Kelly Doherty will build the care team at the YMCA of Greater Michiana’s new downtown South Bend early learning center.
“Kelly cares deeply about children and families, and she knows how to develop a great team that will collaborate with and care for our Region,” said Zechariah Hoyt, executive director of youth development for the YMCA of Greater Michiana, in a press release.
The new childcare center at 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. is expected to serve 100 children. It is scheduled to open in January 2027.
Doherty most recently was an area manager for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, but she got her start as a classroom teacher. She also was the director of Kingdom Kids Early Learning Center in Goshen for four years. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University South Bend.
“Kelly knows child care from every angle. She's been in the classroom, she's led programs and she's built teams,” Hoyt said. “That experience is important as we get ready to open our center.”
Doherty also will manage the day-to-day operations once the center opens.
“I’m really excited to be part of this from the beginning and to see the center come to life,” Doherty said. “I want families to know their children are in a place where they’re cared for, they’re learning and they’re happy to walk through the door each day. I’m looking forward to getting to know our families and becoming part of the downtown South Bend community.”
The center's staff will care for children ages 6 weeks through preschool. Care will be offered between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Registration will start Sept. 14. Learn about enrollment here.
