Our
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
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!
