Tony W. Cozart, Ed.D.
Executive Director
After graduating from J. F. Webb High School, Dr. Cozart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Paul’s College. He earned a Masters in School Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Cozart also studied theology at Shaw Divinity School. He served 34 years in the public schools of North Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director. He served as Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. from December 2014 until November 2016 and has served as Executive Director of Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. since November, 2016. He is a dedicated servant and advocate for children and families. In addition to his duties at FGV, Dr. Cozart serves as Pastor of Cook’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and is a Granville County Commissioner. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Occasionally he has the opportunity to do a little fishing.
Sharon Barnette
Program Manager
Sharon Barnette is the Program Manager for FGV Smart Start. Sharon earned her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, at VGCC and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations at NCCU. She has over 20 years of experience in the childcare world, from working in a classroom to owning a child care center. Her passion is to find good in everything and every person. Her strengths is the love she has for children, desiring to be a positive impact in their lives. Here at FGV, she manages the different programs that provides the gap for our families to be successful. Being able to be part of an awesome team that goes over and beyond to ensure that the needs of our communities are met when it pertains to the children.
Felisha Benson
Quality Childcare Coordinator
Felisha Benson was born and raised in Henderson, North Carolina. She attended Vance County Public Schools and later continued her education at the University of Mount Olive, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Felisha has a love for children of all ages, with a special passion for supporting children from birth to age five. She has more than 20 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education and has served as the Quality Childcare Coordinator at FGV Smart Start since April 2023. During her time with FGV Smart Start, Felisha has gained valuable knowledge with the support of the FGV Smart Start team. In her role, she provides technical assistance and coaching to childcare providers and teachers. The goal of this technical assistance and coaching is to help each center or family childcare home achieve quality childcare. The Quality Childcare Program also offers a grant to each participating center or family childcare home to help provide the materials needed to achieve quality childcare.
Darleshia Braswell
Program Coordinator & Evaluator
Darleshia Braswell,is the Program Coordinator & Evaluator, with over 20 years of early childhood experience and education. She specializes in designing and implementing program support here at FGV, while ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement. She is also dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and impact for the families in the early childhood community.
Valencia Cross
Fiscal Manager
Valencia Cross, the Fiscal Manager at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, is a dedicated professional with a passion for financial accountability. With her exceptional talent and expertise, Valencia ensures that every dollar is managed responsibly, allowing the organization to fulfill its mission of providing quality early childhood education and support services to families. Her commitment to transparent reporting and sound financial practices ensures that resources are allocated effectively, maximizing the impact on children's lives. Valencia's unwavering dedication to fiscal management has earned her the trust and respect of both colleagues and stakeholders alike. As part of the FGV Smart Start team, Valencia plays a vital role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Kendra Davis
NC PreK Coordinator
Kendra Davis is the NC PreK Coordinator. She received her Bachelors and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University and her Master’s in School Administration from Elizabeth City State University. After retiring from Warren County Schools as educator, instructional coach and administrator, she desired to continue to serve children, their parents, and the community. Kendra is deeply committed to providing PreK students with a strong educational foundation, ensuring they develop the essential skills and confidence needed for long-term success. Her passion is to nurture early learning experiences that set each child on a path toward lifelong achievement. As PreK Coordinator, she monitors, provide technical assistance, coaching, and modeling for all NC PreK sites in Franklin County. She also acts as a liaison between her NC PreK sites and DCDEE to ensure all sites follow guidelines. In addition, Kendra serves as the chair for both Vance and Granville county NC PreK committees.
Cassandra Evans, Ed.D.
Accessing Higher Education Coordinator
Dr. Cassandra Evans has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. She has been a school bus driver, teacher, administrator, central office federal programs director, and an Early Learning Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, her Master of Education in School Administration from North Carolina Central University. In 2019 she earned a doctor of Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion for children and her goal is to provide her community with the needed resources to grow students into productive citizens.
Linda P. Frederickson, Ed.D.
Early Childhood Systems Director
Dr. Linda Frederickson has worked with children and families for over 40 years. She has been a childcare worker, teacher, school administrator, central office director, and educational coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Relations and a Master of Education Degree from UNC Greensboro. In 2017 she earned a doctor of Education Degree from NC State University. Dr. Frederickson loves spending time with family, camping, and charity events. Her goals are to connect families with services, support those who may not be currently receiving services and promote the mission and vison of FGV Smart Start. Prior to her employment with FGV Smart Start, she was recognized by the North Carolina Partnership for Children in 2021 as the recipient of the Ashley O. Thrift Volunteer of the Year Award for leadership, commitment, passion for children and tireless advocacy on behalf of Smart Start.
Sarah Harrison
Fiscal Specialist
Sarah joined the FGV Smart Start team as Fiscal Specialist in May of 2025. She is happily married and has one daughter and one grandson. Sarah loves spending time with her family and friends. She is a proud graduate of Strayer University North-Raleigh where she obtained her bachelor’s degree and Masters in Business Administration. Sarah has over 10 years of experience in the Business Administration field. Sarah is also a Professional Licensed Educator and former Middle Grade Business Teacher. As the Fiscal Specialist, Sarah loves assisting the Fiscal Manager and working with spreadsheets, numbers and doing bookkeeping duties in the finance office to ensure that FGV Smart Start Finance Department operates in a smooth and timely manner.
Lisa Mosely
Behavior Support Specialist
Lisa Mosley is the Behavioral Support Specialist at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start Inc. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in this field for 29 years. Lisa has compassion, patience, and love when it comes to working with children. She has a strong belief in building the foundation in a child’s education from birth to five and that every child can succeed if he or she has a strong support team. Her role as the Behavioral Support Specialist is to work closely with child care providers to overcome challenging behaviors in the classroom.
Amy Oakes
Kindergarten Transitions Coordinator
Amy started at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start over 15 years ago. She began as the Family Support Specialist and now is the Kindergarten Transitions Coordinator. She comes to the program with the belief that ALL children deserve every chance to succeed in life, including the best education possible. Which is why she does all that she can to make sure children have what they need to excel in kindergarten and beyond. When Amy is not working, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. Especially quality time with her grandchildren.
Della Patterson
Outreach Specialist
Della Patterson is passionate about supporting and collaborating with early childhood providers to enhance the quality of care and education for the children and families in our community. She brings 16 years of experience with Franklin-Vance-Warren Head Start, including nine years serving as a Center Director.
Della holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations from North Carolina Central University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Purdue University Global.
Throughout her career, Della has worked closely with diverse providers to develop engaging learning environments, implement best practices, and strengthen family partnerships. Her extensive background in early childhood education has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to support programs in achieving and maintaining high-quality standards.
As an Outreach Specialist with FGV Smart Start, Della is committed to promoting professional development opportunities, providing technical assistance and coaching, and connecting providers with valuable resources. She believes that by working together and investing in quality early childhood education, we can help children build a strong foundation for lifelong success. Her passion for service, leadership, and continuous learning drives her commitment to supporting educators and improving outcomes for young children and their families throughout the community.
Anya Williams
Program Coordinator / Supervisor / Social Worker of the Adolescent Parenting Program for Vance County NC
Anya Williams serves with Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Inc. as the Program Coordinator, Supervisor, and Social Worker for the Adolescent Parenting Program in Vance County, North Carolina. In this role, she provides intensive case management services for male and female adolescents who are pregnant or parenting.
Through the Adolescent Parenting Program, Ms. Williams helps connect participants with a variety of wraparound services designed to support them in remaining in school, graduating, or completing an alternative GED program. The program focuses on meeting participants where they are, helping them set meaningful goals, and providing guidance and encouragement as they work toward a successful future.
Ms. Williams is committed to supporting young parents and helping them recognize their potential. She believes that education, encouragement, and strong community support can make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and teens. Each day, her goal is to inspire, uplift, and provide meaningful support to those who cross her path.
Karen Wright
Karen Wright is a valued member of the Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Inc. team. In her role, she supports the organization’s mission of serving children, families, and the community through programs and services that encourage growth, learning, and family well-being.
Ms. Wright is committed to helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for the families and individuals served by FGV Smart Start. She believes in the importance of meeting people where they are, offering encouragement, and helping connect families with resources that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Through her work, Ms. Wright strives to support the continued success of FGV Smart Start’s programs and contribute to the organization’s goal of strengthening children, families, and the community.
Brenda Yancey
Director of Child Care Resource and Referral
Brenda Yancey has been employed at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start Inc. for 18 years. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for 28 years. She has been a teacher, director of a childcare, trainer, coach, mentor, and now holds the position of Director of Child Care Resource and Referral. She is a passionate advocate for children in ensuring that they have a productive and successful life.