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.

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

2011 VOICE  for Children Award Recipient

Martha Isler
Public Policy Director
Pittsburgh Area Association for the Education of Young Children