Congratulations to all of PennAEYC's VOICE for Children Award Recipients
The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children recognizes the critical role advocacy plays in high quality early learning settings and celebrates those who speak on behalf of Pennsylvania’s children. As the voice for early care and learning, community advocates are an invaluable component to assuring all Pennsylvania’s children get the start that they deserve in school and in life.
The VOICE for Children Award is the only statewide award in Pennsylvania recognizing the grassroots leaders whose work impacts the quality of care for young children in diverse settings. Now in its fourth year, the VOICE Award celebrates not only individual award recipients, but the early childhood profession.
2024 VOICE for Children Student Award Recipient
Dr. April L. Torrence
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Zion Education Center
Read Dr. April L. Torrence’s Bio
2024 VOICE for Children Student Award Recipient
Valerie Dannyelle Hamilton
Executive Director and Founder, Children of God Educational Center
Read Valerie Dannyelle Hamilton’s Bio
2020 VOICE for Children Student Award Recipient
Ariana Apolinario
Toddler Teacher, Inspiration Station Early Learning Center
Read Ariana's Biography VOICE BIO, Ariana Apolinario
2020 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Leslie Spina
Founder and Executive Director, Kinder Academy
Read Leslie's Biography VOICE BIO, Leslie Spina
2020 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Dr. Tammi McMillan
Director of Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub at Carlow University
Read Tammi's McMillan Biography VOICE BIO, Dr. Tammi McMillan
2020 VOICE for Children Distinguished Career Award In Memoriam
Patricia (Pat) Miiller
Advocate and Leader
Read Pat's Biography VOICE BIO, Pat Miiller
2020 VOICE for Children Distinguished Career Award Recipient
Debbie Gallagher
Director, Early Head Start and Family Center for Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center
Read Debbie's Biography VOICE BIO, Debbie Gallagher
2020 VOICE for Children Distinguished Career Award Recipient
Dr. Richard Fiene
Researcher
Read Rick's Biography VOICE BIO, Dr. Fiene
2018 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Patricia Cobbs
Owner, JLC DayCare
Read Pat's Biography 2018 Cobbs Bio
2018 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Dewetta Logan, M. Ed.
Owner and Director, Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center, LLC
Read Dewetta's Biography 2018 D Logan Bio
2018 VOICE for Children VISON Award Recipient
Peter J. Danchak
President, Northeast PA
PNC Bank
Read Peter's Biography 2018Danchak Bio - Copy
2018 VOICE for Children Distinguished Career Award Recipient
William H. Isler
President Emeritus, The Fred Rogers Company
Read Bill's Biography 2018 Isler Bio
2017 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Carol Wong
Director and Owner
Chinatown Learning Center
Read Carol’s Biography
2017 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Sharon Neilson
Director
Woodland Academy Child Development
Center a subsidiary of Greater Philadelphia
Read Sharon’s Biography
2016 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Sharon Easterling
Executive Director
Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children
2015 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Donna Shriver
Founder and President
SmartKids Child Care and Learning Centers
2014 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Khadijah Sabir
Program Director
Lovie Lee's Stars of Tomorrow
2014 finalists:
Sister Barbara, Boss of Elizabeth Seton Center, Inc. in Pittsburgh
Jan Gebicki, Director of Education at the United Way of Westmoreland County
Stacy Lewis, Executive Director of Child Care at Luthercare
2013 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
William Grant
Founder and CEO, Hildebrandt Learning Centers
2013 Finalists:
Beth Hoden, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Westmoreland Community College
Mary Mahoney-Ferster, Extension Educator, Penn State Extension Union County
2012 VOICE for Children Award Recipient
Michelle Fina
Associate Child Care Director
Lower Bucks Family YMCA
2012 Finalists:
Rebecca Groton, Director of Center for Early Childhood Education at Northampton Community College
Wendy Whitesell, Director of Bennett Center at Penn State University Park
