Meet the CHS Elizabethtown Center Director
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) continues to expand its impact across Pennsylvania with the future opening of CHS Elizabethtown, the organization’s second Early Childhood Education Center in Lancaster County and fifth overall in Central Pennsylvania.
The Center, located at the former Rheems Elementary School in West Donegal Township, is expected to open in summer 2027. The building was transformed into a modern early learning environment serving children and families living, working, or going to school in the Donegal, Manheim Central, and Elizabethtown Area school districts.
Leading the CHS Elizabethtown team is Center Director Luanne Dohner, who brings 20 years of experience in early childhood education and a deep commitment to supporting children and families through high-quality learning and care.
“I am excited to bring additional educational support and learning to the Elizabethtown community,” Dohner said.
A career rooted in early childhood education
Dohner’s career in education spans two decades and includes a wide range of roles dedicated to supporting young learners and families.
She began as a teacher working with 3-year-old and Pre-K students at Kids Korner in York, Pa., before spending more than a decade with the Early Head Start and Head Start of York County program at Community Progress Council. During that time, she served in several positions, including assistant teacher, home-based visitor, Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) coach, education coordinator, and education manager.
Dohner has also worked as an independent PBIS facilitator and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Shippensburg University.
Most recently, she spent the last three years with CHS supporting the development and growth of our other Centers, an experience that helped prepare her to lead a new location from the ground up.
Passion for whole child supports
Dohner’s passion for early childhood education stems from a belief that supporting children holistically creates lasting impact.
“I am passionate about addressing the whole child, which in turn promotes long-term development and success,” she said. “It always amazes me with the growth and potential that children achieve when they feel safe and nurtured.”
She emphasized that early learning environments play a critical role in shaping children’s confidence and readiness for future learning.
“Early childhood education lets me have a tiny part in shaping the lives of young children and providing peace of mind to the families by knowing that their children are in safe, loving and nurturing hands,” she said.
A mission that resonates
“It is an honor and a privilege to help fulfill Milton and Catherine Hershey’s dream and be a part of this amazing initiative,” she said. “I have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated early childhood professionals to help transform the lives of children and families, which will result in positive outcomes for the Elizabethtown community.”
Her experience working alongside CHS teams has reinforced her belief in the organization’s two-generational approach to education.
Dohner believes CHS stands apart through its commitment to supporting both children and their families.
“At CHS, we are really engaging and enrolling the whole family by providing education, resources and support that will help prepare the child and the family for the next part of their journey,” she said. “While our teachers support and engage the children, the Family Success Advocates will walk alongside the families and support them in reaching their goals.”
This collaborative model reflects CHS’s broader vision of strengthening families while preparing children for lifelong success.
Reimagining a community landmark
CHS Elizabethtown will breathe new life into the former Rheems Elementary School, a familiar space that once served generations of local students.
This CHS Center will provide high-quality early childhood education for up to 150 children from six weeks to age 5 from under-resourced and over-burdened backgrounds, with all costs covered for qualifying families.
Dohner looks forward to creating an environment where children feel supported, families feel connected, and the broader community sees lasting impact.
“I am looking forward to seeing children smiling, laughing, and thriving every day as well as building long-lasting relationships with the children and families and the community as a whole,” she said.
With its anticipated opening in summer 2027, CHS Elizabethtown will join CHS New Danville as part of the organization’s expansion in Lancaster County. CHS Lancaster City will be the third location in the county, with an expected fall 2027 opening.
CHS Elizabethtown is now hiring and will employ professionals across Scholastic, Family Success, Health Services, and Operations roles, all working together to support children and families during the most important years of early development.
