Staff
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.
Early Childhood Systems Director
Hilari Devine
Hilari works to strengthen the efforts of child care and early learning programs by offering continuous quality improvement resources and supports. Hilari has been working at SBVP for 15 years and counting. She takes great pride in knowing that the programs she leads are assisting in the improvement of quality at businesses. When Hilari isn’t at SBVP, she’s digging her toes in the sand at the beach!
Finance and Operations Administrator
Cierra Harris
Bio coming soon.
Mixed Delivery Coordinator
Leslie Fenton
Bio coming soon.
VQB5 Coordinator
Becky Dollins
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.
CLASS Specialist
Jerry Graham
Bio coming soon.
Prenatal Resource Specialist
Lorraine Leach
Bio coming soon.
Administrative and Accounting Clerk
Danielle Pack
Bio coming soon.
Board Officers
Board Members
Who is FirstSpark?
We are a nonprofit standing shoulder to shoulder with early childhood caregivers and educators.