Among the many challenges of the past year, one stands out for Wendy Musser, director of GEARS Kids Center.

"It has been really tough trying to get to know all of our families and children, because I couldn't meet the parents right away," said Musser, who came on board as director in February. "Now things are starting to get back to normal, and I've been able to meet a lot more people."

GEARS Kids Center is a nonprofit child care center that provides preschool programs for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds as well as kindergarten enrichment programs and before- and after-school care at several sites in Elizabethtown. The center serves families in West Donegal Township, Mount Joy Borough and Elizabethtown Borough.

Musser, who worked for 14 years in corporate child care, said coming to GEARS was just what she needed.

"I was really looking for a change, and it's been wonderful to be here," she stated. "Our staff is so invested in the work that we do here. They really are child focused. They are truly here for the right reasons. They want to help, and they want to see these children succeed."

Musser said one of her favorite parts of the job has been collaborating with First 10, a program that prepares early learners with the skills they need to succeed in school.

"We have been working on how we can help families with education at home, whether it's reading a story together or doing simple mathematics or making healthy choices for food," she explained. "We're working on whatever we can do to build early literacy."

Musser said coming to GEARS not only gave her an opportunity to continue the work she loves, but also reinforced her belief in community support. "I have always been very active in my church and giving back to the community," she said. "When I came here, I was excited to find out what GEARS does in the community and how the community supports us."

As the school year begins, Musser is most looking forward to seeing families and children in person and settling into her role as director.

"It's been really exciting to get to know the staff, to learn who they are and for them to learn who I am," she said, adding that she took over for a director who retired after 15 years with the center. "I had big shoes to fill. I had to earn the staff's trust. I've been looking at their strengths and finding ways to empower them."

For more information on the GEARS Kids Center, visit http://www.gearskids.org.