Reva Wywadis
Executive Director
Executive Director's Column
Hello, friends! 
We have exciting news to share! The agency was able to purchase a home to serve as the 2023 Designers’ Showhouse. Located at 8338 SW 37th Street (just off of 37th and Auburn Road), this ranch-style home was built in 1995 and has lovely “bones” but is due for an update. Renovation plans include opening up the main floor kitchen and dining space, adding a fourth bedroom and a family room on the lower level, and an extensive outdoor transformation. Gina Nellis and Cora Spencer will lead this effort on behalf of the agency, with all proceeds from Showhouse tours and the resale of the property next spring supporting agency programs and services. It’s great to have this signature grassroots fundraiser back on the calendar, and we look forward to seeing you there...
Program Highlights & Happenings 
Roll & Read

On April 2nd, around 450 families came out to the NOTO district and downtown Topeka for Roll & Read. The family-oriented occasion received funding from the Communities Supporting Early Literacy grant, and Topeka Public Schools Parents as Teachers and United Way of Greater Topeka hosted the event. This event combined literacy and physical fitness by encouraging families to walk the area to multiple reading and activities stations. Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas attended informing families about Kindergarten readiness, our resource center, and Successful Connections. We look forward to more events like this in the future.
Our CCHC Team 
Marie Treichel, Deb Danielson, 
Tia Wright, and Noel Edwards
New Efforts to Meet Child Care Capacity Needs
A grant from Child Care Aware® of Kansas funded The Child Care Health Consultant Network (CCHC). This project is a free service available to all existing and prospective child care providers in Kansas. This program focuses on promoting health, safety, and wellness in child care environments. In addition, they offer one-on-one coaching and planning sessions...
Communities in Action

Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas was able to partner with local community leaders to host three Communities in Action events during the month of March. This effort, supported with funding through Child Care Aware® of Kansas, brought together teams of business leaders, local elected officials, early childhood educators, and a host of community partners to explore the needs of child care in their local communities. On March 4, the event in Paola brought representatives from four counties: Anderson, Franklin, Linn, and Miami. The March 24 event focused solely on Shawnee County and was held in Topeka. The March 25 event was held in Manhattan with representation from leaders in Geary, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties...
Shawnee County members gathered in March to discuss area child care needs.
Volunteer Opportunities
As our activities in the community return, our need for volunteers has grown. We have various volunteer opportunities that can appeal to anyone’s time and skill set. For example, we are recruiting volunteers to assist in making cuddle blankets, book and sign deliveries, serving on the board committee, and many Showhouse opportunities. Contact us to find out how you can give back to the community and help enhance the lives of children, families, and child care providers.
Board & Staff...
2022 Board of Directors
Liz Steffen, President
Cherie Sage, President-Elect
Jamie Stafford, Secretary
Dawn Bicknell-Reiser, Treasurer
Erin Lewis, Treasurer-Elect
Jane Tilghman, Immediate Past President
Lucinda Anstaett
Amy Bauer
Deb Crowl
Catherine Deters
Donna Doel
Matthew Godinez
Paige Jones
Andrea Luke
Lindsey Munson
Catherine Shafer
Beth Toland
Kelly Trussell

Staff Members
Reva Wywadis, Executive Director;
Diana Ingram-Cantrell, Accountant;
Julie Scott, Marketing & Communications
Coordinator;
Holly Wehner, Data Specialist;
Earlina Faurot, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Rohr, Family Services Manager;
Lori Boos (Team Leader), Jasmin Cortes, Michelle Sawtelle, Resource Specialists;
Marie Treichel, Renee Wohletz,
Provider Services Managers;
Breanna Gellings, Grants Navigator;
Grace Cott, Audrey Danielson,
Susan Drewelow, Michelle Gilbert,
Debbie Hildebrandt, Talia Juiliano, Lexi Merz, Early Care & Education Specialists;
Deb Danielson, Noel Edwards, Tia Wright, Child Care Health Consultants;
Jane Redger, Jennie Heim,
Successful Connections Parent Resource Specialists;
Stephanie Prue, Library Resource Specialist
ERC Resource & Referral, Inc., d/b/a Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas supports the healthy development of young children by improving access to high-quality child care options and educational resources for families and early childhood professionals.
1100 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS 66604 • (785) 357-5171 • https://east.ks.childcareaware.org