WCPFC Staff
Dr. A. NaDene Tucker – Executive Director
NaDene has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 43 years. She has served in the roles of preschool teacher, K-5 teacher, Education Coordinator, Early Childhood College Instructor, Child Care Resource and Referral Coordinator, Early Childhood Center Director, Early Childhood Department Head, Regional Manager for Bright Horizons, and Associate Dean. Nothing is more important to her than families having access to high quality care for their children 0-5 years and providing enhanced professional development for early childhood educators. NaDene has been employed with Wilson County Partnership for Children since January 2014. NaDene resides in Greenville, NC; she is married with four children and twelve grandchildren.
Jennifer Hammett – Early Childhood Specialist
Jennifer Hammett is the Early Childhood Specialist for the Wilson Partnership for Children. She was raised in California and moved to North Carolina in 2004. She resides in Nashville, NC and is a mother to 4 wonderful children. She has an Associate’s degree in Child Development, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Administration. She has worked with children in many roles including preschool teacher, assistant kindergarten teacher, playgroup facilitator, and substitute teacher. She is accredited in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). She has a passion for serving children and families. Jennifer believes children and caregivers should have every opportunity available to succeed in life. She feels it is important for families to feel supported as they work to reach their potential. Jennifer joined the WCPFC team in 2020.
Eunice Carrasco-Hill – Lead Technical Assistant Coordinator
My name is Eunice Carrasco-Hill born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Has worked in the Early Childhood Professional field for over 29 years, obtained a Master in Public Administration from Ashford University, and Certification in Master Gardner from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and Natural Medicine from the Chestnut School of Natural Medicine. Moreover, in May 2018 I obtained a Certification in Early Childhood Outdoors Learning with Natural Resources to Prevent Child Obesity from the North Carolina State University. I had served in many roles from Executive Director, Center Director, Translator and Interpreter, Bilingual Specialist, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, NAEYC Validator, Project Manager for the Food Justice and Just Food Coordinator, Executive Director of the Youth Agriculture Program for Exceptional Children in Halifax and Edgecombe County Public Schools, and the spoke person for the Healthy Eating and Active Living in Halifax County. Eunice joined the WCPFC team in 2018
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul” by Alfred Austin
Telephone: (252) 206-4235 Ext. 116
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Brenda Barnes – Receptionist/Assistant
I am Brenda Barnes and a native of Wilson County. I have worked as the Receptionist/Assistant for the Partnership for 4 ½ plus years. I joined the Wilson County Partnership for Children as a volunteer from Upper Coastal Plains Senior Employment Agency. After a year of volunteering, I was invited to become a part of the team, on a part time basis. I enjoy working with the Partnership because of what this agency offers to the parents and children of Wilson County. In collaborating with them, I feel I am, in some small way, helping to prepare the next generation for their future.
Telephone: (252) 206-4235
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Gregg M Peterson – Finance Manager
Gregg M. Peterson is a native of New York City and has worked in the banking and finance field for over 25 years prior moving into the healthcare field; working in various positions within the accounting and finance department before moving to the metro area of Atlanta, GA. While in Georgia, she was able to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and then she went on to earn her Master of Accounting and Finance degree; going to night school all while managing to take care of her family. After 20 years in Georgia, Gregg moved to North Carolina in 2019; just before COVID-19 hit and the lock down that occurred in March of 2020. Gregg joined Wilson County Partnership for Children team in January 2022 when she was hired as the Finance Manager, and remains a part of the team. Gregg knows there is no single approach to success that works for everyone, so she has continued to educate herself long after graduating from college.
Telephone: (252) 206-4235 Ext. 112
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Charlene Lucas – Assistant Executive Director/Child Care Subsidy Coordinator
Charlene Lucas is a native of Wilson County and has worked in some capacity in early childhood for 25+ years. She obtained a BS degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and a Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling from Regent University. In addition, she is a United States Army Veteran. Ms. Lucas believes that all children should be given a positive and healthy start to life and that parents should feel comfortable in the stayplace of their children while they are working or in school. She is the Coordinator for the Child Care Subsidy Program, a program designed to financially assist families in Wilson County who need help to cover some of their child care costs. She has been employed with the Wilson County Partnership for Children agency since 2007.
Telephone: (252) 206-4235 Ext. 125
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Tammie Ruffin – Child Care Resource And Referral Services Coordinator
Tammie Ruffin is a native of Wilson County and has worked in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Birth-Kindergarten: Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development with emphasis on Leadership and Program Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has served in many roles from teacher assistant, education coordinator, center director to her current role as Child Care Resource and Referral Coordinator. Tammie believes that it’s important to ensure that providers/caregivers have the resources/tools they need to be able to continue providing quality care and creating learning environments that are designed to meet the developmental needs of all children so that they are able to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Tammie joined the WCPFC team in 2018.
Telephone: (252) 206-4235 Ext. 124 Email Tammie
Shalonda Holley – NC Pre-K Coordinator
Shalonda Holley has worked in the Early Childhood field for over 12 years. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. She is the NC Pre-K Coordinator for the NC Pre-K program, a program that is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year old children. She believes that all children should have equal opportunities to thrive, so they realize their full potential in school, work, and in life.
Telephone: (252) 206-4235 Ext. 115
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Amparo Hernandez – Interperter
Hi, my name is Amparo Hernandez. I’m working as a part time Spanish interpreter for Wilson County Partnership for Children. I’m Hispanic, married, have two lovely children. I have been working part time as a Spanish translator for almost 9 years in various places assisting families who need an Spanish interpreter. And I will be more than happy to assist you here,
at Wilson County Partnership for Children..
Telephone: (252) 206-4235