Staff

Karen Odom, Executive Director
Karen Odom first began her work  with Chesterfield County First Steps at its inception in 1999 as a member of the Board of Directors. She was named the organization's first executive director in 2001.

Under her leadership, the organization has been awarded both federal and foundation grants and received the state’s 2003 Best Community Engagement Award—among all 46 county partnerships—for the collaborative partnership built among the Chesterfield County’s agencies and organizations to address school readiness.

Prior to her move to First Steps,Karen Odom served as the Family Support Services coordinator and public health social worker for the State Department of Health and Environmental Control. She is a graduate of Columbia College and the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in social work. Continuing her education, she became a licensed independent therapist in 2004; that same year, she served as a panel member on the Blueprint for South Carolina’s Children. She is the mother of one child who attends public school in Chesterfield County.

Shannon Phillips, Program Assistant
Shannon Phillips joined First Steps in September 2008, as the Program Assistant.  Prior to joining First Steps she worked with the Chesterfield County School District as a substitute teacher, and served on the PTO Board for 3 years. Shannon volunteers countless hours at her children’s schools, both in class and in after-school activities. She loves beginning involved in the school, and helping out where ever she is needed.  She loves children and wants to see all children succeed.            

She completed her Nursing Degree at Northeastern Technical College in 2000, and has also finished classes on web page design and computer courses.  She is married to Ashley Phillips an Electrician for Phillips Industrial Electric, Inc.  They have two children Jeremy 7 and Katie 4.  Jeremy attends public school in Chesterfield County and Katie attends preschool. 

Allison Becker, Early Childhood Specialist
Allison Becker joined the First Steps team in November of 2006, as Director of the Resource Center.  Two years later, on November 17, 2008, she became the Early Childhood Specialist for Chesterfield County First Steps.  Allison’s knowledge of creative design coupled with a Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) makes for an exciting combination as a technical assistant with First Steps.  She expanded her knowledge of education while teaching a Resource class at Cheraw Primary School during the 2001-2002 school year.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Meredith College in 1997 and a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Columbia International University in 2001 are Allison’s educational accomplishments.  She is married to Todd Becker an Industrial Engineer at Schaeffler Group USA, INA in Cheraw.  They have three little boys; Leighton who is seven, Sawyer who is 3, and Ashton who is 1.  Allison is excited about the opportunity to work with many talented teachers and directors in Chesterfield County.  She knows that the children in the county can greatly benefit from the director, teacher, and First Steps team working hand in hand to be strong and positive advocates for children.