Deborah Mann
Executive Director/CEO
Executive Director and Founder of Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center, Deborah Mann, has a lifelong mission to meet the needs of children and families in the urban core. She is committed to cultivating a quality early learning environment that promotes kindergarten and school readiness. Her vision is that the children served at Emmanuel will become confident future leaders who love who they are and what they do.
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As someone who grew up in the Prospect Corridor, Deborah started Christian Community Preschool in 1986 because she knew first-hand the need for quality childcare in the southeast KCMO community. Since then, Deborah and her team have grown the organization into what it is today; a childcare campus that serves over 400 children each year through infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age programming.
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Deborah's persevering vision has helped establish her as a leader in the community. She serves on the United Services Community Action Agency’s board, numerous advisory panels and frequently shares Emmanuel’s story with stakeholders and elected officials.
​From 2017-2019, Deborah led a capital campaign to build a new 28,000 sq ft Early Education facility that opened in 2020 despite the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently working to see the completion of the Emmanuel Campus through the addition of a parking lot and the Youth Science and Technology Center.
Deborah has an AA degree in Early Childhood Development, a BA in Child and Family Studies, and a MA in Counseling and Psychology. She is also a foster parent of eighteen years. Her desire is to one day also counsel low-income children and families that have experienced trauma.
Our Leadership
Denise Crawford
Director of Human Resources and Fiscal Management
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Denise has been a vital part of Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center for over 30 years, helping shape the organization into the strong and compassionate community resource it is today. Her extensive experience in leadership, early childhood education, and human resources has made her a trusted guide for both staff and families.
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She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2004. She later went on to receive her Master’s in Leadership & Management in Early Childhood, along with completing graduate-level coursework in Human Resource Management. These qualifications have prepared her to lead in a variety of HR and organizational capacities, with a special focus on employee development, motivation, and effective communication.
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As a mother, Denise brings a heartfelt perspective to her work. She believes that every child deserves to be met with a clear mind and a kind heart—a value that continues to guide her daily interactions.
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In addition to her work at Emmanuel, Denise serves on the board of the T.E.A.C.H. Missouri Scholarship Program, which helps aspiring early childhood professionals access free coursework and pursue their degrees. Her commitment to growing the field and mentoring the next generation of educators is a cornerstone of her career.
At Emmanuel We Value:
Transparency: We choose to interact in a way that supports others understanding our motives and intent.
Learn more about Emmanuel's values.