About Walnut Hill
Walnut Hill supports the community children and parents, by providing high-quality affordable early childhood education, to help youth grow both socially and academically.
Our Vision
Providing early pathways to full potential. Your child’s individual learning style, his/her physical and social strengths and special interests are primary considerations for facilitating comprehensive school readiness.
Our Philosophy
To provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences based on the strengths, interests and needs of each individual child and on the social and cultural context in which each child lives. Teachers provide space and materials for children to freely explore, express ideas, solve problems and plan ahead in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our History
Walnut Hill has been operating since the 1960s. Born from a Sociology class at Goshen Community College, the program has been expanding and improving over the past 60 years.
Meet The Staff
Lee Wheeler
Executive Director
Jamie Pankoke
Center Director
Rachel Templeton
Family Coordinator
Rachel Wilson
Bumblebee Lead Teacher
Brittney Rogers
Ladybug Lead Teacher
Susan Cortes
Caterpillar Lead Teacher
Elysha Dukeman
Butterfly Lead Teacher
Sofia Guevara Chacon
Dragonfly Lead Teacher
Community Support
Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our community. Thank you!
A special thank-you to our top supporters this year!
Thank you to all who support Walnut Hill!
Advanced Water Solutions
Bill and Lisa Coughlin
Carol Rhudy
City of Goshen
Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Everence
Dandinos
Dave and Pat Plank
Denny Weldy
Doug and Susan Long
Dutch Maid Bakery
Friends of Walnut Hill
George Fattal
Hacienda
Ideal Lawnmower Shop
Imelda Zarazee
In-Style Salon
Joe and Pam Zarazee
John and Linda Sorg
JoJo’s Pretzels
Keith Lambright
Krogers
Larry and Kay Schrock
Larry and Toni Wheeler
Leaders Staffing
Lippert Components Inc.
Marie Palacios
Marcia Yost
Martin’s
Mary Kay Longacre
Miller Poultry
McDonald Physical Therapy
Menno Travel
Office Interiors
Olympia Candy Kitchen
Otis Valley Farms
Patsy Wroblewski
Rita Mitchef Inc.
Russ and Mandy Gibbons
Sorg Jewelers
South Side Soda Shop
Sue Hammes
Tavi Mounsithiraj
The Electric Brew
United Way
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
Weslan Professional Solutions
Woldruff’s