Her Story
About Dana
Dana Dixon is an experienced early childhood education professional currently serving as Program Director at Champions Preschool at Northridge Schools in Dayton, Ohio. In this leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing program quality, supporting instructional staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality early learning experiences for children and families. Her work emphasizes creating safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Dana’s career in education is grounded in over two decades of experience in the classroom, where she developed a strong foundation in early childhood instruction and student development. After spending several years as a stay-at-home mother, she returned to the field when her youngest child entered school full-time, beginning as a teacher’s aide at a Catholic school. This experience solidified her passion for education, sparked by meaningful moments of student achievement—particularly witnessing a child proudly say, “I did it,” after successfully learning to write their name. Motivated by these experiences, she dedicated herself fully to working with young learners and spent approximately 20 years in classroom-based roles before advancing into program leadership.
Throughout her career, Dana has been recognized for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues. She is known for creating supportive environments where children feel safe, heard, and encouraged to express themselves. Many children naturally gravitate toward her, a reflection of her patient, approachable, and nurturing presence. She also fosters a sense of community and belonging, drawing on her natural ability to connect with students at their level and guide them through challenges with care and understanding. Dana is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree, continuing her commitment to professional growth and excellence in early childhood education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I got inspired just by enjoying being around kids. I love sitting down, talking to them, helping them work through any issues that they may feel that they have, and for whatever reason, kids feel that they can open up to me, and I like that I'm a safe space for them. Just being able to help others, those coming up into the world, and inspiring them is what drives me. I love working with the younger students because I always say we're their first stepping stone into education, and we want to make it a positive experience for them so they have a love for school. I was a stay-at-home mom for a number of years, and when I decided to go back to work when my youngest got into school full-time, I was informed about a teacher's aide position at a Catholic school, so I applied for that. What really brought me into really wanting to do this and having a passion for it was the first time a child said to me, 'I did it.' Just hearing that, after working with this student several times with practicing writing their name, and for him to finally do it on his own, just made me realize that this is where I'm supposed to be. I've always had a passion for children, working with children, so that did it for me. I taught in the classroom for about 20 years and leveled up to becoming a program director, and I've been doing that for nearly five years now. I would say I'm good at getting on their level when they're stressing, or if it's something going on that they're able to open up to me. My responsibilities include enrollment, getting students and families to enroll, making sure that my staff is current on their trainings as well as mine, working with schedules, working with the building principal, meeting with the administrative staff weekly, and just making sure that the program is running smoothly, preparing family events, and talking with families about their children. I was recognized for the Quality Achievement Award, which basically stands for putting the children first, making sure that I meet their needs, respecting their individualities, and working with families to make sure that we're getting the students what they need.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I would say that in this field, it's ever-changing, and don't be closed-minded to change. And that is something that I pour into my staff, too, because so often, one year, it could be one way, and then 6 months later, it's changed to now we're doing it this way. So, being able to go with the flow and change, allowing yourself change.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Right now, you hear so many negative things about getting into the field of education, and what I would say to that is that we still need strong teachers in the field. We need those educators to be there for our students because they need us. Yes, it is hard work. Yes, it is tiring, emotionally, physical, mentally, all of that, but we need those educators. Maybe someone reading my story will inspire them to get into education despite the challenges, because students need dedicated teachers who will be there for them.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I like spending time with family and friends. I'm more of a homebody, but I do enjoy documentaries. I love watching documentaries based on true events. Me and my oldest son, we have a love for superheroes, so him and I tend to go to all the superhero movies. I like playing Scrabble, any type of game that gets your mind to thinking.
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