Marsha Dawson

Marsha Dawson grew up in Charleston, WV and from an early age knew she wanted to work with children, so she began volunteering many hours at the Kennedy Center in Charleston.  Marsha came to Marshall University and earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Her first position was working as the kindergarten teacher in the First Baptist Church Day Care.  From there she went to work at Children’s Place as the 4-year-olds teacher and the curriculum coordinator.  When the director left, she applied for and was unanimously voted the new director of Children’s Place, a position she held for 10 years. Her husband was seriously ill, so she stopped working to be with him. When she went back to work it was at the Child Care Academy at Cabell Midland, a position she held for 4 years before becoming the 4^th grade teacher at Central City, the position she held until her retirement. Marsha continues to consult on childcare issues and is a tireless advocate for children.

She is actively involved in the community serving on the board of the Leagues of Women Voters; she serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of River Valley Child Development Services; and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Marsha loves gardening and would like to do more traveling with hopes of visiting Niagara Falls and to go on a safari in Africa.