Staff
Danville Child Development Center believes that one of our main strengths comes from the quality of our teaching and care-giving staff. We take pride in the commitment of these fine professionals for they are the heart of our program. We believe that ongoing professional development, as well as acknowledgment of their dedication is vital to their own personal success and that of our program. Without a dedicated group of professionals, we would be unable to deliver the high caliber of services for which Danville Child Development Center is known and respected.
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Beth Cherwinski ×Beth Cherwinski
Enrollment/LEARN Coordinator
Beth Cherwinski has been working at DCDC since 2006, as the Project Coordinator for Montour County Advocates for Children, LEARN Team. As of October 2011, Beth also fills the role of DCDC’s Enrollment Coordinator. She has been in the field of early care and education for 14 years and started her career with the Bloomsburg Area YMCA working with Preschool children as well as the school age program. Before becoming the Coordinator, She worked for the Central Regional Key as a Keystone Stars Manager.
She lives in Catawissa, with her husband and two children, Ryan and Lauren. She loves the beach, hot sunny days and HGTV!
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Diana Dixon × Diana Dixon
Executive Director
Since 1998, Diana has served as the Executive Director/Administrator of the Danville Child Development Center in Danville, PA.
Diana is well qualified for early childhood education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, as well as her MBA, from Bloomsburg University. She was also the Gwen Morgan Scholarship Recipient to attend Advanced Seminars in Child Care Administration at Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts. She also attends over 40 hours each year in continuing education to stay current in the child care and education field.
Her activities outside of the Center also reflect her love for children and education. Diana is the President of the Pennsylvania Child Care Association’s (PACCA’s) Board of Directors and served as co-chair of PACCA’s Education & Policy Committee. She has also served on the Governing Board for the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children as the Public Policy Vice President. In addition, Diana was the 2003 recipient of the PACCA Award of Excellence, based on demonstrated qualities of vision, teamwork, leadership, and education and training specific to early care and education.
She resides in Bloomsburg with her husband Jim, and two sons, Jacob and Jackson. Most of her free time is spent shuttling the boys between activities, working on their house and reading. Diana is an avid NY Yankees fan and looks forward to the summer, and the Jersey shore.
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Jennifer Hipps × Jennifer Hipps
Early Intervention Coordinator
Jennifer Hipps has been working for DCDC since March 2005 when she was hired as an Early Intervention Specialist. She was promoted to DCDC’s Early Intervention Coordinator in 2006. As of September 2007, Jen also fills the role of DCDC’s Infant/Toddler specialist. In 1999 she received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University.
Her teaching career has included teaching 5th grade for three years and working as a 4th-6th grade Math and Reading Interventionist. Her position at DCDC has allowed her the opportunity to work with children from birth to age three.
She enjoys the experience of working with younger children and sharing the importance of early intervention with their families. Jennifer lives in Bloomsburg with her husband, Brad. She enjoys hiking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family in her spare time.
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Joanne Blass × Joanne Blass
Director, Child Care Information Services of Montour County
Joanne has been with DCDC since 1978 – a true testament to her dedication to DCDC and love for kids!
Joanne began her career as a substitute teacher at G.C. Hartman Elementary School. After a brief stay, she joined DCDC, working her way through positions of increasing responsibility. She has worked as an Assistant Group Leader, Preschool Group Supervisor, Head Group Supervisor/Enrollment Coordinator, and Program Director. She is currently the Director of Child Care Information Services of Montour County and has worked very closely with families in our community. She was also Employee of the Year in 1995!
On a personal note, Joanne and her husband, Terry, have been married for over 25 years and have two children, Kirby and Alison. As a family project, they are working on renovating an old farmhouse. Joanne says that they are really enjoying all the added space, including 3 porches and a balcony off the bedroom!
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Lori McDonnell × Lori McDonnell
Center Director at Bloom Road
Lori has been our Enrollment Coordinator since 2004, and as of October 2011, she has been promoted as our Center Director of DCDC’s new site on Bloom Road.
Lori began her education pursuit at Lock Haven University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. After college she substituted at area school districts for two years, and then taught Family Literacy and Adult Education classes. Lori is attending twenty seven hours of continuing education each year and has completed her Director’s Certificate in Early Care and Education.
She lives in Bloomsburg with her husband Mike and son Pierce. She enjoys lots of family time and traveling.
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Michele Jenkins × Michele Jenkins
Education Manager
Michele has held the position of Education Manager for DCDC since 2004. A DCDC employee since 2000, she began her career here as a Preschool Teacher and the area Supervisor. Prior to her promotion, she assumed the role of child care coordinator, where she has developed a great relationship with DCDC’s families and staff.
Michele has many years of experience in early care and education, serving in many different roles from teacher to home visitor from PA to California! Michele received her degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University. She has completed her Director’s Certificate in Early Care and Education and attends twenty seven hours of continuing education each year.
The proud mother of a daughter, Mackenzie, she also enjoys reading, photography, and the outdoors. Michele can always be found spending her free time with her family and friends.
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Steve Bevans × Steve Bevans
Business Manager
In February 2005, Steve joined DCDC as Business Manager, the latest step in a professional life devoted since 1985 to work in the non-profit sector. He is happy to have the opportunity to contribute toward the important mission of DCDC.
For most of his career, Steve was in arts administration, including 7 years as Administrative Director of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, founder of the Columbia-Montour Regional Arts Council in 1999, and 4 years in theatre management in San Diego, California. He holds a Bachelors degree in business from the University of Connecticut.
Steve lives in Danville with Trish and their daughter Cora, born in 2004. In his spare time, Steve enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and pretending he knows how to handle home improvement projects. When he’s not at DCDC, Steve is more than likely spending time with his first and only child, sharing the daily discoveries she makes in the world around her.
Board of Directors
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President
Erin Fitzgerald (12/12)
Bloomsburg Hospital / DCDC Parent -
Vice President
Vacant
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Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Kay (12/12)
Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
Other Members
- Renee Beisswanger (12/13)
Danville Head Start - Dawn Brookhart (12/13)
Danville Area School District / DCDC Parent - Christine Gordon (12/11)
Geisinger Health Plan / DCDC Parent - Bill Jones (12/12)
Community Volunteer - Connie Mattis (12/13)
Service First - Michael Mertz (12/13)
Keystone Insurance - Lynn Miller (12/13)
Geisinger Health System - Kristen Rarig (12/14)
DCDC Parent - Erin Winn (12/12)
Geisinger Health System / DCDC Parent