LaunchPad’s Story

Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Stephanie Overbey, Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO, Sherry Searles, LaunchPad Director, and Darren Bickel, United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko County President, recognized an urgent need for quality, affordable childcare in Kosciusko County. Their efforts led to the creation of LaunchPad, a Child Care and Early Learning Coalition established in October of 2018, to help solve the childcare crisis in our county and provide our residents with safe, affordable, and enriching learning spaces for their children.

As the Director at LaunchPad, Sherry Searles is passionate about fostering enriching environments for children, ensuring they thrive under the care of warm, engaged educators. Currently, Sherry works to facilitate access to high-quality, affordable childcare for local businesses and families, supporting working parents in balancing their professional and family lives. With a background in Early Childhood Education, extensive experience as a program director, and certification as a HighScope teacher and trainer, she bring a wealth of expertise to her role. She takes pride in achievements such as adding 500 childcare seats to our community in five years, contributing to legislation supporting childcare in school systems, and being asked by Governor Holcomb to sit on the Early Learning Advisory Council. Beyond work, she and her husband aim to visit all 63 National Parks in 10 years, and she loves spending time with their three granddaughters in Indianapolis and Chicago.