Get in touch with PEDALS.

Kim Stewart brings over three decades of experience to her role as the Early Childhood Director, focusing on enriching the lives of children, their families, and educators. She believes that PEDALS can be transformative for children, creating a solid foundation for a life filled with learning, love, and friendships. Her professional journey is inspired by the life-changing support of a teacher during her own childhood.

Sincer earning a master’s degree in education and leadership, Kim has spent her career focused on developing high-quality programs and trauma-informed practices. As an instructor at Niagara University and Empire State College, she emphasizes social-emotional learning in all her classes. Outside work, Kim enjoys nature walks with her dog and listening to her favorite podcasts.

Favorite children’s book:

“In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak

Favorite quote:

“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.” – Roald Dahl

Gerald has over 20 years of hands-on experience in early childhood. His career path is centered on his love for teaching. He’s especially passionate about social and emotional wellness, developmental screening for all children, and the presence of males in the early childhood space.

Before joining PEDALS, he served as a preschool teacher, childcare center director, quality improvement mentor, professional development trainer, CDA PD specialist, and adjunct professor. Gerald holds a B.A. from the University at Buffalo and has completed master’s coursework in early childhood and adolescent education. He is a proud father of two teenagers and enjoys traveling, running, and playing poker in his free time.

Favorite children’s book:

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst

Favorite quote:

“Children learn through play.”

With 17 years of experience in the field, Nadine DeLuca’s heartfelt commitment to early childhood education shines through her work as a PEDALS coach. She began her career working with toddlers –  then served as a preschool teacher for a decade. As a teacher, Nadine received coaching from PEDALS to incorporate the SEL curriculum in her classroom.

Nadine holds a B.S. in sociology from Buffalo State College and a master’s in elementary education for Medaille University. She is thrilled for her career to come full circle, now supporting educators in imparting social-emotional skills to young children. In her personal time, Nadine loves traveling, gardening, and outdoor activities with her dog.

Favorite children’s book:

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

Favorite quote:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Kelly Winkler has dedicated over thirteen years to early childhood and elementary education, with the last 3.5 years spent enriching the PEDALS program as a coach. Holding a master’s in elementary education from Niagara University, Kelly has firsthand experience in the crucial role of social-emotional learning from teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.

She firmly believes that the foundation of a successful coach lies in forming trusting and empathetic relationships with educators. Kelly prides herself on being part of a team that adopts a strength-based approach to make a lasting impact in early childhood education.

Favorite children’s book:

“The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister

Favorite quote:

“You never know what someone is going through. Be kind. Always.”

Justina Freedman brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood development to PEDALS. She firmly believes that relationship-based coaching has the power to nurture powerful connections and help children grow into successful adults who have the potential to change the world.

With a bachelor’s in education and master’s coursework in early childhood education, Justina is committed to children’s emotional and social development. Justina started her career as a preschool teacher and childcare director before spending 12 years as an Early Childhood Specialist and Coach at Niagara University. In her personal time, Justina enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, as well as her family and friends.

Favorite children’s book:

“Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch

Favorite quote:

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Fred Rogers

Star Keeler’s passion for early childhood education was ignited early in her life. With over 16 years of experience in the field, she has served in various capacities, including as an infant/toddler and preschool teacher and an education specialist. In her roles as a PEDALS Coach and Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) Mentor, Star has touched the lives of many by promoting positive emotional development and learning skills.

Star has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and is trained in DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practices), among other credentials. In coaching and all areas of life, she believes that the power of a smile goes a long way. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, bowling, and attending church activities.

Favorite children’s book:

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”

Favorite quote:

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” – Dr. Maya Angelou

With a career spanning four decades in early childhood education, Gayle Nixon has dedicated her professional life to nurturing and developing young learners. Her extensive experience includes roles as a classroom teacher, supervisor, childcare center director, early childhood specialist, and Child Development Associate (CDA) instructor.

Gayle earned her bachelor’s in elementary education/early childhood education, along with a master’s in exceptional education. As a PEDALS Coach, Gayle fulfills her passion of providing children with critical social-emotional skills. She enjoys building relationships and supporting the implementation of SEL curriculum in the classroom. Gayle also feels blessed outside of work – finding joy and happiness by  spending precious moments with her daughter and five grandchildren.

Favorite children’s book:

“Harry and the Terrible Whatzit” by Dick Gackenbach

Favorite quote:

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

For 16 years, Wanda worked as a preschool special education teacher. She holds four teaching certificates covering birth through sixth grade in both general education and special education. Using that experience, she now coaches preschool teachers in how to enhance their classrooms with a social-emotional foundation, focusing on 3-5 year olds. Wanda works through the Syracuse PEDALS Hub and finds joy and satisfaction in sharing her experience and supporting classrooms in the surrounding counties.

Favorite children’s book:

Harry and the Terrible Whatzit, by Dick Gackenbach

Favorite quote:

“It takes a village to raise a child.” – African Proverb