Welcome to Footprints Early Learning Foundation, Inc

Yolanda Cole is an experienced early childhood education professional and entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in the early learning field. Her career has been dedicated to serving children and families through high-quality education, structured programming, and community-centered services. Ms. Cole brings a deep understanding of child development, program administration, and family engagement, grounded in both hands-on experience and organizational leadership.

Ms. Cole is the owner and operator of a licensed home daycare, where she oversees daily operations, curriculum implementation, compliance with state regulations, staff supervision, and family partnerships. Her work in early childhood education reflects a strong commitment to creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children’s academic, social, and emotional growth.

In addition to her work in early learning, Ms. Cole is the owner and operator of Visions Event Hall, where she manages facility operations, client relations, event coordination, and business development. Through this venture, she has gained experience in budgeting, contracts, logistics, marketing, and customer service, further strengthening her operational and leadership skill set.

Ms. Cole is also the Founder and Director of Dazzling Diamonds Dance Academy, a youth-focused dance program dedicated to discipline, creativity, confidence, and character development. Under her leadership, the academy provides structured dance training, performance opportunities, and mentorship for youth, while promoting teamwork, etiquette, and positive self-expression through the arts.

As President of Footprints Early Learning Foundation, Inc., Ms. Cole provides strategic leadership and vision for the organization. Her goal is to expand access to high-quality early learning opportunities, enrichment programs, and supportive services for children and families, particularly in underserved communities. She is responsible for guiding the Foundation’s mission, overseeing program development, cultivating partnerships, supporting fundraising and grant initiatives, and ensuring organizational accountability and sustainability.

Ms. Cole’s vision for Footprints Early Learning Foundation is to build a strong, community-centered organization that empowers children through education, creativity, and supportive resources—laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning, success, and positive outcomes for future generations.

The Vice President mainly supports the President and often acts as the second-in-command. Their main duties usually include:

• Support and Leadership: Assisting the President in leading the organization and stepping in when the President is unavailable.
• Board Support: Helping organize and sometimes leading board meetings or committees if assigned.
• Project Oversight: Taking the lead on specific projects, initiatives, or committees as needed.
• Strategic Planning: Helping develop and implement the organization’s strategic goals and plans.
• Relationship Building: Supporting fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and donor relations alongside the President.
• Succession Planning: Being prepared to assume the President’s role if needed, either temporarily or permanently.

Secretary responsible for keeping the organization’s records organized and accurate. Their key duties usually include:

• Meeting Minutes: Taking detailed notes during board meetings and making sure official minutes are prepared, approved, and stored properly.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining important organizational documents like bylaws, policies, and meeting records.
• Notices and Communication: Sending out meeting notices, agendas, and other important communications to board members and sometimes the public.
• Compliance: Ensuring the organization stays compliant with filing requirements, like annual reports to the state.
• Board Support: Helping the President and Board Chair stay organized by keeping track of decisions made and actions that need to be taken.

Deidra Raines is a committed community advocate with a strong background in early childhood education, youth enrichment, and family support services. Her work focuses on strengthening children and families in Fort Wayne and Allen County through high-quality childcare, educational support, transportation services, and transitional assistance for those in need.

As Treasurer, Deidra brings financial stewardship, thoughtful planning, and a mission driven approach to resource management. She is dedicated to ensuring accountability, sustainability, and strategic use of funds to advance programs that create lasting impact. Her goal is to support initiatives that improve school readiness, empower families, and expand opportunities for underserved communities by helping build pathways toward stability, growth, and success.

My name is Tearney Hardy, I’m 38 years old. I’m a mother of a beautiful little girl by the name of Aubrie, she’s 10 years old . I graduated from Wayne high school at 14. I got an internship at early childhood education known as ECA. After my intern I was offered a full-time position for a toddler teacher Where I worked that for 10 years. My journey ended there and I began working at AWS in a group home for about 4 years. I left AWS and began working at Parkview Hospital scheduling doctors and surgical appointments for 6 years and it was after that I decided I wanted to do something different and now I have my own in-home daycare and it’s called Little Kings and Queens playhouse. 

As a Member of Footprints Early Learning Foundation, Inc., Cynthia McBride supports the organization’s mission to advance high-quality early childhood education and family-focused initiatives that promote lifelong learning and development. In this role, she contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the Foundation by providing guidance, insight, and support aligned with the organization’s goals and values.

Ms. McBride participates in organizational planning, program development discussions, and community engagement efforts, offering feedback and recommendations that strengthen the Foundation’s impact. She serves as an advocate for the Foundation’s mission within the community and supports outreach efforts that build partnerships and increase awareness of early learning initiatives. Additionally, she upholds the Foundation’s standards of integrity, accountability, and service, helping ensure that programs and activities remain responsive to the needs of children and families served.

Pastor Ugartha Smith serves as a Member of Footprints Early Learning Foundation, bringing spiritual leadership, moral guidance, and a strong commitment to community service. As an active minister who sits in the pulpit, Pastor Smith contributes a faith-centered perspective that supports the Foundation’s mission to nurture children, strengthen families, and promote holistic development through early learning and supportive services.

In her role, Pastor Smith provides encouragement, mentorship, and guidance that align with values of compassion, integrity, and service. She supports the organization through prayer, advisement, and community advocacy, helping to foster partnerships with faith-based organizations and community stakeholders. Pastor Smith also serves as a trusted voice in promoting ethical leadership, family engagement, and positive character development, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting children and families both educationally and socially.

Bradford Smith serves as a Member of Footprints Early Learning Foundation, Inc., contributing his background in music and production to support the Foundation’s commitment to youth development and creative enrichment. Through his expertise, Mr. Smith helps introduce children and youth to the fundamentals of music, sound, and creative expression, providing exposure to positive and educational music experiences.

In his role, Mr. Smith supports the development of age-appropriate music programs that encourage creativity, confidence, and self-expression. He assists in guiding youth through basic music instruction, rhythm and sound exploration, and introductory production concepts, helping them understand the discipline, teamwork, and focus required in the music industry. Mr. Smith also contributes to preparing youth for performances, showcases, and creative projects that build self-esteem and provide constructive outlets for talent.

By incorporating music as a learning and engagement tool, Mr. Smith helps the Foundation create enriching programs that support emotional development, cultural appreciation, and positive youth involvement. His contributions strengthen Footprints Early Learning Foundation’s efforts to provide well-rounded programming that inspires youth and opens pathways for creative growth.