The NurtureFirst team is in an exciting phase of growth, making this the perfect moment to welcome a Head of Programs. As we rigorously monitor our pilot interventions, capture key learnings, and continuously adapt based on results, strong program leadership is essential.

 

We are thrilled to have Annastacia Kumola, who prefers to go by “Kumola,” step into this role, leading the design, delivery, and learning agenda across our portfolio.

 

Kumola brings over 17 years of experience as a global health and development leader, delivering high impact, multi country programs across Africa. Her expertise spans health, inclusive education, youth development, and resilient livelihoods, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for women, children, adolescents, and families.

 

She has led large, donor funded portfolios supported by partners such as USAID, FCDO, CDC-PEPFAR, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and foundations. She has worked with organizations such as USAID, VSO International, Management Sciences for Health, Lund University, ICAP at Columbia University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, and Ministries of Health. Across these roles, she has partnered closely with governments, regional bodies, and global institutions to shape policy, strengthen systems, and deliver measurable, sustainable impact.

 

Kumola is recognized for her strategic leadership, technical depth, and ability to translate vision into execution, strengthening program quality, partner performance, and evidence driven decision making.

 

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Moi University, a Master of Science in Public Health in Reproductive Health from Kenyatta University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights from Lund University, and training in pedagogy in health professions. Throughout her career, she has led complex, cross sectoral programs, influenced national and regional policies, and built high performing teams and partnerships.

 

She is deeply passionate about advancing inclusive, resilient systems that improve outcomes for underserved populations, particularly women, children, adolescents, and families, and brings a strong commitment to learning, innovation, and sustainable development.

 

Kumola officially joined the team in mid April 2026. Below, she shares her reflections and perspectives as she steps into this role.

 

 

What drew you to join NurtureFirst and what excites you most about stepping into the Head of Programs role?

I was drawn to NurtureFirst because its mission speaks to something I have seen throughout my career: how much children and families rely on systems that often go unseen and are under supported. Home-Based Childcare Providers are a vital part of that ecosystem, especially for working families, yet they are rarely centered in how support systems are designed. NurtureFirst’s commitment to changing that felt both important and deeply aligned with my values.

 

Having started my career working directly with mothers and newborns, and later moving into national and regional program leadership, I have come to appreciate how closely quality of care and caregiver wellbeing are connected. That is what makes this role so meaningful to me.

 

What excites me most about stepping into the Head of Programs role is the opportunity to bring together strategy and real world impact. I am particularly energized by shaping programs that are not only grounded in evidence, but also responsive to the lived realities of caregivers. Building scalable and sustainable models that can influence broader systems, while delivering measurable improvements in quality and outcomes, is both a meaningful and motivating challenge.

 

Reflecting on your experience in maternal and child health and systems strengthening, what aspects of NurtureFirst’s mission to support and strengthen systems for home-based childcare providers resonate most with you?

Across my work in maternal and child health and health systems strengthening, one thing has remained constant: outcomes for children are only as strong as the systems that support them. Whether working at facility level or across national and multi country programs, I have seen how gaps in support for caregivers directly affect the quality of care children receive.

 

That is why NurtureFirst’s focus resonates so strongly with me. Strengthening the support structures around Home-Based Childcare Providers reflects a systems approach that I deeply believe in.

 

I am especially aligned with the idea that investing in caregivers goes beyond training. It is about recognition, ongoing support, and ensuring they are meaningfully connected to broader systems. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with governments, donors, and partners to embed sustainable and scalable solutions into existing systems rather than building parallel ones. This approach has consistently led to stronger and more lasting impact.

 

What are you most excited to learn, explore, or achieve in your first year?

In my first year, I am especially looking forward to listening and learning, building a deep understanding of what is working well, where there are opportunities to strengthen, and how Providers and families experience NurtureFirst’s work in their day to day lives.

 

I am also eager to build on the strong foundation already in place by strengthening how programs are designed, implemented, and measured. This includes ensuring that we clearly demonstrate impact while continuously improving how we deliver for Providers and families. Using data as a tool for learning and adaptation, rather than only for reporting, is something I care deeply about.

 

Equally important to me is building strong relationships with the team, with government partners, with other stakeholders, and with the communities we serve. The most meaningful and lasting change I have seen has always come from collaboration and shared ownership, and I am excited to continue building that at NurtureFirst.

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

What motivates me most is work that brings together evidence and empathy, where data guides decisions while people remain at the center. That balance has shaped my journey, from clinical care to leading large scale programs, and it is something I care deeply about carrying forward.

 

I also value building teams and cultures that are reflective, adaptive, and grounded in purpose. For me, success is not only about strong program outcomes, but also about creating an environment where people feel supported, trusted, and able to do their best work.

 

With Kumola at the helm of programs, we are confident that NurtureFirst is well positioned to deepen its impact, strengthen systems, and continue building evidence driven models that support Home-Based Childcare Providers and the families they serve.