# Head Start director saves choking child

> Head Start director Yolanda Willis performs Heimlich maneuver on choking 2-year-old Jo Freeman during family event.
- Title: Head Start director saves choking child · Valleynewslive
- Summary: Head Start director Yolanda Willis performs Heimlich maneuver on choking 2-year-old Jo Freeman during family event.
- Keywords: head start, yolanda willis, jo freeman, burke county, heimlich maneuver, choking child, family meal, Valleynewslive
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/11/14/thank-god-her-head-start-directors-quick-action-saves-choking-child
- Published: 2026-11-14T17:50:55.156+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: head start, yolanda willis, jo freeman, burke county, heimlich maneuver, choking child, family meal, news, local
## Emergency at family event
Head Start director Yolanda Willis saves choking 2-year-old Jo Freeman during Burke County school family meal.
## Child choking incident
Jo Freeman choked on candy piece that lodged in throat during school event.
## Willis performs Heimlich
Willis immediately performed Heimlich maneuver to save Jo Freeman from choking.
## Mother's reaction
Jo Freeman's mother Felicia Freeman described her son's choking and relief after Willis saved him.
## Willis's training
Willis has performed CPR and Heimlich maneuver in over 25 years of education.
## Aftermath and impact
Willis and team hope viral video inspires parents to learn CPR and first aid for toddlers.
## Key takeaway

Head Start director Yolanda Willis saved 2-year-old Jo Freeman from choking using Heimlich maneuver at Burke County school event.