Inspiring Conversations with Alyssa Dituro of McNeilly Center for Children

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Dituro. 

Alyssa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Childcare is the only career I have ever had. My first job was in my church nursery at 16, and I have been hooked since then! I attended college at the University of North Texas, where I majored in Child Development and Family Studies. After I graduated, I moved to Chicago for graduate school, where I spent my time majoring in Urban Studies. In my time, I was able to deep dive into the United States’ education system and where significant gaps had been allowed to form for BIPOC children. After my husband and I moved to Nashville, I continued to work in the early childhood field at several nonprofit centers. I am now the Executive Director of McNeilly Center for Children in East Nashville. Nestled on five acres, we have served the families who need us most in Nashville since 1916. McNeilly fills a critical gap in our community by providing high-quality nationally accredited childcare to those in our community who need us most. We also offer family empowerment services outside of childcare services, have domesticated hens, a registered monarch garden, and highly tenure staff. I am so thankful to be there every day! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, but a smooth sea does not make a skilled sailor! Some of the struggles I have faced have been internal. I am learning to love myself, advocate for myself, and use my voice to empower others or speak for those who are voiceless. As a young black woman, people underestimate my ability to bring change or lead others. However, I firmly believe that when we are operating from a place of abundant love for our community and others, we can create systemic change in not only the field of early childhood education but beyond. 

We’ve been impressed with McNeilly Center for Children, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Established during World War I, McNeilly is the oldest nonprofit preschool in Nashville. When men had to leave their families, McNeilly filled the gap for new working mothers by providing care. I love that this has been our mission for over 100 years. When people need us, we step in to help. What sets us apart from some of our competitors is that we have staff that has been there 20, 30, 40 years! We also are a nationally accredited program offering quality care. In an age where literacy for black and brown children is decreasing, our children are leaving 100 percent Ready to Read at the Kindergarten grade level. Our Family Empowerment Program allows our families to set lifelong goals that will change the trajectory of their families’ lives. I want readers to know that McNeilly is truly a safe place from the storms of life, so many of our families and children experience adverse experiences every day. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing our families and staff meet new goals, my family, reading, writing, great conversations 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.mcneillycenter.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcneillycenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McNeillyCenter
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcneillycenter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpFZ09OtkzojNvzl8-nN_qQ