Early Childhood Education Services prides itself on its caring, qualified, and experienced staff. Our staff consists of nurturing individuals who have a passion for Early Childhood Education and serving young children and families. We work hard to ensure every child is comfortable, engaged, and learning to the best of their abilities.
Meet the Campus Children's Center Staff
Administrative Staff
Dawn Berkenstock, Director
- M.S. in early childhood education from Indiana University
- B.A. in speech and hearing sciences from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2000
"I am proud to have been part of the CCC community for over 20 years. Through my experiences as a teacher, assistant director and now, director, I have witnessed the impact of building strong relationships with children and their families. These relationships are foundational to a supportive, learning environment for children, families and staff. I am happy to be part of a program that helps to provide a foundational start for life-long learning."
Sara Rush, Assistant Director
- M.S. in elementary education from Indiana University
- B.A. in secondary education from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2002
"This is a very fulfilling career. I have moved from part-time teacher’s aide to full-time co-teacher, and now to assistant director. The staff here are collaborative and invested in the early childhood field. I enjoy getting to know all our families and spending time with the children in each classroom."
Sandra Porter
- B.A. degree in Psychology from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since October 2018
"I appreciate the opportunity I have to support the teachers, staff, and families in providing a safe, stimulating and positive environment for the children."
Teaching Staff
Infant/Toddler Staff
Jennifer Bland
- Early childhood education experience in daycare centers and Head Start
- CCC staff member since 2010
"Parents trust us with part of their heart every day, and we get to observe their children investigate, problem solve, and develop into becoming their best selves. Each opportunity to play and engage with others is a chance to learn about the world, Part of being in the CCC community is the incredible support and collaboration among staff and families."
Melanie Breeden
- B.S. in human development and family studies from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2018
"My favorite part about working with young children is being able to experience their unique perspective and outlook on life. I love getting to be a part of their development and being a safe place for them as they learn about the world."
Dana Cook
- M.S. (1987) in education with an emphasis on early childhood education from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2018
"I enjoy developing supportive relationships with parents and children. I love to gently encourage a deep respect and appreciation of all living beings—from the hungry birds that visit our feeder to the man who delivers our lunch every day. I share children’s delight when the most ordinary thing captivates their attention. Slowing down and taking time for beauty is important to me."
Angie Dixon
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Worked as a foster care case manager for the State of Michigan and has worked in the childcare setting for the last four years
- CCC staff member since 2021
"I really enjoy working with this age group (0-3). I love getting to know the children and their families. Observing the growth and milestones of these little ones brings such joy!"
Melissa Mueller
- B.S. in early childhood education from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2017
"I am excited to be working in such a wonderful place with amazing teachers, parents, and children. I love working with children and giving them a nurturing classroom in which they may grow, discover, explore, create, and learn to their full potential."
Paige Novosel
- B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2019
"Working with children in the first three years of their lives is an extremely rewarding opportunity for me. I enjoy experiencing their development and building meaningful relationships with each child and their families. Working in an environment that is different every day is certainly a priority of mine and working at CCC provides me with that opportunity."
Macie Saldate
- B.A. in Human Development & Family Studies from Michigan State University
- CCC staff member since August 2022
"I’m so thankful to work at a center surrounded by supportive staff and sweet families. Encouraging and nurturing children each day is so special, along with building relationships with the families. Nothing makes me happier than serving the families of my community by caring for their little ones!"
Preschool Staff
Lauren Geiss
- B.S. in education and human development/family studies from Indiana University
- CCC staff member since 2018
"I love working with children every day to watch them grow and we can experience new opportunities together. I enjoy building those strong relationships with the children, families and CCC staff."
Karen Hahn
- M.S. in early childhood education from Indiana University
- B.A. in elementary education from Hanover College
- CCC staff member since 2008
"I enjoy working with young children because I have the privilege to watch children grow and make discoveries early."
Samantha Kimbro
- B.A. in elementary education from Ball State University
- CCC staff member since 2017
"Being able to see the growth every day through play and exploration is the most rewarding part of working with preschool age children. The idea that children learn so much through play and create the world around them is what drew me into working in this field upon graduation. Every day is different, and children count on us to help them question, explore, and create."
Michiru Oleson
- M.S. (2009) in early childhood education from Indiana University
- B.S. in education from Glenville State College
- A.S. in social work (child welfare) from Shukutoku Junior College in Japan
- CCC staff member since 2003
"I love helping children develop their social and emotional selves. I also enjoy studying about our Bloomington community with our children."