Dreams Realized: Kayla’s Story
An instrumental and innovative aspect of the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) approach is the family success program, a collaborative model that helps enrolled families turn dreams that once felt out of reach into reality.
The two‑generational focus supports not only children through high‑quality early learning, but also parents and caregivers by connecting them with resources and guidance they may need. A dedicated Family Success Advocate (FSA) partners with families to set goals, track progress, and access the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside of the Center.
Kayla’s Story
Kayla Proch, a CHS Harrisburg mother, and Kacie Weaver, a CHS Harrisburg FSA, have been working together since Kayla’s daughter enrolled at CHS.
At just 21 years old, Proch has already walked a powerful journey of ambition and determination. Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Central Dauphin East in 2022 before pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Then, life took on a new meaning in January 2024 when Proch became a mother. Faced with the realities of balancing academics, childcare, and finances, she made the difficult decision to come home to Harrisburg to be near family for support.
“I still wanted to continue for my degree,” she said. “But I needed a way to make it work, financially and in other ways.”
That opportunity came when a close family friend, Deb Turnpaugh, an Admissions Counselor at Milton Hershey School, told her about the new CHS Harrisburg Center opening in the community.
“Deb has always been family,” Proch said. “When she introduced me to CHS, and I read about the structured environment and support, I thought, ‘Why not apply?’”
Dreams Realized
She did and was accepted as one of the first families to enroll at CHS Harrisburg in 2024.
“It felt like God was looking out for me,” Proch said. “It was almost like a dream. It didn’t feel real, especially knowing how many families apply.”
For Proch, enrolling her daughter at CHS meant more than reliable childcare. It also meant she’d have more time and resources to chase her own dreams. The CHS Harrisburg Family Success Team has been at her side throughout that journey.
“Working with my Family Success Advocate has been amazing,” Kayla said. “She didn’t just help me with practical steps to manage school and parenting, she offered emotional support, advice, and encouragement when I needed it most.”
That support helped her resume her college education at Penn State Harrisburg. Two years later, she is on track to graduate this spring debt‑free, an achievement she calls life-changing.
“I never stopped thinking about my degree,” she said. “Becoming a mom didn’t stop my dream. It put a new meaning behind it. I’m a first‑generation college student, and I want my daughter to see what’s possible when you don’t give up.”
Extraordinary Impact
Proch has been amazed by her daughter’s remarkable growth since starting at CHS as she has moved from an infant classroom to a young toddler classroom this year.
“Her motor skills, verbal skills, everything,” Proch said about how she has seen her daughter grow. “She’s just sprouting. I see her learning how to interact, to think, to explore, and that’s so exciting as a parent.”
A Life-Changing Legacy
Proch also reflected on the broader impact of the CHS mission, a mission rooted in the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey, whose vision for compassionate education opened doors for countless families long before her time.
“It’s incredible to think about what they set in motion,” she said. “Their selfless legacy is about lifting up entire families.”
Her story is just one example of the impact CHS strives to make by nurturing, educating, and empowering both children and their families. Through the unique combination of high‑quality early learning and intentional family support, CHS helps families build strong, stable homes, pursue meaningful goals, and create a bright future for their children.
“CHS has been wonderful for myself, my family, and my daughter,” Proch said. “It’s education and support. For families looking for that support to continue their dreams, I’d say just apply. You never know where it might lead.”
Dreams Realized series: As the 2025-26 CHS school-year theme “One Team, One Dream” was launched in August, stories will be shared throughout the year showcasing members of the CHS community following—and realizing—their dreams. Vol. 1: Dil’s Story, Vol. 2: Lily’s Story, Vol. 3: Luna’s Story, Vol. 4: Xavier’s Story, Vol. 5: Hilary’s Story, Vol. 6: Kayla’s Story.
