Zakiyyah Boone, CEO

Zakiyyah Boone leads Wonderspring with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and youth development. A graduate of Millersville University (B.S. in Elementary Education) and Kaplan University (MBA), she began her career as a kindergarten teacher and rose to senior leadership roles—including Vice President of Early Childhood at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, where she oversaw a $20 million budget and opened ten childcare centers and youth development initiatives.

Since joining Wonderspring as Chief Program Officer, Ms. Boone has driven program expansion and quality improvements across its centers. In 2019, she led the opening of the LEED‑certified New Market West Center in West Philadelphia. Named Interim CEO in 2020 and later confirmed as CEO, she steered the organization through pandemic challenges, safeguarding high standards and ensuring continued access for families.

Under Ms. Boone’s ongoing leadership, Wonderspring now operates 12 locations—including two new additions in the past year: Wonderspring at Smith Playground (opened October 2024) and Wonderspring Havertown (opened July 2023). Serving more than 1,000 children across Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, Wonderspring offers inclusive, high‑quality early learning and school‑age programs. Ms. Boone also serves on the boards of PACCA, Elevate 215, and First Up, advocating for equity, quality, and sustainability in early education. A devoted mother of two, she is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments led by trusted professionals in every neighborhood Wonderspring serves.