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 company. We are managed by an administrative team of 4 and currently employ 17 teachers and staff.
Board Members
Tricia Dye, Martin Gargano, Merry Jo Holder, Rob Patton, Janice Perilli, Thomas Ritsvey, Tammie Rothchild, Patty Tucker, Alexis Spence-Locke
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
K-Prep Academy
Angela Carroll
Discovery
Erica Linsenbigler
Explorers
Kayce Mrozek
PA Pre-K Counts
Jenn Weier
Lil’ Onesies
Val Taylor
School Age
Heather Ulan
Navigators
Assistant Teachers
Cindy Argenziano
Discovery
Jill Chacon
Lil’ Onesies
Rachel Davis
Explorers
Jan Perfilio
K-Prep Academy
Brandi Porterfield
Navigators
Jenny Buck
PA Pre-K Counts
Nicole Stubbs
Lil’ Onesies / Explorers
Support Aides
Madison McDowell
Kenzie Ulan
Penn State Shenango
Early Childhood Education
Seasonal Teachers
Carlee Benedict
Slippery Rock University
Early Childhood Education
Ashley Garon
Edinboro University
Early Childhood Education
Taylor Rose
Early Childhood Educator
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.
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.
Brittany Kulka
Operations Supervisor
Brittany has lived in the Shenango Valley her entire life, and currently resides in Hermitage with her husband Dustin, and two young children, Spencer and Sophia. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, and has worked at KidZone Learning Center as a lead teacher in the infant room. She has also had the role of Director of Outreach at Family Life Church, and most recently, worked at Mercer County Children and Youth Services. Brittany is excited to be working in childcare again.
Samantha Schultz
Office 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.
Denise Gargano
Administrative Finance Assistant
Denise has been with Building Blocks Child Center since 2014. Denise has a degree in Elementary Education and over twenty years of experience in the banking industry as an officer. Denise is very active with Grace Chapel Community Church. Denise and her husband Marty have two children, Kalie and Tyler.