Staff Bios
Sharen L. Hausmann
As the director of Smart Start Georgia (Smart Start), Sharen Hausmann drives the organization's scope of work in the state of Georgia. Sharen manages the strategic planning and implementation of Smart Start as its services expand across the state of Georgia. She also identifies and pursues Georgia regions that are potential Smart Start Plus counties, and works to secure additional program funding.
She has dedicated her life to improving the quality of care for all children and prior to Smart Start, she served as a consultant, lecturer, teacher, and trainer, empowering teachers to promote healthy growth and development in young children.
Sharen received her master's degree in Child and Youth Care Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She also took part in the Reggio Emilia Education Approach Summer Institute in Reggio Emilia, Italy and participated in the School-Age Child Care Leadership Institute by the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women. In addition, Sharen is affiliated with a number of state and national early care and education professional organizations nationwide.
Economy F. Jackson
As Director of Community Impact, Children, Economy Jackson manages a number of early learning initiatives including Success By 6® and Born Learning. She also provides guidance and resources to Georgia regions seeking a stronger Smart Start presence.
A graduate of the United Way's Community Building Institute and Volunteer Involvement Program, Economy has a strong background in civic and community-based organizations. She was a Loaned Executive for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta 1994, 1995 and 2000 campaigns.
Economy is also a past President of the National Council of Negro Women-Atlanta Metro Section. She has conducted parent educational workshops, fundraisers, and counseling for homeless families. Economy is currently a board member of Breakthrough Atlanta, an academic enrichment program for metro Atlanta youth.
She is a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology.
Katrina D. Mitchell
A native of Queens NY, Katrina is currently the Southeast Regional Director of Get Ready to Read!. She most recently served as the Program Director for Literacy, Inc. (LINC) and was primarily responsible for managing LINC’s long and short term program development. Prior to assuming her role at LINC, she served as Manager in the Education & Youth Division at the National Urban League. She was responsible for managing the Urban League’s early literacy and parental involvement initiatives.
Katrina continues to share her knowledge with others by conducting local and national training sessions for college students teaching in summer reading programs, and to education professionals who implement education programs at community-based organizations.
After receiving a BA in English from Wellesley College, Katrina spent a year at Spelman College as an exchange student and received a Masters of Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education with a special focus on Literacy and Arts in Education.
G. Kim Sumpter
After attending the Long Island Business Institute with a concentration on Business Administration, Kim began her career at Smart Start in January 2005.
As a Project Manager for Smart Start, Kim is the driving force behind the Born Learning Educational Awareness campaign, the Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids, or SPARK Georgia program, and Smart Start Communications.
An active member of the United Way Community Building team, Kim has worked with various community based programs and organizations like the Atlanta Food Bank, and Sheltering Arms.
LeWanda Hall
LeWanda is a Native of Cleveland OH who attended Eastern Michigan University where she received a Masters Degree in Technology with a concentration in Information Security.
Currently a Project Manager with Smart Start, LeWanda is responsible for a number of early learning initiatives including Play Smart, Smart Tots, and the Early Learning Blueprint.
In her spare time she likes to volunteer for multiple youth organizations, as well as community revitalization projects such as Habit for Humanity.
She is an active member of the Project Management Institute and the Professional Association of Industrial Distributors.
