Client Showcase

Meet Claudia, who attended Children First as a small child and later returned as a teacher. Claudia talks about how, Children First, which is consistently ranked in the top 1% of Head Start providers in the US, nurtured her both as a child and later as an employee. It's a touching full-circle story that illustrates the powerful impact Children First has every day on kids, families, and the whole community. This video was created by BRAD!BRYAN Multimedia in partnership with Evan Ackerman of Children First for the organizations annual Fairytale Ball fundraising gala. Learn more at www.childrenfirst.net.

Hear about pivotal moments in Children First's extraordinary 65-year history from people who lived them. That includes Helen Jones-Dixon, who in 1938 became the very first student of the Newtown Day Nursery, which later became Children First! Children First has grown to be one of the top pre-schools in the United States, consistently ranked in the top 1% of Head Start programs nationally. It now serves the community at several locations strategically placed around Sarasota County, and it helps transform our community by serving not just children, but also their families. Learn more at www.childrenfirst.net.

Philip Tavill has been a transformative leader for Children First for 30 years. In this video, you'll hear from VIPs who have worked with Philip over the years about what makes him unique and why he is so powerfully effective in his role as Children First's CEO. Featured local luminaries include Heather Kasten (President/CEO, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce), Michael Klauber (Co-Proprietor, Michael's On East), Mike Pachoda (Founder, Venice Pier Group), Jim Rolfes (Attorney and former board chair), Hank Battie (President, Cravats' Custom Clothiers and former board member), Michael Suarez (former County Emergency Manager and Children First Board Chair), and Dr. Frederick Tavill (Philip's father). Learn more at www.childrenfirst.net.

Meet the Cecil-Smith family. Their two children, graduates of Children First's Head Start program, went on to participate in Children First's innovative RISE program in elementary school, helping them stay on track for academic success for the rest of their lives. This video was created for the Fairytale Ball 2025 fundraising gala.

Featured video at Children First's Fairytale Ball 2023. Winner of a Silver ADDY Award and a bronze Telly Award.