As a nonprofit that strives to ensure access to high-quality learning and care to all children, Wonderspring is committed to advancing diversity equity and inclusion both in our employment practices as well as our services for children. Thus, we are thrilled to announce that with the support of the William Penn Foundation, Wonderspring is working with two Diversity Fellows from Temple University’s Diversifying Early Education Leadership program (DEEL@Temple). Our new Fellows will to assist the organization in achieving its goals of:
nurturing a culture of diversity equity and inclusion among staff
supporting teaching practices that acknowledge and respect multiple cultures, languages and practices in the classroom
proactively recruiting and developing the talents of ethnically diverse persons for administrative and leadership positions.
We are thrilled to welcome Diversity Fellows Sophia Ezomoghene and Omosi Anabui.
Sophia Ezomoghene is a lead early childhood literacy specialist for the Free Library of Philadelphia. She began her career in education as an AmeriCorps volunteer at an alternative high school serving older and underserved students. Later she taught prekindergarten and kindergarten at a charter school in Washington, DC. Before joining the Free Library of Philadelphia, she was a Head Start teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. Sophia earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University, as well as her Master’s in Education from American University.
Omosi Anabui is an Impact Manager at City Year Philadelphia where much of her work is focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She guides a team of 12 young adults looking to create equitable interventions spaces that enable students who attend Forrest Elementary School to have critical conversations about race and other parts of identity. Omosi has a Bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology and has served as an Americorps Member and Team Leader.
As we embark on this critical effort, we will be soliciting the input of our families and stakeholders. We look forward to working together to ensure all voices are heard and that all of our children, families and staff are valued and engaged.
Narberth, PA–Wonderspring Early Education, a nonprofit provider of high-quality, safe, convenient, and affordable early childhood education throughout Greater Philadelphia, has named Zakiyyah Boone Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Boone, who previously served as the organization’s Chief Program Officer, has more than 20 years of experience as an early childhood and youth development professional. Prior to joining Wonderspring, she served as Vice President of Early Childhood at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA where she managed a budget of $20M, identified growth and partnership opportunities and ensured the appropriateness of facilities to deliver high-quality programs. She has cut the ribbon on 10 child care centers and launched multiple evidence-based youth development programs across the Greater Philadelphia region.
Boone holds a BS in Elementary Education from Millersville University and an MBA from Kaplan University. As a mother of three, she personally understands the impact that high-quality early education can have on children and families, especially with a high-quality childcare provider such as Wonderspring.
“We are thrilled that Zakiyyah will be stepping into the role of Interim CEO,” said Surge Ghosh, President of Wonderspring’s Board of Directors. “She is an energetic, creative and passionate leader whose extensive experience and innovation will be an asset to Wonderspring moving forward.”
Boone replaces Ann O’Brien who has left the organization to pursue a new opportunity. “Ann has been a guiding force at Wonderspring for the last six years and has been instrumental in stabilizing the organization’s finances, expanding Wonderspring’s partnerships, advocating for the child care sector, and building a strong management team. We wish her the very best in her new endeavor,” said Ghosh.
While Wonderspring has been closed during the COVID-19 crisis, the organization continues to pay its teachers who are actively engaging students and families through phone, email, videos, and social media. “The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for all organizations and businesses. However, we believe that with our capable administrative team, amazing center directors and incredible teachers, we will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever.” says Ghosh.
“Since arriving at Wonderspring, I have been so inspired by the commitment of our teachers and center directors to the children and families we serve,” says Boone. “I look forward to when we can welcome all of our students back to our classrooms and am excited about what the future holds.”
Wonderspring CEO Ann O’Brien discusses the need for a State bailout of the childcare sector in this March 30, 2020 article in the Philadelphia Public School Notebook. Read the entire article here.
NARBERTH, PA – Wonderspring is pleased to announce the hiring of Tom Sulpizio, CPA as Chief Financial Officer. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sulpizio will lead all finance and accounting operations and provide oversight for the organization, including budgeting, analysis, adherence to grantor requirements and the organization’s policies and control, as well as the completion of the annual audited financial statements and tax reporting.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University, Mr. Sulpizio has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant with accounting and nonprofit audit and consulting experience for nearly 30 years. Prior to joining Wonderspring, Mr. Sulpizio had been with public accounting firms in the Philadelphia area at the Partner and Principal levels, where his primary client base was nonprofit organizations. In those roles, he managed a portfolio of client attest engagements working with management and Boards. He regularly recommended improvement opportunities for operations and controls and advised on governance best practices and other industry specific challenges. He is excited to be bringing that knowledge and experience to Wonderspring.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am happy to welcome Tom to Wonderspring,” commented Jeffrey Leber, Board Treasurer. “He has tremendous experience and passion and brings the exact financial stewardship Wonderspring needs for today and as we look toward the future.”
Mr. Sulpizio also has a passion for volunteerism. For over 10 years, he was a Trustee for a local nonprofit organization, Northern Children’s Services, where he served as the organization’s Treasurer and finance committee Chair. As a father of four, Mr. Sulpizio personally understands the impact that high quality early education can have on children and families, especially with a childcare provider such as Wonderspring.
MELC has received the “Best Place to Work” award from the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC). The organization was recognized at the annual Early Childhood conference hosted by DVAEYC on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. DVAEYC bestowed the award during the morning plenary session beginning at 9 a.m. and featured a keynote address by Dr. Heidi Ramirez, Director of the Urban Education Collaborative at Temple University and a member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission.
Sophia Ezomoghene is a lead early childhood literacy specialist for the Free Library of Philadelphia. She began her career in education as an AmeriCorps volunteer at an alternative high school serving older and underserved students. Later she taught prekindergarten and kindergarten at a charter school in Washington, DC. Before joining the Free Library of Philadelphia, she was a Head Start teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. Sophia earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University, as well as her Master’s in Education from American University. 
Omosi Anabui is an Impact Manager at City Year Philadelphia where much of her work is focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She guides a team of 12 young adults looking to create equitable interventions spaces that enable students who attend Forrest Elementary School to have critical conversations about race and other parts of identity. Omosi has a Bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology and has served as an Americorps Member and Team Leader.