Our

Team

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Kourtney Galloway, CDA

Founder & Lead Educator

Kourtney Galloway is an early childhood educator and the founder of Soft Start Early Learning Academy. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that children learn best when they feel emotionally safe, supported, and understood.

Through years of working closely with young children and families, Kourtney has seen how often early learning is misunderstood or rushed. She created Soft Start as a response to that pressure. A place where learning is developmentally appropriate, relationships come first, and children are given the time and care they need to grow with confidence.

Kourtney’s approach centers the whole child, honoring emotional development, structure, play, and curiosity as essential parts of learning. She is especially passionate about helping families understand behavior, build healthy routines, and trust the process of early development.

At Soft Start, her goal is simple but intentional: to create a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and families feel supported every step of the way.

Contact Kourtney ▸
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Kasey Gibbs

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Keith grew up in a small town in Western PA where opportunities to play soccer often took a back seat to more popular sports like football and baseball. Despite the challenges, Keith’s interest in the game, natural talent and dedication earned him to earn a spot on the starting line-up of a League 2 team in England, where he played for several years, traveling and competing with some of the best in the world.

After retiring from his semi-professional career, he decided to give back to the community that supported him by starting a soccer camp for young adults. Here, he shares his love for the game combined with technical skills, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams, just like he did.

Contact Kasey ▸
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Triniti Bufford

Early Learning Support Educator

Jackie’s journey into youth sports began over several years ago when she first discovered athletics as a way to find balance amidst the demands of a high-stress corporate career. After experiencing the profound physical and mental benefits of running, she decided to leave her job and dedicate herself fully to the practice.

Driven her love for the transformative power of running, Jackie decided to make the move from weekend athlete to running coach. Her vision was to create a space where she might instruct children in a way that allows them discover themselves through athletics.

Soft Start Guidance Council

  • A woman with dark hair, wearing a bright yellow blazer and jewelry, smiling against a neutral background.

    Dr. Arianna Stokes

    Whole Child Systems & Learning Innovation Advisor

  • A middle-aged Asian man with slicked-back gray hair sitting on a beige bench against a beige wall, illuminated by soft light casting a shadow on the wall.

    April Edwards-Greer, LSW, MSW

    Child Development & Program Readiness Advisor

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    Olivia Jones

    Early Learning & Literacy Advisor

  • A smiling young man with dark skin, short black hair, wearing a bright blue suit and shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred cityscape background.

    Jason Gibsn

    Legacy & Cultural Education Advisor

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    Charla Horhn

    Emotional Wellness & Compliance Advisor