Meet the leadership behind BrightStart Strategies

Corey Shepherd, with over  17 years of dedicated service in Early Childhood Education, has built a distinguished career leading and transforming Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Beginning his journey in 2008 as a Family Service Worker, Corey quickly advanced into leadership roles, including ERSEA Manager, ERSEA Specialist, Fatherhood Supervisor (at the grantee/recipient level), Compliance Manager, and Deputy Director of the Focus: HOPE Early Learning Program. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant for BrightStart Strategies, LLC.

Corey’s expertise spans program compliance, policy development, federal monitoring preparation, family engagement, leadership development, and staff training. He has successfully developed and implemented recruitment campaigns, strengthened ERSEA systems, and created policies that support high-quality service delivery. His leadership emphasizes data-driven decision-making, strategic partnerships, and continuous improvement to ensure that children and families receive exceptional early learning opportunities.

Corey provides oversight to all content areas, ensuring alignment with Head Start Performance Standards and organizational goals. His ability to blend compliance requirements with innovative family engagement strategies has contributed to program excellence and community impact.

Corey has successfully navigated multiple federal reviews and countless self-assessments throughout his tenure in Head Start. Since 2014, he has been actively training staff locally and on the national level with Head Start University.

Corey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Rochester College and is recognized for his ability to inspire teams, foster collaborative environments, and maintain an unwavering commitment to preparing children for lifelong success.