Our
Vision & Mission

At the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, we believe in creating a supportive community for children to be successful in school and life. Because every child deserves a quality education from day one.

What We Stand For

Confidence

With years of knowledge and expertise, we are here to provide an invaluable resource to children in our community.

Commitment

We believe that every child, caregiver, and teacher deserves the best resources for their success.

Advocacy

With unbridled support and compassion, it is our goal as an organization to represent those in need of guidance and direction.

Inclusivity 

We encourage and accept all walks of life so that we can prosper together as a community.

Meet Our
Executive Director

Steve Knobl, Ph.D.

"A strong start in the earliest years of a child's life lays the foundation for their future. Quality early childhood experiences are key to helping kids to grow up healthy, productive, and contributing citizens to the economy. Eighty-five percent of brain growth occurs by the time a child is 4, and high-quality early childhood education is critically important for all children. I applaud the many leaders throughout the state that are champions for our early learners."

Our Board

Patrick McHugh

Executive Committee

Dr. Amy Anderson

Pasco Hernando State College Finance/Audit Committee

Trang Chitakone

Pasco County Health Department

Chantal Porte

Department of Children & Families

Jessica Weightman

Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board

Tim Sabba

Provider Representative - Hernando County

Rebecca Wilkinson-Shields

Business Community At Large Representative

Bimal Bhojani, Board Chair

Governor Appointed Chair of the Board

Jacob Horner

Gubernatorial Appointee - Finance/Audit Committee

Lisa Campos

Private Sector

Neil Thompson

Private Sector Executive Committee and Chair of Finance/Audit Committee

Adam Horn

Private Sector Finance/Audit Committee

Kimberly Harrison

Community at Large

Maryam Belavilas, MD

Private Sector Executive Committee

Jan Jones

Faith-Based Provider Representative - Pasco County

Ryan Amsler

Hernando County Commissioner

David Slovut, MD

Private Sector

Walter D. Joseph, M.Ed.

Private Sector

Manuel “Manny” Santana

Gubernatorial Appointee

Anna Jensen

ESE Director for Hernando County Schools

Tanya Hall

Hernando County Head Start

John Legg

Pasco County Schools

Daniel Wright

Private Sector Business

Roberto C. Hursey

Private Sector

Interested in Becoming a Board Member?

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is soliciting applications from those interested in filling vacancies on its Board. These are volunteer positions in an exciting new endeavor, which will be responsible for the preparation of children, from 0-8 years of age, for entry into both Pasco and Hernando County schools. Except for the representative of a Child Care Provider (a mandate in the covering legislation), an applicant CANNOT be employed by a direct service provider to preschool children. For more information, call (866) 797-9444, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Upcoming Board Events

Finance/Audit Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM via zoom or in person.

Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM via zoom or in person.

Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM.

Meet our Staff

All Staff
Management Team(4)
Finance & Admin Teams(8)
Family Services Team(15)
Program Services(21)

Carrie Culbertson

Provider Services Director
c.culbertson@elcph.org

Melinda Velez

Strategic Partnerships and Impact Specialist
m.velez@elcph.org

LaTisha Bell

Finance Director
l.bell@elcph.org

Ramute “Jak” Jakubauskas

Receptionist
r.jakubauskas@elcph.org

Jennifer Miller

Accounting and Finance Supervisor
j.miller@elcph.org

Allison Bugeja

Finance Specialist
a.bugeja@elcph.org

Dee Beaudry

Provider Reimbursement Specialist
d.beaudry@elcph.org

Kelli Rodriguez

Family Services Director
k.rodriquez@elcph.org

Kimberly Williams

Family Services Supervisor - New Port Richey
k.williams@elcph.org

Francisca Black

Family Services Specialist
f.black@elcph.org

Lynn Woerner

Family Services Specialist
l.woerner@elcph.org

Clara Ziegler

Family Services Specialist
c.ziegler@elcph.org

Join Our Team

To apply for a position with the Coalition, complete our Coalition job application. The complete application, resume and letter of interest must be filled out completely and submitted to Patty Joens at p.joens@elcph.org.

The Promise Institute now has adult education available for parents, caregivers and other members of the community who are related to the growth and development of Early Learners!

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