Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Tornelli.
The Children’s Center has held a special place in the hearts of families in East Dallas for the past 65 years. Former students have returned as parents, enrolling their young children to share in an early childhood experience that isn’t much different from their own. The teaching staff is comprised of mostly former parents who wished to share the joy of learning in early childhood with children beyond their own. The Children’s Center is a family oriented school. The classes are small and act as an extension of each child’s family. Parents can often be found reading in a classroom as a mystery reader or hosting a scientific project for the students. The hallways are often filled with the sounds of music and laughter. Whether a child, a parent or a teacher, this is a school that many hold dear to their hearts.
When the invitation to be the Director of The Children’s Center in 2011 was offered to me, it was a dream come true. Upon graduation from the University of Texas at Austin long ago, I wished to one day be the director of a preschool. I remember sitting in a job interview as a young teacher, sharing with the school director that, essentially, I aspired to have her job. She hired me and took me under her wing, mentoring me as a teacher, Curriculum Director, and Admissions Director for 14 years. Sharing with her that I had been offered the opportunity to be the Director at The Children’s Center, she wholeheartedly encouraged me to fulfill my dream and accept the position. In fact, she supported my endeavor so much that she eventually retired from her director position and joined me at The Children’s Center as a teacher.
There is just something about the school, that draws you in. It isn’t as much something tangible as much as it is a feeling you get as you enter the building. This feeling has remained over the years, even following us on a recent move. Today, in this our 65th anniversary, I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a beloved school, a teammate with the most dedicated and kind group of educators, entrusted with the growth of so many young children, and supported by the most devoted parents.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, while challenges require extra energy and emotion, it is also the time when the greatest growth and self-discovery has taken place. The feeling of resilience and achievement in conquering challenges bring about such deep gratitude and connections with those who offer support along the way, that it makes the joy of overcoming far outweigh the difficulties experienced.
Just two short years ago I, and our Board of Trustees were finalizing plans to renovate space within White Rock United Methodist Church. Our new home would provide more space, a custom designed natural playground, and many amenities we hadn’t formerly enjoyed. We appreciated our previous home, but it was time to grow.
While transforming an older building into a bright and safe new school for our children came with logistical challenges, we as a team of Board Members, teachers, parents, along with the staff at WRUMC dug deep to link together to assure that everything fell into place in time for the first day of school. As a lifelong educator, it was an honor to bring together all that I’ve learned over the years. From designing the flow of the new classrooms, providing a teacher workspace that feels welcoming and inspires creativity, to adding unique features to the playground such as a dry creek bed and water elements, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me that I will forever be grateful to have experienced.
The payoff is our beautiful new space, filled with children, and a home for our school where we will create memories and build upon our legacy for many years to come. It makes every late night and long day worth it when you see the joy on the faces of the children as they greet their friends and teachers each morning!
The Children’s Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Children’s Center is a school for young children, that embraces the innate joy of learning that each child possesses. We strive to meet each child where he or she is and to provide learning experiences through play that allow for time and space to explore materials, to work together as a community, and to experience a wide range of enriching activities such a music, art, and movement.
We believe in nurturing the growth of each child, through intentional play-based learning, within a loving school community. Our goal is that each child who walks out of our doors for the last time possesses inspiration to be excited life-long learners and to be confident, compassionate participants in his or her community.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Naively setting a goal for myself as a young teacher to be the director of a school one day only to see it come to life has been a wonderful journey. My daily life at The Children’s Center is far richer than the dream I held long ago. When I was younger I never considered the benefits beyond the familiar tasks of running a school. Now I know the greatest gifts to receive professionally, and personally, are in the relationships I’ve formed and nurtured with our children, parents, and teachers over the years.
To be in a position to make a difference in a child’s life, even if indirectly by supporting a teacher, a parent, or by building a school, is the greatest honor of all. Being a part of The Children’s Center has exceeded any expectation I ever held and I couldn’t be more thankful to have been offered the invitation to be a part of such a special school.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1450 Old Gate Ln, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75218 - Website: www.thechildrenscenterdallas.org
- Phone: 214-823-2119
- Email: ctornelli@thechildrenscenterdallas.org
- Instagram: @thechildrenscenterdallas
- Facebook: @thechildrenscenterdallas
Image Credit:
Kiss Me For Eternity Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
