Welcoming Cathy Siggins as Director of the Manuela Fonseca Early Childhood Programs
VT-HEC is pleased to announce that Cathy Siggins, M.Ed., has been selected Director of the Manuela Fonseca Early Childhood Programs.
Cathy is no stranger to VT-HEC or to the early childhood field. She was among the first graduates of the VT-HEC Early Childhood Program in 2007, earning her initial teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education. She went on to complete a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and has spent the years since building a career of remarkable breadth and depth in early education — as a classroom teacher, outreach educator, educational director, mentor, and trainer.
Cathy has developed professional training programs on topics including Vermont Early Learning Standards, Universal Design for Learning, social-emotional development, and inclusive practices. She has served as an Early MTSS trainer and coach, a Teaching Strategies Gold trainer, and a longtime mentor for early childhood licensure candidates across Vermont. She has also served in leadership roles at several early learning programs and is a 2024 VTAEYC Fellow.
Cathy has been a VT-HEC instructor since 2016, teaching graduate-level curriculum development for early educators and serving as a seminar instructor and mentor for initial licensure candidates. Since January 1, 2026 she has served as Interim Director of the programs, bringing continuity, deep institutional knowledge, and steady leadership during the transition following Manuela Fonseca’s retirement.
Cathy’s commitment to accessible, high-quality early educator preparation aligns deeply with the mission of the Manuela Fonseca Early Childhood Programs. Her familiarity with the programs positions her exceptionally well to lead them into their next chapter.
Please join us in welcoming Cathy to this role. We look forward to the continued growth and impact of these programs under her leadership.