Excellence in action: Ekaterina’s Story
Four years ago, Ekaterina (Kate) Puzina joined Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS). She was one of the first educators at CHS, drawn to the opportunity to help children reach their full potential.
Her CHS journey began in September 2022, before the organization’s first Center had even opened its doors. The new opportunity became the foundation for a multi-year journey of growth and learning.
After nearly four years in the classroom at CHS Hershey, she is now transitioning into a new role. Kate is now a Curriculum & Instruction Coach at CHS Elizabethtown, which is preparing for an expected summer 2027 opening.
Kate is bringing the lessons and perspective she gained in the classroom into a new chapter of her CHS journey.
A teacher at heart
Kate’s interest in CHS began with her desire to become a teacher who could make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. As she learned more about Milton Hershey School (MHS), she discovered the new-at-the-time CHS initiative. She was drawn to its approach to early childhood education.
“I wanted to become a teacher who loves and supports children and helps them reach their full potential,” Kate said. “I wanted to be a person who believes in them and their bright future.”
The opportunity to support the whole child through play-based learning particularly resonated with Kate. She was also surprised to learn that CHS would be cost-free for families and that teachers would receive extensive support and professional development.
“The idea of supporting the whole child through play-based learning and allowing teachers to create a calm, organized, fun, and meaningful learning environment aligns with my personal beliefs and excites me,” she said.
As a Lead Teacher at CHS Hershey, Kate learned the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom community. Each day brought opportunities to support diverse learners, adapt curriculum to meet children where they were, and partner with families to help each child succeed.
“Meaningful learning happens when children feel safe, valued, and understood,” Kate said. “And that families are essential partners in this process.”
Those experiences taught Kate to listen deeply, celebrate each child’s unique strengths, and approach challenges with creativity and empathy. They also shaped her understand of what excellence in ECE looks like and how she can now support educators in providing high-quality learning and care.
From classroom to coaching
Kate’s transition from Lead Teacher to Curriculum & Instruction Coach is giving her an opportunity to support educators from a different perspective while staying connected to the work that first brought her to CHS.
Her years in the classroom showed her that teaching requires flexibility. Teachers balance daily responsibilities, respond to unexpected needs, and continue working toward professional growth amid the joys and challenges of working with young children.
“I believe in honoring teachers’ voices, recognizing their expertise, and working collaboratively to co-create practical, meaningful solutions,” she said.
As she prepares to help build the CHS Elizabethtown team, Kate hopes to help establish strong roots for a culture where teachers feel supported, trusted, and comfortable learning from one another.
She looks forward to mentoring and empowering teachers by modeling instructional strategies, facilitating reflective conversations, and fostering a culture of trust and openness.
“I am especially excited to help teachers implement child-centered practices and deepen their family partnerships,” Kate said. “By working together, we can create learning environments where every child feels seen and supported, and where teachers feel confident trying new approaches and growing in their practice.”
For Kate, that work is about more than supporting individual teachers. She envisions a vibrant community of educators who learn from and with each other, share successes and challenges, and keep the needs of children and families at the center of their work.
Her classroom experience gives her a perspective she can now use to help other educators navigate their own journeys.
“I carry with me the invaluable lessons from my time as a Lead Teacher,” she said. “The power of connection, the importance of flexibility, and the belief that growth is a shared journey.”
Rooted in Excellence
As CHS follows its 2026–27 school year theme Rooted in Excellence, Kate sees the phrase as a reflection of her own journey with CHS.
“To me, being Rooted in Excellence means creating strong roots through relationships, reflection, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth,” she said.
For Kate, excellence is not about being perfect. It is about being willing to learn, grow, and continually ask how the work can be better for the children and families CHS serves.
“I am thankful for all the learning opportunities I have had at Catherine Hershey Schools and for all the different people who have been with me on this journey for four years already,” she said.
Now, she’ll pass along that knowledge to a new group of CHS teachers making a positive impact in the lives of children and families every day.
Excellence in Action series: As the 2026-27 CHS school-year theme “Rooted in Excellence” was launched in August, stories will be shared throughout the year showcasing members of the CHS community on their pursuits of excellence. Vol. 1: Alysha’s Story, Vol. 2: Ekaterina’s Story.
