background is filled with Early Childhood Education (ECE).  She attended York Technical College and received her ECD 101 Credential, as well as her Associates Degree in ECE.  Next, she relocated to the Upstate area and attended USC Upstate to receive her BS in IDS.  Later on, Tymeshia decided that she wanted to embark more on the administration side of ECE.  In 2015, she graduated from Walden University with her Masters in ECE Administration, Management and Leadership.  This has been very helpful in her current job of Education Manager at The Children’s Center.  Finally, Tymeshia is currently working on her Doctorate in ECE.  Although, this is a very difficult task, she realizes it will be very beneficial to helping the children at The Children’s Center.

In her spare time, Tymeshia enjoys long walks on the beach, reading romance stories and spending time with her family.  Every day she is continuing to work on ways to increase the amount of positive social change in The Children’s Center.  Realizing that the parents are the child’s first teacher, Tymeshia tries very hard to involve the parents in several of the events that occur within the center.  Furthermore, her door is always open to hear the news that parents need to share, and hand out treats to the children.  Tymeshia plans to be in the field of ECE for many years to come.