TOLL FREE: (800) 548-2741 Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland Counties - Region 4



Keystone STARS Quality Coaches - Region 4



Heather Amick
Quality Coach
If your business name begins with Pe through Z, Heather Amich is your Coach

"Educating the Mind without Educating the Heart is no Education at All."-Aristotle

For the past 13 years I have been devoted to the education of young children. My enthusiasm for teaching will always be at the root of my success. However, I have learned that teaching and mentoring adults about the importance of early learning is my true passion and where I can influence the most people. I obtained my Human Development and Family Studies degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2007 and my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University in 2013. I started my early learning adventure as an Infant teacher and over the years I have been in several roles including, but not limited to, Teacher, Family Resource Specialist, Director and now a Quality Coach. I am the mother of two young children, Landyn and Alyce. Motherhood, has greatly influenced my dedication to the education of young children as I am now able to see firsthand, through my children, the benefits of a quality early learning program.

Daily, I strive to be the best teacher, leader, and mentor I can be so that I am able to help others touch the lives of children and families. I look forward to getting to know my providers and providing them with the support they need to be highly successful in the Early Learning Sector.



Melissa DePaul
Quality Coach
If your business name begins with I through Pa, Melissa DePaul is your Coach

I am a skilled leader with twenty years' of professional involvement in the field of Early Childhood Education; I possess excellent people, organizational and managerial skills. I have a Bachelor of Science and Certification in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from California University of PA. I have also obtained a Private Academic School Teaching Certificate for the state of PA and a Director's Credential Certificate from Carlow College. During my career with Head Start/Early Head Start, I have held many positions from a bus driver, a Family Service Worker, a classroom teacher and Staff Development Supervisor. In my early childhood career, I have also been the PA Pre-K Counts Project Supervisor for PA Pre-K Counts. Currently, I hold the position of Quality Coach with the ELRC-Region 4. Prior to supervising at Head Start/Early Head Start, I have experience with Elementary teaching in a partial hospitalization school for school age children with social, emotional, and behavioral diagnoses.

I am also a "boy mom" to my son Dominic who owns my heart. Throughout the years, he has taught me as much about love, patience and kindness as I hope to have taught him.



Heather Chicotella
Quality Coach
If your business name begins with A through H, Heather Chicotella is your Coach

I have been in the early childhood field for over 14 years and have had many roles along the journey. I have experience as an infant teacher, toddler teacher, preschool teacher, and a center director. My background includes a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from Seton Hill University, a director's credential from Westmoreland County Community College, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. I am very excited to help all of my providers on the journey to provide quality childcare for their children and families. I am very passionate about the teaching of children, because I believe that children are the future.

I was raised and am very close to my wonderful parents. My parents have always inspired me to do my best and I am excited to follow their example as a coach to mentor and inspire providers to bring out their talents and abilities. If you can dream it, you can do it!



Diane Hendrick
Provider Quality Specialist


I have been in the early childhood field for 25 years. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. I am a Provider Quality Specialist. I am very excited to be a part of the ELRC 4. I am looking forward to meeting and working with providers as they strive to increase the quality of their programs.

I have 3 grown sons, a loving husband and 3 adorable granddaughters. As you get to know me you will get to know them through stories I love to share.



Lisa Spoonhoward
Provider Quality and Supports Director

For 24 years, I have been educating young children and adults in the field of Early Childhood. In my journey of educating others, the education community has also continued to educate me. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Care Administration and Early Childhood Education from Seton Hill College and a master's degree in Special Education from Seton Hill University. I started my career in education as an assistant preschool teacher and continued in the field with previous and current positions such as: Teacher, Assistant Center Director, Center Director, Inclusion Specialist, Education Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Substitute for all ages, PD Specialist, PQAS instructor and now a Designator/Director for Keys to Quality. In my education career, I continue to grow with the community in the quality of education and I make every effort to support and guide all in the early learning community.