Program Staff Team

Executive Director

Mrs. Alford began teaching at ECDC in August of 1996 after graduating from Saint Mary’s College. In 2000, she became the Program Director at ECDC-SMC, and then ECDC Executive Director beginning May of 2020. Mrs. Alford has her Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend and is Adjunct Faculty in the Education Department there. In 2003, the IUSB School of Education presented her with the Excellence Award in Graduate Elementary Education. She has two daughters who both attended ECDC. When Mrs. Alford is not at ECDC, she likes to spend time with her family and read.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-SMC Program Director

Mrs. Jennifer Wray began at ECDC-ND in January 2004 and became the Assistant Program Director after working as a Lead Teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood and a Master’s Degree from Indiana University South Bend in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. Mrs. Wray has one daughter, who attended ECDC. When Mrs. Wray is not at ECDC, she likes spend time with her family and bake.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-ND Program Director

Mrs. Thayer Kramer began as the Program Director at ECDC-ND in 1994. She has a Ph. D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Maine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Knox College. When Mrs. Kramer is not at ECDC, she likes to read and spend time with her husband and their sheltie, Phoenix.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-SMC Assistant Program Director

Mrs. Graybill joined ECDC in January, 2016. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from Ball State University. While at Ball State she worked at the early childhood development program on campus for three years. When Mrs. Graybill is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family and being on the lake.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-ND Assistant Program Director

Mrs. Kunz has worked at ECDC since 1994. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies and a Master’s Degree in Education, both from Indiana University South Bend. Prior to her position as Assistant Program Director, Mrs. Kunz was a Co-Lead teacher in the 2's room. She has two sons, both attended ECDC. She is also mom to 3 adopted fur babies. Roxie, a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix; Payten is a Puggle; and, Bote is the newest addition to the family. He is a Black Lab.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-SMC Program Assistant

Ms. Betson is an alumnus of ECDC-SMC and has volunteered/worked at ECDC-SMC during the summer. She joined ECDC-SMC as the Program Assistant in February, 2018. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Ringling College of Art and Design. While at Ringling, during the summer, she came back to ECDCD-SMC to teach art to the older campers. When Ms. Betson is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family, making art, and taking in the outdoors.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-ND Program Assistant

Mrs. Kil joined ECDC in April 2021. She has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University at South Bend. Mrs. Kil enjoys spending time with her husband and four children and loves to read, shop, bake, and take walks.

Program Staff Team

ECDC-ND Program Assistant

Ms. Smith joined ECDC in February 2024. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Bethel University, Mishawaka, IN. She enjoys music (singing and playing the piano), playing tennis and riding her bike. Ms. Smith enjoys spending time with her siblings as well.

Program Staff Team

Enrollment Specialist

Mrs. Zavada has been with ECDC since August 2004. She began as a Program Assistant at ECDC-ND, then was the Program Coordinator before moving into her current part time role. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Tri-State University. When not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family, visiting National Parks, hiking and reading.

ECDC-ND SY 4's & SU 4/5's

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Anderson joined ECDC in January 2022. Previously, she was a registered behavior technician. She has a passion to serve children who have autism spectrum disorder and developmental conditions. Ms. Anderson loves to see children thrive and flourish. She is a mother of 4 children - three daughters, one son, and a cat. She is currently working towards getting her CDA certificate. When Ms. Anderson is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children; they love to travel to different museums. She also enjoys filming and photography, meditation, being in prayer, and watching her favorite TV show.

ECDC-SMC SY 3/4's & SU 4/5's

Assistant Teacher

Erica Anstey joined our team in March 2024, bringing with her two years of experience in early childhood education. In addition to her work with us Mrs. Anstey also volunteers at her church's nursery on Sundays. Outside of the classroom you can find Mrs. Anstey spending quality time with her family and cheering her son on at high school football games. She also enjoys running with her Australian Shepherd Lab mix, Lincoln.

ECDC-ND SY 4's & SU 4/5's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Ashlyn Ball joined the ECDC teaching team in January 2022! She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2017 with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice. Ms. Ball moved to Florida for two years and found her passion for early childhood education. She became a co-teacher at Kids R Kids (now called Kids Academy of Lakewood Ranch) in the 4-year-old classroom. Shortly after starting this new career path, she decided to pursue her master’s degree in early childhood education. She achieved this degree in December 2021 from Indiana State University. When Ms. Ball is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her fur babies, collecting crystals/minerals, and watching The Office and Friends!

ECDC-ND SY Kindergarten & SU 6/7's

Lead Teacher

Ms. Bevacqua has been with ECDC since 1999. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Indiana University South Bend. She received the IAEYC Indiana Early Care and Education Award in the Hoosier Educator, Preschool/Early Elementary category. This award is presented to an educator whose exemplary practices embody the practical application of IAEYC standards and who shares those methods to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families. When Mrs. Bevacqua is not at ECDC, she likes to read, run, garden, and cook with family. She has 4 daughters, 2 attended ECDC, and one grandchild.

ECDC-ND SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Svitlana Bychko joined the ECDC teaching team in April 2021. She graduated from Kharkiv State Pedagogical University, Ukraine, in 2001 with a Master’s Degree in Pedagogy and Methodology of School Education and Biology. She got her PhD in Cryobiology from Poultry Research Institute of Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences in 2007. She also completed the CDA Credential in 2023. Prior to becoming a teacher at ECDC, she worked as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Department of Ecology of Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University. She also has experience of work in elementary and middle school. When Mrs. Bychko is not at ECDC, she enjoys reading, making bread and outdoor activities with her family.

ECDC-ND SY 3/4's & SU 3/4's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Hazel Joy Byrne joined the ECDC teaching team in August 2021. She graduated from Misamis University in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Prior to becoming a Teacher at ECDC, she worked as a teacher at Misamis University Grade School Department in her home country, the Philippines, for 3 years. In August 2017 she moved to Indiana and beginning in 2018 worked as a Preschool Aide at Queen of Peace Catholic School for 3 years. Mrs. Byrne enjoys cooking and trying out some new recipes, watching movies with her husband David, and hanging out with friends.

ECDC-SMC SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Cheney grew up in South Bend and attended ECDC-ND as a child. She attended Saint Mary's College and graduated with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology with a focus in children and families. She worked as an assistant and associate teacher at ECDC-SMC while attending college and as an ECDC administrative assistant for a short time after graduating. Ms. Cheney then moved to Florida for a little over 3 years where she was the lead teacher in the 3's room at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Early Learning Center in St. Johns. After having her first child in 2021, she moved back to South Bend to be closer to family and returned to ECDC-SMC in July 2022. When not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her daughter Amelia and fiance, taking her dog Rocco for walks at St Patrick's park, watching movies, and reading her horoscope daily.

ECDC-ND SY 4's & SU 4/5's

Associate Teacher

Erin Conway joined the ECDC family in June 2022 and worked at ECDC during breaks until she graduated from Purdue University in May 2023! She has majors in Criminology and Communication and a minor in psychology. Ms.Conway enjoys working with the ECDC staff and children to learn and grow as a teacher. When not at ECDC, she enjoys reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

ECDC-SMC SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Assistant Teacher

Ms. Cornell realized her passion for working with children when she was a teacher's aid in Lebanon refugee camps working with refugee children. After having fulfillment in that experience, she came to the US seeking out a place where she could continue helping and teaching children. She landed in a private preschool beginning as an aid for the special needs students and then working her way up to teaching. Ms. Cornell was given an opportunity during that time to help jumpstart a forest/nature school during the summers. She moved to South Bend during the summer of 2023. Looking for a school that aligned with her passion and perspectives in teaching, ECDC was the exact place for her to feel right at home! Ms. Cornell’s home life looks a lot like being in nature and she enjoys expanding her knowledge of cultures and art.

ECDC-ND SY 3's & SU 3's

Co-Lead Teacher

Miss Crites graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 2018 with a bachelors in psychology and a minor in early childhood education. She has been teaching preschool aged children since graduation in the Mishawaka area. When Miss Crites is not at ECDC, she enjoys playing with her puppy and being with family and friends.

ECDC-ND SY 3/4's & SU 3/4's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Kaylie Dvorak joined the ECDC teaching team in May 2022. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education. While at IU, she worked at the early childhood development program on campus. After college, she went on to teach 1st grade for 3 years, 3rd grade for a year, and preschool in a 4/5s classroom for 2 years. Prior to becoming a teacher at ECDC, she was a parent representative on the school board for ECDC-SMC. When she is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, their dog, family and friends! Mrs. Dvorak is excited to be joining the ECDC team!

ECDC-SMC SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Helen Edmonson graduated from IUSB in 2014 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early childhood. She first joined the ECDC teaching team in January 2015 until taking time to stay home with her children. Prior to rejoining ECDC in March 2021, she cared for young children in her home and then worked as an Education Director at an early childhood center in Granger. Mrs. Edmonson has four boys. Two have previously attended ECDC and her youngest currently attends ECDC. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, and gardening.

ECDC-ND SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Elkins has her Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in Elementary Education and has been with ECDC since August, 1997. During her time at ECDC she has taught children in the 4’s, 4/5’s and Kindergarten classrooms. Mrs. Elkins has one daughter who attended ECDC. When Mrs. Elkins is not at ECDC, she likes to spend time with her family watching movies, tend to her flower garden, and work on craft projects.

ECDC-ND SY Kindergarten & SU 6/7's

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Forslund has been with ECDC since November, 1997. She has a Child Development Associate Credential and an Early Childhood Certificate from Indiana University South Bend. Mrs. Forslund is married and has a son who attended ECDC. When Mrs. Forslund is not at ECDC, she likes to scrapbook and spend time with family.

ECDC-SMC SY 4's & SU 7/8/9's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Greenwood began working during summers at ECDC-SMC in the 7/8/9’s before joining us full time in August, 2015. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s College. Prior to ECDC, she was a Lead Teacher for Head Start. When Ms. Greenwood is not at ECDC, she is often found enjoying coffee with friends, reading, or in the middle of a messy art project.

ECDC-ND SY 2's & SU 2/3's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Emiliana Heredia graduated with a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Education and Concentration of Early Childhood from Indiana University of South Bend. She student taught at ECDC-ND in 2019 and also completed her practicum here. She joined ECDC-ND as the Program Assistant in October 2020 before moving into the 2’s room. When Ms. Heredia is not at ECDC-ND, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.

ECDC-ND SY K & SU 6/7's

Associate Teacher

Miss Jessica Huelsebusch joined the ECDC teaching team in December 2023. She graduated from the University of Education in Karlsruhe, Germany with a Master’s of Education in Elementary School Teaching in 2021. Prior to moving to the USA and becoming an Associate Teacher at ECDC, she gained experience as a teacher in Germany working with children ages 6-11. When Miss Huelsebusch is not at ECDC, she loves traveling, reading, spending time with friends and family, baking, and playing board games.

ECDC-ND SY 3/4's & SU 3/4's

Associate Teacher

Mrs. Ingram started at ECDC in August, 1994. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Taylor University of Fort Wayne. Mrs. Ingram has four children and two grandchildren. Three of her children attended ECDC. When Mrs. Ingram is not at ECDC, she likes to go to garage sales, go shopping, and scrapbook.

ECDC-ND SY 2's & SU 2/3's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Jones has been working at ECDC since 1994. She has her Child Development Associate Certificate. Mrs. Jones has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. When Mrs. Jones is not at ECDC, she likes to work in her church ministry, “On Angels’ Wings”, feeding and clothing people in our community who are in need. She also enjoys singing in choir and listening to music.

ECDC-ND SY Kindergarten & SU 6/7's

Associate Teacher

Mrs. Leslie Jones began teaching at ECDC in August of 2023. She received a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2016 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2013. Prior to teaching at ECDC, she worked at a local autism center for 5 years before taking some time off to raise her two daughters. When Mrs. Jones is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding horses, and exploring the outdoors.

ECDC-ND SY 3's & SU 3's

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Kajzer joined ECDC in August of 2023. Previously, she had worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation as a Special Education paraprofessional. When Mrs. Kajzer is not at ECDC, she is taking care of her two daughters and spending time with family.

ECDC-ND SY 4/5's & SU 5/6's

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Jennifer Kajzer joined the ECDC team in June 2022. Prior to ECDC, she worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation for ten years as an instructional assistant in kindergarten. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She also has two grandchildren that she loves spending time with.

ECDC-SMC SY 4's & SU 7/8/9's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Mawhorter is known as “Mrs. D”. She began at ECDC in August of 2007 and has worked in the 4/5’s, 5/6’s, and 7/8/9’s rooms. Mrs. D has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend. Mrs. D is also our Yoga and Recreational Games teacher in the summer. When Mrs. D is not at ECDC, she likes to read and watch movies.

ECDC-SMC SY 4's & SU 7/8/9's

Associate Teacher

Miss Maxwell joined ECDC in June 2021 after spending three years working one-on-one with elementary children with developmental needs in Niles and PHM schools. Before that, she taught second grade in Shanghai, China and taught at a rural school in Honduras, including creating her own art curriculum. When she is not at ECDC, she is working as a freelance artist and writer, finding and creating beautiful things.

ECDC-SMC SY 3's & SU 3/4's

Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. McGill began at ECDC in June, 2018 while completing a practicum. She joined the ECDC staff in June, 2019 as a summer Teacher Assistant before joining the 3’s team full time for the school year. She graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and holds a Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education. When Ms. McGill is not at ECDC, she enjoys reading, cooking and gardening.

ECDC-SMC SY 3/4's & SU 4/5's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Okeley began at ECDC in January, 2007. Mrs. Okeley has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Southwestern Michigan College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Service and Family Systems. She has two children; both attended ECDC-SMC. When Mrs. Okeley is not at ECDC, she likes to spend time with her family at the lake.

ECDC-ND SY 2's & SU 2/3's

Associate Teacher

Ms. Ralston began at ECDC-ND in January of 2023. She has an Associates and Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education; Associates from IvyTech South Bend and Bachelors from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Prior to becoming an Associate Teacher at ECDC, she was a college student teacher at York Elementary School in Bristol, Indiana and has several years of experience in an early childhood setting. When Ms. Ralston is not at ECDC, she enjoys doing crafts, coloring, reading, listening to music, or spending time with family and friends.

ECDC-SMC SY 3's & SU 3/4's

Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Salazar is an Assistant Teacher in the 3's. She began at ECDC in the summer of 2014. Mrs. Salazar is pursuing an Early Childhood Education Degree at Ivy Tech. When she is not at ECDC, she likes to spend time with her daughter and family watching movies or playing outside.

ECDC-SMC SY 3/4's & SU 4/5's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Watters joined ECDC in September, 2017. She graduated from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies and a minor in reading. She moved to the South Bend area recently from Evansville, Indiana. When Mrs. Watters is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time friends and family, exercising, and watching movies!

ECDC-ND SY 3's & SU 3's

Co-Lead Teacher

Nicole Woolwine joined ECDC in June 2021 & is a graduate of Bethel University! She has a major in early childhood and a minor in special education. Ms. Woolwine enjoys working with the ECDC staff and children to learn and grow as a teacher. When not at ECDC, she enjoys kayaking and seeking new adventures with her boyfriend and puppy.

ECDC-SMC SY 3's & SU 3/4's

Co-Lead Teacher

Mrs. Amanda Yasko joined the ECDC teaching team in August 2022. She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. After college, she worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation as a school sub and assistant teacher until taking a job with the South Bend Parks Department and working there for several years. Prior to becoming a teacher at ECDC, she worked at Growing Kids Learning Center. When Mrs. Yasko is not at ECDC she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and reading.