07/16/2026
Dear Providers,
After 33 years of serving child care providers through First Choice Support Services, I am announcing my retirement as Executive Director, effective September 30, 2026.
This decision comes with profound gratitude and reflection as I look back on a career that has been far more meaningful and rewarding than I ever imagined. The true rewards of this work were never measured by a paycheck. Instead, they were found in the relationships we built, the lives we touched, and the lasting impact we created together.
I leave this chapter with a heart full of gratitude for the many blessings this journey has brought:
* A career that helped provide for and support my family.
* Friendships that grew into lifelong connections.
* The privilege of serving hundreds of child care providers while positively impacting thousands of children and families.
* The opportunity to help build and strengthen a program grounded in integrity, accountability, and service.
* The honor of earning the trust and confidence of providers across Kansas.
* The joy of concluding this chapter with immense pride, gratitude, and countless cherished memories.
These blessings have shaped both my professional and personal life in ways I will always treasure.
Over the years, I have watched providers open their doors, build thriving businesses, raise families, and, in many cases, become grandparents themselves. I have celebrated births, graduations, weddings, retirements, and countless other milestones alongside many of you. What began as professional relationships often blossomed into enduring friendships that have enriched my life beyond measure.
Together, we navigated changing regulations, state reviews, audits, economic challenges, and seasons of uncertainty. Through every obstacle, your unwavering dedication to the children in your care never wavered. Your resilience, compassion, and commitment have been a constant source of inspiration.
I am equally grateful for the exceptional Board of Directors, dedicated employees, mentors, fellow directors, consultants, and the staff at the Kansas State Department of Education who have supported this mission throughout the years. Their leadership, guidance, hard work, and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in the success of First Choice Support Services and in the lives of the providers, children, and families we have all been honored to serve.
When I reflect on these 33 years, I am filled with pride—not because of what I accomplished alone, but because of what we accomplished together. The legacy of First Choice Support Services will live on in every child nurtured, every provider encouraged, every family supported, and every community strengthened through our shared commitment to serving others.
As I prepare to begin this next chapter, one of my greatest hopes is that the legacy of First Choice Support Services will continue for many years to come. The mission of serving providers with integrity, accountability, compassion, and excellence has always been at the heart of our organization, and it is my sincere desire that this commitment remains unchanged.
To help ensure a seamless transition, the Board of Directors has selected Kelly Horn to serve as the next Executive Director of First Choice Support Services, effective October 1, 2026. Kelly brings valuable experience to this role, having previously served as a consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education for 2 years and as Executive Director of Sunshine Connections for more than 14 years. I have every confidence that she will continue the mission of First Choice by supporting providers with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to quality service.
While leadership changes, the mission and service remains the same. I hope you will extend to Kelly the same kindness, trust, and partnership that you have so generously shared with me over the past 33 years. Together, I know you will continue building upon the strong foundation that has made First Choice Support Services a trusted partner for child care providers across Kansas.
As I begin this next chapter, I will carry with me the memories, friendships, and lessons from this remarkable journey. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and the opportunity to walk alongside you for so many years.
Serving you has been one of the greatest honors and blessings of my life. My prayer is that God continues to bless your homes, your families, and the precious children you care for each day. May He guide your work, strengthen your hearts, and continue to bless the important role you play in the lives of children. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. I will forever cherish being a part of mine.
With my deepest gratitude and warmest wishes,
**~ Mindy David-Graybeal ~**
Executive Director
First Choice Support Services, Inc.
