Human Development Center

Maria Blanco is an experienced early childhood specialist. Driven by a desire to help all children reach their potential, she takes pride in building the capacity of systems to provide quality early learning experiences. As an early childhood advocate, her goals include working with communities to increase access to high quality, inclusive early childhood programs and supporting professionals and families to identify developmental concerns as early as possible. In addition to developing, implementing and evaluating early childhood programs, she provides training and technical assistance in early intervention, inclusive practices, and developmental screening and surveillance. Maria represents the interests of children and families with disabilities on numerous state and local boards and commissions. Maria and her husband enjoy entertaining friends, and spending time with their three daughters (the youngest of whom has autism), four grandchildren, and two Australian shepherds.

Kisha Petty earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been in the education and early childhood education as an educator for Pre-K-4th, mentor for teachers, HS/EHS and Home-Based Education Specialist, and manager for 19 years working in the area of the public and private school systems and with four grantee head starts across Louisiana. She started working with early childhood education in 2006 and has always wanted to become a teacher which her passion is nurturing children. Kisha loves inspiring others to act justly, love mercifully, and walk humble in life with purpose. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, serving at her church as Knights of Peter Claver Jr. Daughter Counselor, religion teacher, lector and Eucharistic Minister and reading.

Asia Edwards is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with a passion for connecting communities to essential resources that enhance basic needs, daily living, mental health, and overall wellness. As a Family & Engagement Specialist with the Early Head Start-Childcare Partnership, she is committed to guiding families through the enrollment process and delivering comprehensive social services to both families and educators. Asia’s work is fueled by a deep belief in the power of social support to uplift and empower communities.

Outside of her professional life, Asia enjoys spending quality time with her partner and their two beloved cats, Nola St. Charles and Penny Louisiana. She also loves reading, staying active, embracing the vibrant culture of New Orleans, and talking about her hometown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.