Janet Whalen Couch: Executive director
Janet has been with CCYC since the very beginning when we opened in 1997. She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University and over 30 years experience in Early Childhood Education. Janet’s passion for doing what is best for children is evidenced through the success of CCYC. She has been adjunct faculty at Goshen College, IU South Bend, and Ivy Tech Community College, and served on national, state, and local early childhood boards. Janet and her husband have 5 grand children and 7 dogs and occasionally breed German Shorthair Pointers.
Nadia Shank: assistant Director
Nadia has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bluffton University and an International Montessori Teaching Certificate from North American Montessori Center. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of education, primarily as a teacher. Nadia has a passion for literacy and a particular love for books. She is momma to 8th grader Ella.
Michelle Mullet: Lead Teacher, Threes Classroom
Michelle considers it a privilege to have worked at CCYC for 17 years. She received her Associate degree and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching and exploring with children. She enjoys the opportunity to help children gain the skills they will need to succeed in life. Michelle’s passion is to be an educator who helps lay the foundation for success in a child’s early years.
amanda Landis: Lead Teacher, toddlers
Amanda is a true CCYC veteran, having been with our program for 20 years. She loops with her class every other year, moving with the Toddler class to the 2s class to provide continuity of care. She graduated from Goshen College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She enjoys time with her 2 dogs and cats, baking, and reading in her spare time.
rosanna kauffmann: co-teacher, fours classroom
Rosanna is in her 6th year at CCYC. She is a 2011 graduate of Goshen College with a Bachelor’s degree in Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies. She earned her child development permit from Merritt College in Oakland, California. Rosanna grew up in Goshen and moved back after living in Oakland for 8 years where she taught Transitional Kindergarten and Reggio Emilia preschool. Rosanna specializes in nature based education and loves teaching students new songs. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing violin.
Amy Vance: Assistant Teacher, toddlers
This is Amy’s 12th year at CCYC. She has her CDA in Early Childhood Education. Amy is usually teamed with Amanda and they enjoy a close relationship as an incredibly effective teaching team! She enjoys going on adventures with her son, Jason who is a first year student at Notre Dame. Go Irish!
Sarah bunch: Lead Teacher, infant cottage
Sarah is in her 6th year at CCYC. Sarah’s gentle nature is a perfect fit for our littlest kiddos! Sarah completed the Child Development Associate credential and, in her words, “absolutely loves working at such an amazing child care center!” Sarah is the mother of two great kids whom she loves spending time with as much as possible.
Shelby Bontrager: Assistant Teacher/Float
Shelby loves to spend time with family and friends, loves doing jigsaw puzzles, going for long walks and bike rides, and reading new books. This is Shelby’s 9th year at CCYC where she has completed her Child Development Associate Credential.
Destiny watts, assistant teacher, twos classroom
Destiny is entering her 3nd year at CCYC and has been a welcomed addition to the team. She attended EACC’s Early Childhood Education program where she earned her CDA and loved getting to work in their preschool. She plans on going back to school to finish her Associate's degree. At home, Destiny loves to draw, cook, and especially loves to play board games.
JEssica Miller: Program Director, Infant cottage
Jessica is delighted to return for her 24th year with CCYC! She loves letting her creative side shine in her role at the Infant Cottage. Loving on babies is an added bonus! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband (Justin), daughter (Madison), and son (Harrison).
Korena Sanchez: Assistant Teacher
Korena is back for her 7th year with CCYC. She has experience working with every age group and has earned her Child Developmet Associate Credential. She lives in Goshen with her husband & 3 young children. In her free time she loves bike riding, walking the trail to the Goshen dam, and playing board games with her family.
Jessica Green: Lead Teacher, twos classroom
Jessica has been with CCYC since 2005, during which she took time off to give birth to three of her six children. She was promoted to Lead Teacher in 2022, a well earned achievement. She has earned her Child Development Associate Credential and has an inherent gift for working with our youngest children. When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys crafting and spending time with her 6 children and their families.
Jennifer archer: assistant teacher, toddlers
Jennifer began her career with CCYC back when she was a student at Goshen College-talk about coming full circle! Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is happiest when she’s working with our youngest age group! Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and is very involved with her church.
Jenny Bauman: Assistant Teacher, Threes Classroom
Jenny has been a member of the team since 2012 and holds a Child Development Associate Credential. Jenny has worked with a variety of age groups, but enjoys the threes best. She and Michelle are a dynamic team! Jenny enjoys spending time with her family and rooting for the Indianapolis Colts.
cINTHIA RIOS: CO-Teacher, FOURS Classroom
We are thrilled to welcome Cinthia to the CCYC team! Cinthia graduated from Purdue-Ft. Wayne with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood in December 2023. Cinthia is fluent in both Spanish and English and enjoys spending time with family, especially her young daughter.
katie kinder: assistant teacher, twos classroom
This is Katie’s first year at CCYC, having joined the staff this past summer. Katie has a natural ability to work with young children and enjoys helping them reach their full potential! Katie has two children and her son is a CCYC graduate. She enjoys spending time with family as much as possible.