Humans of WISD: Meet Christine

Meet Christine Messer, ERSEA Specialist (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance)

"I feel like my story really starts with Head Start and that I'm continuing that story today. I grew up in Detroit with a single mom and my sister. My mom, who was working several jobs – including cleaning businesses at night – could see that I needed a little extra help, although she didn't know what that looked like or how to find it. She just knew that I was developing differently. 

We had relatives that lived in Livonia, and they had a Head Start program there, so my mom worked to get us out of Detroit and the people at Livonia’s Head Start program really gave her the courage to advocate for me. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a number of disabilities and delays, including hearing loss, speech, and ADHD. Head Start also helped my mom get a job and go back to school. I received the services I deserved and everything that I needed to learn and grow. Before Head Start, my mom was frequently given worrying prognoses of my eventual outcome – like my speech wouldn’t ever reach the level of my peers, and that I wouldn’t be able to graduate high school. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree and while working toward my master’s in social services, I started working for Head Start in Detroit. After ten wonderful years, I started working at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District as the ERSEA Specialist. One of the best parts of my job as an ERSEA Specialist is working toward full program enrollment by connecting families with the services that meet their unique needs. It's exhilarating and fulfilling for me when I hear we've achieved both of those goals. The incredible work of encouraging families to reach out to us for services and reaching full program enrollment is truly rewarding and benefits the whole community.

Another part of this work that I enjoy is supporting the education staff. Even though I don't directly provide the education, I know that by doing my part, I helped this child, this family and this program. I get excited knowing that students that might not normally have a chance to receive a high-quality education are receiving one.

Head Start has been a blessing to me and I'm grateful it's offered through the WISD. I didn't know that they were making an impact on my life when I was only three years old, but I know now. I know that it could have been really different for me if I hadn't received that extra help at an early age. It’s come full-circle and is a joyful reflection to be able to say, “Head Start did it for me, and now I get to do it for other families.”

Story bonus: Applications are NOW OPEN for high-quality, no cost preschool, including Head Start. You can learn more and apply at www.HelpMeGrowWashtenaw.org.

Inspired by (and with special permission from!) the original "Humans of New York," the "Humans of WISD" storytelling project is uncovering what drives our WISD team and why they're passionate about their work in the district and in our community.