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 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.
My name is Shannon Lewczyk, and I am the Executive Director of Danville Child Development Center. I was born and raised in Danville, Pa, with my parents, two sisters, and a large extended family. I grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that are more like family. From a young age, I knew I loved children and enjoyed creating games, fun activities, and babysitting.
During my freshman year at Danville High School, I took a Child Development class that laid the foundation for my career and further grew my passion for working with young children. Upon graduation, we relocated to North Carolina, and I opened my first family childcare home for military families who needed childcare services. In 2001, my husband deployed with the Army to South Korea, and my son and I returned home to Danville to be close to family while my husband was away. I started working as a Preschool Teacher at Busy Little Beavers and loved my time with the children and the more formal childcare environment.
As our family quickly grew, I took a job as a Pharmacy Technician making IV medications for inpatients at Geisinger Medical Center, but my heart was not meant to be in the healthcare field. In 2008, I opened an in-home family childcare home serving six children, which allowed me to be home with my young children and help other families as well.
In the fall of 2010, my husband received an amazing job offer in Florida, so our family relocated. I began working for Discovery Point Child Development Center in Wesley Chapel, Florida. At this time, I decided to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education and was promoted to Center Director. I completed my early childhood development education and management associate degree at Tallahassee Community College in 2015.
In 2015, our family became a foster family for newborn twins, who captured our hearts immediately. We learned we were pregnant with our sixth child shortly after the twins arrived, and our family was complete. After the twin’s adoption was finalized, we felt it was time to return home to Danville to be close to family and raise our children while I finished my college credits. I completed my bachelor’s degree in educational studies from Western Governor’s University in 2020 and taught Pre-Kindergarten for two years before joining the Danville Child Development Center team.
We have had an exciting 25 years traveling the east coast, but I now feel at home. The one thing that has remained consistent in those 25 years is my passion for nurturing, supporting, and watching children succeed and grow in all areas of their development. I feel incredibly lucky to have found an organization whose mission of providing high-quality learning experiences for children in our community matches my passion while being so close to home.
I look forward to building lasting relationships and memories for years to come with your child and family here at DCDC.
Steve has been DCDC’s Director of Finance since 2005, the latest chapter in a career devoted to working in the non-profit sector.
After moving to this area from San Diego in 1992, Steve was Administrative Director of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble for seven years and founder of the Columbia-Montour Regional Arts Council in 1999. He then served as Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of the Central Susquehanna Valley and then the Williamsport-Lycoming Arts Council. He joined DCDC after a brief foray into the used-book-selling business.
Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. He lives in Danville with his wife Trish, their daughter Cora and a beagle named Mitch.
I am Samantha Bittner, the Education Director for Danville Child Development Center. I have had the amazing opportunity to grow up in the Columbia and Montour counties. I attended elementary and high school at Southern Columbia Area School District, graduating in 2008. In 2012, I graduated from Bloomsburg University with a dual bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. After a few years of student teaching in the Southern, Berwick, and Bloomsburg Area School Districts, I began my early childhood education career. In 2015, I discovered my true passion for early education and became a Young Toddler teacher at Susquehanna Valley Child Development Center in Bloomsburg, PA. In 2018, I was promoted to the Assistant Director position at SVCDC and began my journey as an advocate for early education and quality childcare. In 2020, I took over the Childcare Director position at Susquehanna Valley and continued that journey until January of 2023.
I live in Catawissa, PA, with my husband and three boys, Mason, Oliver, and Reid. We enjoy playing outside, going to the movies, and spending time with all our extended family and friends. As well as working in early childcare, I am a volunteer coach for southern AYSO soccer and volunteer with our local Columbia County 4H clubs.
As an early childhood educator and director, I believe in bringing students the knowledge, guidance, and instruction they need to become well-rounded, productive community citizens. Early childhood education and early intervention are essential keys to providing social, emotional, and cognitive growth in young children and encouraging students to become lifelong learners.
I look forward to getting to know the DCDC family and community and am excited about the future!
Kellie attended Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, she began her journey working with children. She has nine years of experience providing educational and developmental services to children and their families in various settings. Kellie is passionate about early childhood education and child development and strives to share her expertise and knowledge with those around her. Her goals with families are to maintain open communication, advocate for resources, and support families. Kellie finds it very gratifying to work as a team and empower families to meet the needs of their children. Kellie also has two children of her own and utilizes her personal experiences to promote high-quality relationships and services with others. Kellie looks forward to partnering with your family and collaborating on strategies to support your child’s needs.
My name is Danielle Spaid. I am excited to join the team at DCDC Bloom Road, as the Site Supervisor! I have my associate’s degree in Child Development. I have been in the childcare field for 15 years. I started at DCDC working with toddlers, then taught preschool at Bloomsburg University, and most recently, I taught Pre-K at Columbia Child Development Program.
I live in Bloomsburg with my husband Michael and two children, Carter and Stella. I look forward to working with your family and watching your child grow
Board of Directors
President
Candy Ryan
Manager for Patient Access Services, Geisinger Health System -Muncy
