Stephanie Ekers is excited to continue her career making a difference as the new site administrator at LCCAA’s Head Start center in South Elyria.
Ekers has taken the reins at the programs newest center with two classrooms and 20 students.
Recent hire Diana Rush has transferred to site administrator at Firelands Head Start and is also working with the agency’s collaborative partners.
A native of Lorain County and graduate of Amherst High School, Ekers taught fourth grade at an area charter school when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Hybrid teaching as the community worked its way out of the pandemic was a challenge, she said.
That teaching experience did include some Head Start graduates, so she already knew it was a great program. Since arriving in South Elyria, she’s had multiple comments from parents who are grateful the center exists, she said.
“I know we’re doing great things,” she said. “They’re making a difference. They really are.”
One of Ekers first goals is to complete all the certification and licensure steps for the new center, including a Step Up to Quality gold designation.
“I’m most excited to be in a position where I can facilitate change,” she said. “I’m looking forward to having an impact on the children and the staff.”
Ekers earned her associate’s degree in early childhood education at Lorain County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in education from Ashland University. She and her new husband, Dan, live in Lorain County.