top of page
Our Smart Start and CCR&R Staff
Cassandra Bennett
Executive Director
Autumn Lewis
Administrative Assistant
Cherie Holt
Program Coordinator/Evaluator
Bonnie Gould
CCR&R Director
Reyna M.
CCR&R Admin Assistant and Library Coordinator
The first smile you will see as you come into Smart Start's doors! Reyna keeps our ship moving in the right direction and keeps our cataloged toys and about a million other things organized and in order!
The first smile you will see as you come into Smart Start's doors! Reyna keeps our ship moving in the right direction and keeps our cataloged toys and about a million other things organized and in order!
Venus Miller
Office Assistant
Bianca Salinas
Parent/Provider Specialist
bianca@cravensmartstart.org
My name is Bianca Salinas and I am the Parent/Provider Specialist for Craven Smart Start. I am from Jones County, living in Pollocksville with my husband and two sons. I graduated East Carolina University in 2015. At Craven Smart Start, my main role is helping families that are looking for child care. I help them to understand is quality child care and what things to look for when looking for child care.
I started out at the partnership by doing my internship for college in 2015 and I have been here since! After my internship I worked at the front desk as the Program Assistant, and being in charge of the lending library. After a while the Parent/Provider Specialist position opened up and I decided to take it and have been doing that from 2016 to now.
I enjoy working with the families throughout our region!
bianca@cravensmartstart.org
My name is Bianca Salinas and I am the Parent/Provider Specialist for Craven Smart Start. I am from Jones County, living in Pollocksville with my husband and two sons. I graduated East Carolina University in 2015. At Craven Smart Start, my main role is helping families that are looking for child care. I help them to understand is quality child care and what things to look for when looking for child care.
I started out at the partnership by doing my internship for college in 2015 and I have been here since! After my internship I worked at the front desk as the Program Assistant, and being in charge of the lending library. After a while the Parent/Provider Specialist position opened up and I decided to take it and have been doing that from 2016 to now.
I enjoy working with the families throughout our region!
Mandy Morris
Quality Enhancement Specialist
Debbie Cashwell
Quality Enhancement Specialist
Tammy Cullom
Quality Enhancement Specialist
Camille Godley
Data Specialist
Pinkie Moore
Community Outreach Coordinator
Kentucky native, Pinkie Sparks Moore has held the position of Community Outreach Coordinator for Craven Smart Start since July 1, 2003. In this position, she works to increase the community’s awareness, support and utilization of Craven Smart Start services. She also represents Craven Smart Start at outreach events and community meetings that focus on young children and their families. At community meetings, she works with community partners to achieve collaboration to create and/or improve programs and services that focus on the needs of young children and their families in Craven County.
Pinkie worked for 30 years for the Craven County Department of Social Services in the Day Care Coordinator position before retiring on June 30, 2003. Prior to that position, she worked for two years with Coastal Community Action Head Start in the Program Director position. She has served in various child advocacy and early literacy organizations, including the committee that submitted the application for the initial Smart Start funding for Craven County. She was a Board Member for the original Smart Start Board of Directors for Craven County during the first six years of its operation. In 2017, Pinkie received the North Carolina Reading Association James B. Hunt, Jr. Celebrate Literacy Award for her work with the annual Reading Fun Day event.
Pinkie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Morehead State University in Morehead. Kentucky and has 11 semester hours of post-Masters work in Guidance and Counseling. She was among 35 Morehead State University students to be selected for “Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges” in her senior year at MSU!
And, yes, Pinkie is her real name. She was named for “Pinkie”, the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence from the 1700’s.
Prepared by: Pinkie S. Moore
Updated July 9, 2026
Kentucky native, Pinkie Sparks Moore has held the position of Community Outreach Coordinator for Craven Smart Start since July 1, 2003. In this position, she works to increase the community’s awareness, support and utilization of Craven Smart Start services. She also represents Craven Smart Start at outreach events and community meetings that focus on young children and their families. At community meetings, she works with community partners to achieve collaboration to create and/or improve programs and services that focus on the needs of young children and their families in Craven County.
Pinkie worked for 30 years for the Craven County Department of Social Services in the Day Care Coordinator position before retiring on June 30, 2003. Prior to that position, she worked for two years with Coastal Community Action Head Start in the Program Director position. She has served in various child advocacy and early literacy organizations, including the committee that submitted the application for the initial Smart Start funding for Craven County. She was a Board Member for the original Smart Start Board of Directors for Craven County during the first six years of its operation. In 2017, Pinkie received the North Carolina Reading Association James B. Hunt, Jr. Celebrate Literacy Award for her work with the annual Reading Fun Day event.
Pinkie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Morehead State University in Morehead. Kentucky and has 11 semester hours of post-Masters work in Guidance and Counseling. She was among 35 Morehead State University students to be selected for “Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges” in her senior year at MSU!
And, yes, Pinkie is her real name. She was named for “Pinkie”, the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence from the 1700’s.
Prepared by: Pinkie S. Moore
Updated July 9, 2026
Elizabeth Brown
Raising A Reader Coordinator
Hi! I’m Elizabeth Brown, the Raising a Reader Coordinator at Craven Smart Start and a proud New Bern native. With 13 years of childcare experience, I have spent much of my career surrounded by little learners, big imaginations, and lots of story time. I am passionate about helping children fall in love with books and supporting families along the way. I enjoy bringing energy and creativity into everything I do and if there’s a chance to read a silly story, sing a song, or get kids excited about learning, I’m all in. My background in early childhood education helps me connect easily with both children and parents. I believe that every child deserves access to books, laughter, and great learning experiences and being able to serve families in my hometown makes the work even more meaningful. My husband and I have an energetic two-year-old and she reminds me daily why early literacy matters. I am excited to help spread the joy of reading across Craven County, one book at a time.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth Brown, the Raising a Reader Coordinator at Craven Smart Start and a proud New Bern native. With 13 years of childcare experience, I have spent much of my career surrounded by little learners, big imaginations, and lots of story time. I am passionate about helping children fall in love with books and supporting families along the way. I enjoy bringing energy and creativity into everything I do and if there’s a chance to read a silly story, sing a song, or get kids excited about learning, I’m all in. My background in early childhood education helps me connect easily with both children and parents. I believe that every child deserves access to books, laughter, and great learning experiences and being able to serve families in my hometown makes the work even more meaningful. My husband and I have an energetic two-year-old and she reminds me daily why early literacy matters. I am excited to help spread the joy of reading across Craven County, one book at a time.
Lauren Simmons
DPIL Coordinator
lauren@cravensmartstart.org
Hello! I'm Lauren Simmons, the Dolly Parton Imagination Coordinator for Smart Start of Craven County.
My family and I have called New Bern home for the past 16 years, and I'm grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.
I have a love for early childhood education and helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. With years of elementary education and experience as both a preschool teacher and reading tutor, I understand the importance of building strong literacy skills from an early age. I love helping connect families with free books and resources that encourage reading together at home.
When I'm not working, you'll find me planning an event, volunteering, spending time with my husband and our 4 children, or enjoying the outdoors.
If you know me, you know I am never too far from balloons, decorations or a checklist for the next celebration! I love bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.
lauren@cravensmartstart.org
Hello! I'm Lauren Simmons, the Dolly Parton Imagination Coordinator for Smart Start of Craven County.
My family and I have called New Bern home for the past 16 years, and I'm grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.
I have a love for early childhood education and helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. With years of elementary education and experience as both a preschool teacher and reading tutor, I understand the importance of building strong literacy skills from an early age. I love helping connect families with free books and resources that encourage reading together at home.
When I'm not working, you'll find me planning an event, volunteering, spending time with my husband and our 4 children, or enjoying the outdoors.
If you know me, you know I am never too far from balloons, decorations or a checklist for the next celebration! I love bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.
Amy Kemp
Literacy Coordinator
amy@cravensmartstart.org
I am a proud New Bern native who has spent my life living, learning, and serving in the community I call home. I grew up in my family's small business, Pat Dixon Shoes, which was owned and operated by my grandmother and mother. Spending my childhood surrounded by a family-owned business taught me the value of hard work, strong relationships, and community connection. Those experiences helped shape my passion for serving local families and giving back to the place that has given so much to me.
For more than 11 years, I have worked in early childhood education, supporting children and families through meaningful learning experiences and community programs. I hold associate degrees in Education, Science, and Psychology and am certified in CPR and First Aid. As a mother of two boys, I understand the importance of creating opportunities that help children thrive and families feel supported.
As the Literacy Coordinator at Craven Smart Start, I am passionate about promoting early literacy, school readiness, and family engagement. I believe every child deserves access to enriching learning experiences and the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of learning. I am dedicated to connecting families with resources and programs that support children's growth and success.
Outside of work, I enjoy finding magic in nature, painting, and exploring creative projects. Whether through art, imagination, or everyday adventures with my family, I love discovering beauty in the world around me and bringing that sense of wonder into the work I do with children and families.
amy@cravensmartstart.org
I am a proud New Bern native who has spent my life living, learning, and serving in the community I call home. I grew up in my family's small business, Pat Dixon Shoes, which was owned and operated by my grandmother and mother. Spending my childhood surrounded by a family-owned business taught me the value of hard work, strong relationships, and community connection. Those experiences helped shape my passion for serving local families and giving back to the place that has given so much to me.
For more than 11 years, I have worked in early childhood education, supporting children and families through meaningful learning experiences and community programs. I hold associate degrees in Education, Science, and Psychology and am certified in CPR and First Aid. As a mother of two boys, I understand the importance of creating opportunities that help children thrive and families feel supported.
As the Literacy Coordinator at Craven Smart Start, I am passionate about promoting early literacy, school readiness, and family engagement. I believe every child deserves access to enriching learning experiences and the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of learning. I am dedicated to connecting families with resources and programs that support children's growth and success.
Outside of work, I enjoy finding magic in nature, painting, and exploring creative projects. Whether through art, imagination, or everyday adventures with my family, I love discovering beauty in the world around me and bringing that sense of wonder into the work I do with children and families.
Deborah Cook
Finance Contractor
Staff Directory
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Our main office location is closed on Fridays. Staff members are available by email and phone calls on Fridays.
Administration Office - (252) 636-3198
Executive Director: Cassandra Bennett
Administrative Assistant: Autumn Lewis
Program Coordinator/Evaluator: Cherie Holt
Child Care Resource & Referral Program (CCR&R) - (252) 672-5921
Director: Bonnie Gould
Program Assistant: Reyna Mckeithen
Parent/Provider Specialist: Bianca Salinas
Quality Enhancement Coordinator: Tammy Cullom
Quality Enhancement Coordinator: Debbie Cashwell
Quality Enhancement/Professional Development Coordinator: Amanda Morris
Regional CCR&R - (252) 672-5921
Region 2 Data Specialist: Camille Godley
Other Providers - (252) 636-3198
Community Outreach Coordinator: Pinkie Moore
Raising a Reader: Elizabeth Brown
DPIL Coordinator: Lauren Simmons
Literacy Coordinator: Amy Kemp
Finance Contractor: Deborah Cook
bottom of page