Delaware Team

Ronnell Nathaniel is the Vice President of Acelero Learning Head Start in Delaware, leading Head Start and Early Head Start services across nine early childhood centers throughout the state. Ronnell is an early childhood education leader with over 20 years of experience, beginning her career as an elementary education teacher before discovering her passion for early childhood education and Head Start.

Throughout her career, Ronnell has held progressive leadership roles across the field, including Head Start Teacher, Director of Education, and positions providing educational technical assistance and support to Head Start grantees nationwide. Ronnell holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The City College of New York. She is passionate about strengthening Head Start programs, developing leaders, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where educators and teams can grow and thrive. Her leadership is grounded in continuous learning, accountability, innovation, and a deep commitment to ensuring that children and families receive high-quality and responsive services.

Michelle is the Director of Family Engagement Services at Acelero Learning Delaware, bringing over 15 years of family engagement experience. Previously, Michelle served as a Model Support Specialist and Director of Family Engagement and Health Services with Shine Early Learning, where she partnered with the prior grantee to support the local community and expanded her expertise by working with partners across the country. Her experience includes leadership roles in early childhood systems and child welfare. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Bloomsburg University, with a minor in Psychology and a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. Michelle is deeply committed to enhancing family engagement practices, improving child outcomes to drive meaningful, sustainable impact for the community.

Clara Martinez is the Director of Monitoring & Compliance at Acelero Learning, where she applies her extensive regulatory expertise to ensure high-quality outcomes for children and families. With a career dedicated to early childhood leadership, she previously served as the Chief Program Officer of Head Start at Children & Families First, overseeing services for over 500 children, and as a Head Start Director at Telamon Corporation, where she managed programs for more than 800 children. Clara holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College and a MPA from Wilmington University.

Ashleigh Rossey serves as Director of Education & Inclusion for Acelero Learning Delaware, where she leads education, disabilities, and mental health services across the program’s Head Start and Early Head Start centers.

Ashleigh has worked in Head Start since 2014 and, prior to joining Acelero Learning Delaware, served as a teacher, supervisor, coach, and education manager. She brings deep experience in early childhood education, inclusion, staff development, and program leadership.

In her role, Ashleigh oversees curriculum implementation, child assessment, developmental screening, school readiness, and systems that support children with diverse learning and developmental needs. She works closely with Center Directors, Early Learning Specialists, teachers, and community partners to strengthen inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for children.

Ashleigh is passionate about building strong partnerships and a culture of warmth, high expectations, and continuous growth so every child and family feels supported, valued, and able to thrive.