Irene Barton
Executive Director
Irene serves as the Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative, the lead agency for The Basics Cobb County. She ardently believes that a child's earliest years are the most potent time when it comes to defining who a child is and who they will become. That's why The Basics is such a critical piece of the foundation for improving outcomes for all children and families in Cobb and why she and the entire team are committed to bringing its 5 evidence-based principles to every young child.
Leslie Danford
Literacy Coordinator
Leslie Danford lives and is raising her family in Cobb County, GA. Leslie received her Masters degree in Child Development (Birth through Kindergarten) in 2004 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has a passion for teaching and has taught as an instructor of early childhood courses at community/technical colleges in North Carolina and Georgia. Leslie is currently taking on the role of Literacy Coordinator with Cobb Collaborative, the backbone organization bringing The Basics to Cobb, and she looks forward to weaving The Basics into the fabric of the community in Cobb County.
Alexandra Winn
Marketing Specialist
Alexandra Winn, a recent graduate from West Virginia University, serves as a Communications Specialist for Cobb Collaborative. Alexandra resides in Cobb County and enjoys learning about The Basics as she shares the 5 Principles with parents and caregivers in the community. She manages The Basics Cobb County Instagram and Facebook Pages, providing resources, tips, and inspiration to help families engage in meaningful childhoods practices. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her cat, Cloud, painting, and playing guitar.
Alison Nyarko
Director of Early Childhood Programs
With a deep-rooted passion for education and community empowerment, Alison has dedicated her career to creating transformative learning experiences for all children. With a degree in Early Childhood Education, Alison began her journey as a Teach For America (TFA) Corps Member, where she served in South Carolina, deepening her commitment to educational equity. She furthered her expertise with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Global Studies in Education, equipping herself with the tools to lead and advocate for impactful educational change. Her global perspective was shaped by teaching abroad in Indonesia and Ghana and serving as the Country Director for an anti-child trafficking NGO in Ghana, where she worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and advocate for their futures. Most recently, Alison has honed her skills in literacy education, working with The Literacy Lab and Amplify Education to coach AmeriCorps members and tutors in implementing science-based literacy interventions. A firm believer in the power of reading and the vital role of parents and caregivers in a child’s development, Alison is committed to ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed. Now, as the Director of Early Childhood Programs at Cobb Collaborative, she is excited to continue advocating for early learning and educational equity in her community. Alison is a proud parent of a toddler (who is always keeping her on her toes,) and loves reading and spending time outside!
