Small but Mighty

The DeGood Foundation is powered by a mostly-volunteer team of professionals from across our communities. Each person is committed to early childhood development and helping Greater Peninsula children grow up with books in their hands and songs in their hearts.

Leadership & Staff

Our leadership team guides the vision, day-to-day operations, and community partnerships that keep Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library growing in our region.

Kyle DeGood

Founder & Executive Director

  • Kyle DeGood leads The DeGood Foundation with a clear focus on expanding early literacy across the Virginia Peninsulas. Inspired by the simple but powerful belief that every child deserves books in their home, he launched the foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to families throughout the region.

    In addition to his work with the foundation, Kyle serves in the United States Army Reserve, where he applies leadership, discipline, and a commitment to service that also shape his work in the community. He is also a full time staff member at William and Mary, supporting programs that strengthen student and community engagement.

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Catherine Hale-Elliott

Administrative Coordinator

  • Catherine Hale-Elliott is a dedicated community volunteer who supports The DeGood Foundation as its Administrative Coordinator.

    Her passion for early literacy is rooted in her two grandchildren, who receive Imagination Library books and have developed a deep love for reading. Catherine brings that same joy into her work, connecting families and supporters to the impact that books can create.

    Outside her community service, Catherine is an avid quilter who enjoys creating pieces that reflect care, creativity, and connection.

Margaret Barr

Program Coordinator

  • Margaret Barr serves as Program Coordinator for the DeGood Foundation, ensuring that every parent question is answered and that our monthly book-order process runs smoothly. Her background in elementary education and psychology at William & Mary—including rich experience supporting literacy initiatives—gives her a strong foundation for this work.

    Her goal? To make sure that the joy of receiving a book each month becomes a stable, reliable part of each child’s reading journey—and that every participating family knows we’re here every step of the way.

Mishalei Martin

Chief of Staff

  • Mishalei Martin is a community-minded leader and Navy Veteran who serves as Chief of Staff for The DeGood Foundation. Often called our “chief chaos coordinator,” she keeps the entire organization running smoothly by managing key administrative systems, organizing schedules, and making sure no detail slips through the cracks.

    Driven by a deep passion for helping people of all backgrounds and abilities feel supported and seen, Mishalei brings heart, structure, and steady leadership to the foundation’s daily work. Through her service, every family and volunteer experiences the care and coordination that make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library thrive in our region.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides governance, strategic guidance, and vital connections across the community.

  • Susan Womack - Chair | Hilton Garden Inn

  • Emma Barker - Treasurer | Southern Bank

  • Marsha Weatherwax | Weatherwax Insurance

  • Candace Montgomery | The Chesapeake

  • Miguel Morales | Proud Moments ABA

  • Vonnie James | The Pavillion at Williamsburg Place

  • John LaRue | Riverside Health

  • Shukita Massey | 8th Judicial District of Virginia

  • Christina Michelson | Edward Jones

  • Kyle DeGood - Ex Officio | William & Mary

Our board guides our mission and drives the work to ensure that every child has access to free books through the Imagination Library.

Join our Board of Directors

Regional Committees

Regional Committee members support our work with the Imagination Library in each of our service areas. They help connect families, engage local partners, and champion early literacy close to home.

  • Supporting Newport News, Hampton, and York County

    • Candace Montgomery

    • Sharon Martin

    • Sylvia Weinstein Craft

    • Billy June

    • Amanda Timmerman

    • Davrae Stokes

    • Amy Javier

    • Michelle Escudero-Green

  • Supporting Gloucester & Mathews

    • Nancy Dykeman

    • Vonnie James

    • Marsha Weatherwax

    • Pam Dishman Coleman

    • Cindy White

  • Supporting Isle of Wight County

    • Kirstin Cook

    • Beth Butner

    • Terry Andrews

    • Linda Lytton

  • Supporting James City County and the City of Williamsburg

    • Danielle Racciatti

    • Ralph Tedeschi

    • Suzie & Jeff Sterrett

Our Regional Committees support the work of the Imagination Library in each county we operate through fundraising, events, and support.

Join a Regional Committee