Celebrating 15 years of service to our community!
Program Management
Who We Are
Jennifer Paholak, M.Ed.
Founder & Executive Director
The Executive Director and Founder of Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence is a passionate advocate for developmentally appropriate educational environments. With a Masters Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, former college professor and having first-hand experience in the classroom, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. She is committed to creating environments where the children have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential and become life-long learners. Jennifer also understands the importance of supporting the teachers and staff in providing the best education possible. Our Executive Director is dedicated to making sure our program is a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for the children and families we serve.
574-501-4ECE
Tricia Pendleton, M.Ed.
Director of Operations
Interim Director at Indiana Ave.
Our Director of Operations is a highly experienced professional in the field of Early Childhood Education. She holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters in Education and has over 15 years of experience in the field. Before her role as Director of Operations, she was a program director at our DeCamp St. location. Additionally, Tricia has served as a preschool teacher for over 10 years, teaching a wide range of ages and abilities. She is dedicated to providing a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn, grow, and develop. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she is an invaluable asset to our organization.
574-501-4ECE
Winnie O'Connell, AA
Program Director Grant Street
Our Program Director on Grant Street in Elkhart is an experienced professional with a degree in early childhood education and over 12 years of classroom teaching experience. She has been a mentor to many and is dedicated to providing the highest quality education to our students. She is passionate about promoting a safe and nurturing learning environment and strongly believes in educating the whole child. Our Director is committed to the growth and development of each and every student in our program. She is an excellent leader and guide for our teachers and staff, and works hard to ensure that our students receive the best education possible.
574-501-4ECE
Tori McGrogan, MSW
Program Director DeCamp Ave.
At Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence, Tori strives to provide the best possible learning experiences for children and families through a combination of education and social-emotional development. She and her team are dedicated to helping young children reach their full potential in both the academic and social areas of their lives. Tori has a Masters Degree in Social Work and has been working with children and families for over 6 years. Her passion and dedication to this field is unparalleled and she believes that every child should have the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that is safe and nurturing.
574-501-4ECE
Christina Tirado, AA
Program Director Cleveland Rd.
Meet our director at Cleveland Rd, Christina, who brings over 15 years of invaluable experience to our team. Throughout her tenure, she has excelled in various positions and locations within the company, showcasing her adaptability and deep understanding of our industry. Christina's leadership and dedication has been instrumental in driving our success and fostering a collaborative work environment. We are proud to have such a seasoned professional guiding our team forward.
574-501-4ECE
Ashley Wallace, AA
Program Director Indiana Ave.
Ashley Wallace is the Program Director for Indiana Ave., bringing over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. With a strong background as a classroom teacher for every age group, she has also served as the Assistant Director at our Cleveland Road location. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing educational environment ensures that each child receives the best possible foundation for their future.
574-501-4ECE
Will Paholak
Director of Sales and Marketing
With over a decade of proven success in sales, Will brings a wealth of experience and a people-first approach to his role as our Sales and Marketing Director. His passion lies in helping families navigate the child care search with confidence and ease—ensuring each one finds the program that’s the perfect fit for their unique needs. Will also plays a key role in building strong community partnerships, working closely with local businesses and organizations to create child care solutions that support today's workforce. Whether you're a parent exploring options or a business leader seeking dependable child care resources for your team, Will is here to guide, support, and connect.
574-501-4ECE