Down East Partnership News

Down East Partnership for Children Announces Ashleigh Arsenault as New Executive Director
Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC) is pleased to announce Ashleigh Arsenault, M.Ed., as its new Executive Director, effective Nov. 2, 2026. Arsenault brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education, program leadership, and nonprofit management to the role as she leads the organization’s continued work to support children and families in Nash and Edgecombe counties.

DEPC Board Chair Dr. Trent Mohrbutter welcomes Arsenault and expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s next chapter.

“Please join me in welcoming Ashleigh as DEPC’s new Executive Director,” Mohrbutter said. “We’re excited about the fresh perspective and energy she will bring to our work supporting children and families. Our Board looks forward to working alongside Ashleigh, our dedicated staff, and our community partners to build on DEPC’s strong foundation and continue making a meaningful difference.”

Arsenault began her career working directly with young children in the classroom before advancing into leadership positions, including serving as a Child Development Center Director for Navy Child and Youth Programs. Her experience at both the classroom and administrative levels has provided her with a firsthand understanding of the needs of children, families, and early childhood educators.

Most recently, Arsenault served as Implementation and Fidelity Manager with Southwestern Child Development Commission, supporting early childhood programs and services across 37 counties in western North Carolina. Previously, she served as Early Care and Education Manager at Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families, where she collaborated with educators, community partners, and local organizations to strengthen early childhood programs throughout northeastern North Carolina.

Arsenault holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

“I’m truly honored and excited to join Down East Partnership for Children as its next Executive Director,” Arsenault said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the board, staff, and community partners who are so dedicated to making a difference. DEPC has a wonderful history of supporting children and families in Nash and Edgecombe counties, and I’m excited to build on that foundation, explore new opportunities, and see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”

Arsenault joins DEPC as the organization continues its longstanding commitment to strengthening the early childhood system and creating opportunities for children to thrive. Through collaboration with families, schools, community organizations, and other partners, DEPC works to ensure children have the support they need to enter school ready to learn and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Her appointment marks a new chapter for DEPC as it builds on more than three decades of community partnership. Arsenault succeeds Henrietta Zalkind, who is retiring after more than 33 years of leadership and service to DEPC and continues working toward its mission of launching every child as a healthy, lifelong learner by the end of the third grade.

Literacy: The Foundation for a Stronger Future

By Henrietta Zalkind, DEPC Executive Director

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. One of the most important building blocks for that success is literacy.

Literacy is much more than learning to read words on a page. It begins at birth and develops through everyday experiences, listening to stories, singing songs, talking with caring adults, and exploring the world through play. Research tells us that more than 90 percent of brain development occurs before age five, making the early years critical for building the language and literacy skills children need to thrive.

At Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC), literacy is at the heart of our mission to launch every child as a healthy, lifelong learner by the end of third grade. While we do not operate a standalone literacy program, literacy is intentionally woven into everything we do.

We believe that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. That is why literacy is integrated throughout our parenting programs, playgroups, family support services, and kindergarten transition activities. Through programs such as Triple P, Kaleidoscope Play & Learn, Family Navigation, and Family First, we help parents build language-rich home environments where children can grow, learn, and develop a love of reading.

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Zalkind to retire after more than three decades of service

After more than 30 years of visionary leadership, Henrietta Zalkind, Executive Director of the Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC), has announced her retirement at the end of 2026. Zalkind has served in this role since the organization’s founding in 1993 and has been instrumental in shaping DEPC into a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education and family support.

“Henrietta’s leadership has always been about people, ensuring children and families feel seen, supported, and connected to real opportunity,” said Dr. Trent Mohrbutter, DEPC’s Board Chairman. “For more than 30 years, she built not just programs, but trust across this community. We are deeply grateful for her steadfast leadership, her unwavering commitment to children, and her friendship. She leaves this partnership in great shape, and now our work is to carry that legacy forward.”

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When Families Need Stability Most, Community Matters
By Henrietta Zalkind for the Rocky Mount Telegram 

Across eastern North Carolina, many families are working hard every day just to keep their children safe. For some, that effort includes navigating the realities of homelessness, a challenge that is often hidden, misunderstood, and deeply impactful for young children.

Down East Partnership for Children recently hosted a presentation and discussion through a partnership supported by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education.  Community and regional partners were brought together to focus on an urgent issue: the needs of young children experiencing homelessness right now.

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Down East Partnership for Children Offers Weekly Play and Learn Groups for Families with Young Children

Rocky Mount, NC — Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join weekly Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups hosted by Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC). These free groups provide caregivers and young children the opportunity to learn through play, build school readiness skills, and connect with other families in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Each session is held from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the following locations:

  • Mondays – DEPC (215 Lexington St., Rocky Mount), led by Liz Norman
  • Tuesdays – DEPC (215 Lexington St., Rocky Mount), led by Natalie Brooks
  • Wednesdays – Spaulding Family Resource Center (600 S. Pine St., Spring Hope), led by Sydney Land
  • Fridays – Edgecombe County Memorial Library (909 N. Main St., Tarboro), led by Liz Norman

Caregivers and their children enjoy hands-on activities, songs, stories, and guided play experiences designed to support early learning and development. Families also gain ideas and tools they can use at home to continue their child’s growth and learning.

Recently, playgroups celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and enjoyed a special visit from Polly with The Wisdom Tooth Program. Children sang songs, read a book about keeping their teeth healthy, and had lots of fun brushing the teeth of Ms. Polly’s stuffed animals while learning about good dental hygiene habits.

Families interested in participating are encouraged to register by contacting Bethany Lambeth at blambeth@depc.orgor 252-985-4300 ext. 270. Visit depc.org for more information.

DEPC welcomes caregivers and young children to come play, learn, and grow together.

Building Strong Foundations for Families in Challenging Times
By Henrietta Zalkind for the Rocky Mount Telegram 

These are challenging times for families. Across our community, families are facing uncertainty — from worries about putting food on the table, to finding affordable, safe housing, to struggling with child care that allows parents to work.

Like many challenges before, we remain committed to moving forward with a sharp focus on what we can do to make a difference for families.

This year, DEPC lost considerable funding due to cuts to SNAP-Ed, and we face uncertainty about future state allocations. Still, our commitment to children and families remains unwavering. We continue to make the best use of the resources available and to strengthen the early education system our community deserves.

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Compensation Matters
Q&A with Henrietta Zalkind

Check out this Q&A from the Early Years with DEPC Executive Director Henrietta Zalind on the importance of W.A.G.E.$ and compensation for educators.

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Visit Early Years site: Link to Early Years NC

DEPC is Approved SECC Charity

Did you know that Down East Partnership for Children is an approved Charity with the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC)? Our code is #3751. Help spread the word about another way to support young children and families in our community.

DEPC Named Certified Family Forward Employer

Down East Partnership for Children has been named a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s Family Forward NC® initiative.

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Learn more about Family Forward NC:  link to site