How TCCAction Went from Resistance to Recommending GoEngage
When the idea of switching systems first came up at Tri-County Community Action Partnership (TCCAction) in Minnesota, the reaction wasn’t excitement—it was resistance.
Like many Head Start programs, they had been using their previous vendor for well over a decade. It was familiar. It worked—at least, to a point. But behind the scenes, challenges were building.
“I was absolutely against it… I was like, nope. No way. That’s going to be way too much work.” — Jessica Martinson, Program Manager
Switching systems is a lot of work—especially for a Head Start program with years of data, established processes, and staff who have grown comfortable with “the way things have always been done.”
But what started as hesitation quickly turned into something very different.
Meet the Team Behind the Transition
TCCAction’s transition to GoEngage was a true team effort—led by leadership and supported by staff across the organization.
At the forefront was Penny Paul, Head Start Director, who played a critical role in identifying the need for change and advocating for a better solution. As costs increased and system challenges became more apparent, Penny led the effort to explore alternatives and ultimately championed the move to GoEngage.
Two members of that team, Jessica Martinson and Brianna Kramvik, shared their experience and insights from the transition.
Jessica Martinson, Program Manager, has been with Head Start for over 20 years and serves as the system administrator. She played a key role in evaluating GoEngage, leading implementation, and supporting staff throughout the transition.
Brianna Kramvik, Site Supervisor, has been with TCCAction since 2017, starting as a Head Start teacher before moving into leadership. Today, she oversees multiple classrooms and staff across Head Start and Early Head Start programs, giving her a direct view into how systems impact day-to-day operations.
Together, their perspectives reflect both the strategic leadership and frontline experience required to successfully transition to a new system.
Brianna (left) and Jessica (right) collaborating after a GoEngage Connect session.
When “Familiar” Stops Working
Over time, TCCAction’s existing system became more complex and less efficient.
A platform transition left staff working between multiple platforms, creating confusion and inefficiencies in everyday tasks.
“We were still using the desktop and also going to their online platform… it was just not the smoothest transition ever.” — Jessica Martinson
At the same time, manual processes were still common—paper-based tracking, duplicate data entry, and limited visibility into communication and documentation.
The system was slowing the team down.
The Breaking Point: Cost & Complexity
TCCAction began exploring alternatives after receiving an email from GoEngage and facing two major challenges:
Rising costs year over year
A fragmented, difficult-to-manage system experience
What started as a cost-saving conversation quickly became something more.
The Turning Point: A Better Way Forward
When the team saw GoEngage for the first time, the shift was immediate.
“After I watched the demo… I was like, dang—I think we have to switch.” — Jessica Martinson
What stood out wasn’t just one feature—it was how everything worked together.
“There were so many pieces to it… it just made so much sense.” — Jessica Martinson
What began as a potential cost-saving opportunity quickly revealed itself as an operational improvement across the board.
The Transition: From Hesitation to Momentum
Like many agencies, the transition came with uncertainty—especially for long-tenured staff.
“It was initially like, what? We’re switching? No.” — Brianna Kramvik
But once staff began using the system, the shift was noticeable.
“Once we started… it was like—whoa. This is really nice.” — Brianna Kramvik
With support from leadership, internal champions, and the GoEngage team, the transition became manageable—and ultimately successful.
“It’s been a pretty smooth process.” — Jessica Martinson
At a Glance: Before vs. After GoEngage
Before GoEngage | With GoEngage |
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The Impact: Simpler Workflows, Less Paper, Better Visibility
Once the team moved past the initial learning curve, the benefits became clear.
 | Less Paper, Less Work Staff quickly embraced digital workflows.
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 | Better Visibility & Oversight Supervisors no longer needed to verify every document manually.
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 | Stronger Communication Instead of relying on scattered emails:
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 | More Accurate Processes Automation improved consistency and reduced errors.
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Favorite Features: What Stands Out Most
Jessica’s Favorite: Quick Forms & Task Management
For Jessica, the ability to digitize workflows and eliminate paper has been transformational.
“The quick forms… and being able to create our own tasks… has been really helpful. We’ve basically eliminated all of our paper.” — Jessica Martinson
She also emphasized how intuitive the system is:
“The home screen, the task page… it’s very user-friendly, even for staff who don’t have a lot of computer skills.”
Brianna’s Favorite: Visibility & Confidence in Documentation
For Brianna, the biggest impact has been clarity and trust in the system.
“I don’t have to open every upload and make sure it’s the right one… it’s just there for you.” — Brianna Kramvik
With everything centralized and easy to access, she can confidently support her staff and ensure compliance without extra steps.
Support That Builds Confidence
Another major difference for TCCAction was the level of support.
“If I send something in the morning, I hear back that day.” — Jessica Martinson
That responsiveness helped the team stay on track and feel supported throughout the transition.
Looking Back: A Decision Worth Making
After nearly a year with GoEngage, the team continues to build on their success.
“Looking back, I’d do it again.” — Jessica Martinson
And even more telling—they’re already recommending it to others.
The Takeaway
TCCAction’s journey is one many agencies can relate to:
Initial hesitation
Fear of change
Concern about workload
But with the right system—and the right support—those challenges can turn into meaningful transformation.
What started as “No way” became “We’ve got this.”
Ready to See What This Could Look Like for Your Program?
If your team is facing similar challenges—paper processes, disconnected systems, or rising costs—you’re not alone.
See how GoEngage can support your agency with a personalized walkthrough tailored to your workflows and goals.
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By
Stacy Lewis
Stacy Lewis: Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems
Stacy Lewis is the Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems, the creator of GoEngage. A trusted leader in the Head Start software space since 2001, Stacy brings over 24 years of experience, including key roles at ChildPlus, KinderSystems (COPA and California subsidy products), and Learning Genie, before joining GoEngage.
Throughout her career, Stacy has helped countless agencies optimize operations, enhance family engagement, and achieve compliance with federal and state standards. Her extensive industry knowledge and commitment to innovation continue to drive transformative solutions that empower Head Start programs to better serve children and families.
