We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Just for Kids team! Three of our exceptional team members were recently honored by the WNY Child Care Action Team for their outstanding contributions to the field of child care. 

Kristina Kleeh, Executive Director, received the Empire Award for Child Care Excellence in recognition of her character, commitment to excellence, and passion for engaging with children and families. As a well-respected leader in the school-age child care community of Western New York, Kristina has been instrumental in driving organizational growth, developing and maintaining community partnerships, and fostering high-quality school-age programming. She is a researcher, is solution-oriented, service-driven, and focused on the organization’s mission. Her efforts to bring the community together in support of children and families reflect the core of our mission! 

Lisa Stefanie, co-founder of the nonprofit, was awarded the Legend Award, honoring her lifetime of dedication to childhood care and education. For more than 25 years, Lisa has been a champion for quality of service, innovation, and integrity in the nonprofit child care sector, leaving a legacy that has shaped the lives of tens of thousands of children, families, and employees in our WNY community! Throughout her career, Lisa has mentored hundreds of early childhood professionals, setting high standards of excellence and compassion. Her leadership has been defined by transparency, consistency, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for children, families, and the staff who support them.  

Jennifer Wolf received the Inspiring New Professional Award for her dedication, spirit, and love for children and families. Her contributions as a Field Supervisor and Special Initiatives Coordinator at the Child Care Network of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. are significant! Bringing energy and commitment to everything she does, her talent for creating a culture of encouragement, celebration, and continuous improvement is a model for others in the field. Jennifer’s presence, forward-thinking approach, and empathy for those she leads make her a natural mentor and role model.  

We are proud to celebrate these individuals and recognize that their accomplishments also reflect the collective effort of our entire Just for Kids team. Every member plays a vital role in creating a caring, enriching environment for children and families. 

Together, we make a true difference!