Management Team

Family & Community Partnerships and Mental Health Manager

Andrea Burford

Andrea B. Burford is a Qualified Mental Health Professional with certifications for both Adults and Children (QMHP-A/C). She began working in the Human Services field in 1996 and is currently employed in the dual capacity of Family and Community Partnerships Coordinator and Mental Health Manager for the Head Start Program at Mile High Kids and Community Development, Incorporated. Mrs. Burford matriculated from James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology, and a double minor in Criminal Justice and Family Issues. Over the years, Mrs. Burford has served as a Counselor at a Youth Residential Treatment Center, as well as provided Mental Health Counseling for Therapeutic Day Treatment, Intensive In-Home, and Mental Health Skill-Building services throughout the Hamptons Roads and Central Virginia regions. In her current role, Mrs. Burford is the senior supervisor of the Family Services Department which advocates for vulnerable, at-risk children and their families, through recruitment, enrollment, family engagement, mental health wellness, disability services, and community collaborations. Mrs. Burford is a community servant and a proud member of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has served on the Executive Board for the past 6 years. Mrs. Burford is passionate about serving the community and promoting cultural inclusivity conducive for all individuals to thrive.

Transportation and Facilities Manager

Irvin L. Brown

Mr. Irvin Brown has lived in Portsmouth his entire life. He started working in facilities at the age of 22 where he managed his own business. He has worked in facilities about 40 years and Transportation for 4 years. Mr. Brown retired from Portsmouth Public schools after 20 years and assumed the position with Mile High Kids as Transportation and Facilities Manager in 2018.

Education/Disabilities and Program Quality Manager

Sherri C. Farrow

Sherri Farrow is a life-long learner. She started as a public school educator in the year 2001 and continued for 21 years. Sherri brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Head Start Program. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University in Interdisciplinary Studies/Early Childhood Education, Sherri has taught grades Pre-k through 2. She has also been a lead teacher, grade level chair, curriculum writer, consultant, served as a mentor, and as cooperating teacher to Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University student teachers. Sherri received a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction/Leadership from Concordia University. Throughout her career, Sherri has been named Teacher of the Year for Churchland Preschool Center and Educator of the Year for ACHI Magazine. She is a current member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Sorority for Women Educators and serves on Norfolk State University’s Teacher Education Advisory Board. Sherri is currently working as the Education/Disabilities and Program Quality Manager for Mile High Kids and Community Development, Inc. Sherri’s philosophy is that every child can learn given the proper instruction.

Program/Health Manager

Darlene Lee Ransom

Darlene, a native of Northumberland County, Virginia, takes pleasure in assisting others in achieving their full potential. Early in life, Darlene realized she was passionate about uniting a community. Darlene completed her secondary education at Liberty University, earning a BA in Science in Religion in 2003 and an MA of Arts in Counseling in 2006.

Darlene has worked with local youth for more than 25 years. Within the Northern Neck, she has served as a community advocate. Darlene became a grant writer in order to obtain financing to launch and run a summer day camp for children and teenagers ages 3 to 17 for 7 years. She was driven to help as many children and families as possible throughout the Northern Neck. Each year, the camp serviced over 100 kids.

Darlene was recruited by the Northumberland County Courts to conduct the “Total Deliverance” 12-Step Substance Abuse Program, where she collaborated with the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Service Board to offer assistance to addicts and repeat offenders. Darlene provided one-on-one therapy at the Northern Neck Region Jail in Warsaw, Virginia, while working as an outreach missioner.

Darlene’s experience in the field of mental health is extensive. She was employed as a Youth Counselor at The Northern Neck, Essex County Group Home, Youth Prevention Services Coordinator for the Middle Peninsula Community Services Board, Supervisor at The Haven Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Family Services Worker for Essex Department of Social Services, FAPT Chair and CSA Coordinator for Essex DSS, In-Home Counselor for Behavioral Health Services of Richmond, Therapeutic Day Treatment for Intercept Youth Services, Brother’s Keeper, Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board and James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Va., Health Manager and Program Director for CDI Head Start serving East Va.

Darlene is currently Program Director and Health Manager for Mile High Kids and Community Development, Inc. in East Virginia. In addition to her community work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Daniel, her three daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. Darlene believes nothing happens by chance, but that our steps are uniquely ordered and connected to a divine plan.

(757) 962-8005

2712 Southern Blvd. Suite 201
VA Beach, VA 23452

info@milehigh-kids.org