Meet the CHS Harrisburg Center Director

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) celebrated the historic grand opening of its second Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) in September.

“For nearly 115 years, Milton Hershey School (MHS) has served thousands of children from our campus in Derry Township,” MHS and CHS President Pete Gurt said at the time. “Today, we make history by expanding Milton and Catherine Hershey’s legacy to serve children in the City of Harrisburg.”

For CHS Harrisburg Center Director Malissa Lorenzo, the landmark event moved her to tears as she approached the podium to give remarks in front of the building she leads.

CHS Harrisburg Center Director Malissa Lorenzo speaking at the grand opening of the center.

“It was a joyful, heartfelt feeling,” Lorenzo said. “I remember when CHS Harrisburg was just a conversation with a few renderings that helped guide us to the final project. I couldn’t picture how it would all play out. We spent nearly a year developing, growing, and working to prepare for Day 1. It was all possible due to the collaborative synergy displayed by the team.”

Lorenzo, who has 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE), joined the CHS Mission in 2022. She started her career in New Jersey as a preschool teacher before moving into a lead teacher role of 3-year-olds. After moving to Ohio, she transitioned into leadership and director roles at ECECs across the state.

An ECE professional since she was 16, Lorenzo was drawn to a few specific aspects of the CHS Mission.

“When I heard about CHS’s commitment to providing a high-quality learning community for children, its two-generational impact, and professional development for the team, I was sold,” she said. “It was everything that I’ve ever dreamed of in one program. The foundation of education stems from well-trained and well-cared-for teachers and caregivers. It feels like a huge win for our society.”

Lorenzo’s passion for ECE stems from her understanding of the deep impact experiences in a child’s early life have on that child’s future. She believes ECE teachers have the ability to shape and form resilient, educated, and well-rounded humans.

CHS Harrisburg Center Director Malissa Lorenzo with team members at the Midtown Book Festival.

“They will ultimately run the world one day!” she said. “It’s such an important job!”

Lorenzo looks forward to further assimilating herself and the team into the Harrisburg community and working with the community to nurture, educate, and empower children and families in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

“As the Center Director of CHS Harrisburg, I am most excited about creating an ecosystem that involves growth, collaboration, fun, and most importantly joy!” Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo leads a team of nearly 80 professionals spanning across various career fields including Scholastic, Family Success, Health Services, Operations, and Human Resources. CHS Harrisburg is still hiring key positions.