Our Team

Executive Director

Diane Umstead

Diane has dedicated her entire career to working on behalf of children and families in government, schools, and non-profit organizations. Diane is a collaborative leader with firsthand, grassroots community experience — first, as a Norfolk Public School teacher, then Director of two international child care centers.

She has worked at state and national levels in Washington DC, Maryland, Arizona, and North Carolina advancing equitable policies in early childhood development and health and building the infrastructure needed to serve all young children from birth to age five. Diane has a BS in Elementary Education and graduate studies in Early Childhood Administration. She grew up in a military family, living mostly in Virginia Beach, is married to a music educator, and has two adult children.

Deputy Director

Julie Duregger

Julie is responsible for management and co-leadership in three areas: Organizational Administration, Program Management, and Fund Development. She works closely with the Executive Director to build organizational capacity and executes overarching communications, and resource development strategies. Julie has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University and has spent over 20 years working on behalf of young children and families. She is a lifelong resident of the Peninsula and currently resides in Newport News with her husband. She enjoys staying active and spending time with her three adult children.

Finance and Operations Administrator

Cierra Harris

Bio coming soon.

Mixed Delivery Coordinator

Leslie Fenton

Bio coming soon.

Prenatal Resource Specialist

Lorraine Leach

Bio coming soon.

Prenatal Resource Manager

Michelene Menapace

Michelene supports our staff of Prenatal Resource Specialists in providing resources to pregnant women. She works with core health and human service community partners to ensure pregnant women connect with this program and serves as the liaison between SBVP and the Virginia Department of Health. Michelene has worked at SBVP since 2014 and was a specialist before becoming manager in 2021. The Army brought Michelene, her husband, and their four children to the Peninsula in 2003, and they made it their permanent home when her husband retired in 2008.

Program Engagement Specialist

Nancy Null

Nancy provides training to child care providers, preschool and Head Start teachers and family day home providers. Nancy retired from a career with Head Start but wanted to continue her life’s work of ensuring that children receive a proper pre-k education.

She studied at Gulf Park Junior College, University of Tennessee, University of Virginia Darden School of Business (Early Childhood Leadership) and the National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations.  She and her husband have two children and one grandson. They enjoy spending time with extended family and friends at the beach, pool, or river–any activity related to water! Nancy delights in lots of laughter.

Administrative and Accounting Clerk

Danielle Pack

Bio coming soon.