ABOUT US
Formed in 1979, WVCCA is an association of professional service agencies that operate a wide variety of behavioral health and child welfare programs throughout West Virginia. Our role is to provide a voice for the most vulnerable children who have experienced abuse, neglect, emotional and behavior challenges,
substance abuse and/or delinquency.
MISSION & VISION
WVCCA enhances the lives of children and families by advancing high quality services and interventions, sharing member expertise, nurturing partnerships, and driving public policy.
WVCCA envisions a West Virginia where all children and families are safe, healthy, and thriving.
TAKING A STAND
We pledge to take a stand for our kids by championing quality behavioral health and child welfare programs found right here at home, supporting the dedicated providers who care for our children in need, and working together to provide care for our kids within our state’s borders.
ADVOCACY ISSUES
We work with West Virginia’s child welfare and behavioral health stakeholders to eliminate policy barriers and day to day practices that reduce the effective utilization of in-state resources.
We strive to provide opportunities for West Virginia’s children and families to receive treatment and services in West Virginia, where they can remain in their communities, with their families, and connected to their support systems.
STRATEGIC GOALS
While proud of our 45 year history, our Association is progressive and we develop a comprehensive strategic plan every three years. Our goals include:
AGENCY QUALITY & SUPPORT GOAL
Foster excellence in quality standards of care, knowledge exchange, and combined resources to promote the health and well-being of West Virginia children and families.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS GOAL
Promote a high-quality system of care for children and families in West Virginia by actively advocating for legislative and public policy changes.
Emma Smith
WVCCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Emma Smith joined the West Virginia Child Care Association as Executive Director on September 14, 2026, bringing a strong background in nonprofit development, donor relations, and community engagement. A graduate of West Virginia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Business Administration, Emma has built her career helping both local and national organizations turn generosity and shared purpose into meaningful impact.
Prior to joining WVCCA, Emma worked at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia as part of its development team, serving in both on-site and extended contract capacities. She later joined Best Friends Animal Society, one of the nation’s largest animal welfare organizations, where she managed relationships with more than seventy foundation partners and notable funders, including Petco Love. Her work supported a wide range of lifesaving programs, including adoption and foster care, pet retention, access to veterinary care, emergency response, and shelter support, in states facing some of the country’s toughest animal welfare challenges, including California, Texas, Florida, Utah, and New York.
Her roots in the Mountain State run deep. A baton twirler since childhood, Emma was named both Miss Kanawha Valley Majorette and Miss Majorette of West Virginia in 2013 and performed for three years with the St. Albans High School Red Dragon Band. She later twirled for a season at West Virginia State University.
Emma lives in Cross Lanes with her husband, Noah, and two young children and is fortunate to be surrounded by a close-knit family. Her lively household also includes Yzma, a Sphynx cat; Rey, a foster-fail Corgi; and 15 laying hens. Outside of work, she enjoys Zumba classes, crafting, and reading romantasy novels.