Board Treasurer
Chue was first introduced to HECC in 2022 and became a board member in 2023. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 2016. Her passion for early childhood work began in 2018 and has continued to grow. Currently, she practices at Vanguard Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, LLC and often collaborates with parents to better understand their child’s needs. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her two daughters and do DIY projects.
Maychee Mua, Board Secretary
Maychee Mua currently serves as a board member for Hmong Early Childhood Coalition. She has worked in the early education and healthcare field since 2001 and is currently in state government. She has a nursing degree, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and a minor in Family Studies. Outside of work, she dedicates her full-time commitment to her children and attends graduate school at Metropolitan State University.
Maychee continued to focus on early intervention with a healthcare background and coauthored a Hmong Children’s book called “I am a Hmong-American Child.” The opportunity opened the doors for an interest in public policy in health care programs to ensure access for all in Minnesota and specialize in children’s needs. As a first-generation born in the United States, she often creates spaces and challenges for individuals to overcome cultural barriers. One effort is to share her journey as a parent advocating for and supporting loved ones. If you would like to see a glimpse of her passion for embracing differences, check out the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzkOQoA2FZ0 .
Dao Xiong, Co-Chair
Dao Xiong, a parent advocate at PACER Center since 1992, provide workshops, written materials, and individual assistance to Hmong and Asian families to help them advocate for their child’s learning needs. I provide consultation for professionals on how to work with Hmong families. I am a father of 7 adult children and have a daughter with intellectual disability and depression. I am also involved as an advisor with various community organizations and schools.
I am a co-founder of HECC with the belief that young Hmong children deserve the support from their families and community so they can be ready for school and reach their potential. Family engagement in their children’s early education is the key to their school success.
Pheng Thao
A mother of five, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a new board member at the Hmong Early Childhood Coalition. With a background in cross-cultural leadership training and coaching for Think Small, she is deeply committed to early childhood education.
Having worked in the White Bear Lake early childhood program and currently employed at a character school in St. Paul, Pheng is well-versed in providing quality education and support to young learners and their families. Her values align closely with Hmong Early Childhood Coalition, and she has been an active member since its inception.
Outside of her professional commitments, Pheng enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, as well as indulging in hobbies such as reading and planting flowers. With her passion, experience, and dedication, Pheng Thao is poised to make a significant impact on the mission and goals of Hmong Early Childhood Coalition.