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About Us

OUR HISTORY

In 1971 Parnel Wickham and Stan Searl were motivated by the needs of their daughters' Dianna, that they opened a preschool for children with multiple disabilities. In the year 1974, with conviction and determination, further research and funding, a preschool and  a school age program was than established. Today the school is located in Amherst, New York were students from the ages 3 to 21 attend.

Parnel Wickham, mother of Dianna and Founder of CHC

Parnel Wickham

 Stan Searl, father of Dianna and Founder of CHC

Stan Searl

CHC Learning Center at  North Hill School

The Board of Directors voted to move the program in 1977 to North Hill School within the Maryvale School District, in an effort to provide a more normalizing educational  program.

CHC Learning Center at  80 Lawrence Bell D

80 Lawrence Bell Drive, in Williamsville, NY.

CHC Learning Center at Eggert Road in Amherst, NY.

1085 Eggert Road, in Amherst, NY

OUR MISSON

CHC Learning Center's mission is to meet the educational, therapeutic, and health needs of our students; in a caring environment while supporting their families and care givers.

CHC students, Chloe and Sara having a chat at our St. Patrick's Day party
CHC Student Alex posing with the Lego background for Lego week.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"I can’t Thank CHC enough for all they do for our daughter and for us.
As a parent, we definitely are thankful for all the teachers and staff at CHC for their continuous love , support, collaboration and most importantly patience!  I will always be grateful for all their love and support for our daughter. We truly feel lucky to be a part of the CHC Family."

Jodie Nowak, Sara’s Mom

Pilar Ralabate, Jack’s Mom

CHC Learning Center has transformed our lives. When we took a tour of the school we knew it would be a perfect fit for Jack. Originally, we never thought going to school would be an option for him and all of his needs, but CHC has shown us anything is possible for Jack. They have the ability to help with his feeds, to give him the attention he needs, and to get him all of his therapy services there.  He loves school, looks forward to going, and enjoys seeing all the people there. CHC is always finding new activities for the kids to participate in, whether it's musical performers, petting a kangaroo, or an ice cream truck - there is always something for the students to enjoy. Seeing Jack attend a field trip with his class, riding a pony, and enjoying a hayride made us so emotional and so incredibly happy. All of Jack's therapists at school work so well with him and there is always open communication about his progress and new goals. His teacher and aides feel like true angels to us. They treat Jack with love and kindness, all while teaching him new things. Jack's graduation ceremony at school was a true testament to how much the staff at CHC truly care about the kids there. They want them to thrive, learn, grow, and experience all the things they can. CHC means so much to us and our family. We are so happy our son is apart of CHC and we are so thankful that he gets to enjoy school, make friends, and see all the smiling faces that work there.

Trevor D'Angelo's Parents

"CHC Learning Center and all of its teachers, aides, nurses, administrators, and fiscal supports made our son's learning experiences and life in school exceptional. Providing him with constant love and car, the necessary adjustments and modifications necessary to meet his therapeutic and health related needs, and the communication and family support required to make his transition to/from school both trusted and safe".

Meet The Team

Gentz, Jan

Janice Gentz

Executive Director

Godson, Nancy

Nancy Godson

Director

Coklin, Gail

Gail Conklin

Accounting Manager

Kinder, Wanda

Wanda Kinder

Administrative Assistant

Harrington, Casey

Casey Harrington

Communication & Media Coordinator

Bunk, Renee

Renee Bunk

Development Coordinator

Lewis, William

Bill Lewis

Facility Manager

Panzarella, Tracy

Tracy Panzarella

Program Coordinator

Board Members

Michael Szalach, CHC's Board President

Michael Szalach

President

Robin Grandin, Board of Director

Robin
Grandin

Vice President

Robin Tomasula, Board Treasurer

Robin Tomasula

Treasurer

Hannah Estes, CHC's Board Secretary

Hannah
Estes

Secretary

Board of Director

Tom Lorentz,  Board of Director
Kate Hahn,  Board of Director
Zachary McArdle, Board of Director

Thomas
Lorentz

Kathleen
Hahn

Zachary McArdle

Brendan Cullinane_edited.jpg
David Gradlin 3 Headshot_edited.jpg
Ana Stearns, Board of Director

Ana
Stearns

Brendan 
Cullinane

David
Grandin

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