Dr. Tyla Ricks serves as the Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist for Ready for School, Ready for Life. Through her 10 years of experience, Tyla has had multiple roles working with children, families, and educators in the early childhood field. These roles included being an NC
Pre-K teacher, a professor, and a graduate research assistant for multiple projects in the Human Development and Family Studies department at UNCG. In a recent project, she partnered with Head Start in Guilford County to facilitate a four-month book study cultivating the well-being and emotional resilience of early childhood educators. Tyla believes in advocating and working alongside organizations that serve children and families to provide the best care, quality, and equitable practices.

Tyla holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from UNC Greensboro, a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, and a Bachelor’s degree in Birth through Kindergarten Teacher Education from East Carolina University. She enjoys a good cup of coffee and during her free time, Tyla loves to spend time with family and travel.