JODY L. LEVITT
Executive Director

Prior to moving to Hilton Head from Ohio, Jody served 23 years as president of her local Junior Achievement organization and then worked at the local community college as the coordinator for a $1.6 million grant for alternative energy education. At the community college, a group of 10 colleges and universities, including Penn State, Ohio State and Kettering worked together through the support of a national science foundation grant. Jody also managed a decentralization process of contract training and community education division of the college.

Jody’s background is packed with service to her community. She is an active member of Rotary International, serving as chair of several committees, president in Canton OH and assistant district governor and now a member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head where she chairs the Safety Town committee. Jody has worked on school levy committees, character counts groups, church activities, involved in high school sport booster groups and was a member of the local Chamber board of directors.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University and her secondary education teaching license from Walsh University. Prior to moving south, she was working on a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University.

 

DREW KUEHNER
Education Manager

With significant experience in the field of early education, Drew has been an asset to The Children’s Center team since joining in January 2020. He is from Alabaster, Alabama and has spent his career working for his family’s early education center in his hometown. His role is to ensure that our teachers have the best resources available to help our children develop age-appropriate skills and be successful upon entering kindergarten. Drew is very involved in our classrooms and overall school activities.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo. Most recently, he served as the Director at the School for Amazing Kids where he oversaw both the business and educational excellence of their programs. In his spare time, he enjoys being a father and playing his guitar.

 

KEISHA FIELDS
Parent Liason

Ms. Keisha, as she is known by parents, co-workers and children at The Children’s Center is the bright and welcoming smile that greets all visitors coming through the doors and is the friendly voice answering the phone. Keisha began her career as a three-year-old teacher, but quickly moved into an administrative role. Keisha is our Parent Liaison and administrator for the ABC Voucher program. Keisha wears many hats, but she says her most important responsibility is to “make sure that the families, children and staff at The Children Center are happy.”

Keisha is from Beaufort SC and is the mother of two handsome young boys, with whom she enjoys spending her off time. Together they enjoy the movies, going to the trampoline park, or just getting in the car and going to Sonics to enjoy a meal together. Being the second of four children, her extended family is a big part of her life too. Keisha has completed her Level I and Level II Early Childhood certifications and a variety of college courses. She will step up to cover any role in the organization and is an extremely valuable member of the TCC leadership team.

 

CARMINA BARRERA TREJO
Education Assistant

Originally from Mexico but living in the Lowcountry for more than 26 years, Ms. Carmina brings a wealth of experience to our Center. She serves as the Education Assistant, ensuring ratios are maintained, teacher needs are met and assisting the Education Manager as needed. Carmina has been with The Children’s Center for 15 years, serving as a classroom teacher both in Bluffton and on Hilton Head before her promotion in 2019. One of Carmina’s most vital roles is that of translator for our Hispanic families.

Carmina was educated in Mexico at the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas in México, with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Tourism. She also studied at the University of Texas in Austin. She holds her Level I Early Childhood credential. When Carmina does have time away from work, she spends it with her three beautiful grandchildren, devouring a good book or cooking. Carmina is the glue that holds our education programs together and an integral part of the TCC leadership team.

 

GINGER KENNEDY
Development Manager

Ginger Kennedy was born and bred in New Jersey, has lived in multiple states, but has had connections in the Lowcountry since the 1990s. Ginger’s goal was to move here full time since she married her husband in 2001 at The Dune’s House. Holding multiple degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business, and Technology she has the drive, knowledge, and experience to serve the families and staff of TCC. Ginger has developed and led the charge for multiple large fundraising ventures during her 21 years of motherhood. She is a mother of two young men, Quinan & Aidan, and two raucous dogs, Skittles & Chuck. Ginger’s focus has always been on the children, as they are our future, but she enjoys skiing, surfing, volunteering, and watching her Notre Dame football and lacrosse.