Culture
Building Blocks is a Ministry of Grace Chapel Community Church. As such, we understand our responsibility to serve. We believe that God is real and that He can make a real difference in your life. We believe in His son Jesus. Jesus came to earth and served people in their greatest times of need. Sharing this faith in God along with providing and demonstrating service to others is why Building Blocks exists.
Building Blocks Child Center was formed in 2009 as a non-profit corporation under Pennsylvania state laws. A Board of Directors oversees the financial needs of our organization, and our forward-thinking, senior director continues to drive education forward. We are managed by an experienced administrative team and employ over 20 teachers and staff.
Board Members
Tricia Dye, Martin Gargano, Merry Jo Holder, Rob Patton, Thomas Ritsvey, Patty Tucker, Alexis Spence-Locke, Carrie Brown, Cathaleen Finn
Our Mission
The mission of Building Blocks Child Center, a ministry of Grace Chapel Community Church, is to provide the building blocks for emergent learners in a nurturing, creative, and safe environment.
Our caring and professional staff partner with parents by providing the most comprehensive learning opportunities for young minds. Our loving, faith-based environment reinforces to children that they are known and loved by God.
OUR MOTTO: “Exceed parent expectations daily.”
Teachers and Staff
A visit to our facility will show you just how special our teachers and staff are. Many have been in this profession for years and some have been with Building Blocks since the very beginning. Their heart and desire to serve your family are second to none!
One reason we participate in the Keystone Stars Program is that it helps keep our standards high. Less than 4% of Child Care Centers in Pennsylvania reach the Stars 4 Level that Building Blocks has achieved.
Lead Teachers
Katie Carr
Trailblazers Preschool
Angela Carroll
Discovery Preschool
Lindsey Jones
Originators
Erica Linsenbigler
Explorers
Heather Ulan
Navigators
Kayce Mrozek
PA Pre-K Counts
Jenn Weier
Classroom Support
Val Taylor
School Age
Assistant Teachers
Cindy Argenziano
Discovery Preschool
Jenny Buck
PA Pre-K Counts
Jill Chacon
Originators
Rachel Davis
Explorers
Jan Perfilio
Trailblazers Preschool
Nicole Stubbs
Originators / Explorers
Support Aides
Aleecia Johnson
Macey Scerba
Janice Lively
Morgan Perample
Seasonal Teachers
Ashley Garon
Slippery Rock University
Hallie Miller
Malone University
Kenzie Ulan
Penn State Shenango
Emily Gongaware
Thiel College
Taylor Rose
Slippery Rock University Graduate
Bachelors in Early Childhood
Rachel Lego
PennWest University
Ashley Stubbs
Elementary teacher at Jamestown School District
Administrative Team
Building Blocks Child Center has assembled an experienced management team:
Carrie Brown
Senior Director
Carrie joined our Building Blocks Team in March of 2022 and is bringing with her 18 years of experience in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. Carrie has been a classroom teacher/curriculum coach for ten years and then has eight years’ experience as an education supervisor in early childhood education. Carrie has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Clarion University and a master’s degree in Education Administration from The University of Scranton. Carrie will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations at Building Blocks, as well as supporting and guiding the teaching teams to providing enriching and nurturing lessons to our children. Carrie and her husband, Jake, reside in the South Pymatuning Community and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Samantha Schultz
Operations Manager
This is Sam's third time back with Building Blocks after working as a Lead Teacher for a few years prior. Born and raised in Mercer County, she's a West Middlesex graduate-with a BA in Sociology: Human Services from Indiana University of PA. She's always known she wanted to help society and make an impact on her little corner of the universe. She considers herself a goofy, big kid at heart. She enjoys watching her favorite show, The Office, or any scary movie in her free time. She's exceptionally good at 2 things: playing the flute and believing she can do good impersonations. She loves trying new restaurants (as long as they have french fries), kayaking and cuddling up to her cat, Toodles, at the end of every day.
Merry-Jo Holder
Executive Director
Merry-Jo is the Executive Director of Grace Chapel Community Church and Building Blocks Child Center. She has been directing ministries at Grace Chapel Community Church since 2000. Merry-Jo oversees and supports the Building Blocks Administration team and directs Grace Chapel’s staff. She works closely with the Board of Directors of Building Blocks and Grace Chapel’s Elder Board. Merry-Jo’s background in marketing, communications and leadership supports the daily challenges and opportunities of keeping the Grace Chapel and Building Blocks cultures aligned. “Excellence honors God and inspires people” and “All people matter to God, therefore to us” are among the core values in which both organizations are founded and immersed. Merry-Jo and her husband Chip have 3 young-adult children, Casslyn, Robb, and Calissa.