Heather Hicks holds a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. As Director, she is responsible for the oversight and direction of the Child Care Resource and Referral Network and its subcontracts. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Director, where she managed the Data Contract, Family Engagement, Technical Assistance, Infant Toddler Services, Health and Safety, Media and Public Relations and the Quality Assurance process which assures consistent delivery of services to all 95 counties and contractual compliance by each subcontractor.

Alex Farrell is a Marketing and Communications Specialist for Signal Centers. He has been instrumental in developing social media strategy, designing web and print collateral, and participating in outreach events for the agency. He is excited to leverage his skills to ensure the Child Care WAGE$® TENNESSEE program thrives across the state of Tennessee. Alex has a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and the Arts from Belmont University and a Master’s degree in Theology and the Arts from the University of St. Andrews.

Jewell graduated from Southern Adventist University with her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies Psychology, and is currently going to school to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work. She has been working in child care for several years and has a passion for Early Childhood Education. Until recently, Jewell was working as an Assistant Teacher in the child care program at Signal Centers, and is excited to continue her journey with Signal Centers in a different capacity.

Katy Teg is a graduate of the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga with a bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She has held positions as a teacher assistant and assistant director with child care and family home centers, working with children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. As a Chattanooga native, she has volunteered with numerous non-profits within the community and is eager to incorporate her skills with the WAGE$ team.

Danielle Fernandez is an Education Counselor with the Child Care WAGE$® TENNESSEE team. She is eager to get the word out throughout the state about this exciting new program for early childhood educators. Danielle has known she wanted to work in this field since she volunteered in a preschool classroom over 20 years ago. Since obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Ohio University, she has tutored and substituted for K-3, led infant and preschool classrooms, and served as director for centers in Ohio and Kentucky. She has been inspired by the lifechanging work Signal Centers has done for the local community and state and is enthusiastic to put her experience towards its success.