DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Payton Holliman
Payton Holliman
Assistant Teacher
Head Start, Biloxi
Human Sciences-Early Childhood
Time at MSU/in Position: 2 months
Payton Holliman is passionate about helping others. After moving from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, to Biloxi, Mississippi, to care for her grandparents, she started working at the Mississippi State University Extension Head Start Program in Biloxi. Designed to prepare children for preschool and kindergarten, the program combines local partnerships with research-based education methods to give students a “head start.” As an assistant teacher, Holliman works in a classroom of up to 17 young children.
“I love being able to interact daily with the children, ensuring they are cared for, loved, and supported in the classroom and outside of it,” said Holliman. “I genuinely care about the well-being of everyone, including strangers, and I feel I belong in child development to provide a positive and needed service to children and their families.”
Working alongside the lead teacher, Holliman ensures each child has the individualized care they need in order to be successful in life.
“It takes someone who is dependable, patient, positive and creative to be in this field. There is a constant need for educators, and I see a career in education as a personal investment,” said Holliman.
When she’s not studying, teaching, or helping her grandparents, Holliman is taking care of Lemon, her best friend and “fur baby.”
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