Gina has served as Columbus Early Learning Centers’ Chief Executive Officer since June 2015. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in environmental and biological sciences from the University of Cincinnati, she attended The Ohio State University where she received a Master’s degree in educational policy and leadership and a PhD in workforce development. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director, Gina spent more than ten years in the nonprofit sector working in fundraising and development.

As Chief Executive Officer, Gina oversees the strategic mission of the organization. She manages fundraising efforts, leads staff, and builds partnerships within our Columbus community to grow the reach and quality of our program.

Ashley began at CELC in 2016 as a lead teacher. She then became the Champion Avenue Center Director, served as the Director of Program Operations and in 2022 was promoted to Chief Programming Officer. Prior to joining CELC, she student taught and interned in various early childhood and special education classrooms in public schools in New York. Her experience in these classrooms has provided her with a skill set to engage with and teach children of varied developmental, cultural and skill levels. Ashley has a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Applied Economics and Management as well as a Master’s from Hofstra University in Early Childhood and Special Education.

In the position of Director of Program Operations, Ashley is responsible for supporting the center directors and managing the uniform operation of contract and government regulation across all four centers. She looks to increase the quality of early childhood education provided at all locations by providing high-quality training and professional development opportunities to our staff.

Mary has served as the Cheif Financial Officer at Columbus Early Learning Centers since November 2015. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting from The Ohio State University, her CPA License, and Ohio Treasurer’s License. She started her career working for an Eastside settlement house in Columbus in May of 1991 and has now worked over 25 years at 3 different not-for-profits in the Columbus area.

As the Chief Financial Officer, Mary handles all accounting and human resource functions for CELC’s four centers.  This includes all billing and reporting requirements for the various funding sources, processing payroll and accounts payable checks, and maintaining personnel files and employee benefit packages.  By compiling financial reports for the Board, funding sources, and grantors Mary helps ensure that the agency is financially responsible and that resources are available to be used for planning and expansion efforts.

Andrea has worked at Columbus Early Learning Centers since July of 2017. She began as a Teacher Coach, then Assistant Director at our Main Street center, and now as our Director of Compliance and Enrollment. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to joining CELC, Andrea worked in various licensed childcare centers as a lead teacher and administrator.

As the Director of Compliance and Enrollment, Andrea is responsible for ensuring that centers are fully enrolled and that state regulations and agency procedures are being followed in all centers consistently. Andrea works with families through the entire enrollment process, from first contact to touring our program to completing the required paperwork.

Teresa Brown has served as the Human Resource Director since May of 2019.  Prior to joining Columbus Early Learning Centers, Teresa worked in both military and civilian settings to obtain valuable knowledge in the field of human resources.  She has utilized her experience within various nonprofit organizations as a Human Resources Manager.  

As the Human Resources Director for CELC, Teresa is responsible for the overall day to day functions of the human resources department including employee relations, talent development/retention, conflict resolution, recruitment and selection. Teresa is committed and dedicated to helping employees maximize their confidence and professionalism to reach their greatest potential within their role at CELC.

Teresa holds her degree in business management.  As a lifelong learner, Teresa is currently pursing various certifications and an advance degree in human resource management.  Teresa also enjoys spending time with her family and four grandchildren who are the joy of her life.