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 atte...

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 to spend time with her family and bake...

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 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. And, she became a grandma for the first time in 2023. When she's not at ECDC, she enjoys traveling with her husband collecting baseballs for her grandson from a...

Ms. Loos joined ECDC as a Program Director in January 2026. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. She brings nearly 15 years of experience in education, including serving as a classroom teacher and most recently as an Assistant Principal in Niles Community Schools. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature through camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and ...

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.

Ms. Lea Douglas joined the ECDC team in 2026 as a Program Assistant. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations. Prior to joining ECDC, she gained experience in communications, community outreach, and youth-focused engagement work. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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.

Mx. Conwell joined the ECDC team in January 2026 as an Educational Coach, bringing many years of experience in early learning as both a teacher and leader. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Francis in 2011. An Indiana native from Churubusco, she spent most of her adult life in the Fort Wayne area and is now putting down roots in South Bend with her fiancée, her two daughters, and their cats. When she is not at ECDC, Mx. Conwell enjoys thrifting, photography, visiti...

Mrs. Jennifer Casper joined the ECDC team in August of 2022 after staying home for several years with her two daughters, who both attended ECDC. She received her Bachelor's degree from Ball State University in Family and Child Studies with a minor in Business. She also received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from BSU. While finishing her Master's she worked at ECDC before moving to Cincinnati and working at The Goddard School. When Mrs. Casper is not at ECDC, she enjoys spendin...

Mrs. Layher joined ECDC in July 2000. She is a CPA and holds a Finance degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. All four of her boys had the pleasure of attending ECDC. She enjoys traveling and reading in her free time.

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.

Mrs. Elizabeth Adams joined the ECDC teaching team in July 2024. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 1999 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Prior to becoming a teacher at ECDC, she taught 3rd, 5th and 6th grades in the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia and 15 years of homeschooling. After she moved with her three children and her husband to South Bend in 2018, she was a teacher’s aide for preschool at St. Jude’s School. When Mrs. Adams is not at ECDC, she enjoys cof...

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 differ...

Joining the ECDC family in August 2024, Ms. Jalethia Black brings with her several years of experience working with children, including being a program director at a local Montessori school. When she is not at ECDC, Ms. Black runs a food service business with her boyfriend. She also loves to go shopping, spend time with her family, and do anything that involves having fun. She has 3 daughters Amira, Azaria, Zyrielle, and a wonderful step daughter Taylar. Ms. Black looks forward to making ECDC he...

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 o...

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.

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....

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.

Mrs. Greegor joined the teaching team at ECDC in January 2025. She is currently going to Lake Michigan College to achieve her Associate Degree in Child Development and holds her Child Development Associate Certificate in Infants and Toddlers. Prior to becoming a part of the ECDC teaching team, she worked for several years in another early childhood center and achieved her CDA Certification. When Mrs. Greegor is not at ECDC, she enjoys reading, strength training, and spending time with family or ...

Ms. Tracy Harris joined ECDC in August 2024. She was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, and graduated from Washington High School in 1985. Ms. Harris has two children, a son and daughter. She has worked in child care for 12 years and loves it so much! She shares that she is “here for your children to help and see them grow and be very successful.”

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.

Mrs. Henry joined the ECDC team in July 2025. She graduated with a BA in English and an MA in Library Science from Indiana University. She previously served as a children’s librarian for over five years (her favorite children’s books include “When We Were Very Young” by A.A. Milne, “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans and “Matilda” by Roald Dahl). Before her library work, she professionally nannied for several families in the South Bend area. When Mrs. Henry isn’t at ECDC, she enjoys...

Miss Jessica Hülsebusch 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 Hülsebusch is not at ECDC, she loves traveling, reading, spending time with friends and family, baking, and playing board games.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ms. Kaminsky joined the ECDC team in July 2026, bringing with her 10 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) degree and has extensive training in the HighScope curriculum and COR Advantage. Ms. Kaminsky is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), which has given her valuable experiance supporting children with a variety of learning needs.

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.

Ms. McGhee has completed her associates degree in elementary education at Ivy Tech. She is currently pursuing her bachelors. Ms. McGhee has had several years of early childhood experience prior to her August 2025 start at ECDC, along with having a child of her own. In her free time she likes to do crafts with her daughter, and read.

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.

Mrs. Dina Mroczek joined the ECDC team in Summer 2025. She attended Saint Mary’s College, majoring in Psychology with a Dance minor. Mrs. Mroczek is from Granger, IN and loves working with the children at ECDC because they bring so much joy to her life. She remembers her own time at ECDC-SMC as a child and hopes to make a positive difference in other children’s lives that they might remember forever. When not at ECDC, Mrs. Mroczek participates in a lot of dance and she loves to read.

Mrs. Liberty Obren joined the ECDC team in April 2026. She graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Studies. During her time at Saint Mary's, Mrs. Obren worked at ECDC-SMC and also brings several years of experience as a K-8 substitute teacher. When she is not at ECDC, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, baking, and making all elaborate coffees!

Mrs. Peacock began at ECDC in January 2025. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies and worked for 18 years at St. Joseph County Parks as a Park Interpreter. Her latter career led her to Emmons Elementary in Mishawaka, where she spent 7 years as a Literacy Aide and 2 years as a Kindergarten Aide. Mrs. Peacock has two sons, one who is in the Army, and a stepdaughter (who is expecting her first child). She spends her leisure time doing her artwork, walking/hiking outdo...

Mrs. Salazar is an Assistant Teacher in the 3/4'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.

Mrs. Emiliana Swartz 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 Mrs. Swartz is not at ECDC-ND, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.

Ms. Rachel Tapealava-Boulger graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelor's degree in Art Education. She first attended Saint Mary's College, where she learned about ECDC and became interested in its community. Ms. Tapealava-Boulger has been part of ECDC since 2021 and has enjoyed every moment of her experience here. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring creative ways to express herself through art.

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 spending time with her family and traveling as much as possible to new cities.

Ms. Zimmerman began teaching at ECDC in November 2024. She is a mother to four wonderful children (three biological plus her niece who she raised). She provided in-home child care when her children were young. She then began an early childhood education degree but took a break to care for her grandparents until returning to the early childhood education field in 2018. When not at ECDC, Ms. Zimmerman enjoys spending time with her children and three granddaughters.