Valerie started working in CACFP in its infancy in 1980 and started her own agency in 1982. She is a founding board member of NCA, and she also served on the CACFP Sponsor’s Forum Board and has been President of the Kansas Association of Sponsors United for 35 years. Valerie has a bachelor’s in social work from Wichita State University. Her philosophy can be summed up as one who fights for a simplistic implementation of regulations, offering optimum direction for  staff and enriched participation for providers and children.