Guest Speaker: Sewall Child Development Center

Our club is proud to continue our partnership with Sewall Child Development Center, an organization we've had the privilege of volunteering with in the past. As part of our upcoming Epic Day of Service on May 17th, we’ll be volunteering at three of their locations—supporting their mission to provide high-quality, inclusive early childhood education to children of all abilities.

This presentation will describe the 80-year history of Sewall Child Development Center and its focus over the past 34 years on inclusive early childhood programming. The benefits of the program on children of all abilities will be explained, as well as the challenges that early childhood programs face after COVID. Two videos of young children in action will be featured.

Presenter Bios

Heidi Heissenbuttel, MA, ECSE is the President and CEO of Sewall Child Development Center. She joined the staff in 1987 as a teacher and earned her Master's in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Denver in 1990. As Program Director for 21 years, she led major initiatives including new satellite programs, the Diagnostic and Evaluation Clinic, and disability services at Denver Great Kids Head Start. Since becoming CEO in 2010, Heidi has spearheaded collaborations with Denver Public Schools, WellPower, and the creation of REACH, an inclusive elementary charter school. A strong family advocate, she’s also a Sewall parent and has led the organization through the challenges of the pandemic with a focus on teacher retention, food access, and high-quality inclusive care.

Rosa Chavez joined Sewall in 2008 as a parent when her son David enrolled in the toddler program. She was drawn to the inclusive model, where therapists and teachers work together in the classroom, and became an active classroom volunteer. In 2011, Sewall hired her as an administrative assistant. Over the past 14 years, she has held a variety of roles including teaching assistant, van driver, building manager, and Spanish translator. Since 2020, Rosa has served as the Food-Garden Program Director, leading Sewall’s Healthy Food for Denver Kids program. She brings both professional skills and the invaluable perspective of a parent. David graduates high school in May—a celebration for the whole family!