Our Team

OUR TEAM

Executive Director

Heather MacDermott-Havey has more than 30 years’ worth of early childhood education experience, both as an educator and administrator. She previously served as the Director at the Washington State University Children’s Center, in Pullman, Washington. Prior to her time at WSU, Heather was the Education Coordinator at Bright Horizons in Seattle, Washington, and held multiple roles with the Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, Idaho.

Heather has a Master’s degree in early childhood education from Boise State University and a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Washington University. In 2021, she received the WSU Administrative Professional Excellence Award; in 2022, the Association for Early Learning Leaders awarded WSU’s facility with the National Accreditation for Early Care and Education Programs. 

At PCC, Heather oversees a team of 45+, including teaching, operations, senior leadership, and financial staff. She can be reached at hhaveym@upenn.edu or 215-898-5272.

Assistant Director

Cherry Alcantara-Bernardino has been a passionate early childhood educator since 1996, working with children in both her native Philippines and the city of Philadelphia. 

She gained her academic foundation in her home country, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Canossa College and a Teacher Certificate Program in Early Childhood Education at De La Salle University, Manila. In 2010, she earned her Master of Education in Institutional Management and Supervision at Philadelphia's Strayer University.

Cherry joined the PCC in 2022. As part of the leadership team, she holds a wide range of administrative duties focused on supporting center operations and managing compliance requirements for both children and staff records. Combining teaching, coaching, collaboration, and leadership, Cherry carries out these various roles with a joyful "We got this!" She can be reached at cherrybe@upenn.edu or 215-746-5423.

Associate Director of Enrollment and Administrative Services

LaShawna Hart has been nurturing young minds and supporting families through every stage of early learning for the past 20 years. Her educational background, combined with hands-on experience in both classroom and administrative roles, has shaped her philosophy that high-quality early education should not only spark a child's curiosity but also strengthen the bonds between families and educators.

LaShawna holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix. She developed a strong foundation in child development and play-based learning as a dedicated lead toddler teacher, and served as the Assistant Director of a corporate child care center prior to joining the PCC. 

At PCC, LaShawna oversees center enrollment and leads key administrative services. She is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive environments where children feel safe to explore and families feel valued and supported. Her goal is to ensure every child receives a strong start and every family feels like an essential part of the learning journey. LaShawna can be contacted at lhart84@upenn.edu or 215-746-4334.

Director of Education

Mary McQuiston has 35 years of experience in the early care and education field. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Service Leadership, an M.A. in Foundations of Education, a B.A. in Liberal Arts, and an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. Mary has worked in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, and California in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, coach, trainer, and director.

At the PCC, Mary oversees curriculum vision and implementation. She trains, supervises, and supports teaching staff. She can be reached at marymcq@upenn.edu or 215-898-3025.

Teaching Staff

PCC’s teaching team is comprised of a highly qualified, dedicated, caring group of full- and part-time staff, as well as Graduate School of Education students performing their fieldwork. Diversified in their education and training, they hold a range of degrees in early childhood or related fields up to the Master’s level. They receive regular professional-development training in the areas of childhood development, health and safety, CPR, and first aid. Robust background checks are required to be hired at the PCC.