CHS thought leaders

Brittany Tomaso, a Hershey native, joined CHS in 2021 as one of its first employees, helping to build and grow awareness of CHS’s mission. Brittany has previously led marketing, communications, admissions, media relations, events, and strategic partnerships across all CHS Centers. She held marketing and enrollment roles at U-GRO Learning Centres and Learning Care Group and worked in communications and events at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. A parent and early childhood education professional, Brittany is passionate about CHS’s commitment to supporting children and families in need. 

• Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Change Management

Dr. Rebekah Benedum is the Senior Director of Programs for Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. A passionate and visionary leader, Rebekah oversees the early childhood programming of CHS across all locations. Rebekah recognizes the importance of a child’s formative years and champions the CHS whole-child and two-generational approaches. With over 15 years of experience in ECE, Rebekah is committed to building strong teams, advancing equity and inclusion, and creating a positive impact on the children and families CHS serves. She is inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in those communities, the state of Pennsylvania, and beyond. Rebekah holds a Doctor of Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. 

• Areas of Expertise: Curriculum, Project-Based Approach, Play-Based Approach, ECE Professional Development

• Articles: Mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Early Learning Classroom and Learning Behavioral Skills in an ECE Setting 

Brian Engelhardt is the Director of Finance and Operations at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. Before joining CHS, Brian spent 15 years at Dutch Wonderland, serving most recently as Director of Revenue under both Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and Palace Entertainment. At CHS, he oversees the growth of the organization as it expands to six Early Childhood Education Centers across Dauphin and Lancaster counties. Brian is passionate about CHS’s two-generational approach, helping both children and families build stronger futures. Inspired by a lifelong belief in making a difference, he brings his skills and leadership to an organization that aligns with his values. 

• Area of Expertise: Compliance and Governance, Risk Management, Budgeting and Forecasting

Stacy Lewis is the Director of Strategy at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. Stacy brings 30 years of leadership experience in early childhood education, spanning roles from teacher to executive director across private, faith-based, and public sectors. Stacy is passionate about creating access to affordable, high-quality early education and building strong learning communities for children, families, and professionals. A lifelong advocate for innovation and equity, she continues to help shape the future of early childhood education. 

• Areas of Expertise: Measuring Outcomes, Continuous Quality Improvement

Nathan Martin is the Director of Human Resources at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. He brings extensive Human Resources leadership experience across retail, manufacturing, and logistics. Nate holds an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from Messiah University. At CHS, he leads the Human Resources team in creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to serve children and families. Inspired by the transformative impact of early childhood education, Nate is passionate about expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities and advancing the CHS two-generational approach, helping children and families build stronger futures together.

• • Areas of Expertise: Talent Acquisition, Workforce Development, Employee Wellness

As the Director of Marketing & Communications, Lauren Schuman leads marketing, communications, strategic partnerships, and brand initiatives that support organizational growth and mission. Raised by parents who worked in education, Lauren is deeply motivated to ensure her work has a meaningful, lasting impact on children and families, helping to build strong educational foundations that extend far beyond their time at CHS. Previously, she held leadership roles including Digital Marketing & Communications Director at Country Meadows Retirement Communities and Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation at Pyramid Consulting Group in New York City. 

• • Areas of Expertise: Marketing Strategy, Strategic Communications, Brand Awareness

Jacquelyn Wise is the Director of Standards and Implementation at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning nonprofit organizations and the food manufacturing industry, including leadership roles at The Hershey Company and a high-growth startup, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Jacquelyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. At CHS, she partners with Center leaders to streamline systems, strengthen operational consistency, and support the organization’s continued growth. Driven by a passion for mission-based work, Jacquelyn is inspired by CHS’s two-generational approach and its commitment to providing children and families with the resources they need to succeed.

• • Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, Organizational Operations, System Optimization