License Exempt Provider Team

License-Exempt Provider Coach

Rusel Mahdi

Hello! My name is Rusel Mahdi. I joined the Early Childhood Investment Corporation in 2023 as a License Exempt Provider (LEP) Coach. As a Coach, I do the in-home health and safety visits with our License Exempt Providers. I received my degree in Dietetics from Madonna University. I also hold a certificate with the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance, and I am Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC).

My Why

I am a mom to two children. As a working parent, I know how hard it is to find care for your child and to have ease of mind that they are safe. I love helping and providing support for parents and providers to ensure the children are cared for in a high-quality care environment.  It is stress relief for the parents and/or guardians to find the right care for their children that is safe and nurturing.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I enjoy spending my time with my kids. We love to travel and do outdoor activities. My family life is very busy, we are always on the go from sports events to family events, but I would not have it any other way. 

My Passion

I am passionate about helping others. I believe in equality and fairness for all. I believe children and their families deserve to be in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. Children are our future, and I am passionate about helping develop a future that is good and bright for our youth.

License-Exempt Provider Project Manager

Chandrika Poole

Chandrika Payton joined the Early Childhood Investment Corporation in November 2020 as the License Provider Project Supervisor. In this role, Chandrika provides leadership and oversight for the implementation of the License Exempt Provider Project.

Ms. Payton is a devoted early childhood professional who has an extensive background in supporting young children through system building and providing and sustaining high-quality care and service through collaboration with various stakeholders.

Ms. Payton brings tremendous experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultivating relationships, community engagement, facilitation, and local and state grant management.

Ms. Payton received her Bachelor of Science in Counseling from Rochester University.

Training Support Specialist

Dana Williams

Hello! My name is Dana Williams. I have been with Early Childhood Investment Corporation since July of 2022, as the Training Support Specialist on the License Exempt Provider Team. I received my degree in Early Childhood Education and Leadership from Rasmussen University. I have over 18 years of experience serving in the early childhood education field working as both an educator for young children from infant through Prekindergarten, as well as in leadership positions helping teams of professionals grow and develop through training and professional development. 

My Why

I believe that quality experiences in early childhood lead to better outcomes for everyone. After seeing the obstacles many families face, I want to do everything I can, so all children have the same access and opportunity to early education and care. My daughter motivates me to continue to work hard in this too, because I know I am working towards a better future for her.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I love being creative and crafting. In my free time, you can find me outside with my family, spending time laughing with friends, watching my daughter explore, or relaxing on the couch.  I also enjoy visiting different locations in Michigan to see as much of the state as possible.

My Passion

I am passionate about helping improve early childhood education by empowering those who teach and care for children, sharing the importance of early childhood education and how it can drastically improve communities, and helping all families have affordable and accessible early education for their children. My mission is to make an impact in the lives of children and help bring understanding about their development that gives them a solid foundation to grow on for life.