The staff of YCFS is made up of dedicated individuals with a variety of backgrounds. Many staff members have had over 10 years of experience in providing early childhood services.
Executive Director of York County First Steps
David Lisk spent over 20 years in a corporate industrial setting primarily in marketing and business development roles. He has focused the last 20+ years on assisting preschool children and their families as they prepared for their children to enter school, initially as the General Manager / Owner for a private childcare provider with locations in NC and SC. During the last 15 years, he served as a Board Member and then as the Executive Director of York County First Steps. Through all the opportunities to learn and gain experience, the capacity to develop and grow collaborative relationships has been consistent in his career. The opportunity to work within communities to leverage these relationships to help our future generations reach their life’s potential is where he derives the greatest satisfaction. He works to use his business skills to advance the efforts of community organizations providing early interventions in the most effective manner.
David earned a BS Degree in Engineering from UNC at Charlotte with continuing education in Marketing and Business Relations from the University of Michigan. He has also received certification from Winthrop University in Non-Profit Management.
He and his wife, Anne, have three married sons with 3 grandchildren that they enjoy spoiling every chance they get. When he isn’t involved in the community with the Rotary Club, Early Education, or other community initiatives, he likes traveling with his family, collecting books, and golf.
Program Assistant
Susan has been the Program Assistant for York County First Steps since August 2000. She has enjoyed seeing all of the children and families that have benefitted from the programs within York County First Steps over the years. Her job includes overseeing the childcare voucher program for teenage parents in order for them to obtain a high school diploma. She also handles general office duties for York County First Steps and York Regional Nurse-Family Partnership. Another one of her duties is to assist the Executive Director. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with minors in Sociology and Human Resource Management from the University of West Alabama. She is married to Roger Hagood, and they have three children, Alane, John, and Will. She also has five grandchildren, Lexi, Parker, Caleb, Riley Anne and Rush.
Early Childhood Specialist
For the past twenty years Susan has worked as an Early Childhood Specialist for York County First Steps. Her love of working with children and childcare providers began over twenty-five years ago, when she first began working in a childcare center. She has served in every capacity from teacher, to cook, to director, and has gained valuable knowledge from every experience. To aid her in her career as a Specialist, she has earned a Masters in Counseling with both agency and school certification from Winthrop University, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. Although her education and experience are truly irreplaceable, she has found that while raising her own two children, Trey 14, and Emery 9, she has gained a deeper respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of children and the teachers who guide them. Her goal continues to be to serve the childcare providers of York County to help them grow in the knowledge of early childhood, so they can become a force in the lives of all the children they serve.
Early Childhood Specialist
Kiana Rios brings a decade of enriching experience as an early childhood specialist. She has previously served as a childcare program supervisor, where her dedication and heart made a significant impact. Kiana holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood from Winthrop University. Her expertise, particularly honed in special education classrooms, reflects her commitment to nurturing the potential in every child.
Passionate about making positive, lasting impacts, Kiana is dedicated to fostering an environment where young learners can thrive.
NFP Program Manager
Rebecca Terry brings a diverse professional background and deep commitment to supporting pregnant women and new moms as they move into a mothering role and achieve their goals for themselves and their families. After serving as a hospital chaplain and congregational minister for several years, Rebecca pursued a career in nursing–first working as a labor and delivery nurse, then as a high-risk obstetric nurse, and finally moving into community health nursing. Before coming to Nurse Family Partnership at York County First Steps, she was a nurse supervisor at the NFP program at Care Ring in Charlotte.
Implementing Nurse Family Partnership has provided her a deep appreciation for and understanding of how NFP can transform the lives of mothers and infants, and collectively change communities.
Rebecca holds a BA from Baylor University (1996), Master of Divinity from Divinity School of Wake Forest University (2003) and a BSN from Texas Christian University (2014).
(803) 984-3139
NFP Nurse Home Visitor
Karmen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology in 2006 from the University of South Carolina. Karmen then found her passion for Nursing and pursued her Bachelors degree in Nursing in 2010 at the University of South Carolina.
Most of Karmen’s nursing experience prior to coming to Nurse-Family Partnership centered around mental health. Karmen worked with all ages ranging from children to senior citizens, in all different settings- inpatient, drug rehabs, long-term care, and home health. Karmen has been with NFP since August of 2018.
Karmen states, “I love my job because of the transitions you see in clients. Many clients join the program, scared/nervous/worried about the future, and then by the time they graduate, they have truly blossomed and are happy, thriving, successful moms.”
NFP Nurse Home Visitor
Jasana Simpson is a dedicated registered nurse whose heart beats with a passion for helping others. With a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her patients, Jasana brings a wealth of experience and a genuine caring attitude to her role as a registered nurse.
Jasana’s journey in the world of nursing began with her four-year nursing program at the prestigious University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Jasana’s nursing career has included valuable experience in both Medical Surgical and postpartum care. Her diverse background has given her the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients. Jasana states, “I thrive on getting to know my patients personally and actively participating in their health and well-being journey.”
Outside of work, Jasana enjoys exploring the world through travel and cherishing quality moments with her three wonderful daughters. Her passion for caring extends beyond the hospital walls and enriches the lives of those around her.
NFP Nurse Home Visitor
Dianne’s journey into nursing began in 2007 when she graduated with her Associate’s in Nursing. Eager to expand her horizons and deepen her knowledge, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in 2011 and then achieved her Master’s in Nursing with a specialization in Management and Organizational Leadership. For the past 16 years, Dianne has been a dedicated healthcare professional, spending the last 9 years at the forefront of Labor and Delivery in a hospital setting. Dianne states, “My passion lies in caring for pregnant mothers and their newborns, with a special dedication to supporting teenagers. I find the entire process of pregnancy, labor, and delivery utterly fascinating.”
Beyond her career, Dianne shares her life with her husband and three of her five children in the Upstate region. She enjoys exploring new destinations, indulging in creative crafts, and delving into the intriguing world of true crime. When she’s not at work or pursuing her hobbies, you can find her relaxing by the lake, savoring the natural beauty of South Carolina.
Connected Families Parent Educator
Katie Goforth, a dedicated and devoted early childhood and family services professional for families and children, is from York County, South Carolina. Motivated by her mother’s parenting challenges, she champions the importance of family support. After working in academia, Katie transitioned to parenting education (Parents As Teachers) to empower parents as their child’s first teacher. With an Early Childhood Education degree as well as a degree in Early Childhood and Family Services Management, she focuses on helps families build strong foundation for their children’s successes. As board director for the Clover LEAF Foundation, Katie collaborates to provide vital support to families in need within the local area. Working in childcare, schools, and the parent education field reflects her commitment to building stronger family units. Her journey exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact through kindness and support for families.
Katie’s family, including her supportive husband, James, and four her children (Zoe, Autumn, Ian, and Alison), inspires her daily mission to uplift others. She lives by a simple mantra she learned from one of her favorite teachers, Mrs. Merilyn Cain. “Even a small pebble can create a large ripple. Be the pebble create in the ripple.” Katie strives to help families go forth and beyond!
Connected Families Parent Educator
Laura is originally from Alabama but after 35 years in South Carolina she is happy to call it home. Laura attended Winthrop University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Laura has two daughters, Madison 26 and Lyndsie 23. Laura is very involved with her church where she serves as a teacher in the children’s church program. She also volunteers as a foster for her local animal shelter.
Laura is currently a Parent Educator for the York County First Steps’ Connected Families program in which she conducts home visits with families in York County, referred by DSS, to assist parents/caregivers in working toward family preservation and reunification.
Connected Families Parent Educator
Andrea is the newest member of the Connected Families program, and the sole bilingual Parent Educator on the team. She brings with her, a wealth of knowledge on parenting young children and the importance of cultural diversity. The Connected Families program partners with DSS to aid families in family preservation and reunification through a home visitation model.
Andrea recently moved from California to South Carolina. She is the proud mother of two young boys and utilizes this experience in her career. Andrea possesses an Associate Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as an Associate in Sociology. She is currently continuing her study of Sociology as she works towards a bachelor’s degree from California State University of San Marcos. Andrea enjoys making connections in her community, spending time with her family, and taking portraits and photographs.
Connected Families Parent Educator
Griffin, a native of York County, is dedicated to giving back to his community. He holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Child and Family Services, from Winthrop University. Griffin has a strong passion for supporting families and fostering community engagement.
Currently, Griffin works at York County First Steps, where he is part of the Connected Families program. In this role, he assists families referred by the Department of Social Services (DSS) in their journey toward reunification and overall family well-being through home visitation services in both York and Chester Counties.
In his free time, Griffin enjoys coaching baseball and actively participating in community activities.
For Inquiries related to Child Care Providers:
Susan Robinson, Early Childhood Specialist: Contact
Faxes may be sent to 803-981-5784