Who We Are

Maria Blanco, M.Ed.

Program Director, Early Childhood Initiatives

Maria Blanco has worked as an Assistant Professor in the Human Development Center’s Early Childhood Initiatives since 2006. She is currently Director of the Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood program (IPEC) and Director of the Early Head Start-Childcare Partnership. Maria was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Early Childhood Education Commission. She also serves on the Louisiana Early Childhood Advisory Council and the New Orleans Early Education Network Steering Committee.

Ritu Dua, B.Ed., M.A.

Services Support Specialist

My name is Ritu Dua. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts majoring in English, Economics, and Political Science, a bachelor’s degree in Education, and Master’s degree in Literature. I chose to work in the field of early education because it’s very rewarding putting smiles on faces and I leave every day very satisfied. I believe that there is no school greater than childhood and no teacher greater than curiosity. I’m amazed every day to see that such little people can have such big personalities! I will be working as an Early Education Specialist for LSUHSC. I’m happily married for 24 years to my loving husband and we recently celebrated our anniversary by traveling to Europe to celebrate our 25 years of togetherness. We have a twenty-three year old handsome son who works at UMC and is crazy about Ultimate Frisbee. I like to travel with my family and have seen some very beautiful cities of the world. I also like to read and love to cook.

Katie Rambeau, M.Ed.

Disability Specialist and Mentor Coach

As the Disability Specialist for Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, Katie Rambeau, M.Ed. works to expand professional development and technical assistance to families, early learning centers and schools to support children with disabilities.

Courtney Bissonnette, BS, MSN

Health Specialist

Courtney Bissonnette is the health specialist for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership at the Human Development Center. Courtney is an experienced pediatric registered nurse who recently graduated with her masters of nursing in nursing education. Driven by her compassion in pediatric nursing, she takes pride in providing the best quality pediatric healthcare and pediatric nursing education possible. As a health specialist, her goals include monitoring children’s health statuses and health requirements and providing health education to families and staff. When not on the clock, you can find Courtney spending time with her special needs daughter and significant other. They love spending their off weekends visiting Courtney’s hometown beach town, Bay St. Louis, MS, enjoying the perfect atmosphere and live music.

Asia Edwards

Family and Engagement Specialist

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.

Jhane Varnado

Education Specialist

Jhane Varnado was born and raised in New Orleans, she received her bachelor's degree in child development and family studies from Southern University at New Orleans and has worked in childcare since 2021. She has gained experience and knowledge working in numerous childcare centers throughout the greater New Orleans area. Here at LSUHSC Jhane will serve as Education Specialist where she will offer onsite coaching and resources to teachers, students and families.

Crystal Fernandez

Education Coordinator

Crystal Fernandez is the Education Coordinator for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership at the Human Development Center. She recently started at LSU in December 2024. Crystal has 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is a knowledgeable Education Coach that supports teachers in their professional growth that leads to positive outcomes for children. She is passionate and committed to increasing the quality of education for all children and making a difference in the lives of our future leaders. She has been married to her husband for 14 years and has two beautiful daughters.

Kelly Sommers

Family and Engagement Specialist

Kelly Sommers is a Family and Community Specialist. Driven by passion for helping others in her community, she takes pride in providing the best advocacy possible. As a Family and Community Specialist, her goals include supporting children and their families and providing resources to help families attain their goals. Kelly enjoys spending time with her children and family and photography.

Kelly Sommers works with the Human Development Center’s Early Head Start Child Care Partnership. Since 2024, Kelly has assisted in enrolling children into Early Head Start centers and helping families actualize their potential by creating and reaching their personal goals.