Meet Our Team!
Executive Team
Danielle Svantner
Executive Director
My name is Danelle Svantner, I am the Executive Director of Westminster Preschools. I taught 0-5 in several different settings for about 10 years before I started as the North site director in May of 2015. Since then, it has been my pleasure to watch the programs grow and be able to support even more children and families in Grant Co. I am married to Matt, and together we have two boys, with a third on the way!
I love watching children learn, families thrive and teaching children the love of Jesus. I believe in play based learning, social-emotional focus and letting children be children. It’s my honor to get to be a part of such a special time in their lives. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana Wesleyan University, and my Masters at Ball State! I love to learn, challenge myself, read and soak up all the knowledge of early childhood I can. Our family enjoys camping, kayaking and anything outside. My goal is to be the best version of myself, grow and develop and lead a team that is ready for anything!
Wendy Turcott
Development Director
My name is Wendy Turcott. I am the Development Director here at Westminster Preschools. I have been with Westminster Preschools since 2019 from teacher to now second in command. I hold my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. I have lived in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas throughout my life. I am happily married to Jesse Turcott for almost 6 years now. We love traveling to new areas and being outside as much as we can. I love working at Westminster because I get to provide a safe space for children, families, and staff to learn and grow. My prayer is that everyone that comes into our program leaves at the end of the day feeling loved and safe.
Rachel Guyer
Program Coach
My name is Rachel Guyer and I am a Program Coach for Westminster Preschool. I have been with the program since May 2021. I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Manchester University and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood specializing in birth to age five from the University of Cincinnati. I have 31 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, encompassing both teaching and administrative roles. I am a proud wife and a mother of three children. My husband and I are active in the farming community and have served as 4-H leaders for over 25 years. I am a firm believer that play is a child’s work and that children learn so many skills through the social interactions and problem solving that takes place during play. As a lifelong learner, I am always exploring new and innovative ideas to help children be the very best version of themselves.
Tanja Bullins
Program Coach
I have been with Westminster Preschools since March of 2020! I started as the Assistant Director of our North location then moved up to Director when our South location opened in the latter part of 2020. I am currently the interim Director of our Friends location. I have my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I'm a certified coach. Collectively I have 14 years experience in the early childhood education field, 10 in the classroom and 4 in administration.
I absolutely love being a part of the team here at Westminster. My favorite part is coming in daily and getting all the amazing warm hugs that the littles give out. I love walking into a classroom and seeing the teachers and students thriving in an environment of growth and well-being. We here at Westminster always say that play is our work, and I wholeheartedly believe that. I cannot wait to come back to the community of Wabash and bring our culture with me.
Program Onsite Leadership
Hailey Wendel
Classroom Coordinator - Wabash
My name is Hailey Wendel! I have been with Westminster since 2024. I started as a teacher and now serve as the Classroom Coordinator.
I have a passion for early childhood education and strive to create an environment where every child feels uniquely special, valued, and loved. I believe that nurturing positive relationships and providing meaningful learning experiences helps children grow with confidence and joy. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors in the sunshine, and taking walks with my dog.
Lee An Ford
Site Director -
Marion Friends
My name is Lee An Ford. I have been the Friends Director of Westminster Preschools since 2024. I am so excited to be a part of the Westminster team! I am originally from Wabash County, and I received my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ball State University. I have two sons. One is grown, and lives in Denver, Colorado. My other son lives at home with me. I love going to concerts, hiking, reading and spending time with my friends and family.
I have been in the early childhood field for almost 30 years, and really enjoy the interactions with all the children, families and staff. I have classroom experience with children ages 6 weeks to 18 years of age, and have experience as a preschool director, and assistant director. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the families and staff at Westminster and working with the other staff to give families a wonderful experience here!
Hailey Rios
Site Director -
Fort Wayne
I’m originally from Kent, Ohio, and I’m a mom to two busy toddler boys—ages 4 and 2.
Before stepping into my current role, I was running my own at-home daycare, which really deepened my love for early childhood education. Prior to that, I managed offices for Indiana Farm Bureau, and before that, I led a team of technicians at an IT company in Florida. I’ve always been drawn to leadership, and organization.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Project Management with a concentration in Business Administration, and I’m currently working on my Master’s in Psychology, along with earning my CDA.
I’ve been working in early childhood education for nearly three years and have taken on a variety of roles—including floater, assistant teacher, lead teacher, and mentor teacher during my time at Westminster. Now, in my leadership role, I get to support both the children and the educators I work with every day. I love being the organization and leader to amazing staff and parents—it’s a role I’m passionate about and proud to fill.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time outside with my kids. My faith plays a big role in my life, and I’m thankful to God for the opportunities I've been given and the purpose I find in serving others through my work.
Matia Miles
Site Director-
Rushville
My name is Matia Miles. I graduated from Ball State University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education as well as Spanish. I am bi-lingual and have extensive experience working in a variety of settings including traditional and bi-lingual elementary schools, teaching preschool and kindergarten as well as working in daycares as a teacher and director, Headstart and an autism clinic. Recently taught kindergarten at Mays Community Academy. I prioritize building relationships with her students and their families and believe in educating the whole child including social emotional skills, critical thinking, and citizenship in addition to academics. I am confident that this will help develop compassionate leaders for tomorrow.
I grew up in Rushville and am delighted to be able to help children and families in my hometown. In my personal life I love to play tabletop games, take my dog on walks, go to community events, and serve at my church, Main St. Christian Church. I am excited to join the Westminster team as a site director at Rushville's Love Community Center!
Olivia Fields
Classroom Coordinator - Portland
Hi, I’m Olivia Fields, the Classroom Coordinator at our Portland location. I’m married and a proud mom of four amazing girls. I hold an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education and have always known that I wanted to work with children or make a difference in some meaningful way.
Before returning to the education field, I spent five wonderful years as a stay-at-home mom. That time helped shape my perspective and deepened my passion for early childhood development. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than watching children grow and light up when they learn something new.
Outside of work, I love home baking and spending time with my family. Creating a warm, supportive, and joyful environment—both at home and in the classroom—is something I truly value.
TBD
Classroom Coordinator -
Marion IWU
Biography coming soon!
Our Board Members
As a nonprofit, Westminster Early Learning Academy is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who help steward our mission, provide organizational oversight, and guide the future of our work. They are community leaders, medical professionals, past and current parents, pastors, and more. We are thankful for each board member’s commitment to the children, families, and communities we serve.
Board President - Katie Wallace
Board Treasurer - Emilee Leavitt
Board Secretary - TBD
Board Member - Ashley Shirley
Board Member - Jeff Jahn
