Dreams Realized: Shniyah’s Story

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) emphasizes making a two-generational impact and creating a program that supports the whole child. The first five years of life are critically formative for long-term success as 90 percent of the brain is developed by the age of five.  Quality early childhood education plays a significant role in kindergarten readiness and extends into adulthood.

Strong family support – and investing in a child’s parents and caregivers – is also essential in children’s health and development of cognitive and social skills. CHS provides this through our Family Success program, which implements a two-generational approach.

A renewed partnership

For many families, enrolling a child at CHS is the beginning of a new partnership built on trust.

For Shniyah Peterson’s family, they were continuing a relationship that begun years earlier. When Peterson was a student, Jim Snyder was one of the leaders who helped shape her educational journey.

Their paths crossed again, this time with Peterson as a CHS Harrisburg parent and Snyder as the CHS Harrisburg Center Director guiding her daughter’s first steps in education.

“Having Mr. Snyder be a part of both of our learning journeys has been more than special—it has been a true honor,” Peterson said. “Knowing he would be a part of my daughter’s journey brought a sense of comfort and trust because of the positive impact he had on my own education and life journey.”

It reminded her that the influence of a great educator and leader does not end when a child leaves school; it continues through the lives they touch and inspire.

New beginnings

Prior to CHS Harrisburg, Peterson and her family had been searching for consistent early childhood education and care. She first learned about CHS Harrisburg, which opened in 2024, through social media and joined the interest list.

“We were drawn to Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning because we value the importance of a strong foundation during the early years,” she said. “We were looking for a place that not only focuses on education but also cares about the whole child—their social, emotional, and developmental growth.”

When her daughter first started at CHS, Peterson hoped she would build meaningful relationships outside of her family, develop greater independence, gain the structure needed to succeed in a school setting, and feel safe, comfortable, and open to new opportunities.

Growing with confidence

Peterson has watched her daughter accomplish those things during her time at CHS Harrisburg.

“Since starting CHS, my daughter has grown into a more independent, confident, and compassionate young girl,” Peterson said. “She has developed a genuine love for learning, embraced new experiences, and built meaningful connections with others.”

Peterson also credits her daughter’s teachers for helping her overcome challenges during her transition into early learning.

“When my daughter first started, it was a big adjustment as she navigated her separation anxiety,” she said. “Every teacher in the Butterfly classroom showed her patience, love, and understanding while reassuring her that I would always come back for her after work.”

She said teachers took the time to truly understand her daughter, build her trust, and create a special bond with her.

“There is no greater comfort than knowing she was cared for by people who loved her like their own,” Peterson said.

Ready for the next chapter

As her daughter gets ready to transition to kindergarten, Peterson’s heart is filled with bittersweet emotions.

“As my daughter prepares to leave CHS, my heart is filled with both excitement and sadness,” she said. “Excitement for the journey ahead, and sadness because there truly is no place like CHS Harrisburg.”

Peterson knows her daughter is leaving CHS with more than academic preparation. She is leaving with the foundation needed to continue excelling throughout life, socially and emotionally.

“I believe the greatest gifts she will carry with her from CHS are her compassion and confidence,” she said. “The confidence to learn, ask questions, embrace challenges, and believe in herself.”

For Peterson, CHS Harrisburg has created a lasting impact on her daughter and her entire family.

“CHS is a special place where your child will be cared for, supported and loved,” Peterson said. “The experience is one that has a timeless impact on both you and your child.”

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, Vol. 7: Natalie’s Story, Vol. 8: Emily’s Story, Vol. 9: Abby’s Story, Vol. 10: Madi’s Story, Vol. 11: Andrew’s Story, Vol. 12: Shniyah’s Story.