Executive Committee Dr. Todd Wolynn President CEO, KidsPlus Pediatrics (2018–2021) “I joined Trying Together’s Board because our organization supports the critical work of child care and early childhood education from infancy to age nine. This work literally has the ability to change the trajectory of a child’s life, today and into and including adulthood. We’re evidence-based. Our expertise is recognized and sought locally, regionally, and nationally. Trying Together positively impacts children, families, and communities by supporting early childhood professionals and educators. Our work represents an investment in society now and for the future. I’m deeply proud to be a Board member and Board President.” Ms. LaTrenda Leonard Sherrill Vice President Consultant (2018–2021) “I joined the Board because I care about children in this region. I am now a mother of two young children, and I know the work of embedding the value of early childhood is critical to the economic development of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and to keeping families here. I am so happy that I get to serve alongside others that value the trajectories of our babies, and those that care for them.” Ms. Kristin Ash Secretary Director, thinkUP Idea Lab and Community, Highmark Health (2018–2021) “The mom in me wants every kid to have the opportunity to learn. The business person in me knows that children are our future workforce, and we have to eliminate disparities to give them every opportunity to succeed. No matter if it’s parents, child caregivers, teachers or others, quality interactions – and love – in every setting can make this a reality.” Ms. Mara L. Frank Treasurer Senior Manager, Ernst & Young (2019–2022) “I joined the Board of Trying Together as education is a passion of mine. It is the foundation for success. As a mother of a young child, navigating through motherhood and my career, I understand now more than ever, how critical it is for children to have access to quality care and education. It takes a village to raise, care for, and educate a child, and Trying Together is an advocate for children and the adults who interact with them, focusing on educating all on the importance of and striving to enhance access to quality care and education for children and quality resources for the adults who care for and educate them.” Board of Directors Mr. David Andros COO, AE Works Ltd. (2018–2021) “In my own children I see such potential and the future of our country. Children today will become tomorrow’s employees, employers, and problem-solvers. This makes children our nation’s most critical resource. Providing quality education to all children right from the start will directly connect to their ability to solve the world’s and our country’s most challenging problems. It is clear to me that we have a lot of work to do to make sure every child has the opportunity to attend a quality early childhood program, and I am excited to be a part of the movement as a Trying Together Board member.” Ms. Jennifer Beer Senior Director, Government Affairs, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce (2017–2020) “As soon as I dropped my daughter off at our child care center when she was about seven weeks old, I had a new appreciation for child care and the industry as a whole…wanting to make sure my child – and every child – was safe and getting the best care, but also that the caregivers and the facility had access to the best funding and resources they needed. With a background in advocacy, I felt I’d be able to help advance some of the public policies that could make a positive impact on child care and early learning for many families across our region.” Ms. Christine Herring, EdD Early Childhood Educator, Sewickley Academy (2018–2021) “In 2013, my husband and I attended Trying Together’s inaugural UnConference: Game On!, presented in collaboration with the CREATE Lab and Google Pittsburgh. I knew then that it was an organization with which I wanted to be affiliated. Becoming a member of their Board is providing me the opportunity to be proactive in influencing policies that benefit providers, students, and their families.” Ms. Julie Paden Vice President, PNC Bank & Program Manager, PNC Grow Up Great (2019–2022) “My role with PNC Grow Up Great, where the primary focus is to prepare children from birth to age give for success in school and life, aligns so well with the Trying Together mission. Further, I have such respect for what Trying Together has already accomplished and for their ongoing commitment to our region’s most valuable resource – the children of our future.” Mr. Casey Mindlin Director, Scholastic National Partnerships, Scholastic Inc. (2019–2022) “I joined the board because I feel there is no higher calling than to aid and support young children everywhere, with no exceptions. The quality of care and education our children receive early in life will be dictated by the depth of our collective commitment to their future, and there are few organizations more steeped in the fight for children in Western PA than Trying Together. Having worked for five years and counting at Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, I’m all too aware of the importance the beginning years of a child’s life holds. That is why it’s an honor to serve alongside such an inspiring group of child advocates – our future depends on people like my fellow board members and the Trying Together staff.” Ms. Sherie Painter Cannin Esquire, Pribanic & Pribanic, LLC (2018–2021) “I have always had a passion for inclusion and equality. When I saw the opportunity to apply for a position on Trying Together’s Board of Directors, I was immediately intrigued and applied right away. Trying Together’s mission to advocate for high-quality care and education for our community’s young children is surpassed by none. I am honored and proud to be a part of such an outstanding organization.” Ms. Fern Schwartz Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch (2017–2020) “I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to have received a good education. That education was instrumental in my future. I believe that every child should have the same opportunity. Early education is crucial as a foundation for a child’s future. By joining this Board, I am hopeful that I can help to make a difference.” Ms. Karian Wise Director of Preschool Programs, Carlow University (2017–2020) “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop in a safe, nurturing environment. Every family deserves the opportunity to access resources to support them, partner with high-quality early learning providers, and know their children are safe. Every caregiver deserves the opportunity to be respected, have access to resources to support them, and continue their learning. Through collaboration, this can be a reality for all children, families, and caregivers.”
