TERESA CERESKA
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Trusted and relationship-centered nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience and over a decade of progressive leadership within a Jewish Community Center. Recognized for building authentic partnerships across departments, strengthening organizational culture, and expanding programs that deepen community engagement and belonging. Strategic executive with expertise in operations, financial stewardship, staff leadership, and long-range program development. Known for aligning mission, people, and resources to create sustainable growth while honoring Jewish values and community priorities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Early Childhood Center
Jewish Community Center
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2019 - Current
- Provide senior operational leadership for a cornerstone program serving children and families, including staffing, enrollment strategy, budgeting, and program quality
- Collaborate with executive leadership and department directors to strengthen organizational alignment, shared goals, and member experience
- Oversee budget planning, financial decision-making, and resource allocation supporting sustainability and growth
- Lead recruitment, supervision, and professional development of multidisciplinary staff, strengthening retention and team culture
- Drive enrollment stability and program visibility through relationship-based engagement with families and community partners
- Ensure regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and mission-driven programming
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Children’s Programming Director
St. Stephen Catholic School
Grand Rapids, Michigan
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Directed multiple revenue-generating programs including preschool, enrichment, childcare, afterschool, and summer camp
- Managed staff hiring, training, scheduling, and program operations
- Strengthened family engagement and program sustainability through operational improvements
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring effective allocation of resources for school initiatives.
Assistant Director, Early Childhood Center
Jewish Community Center
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Supported daily operations, enrollment management, licensing compliance, and staff leadership
- Collaborated with leadership to strategize program offerings aligning with community needs and organizational goals.
- Coordinated special events, managing logistics to ensure successful execution and positive member experience.
- Ensured compliance with state education standards by regularly reviewing curriculum materials and teaching practices.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to achieve strategic objectives, fostering culture of teamwork and innovation.
Summer Camp Director
Jewish Community Center
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2015 - 01.2015
- Managed budget effectively, allocating resources efficiently while maintaining high-quality programming and facilities.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to foster a collaborative environment.
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Jewish Community Center
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Built strong family relationships contributing to long-term community retention and engagement
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Ed & Family Studies/ Elementary Ed
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UTBachelor of Business Administration And Management -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UTSkills
- Daxko
- Mailchimp
- Acrisoft
- Excel
- Amilia
- ADP
- Paycom
- Teaching Strategies GOLD
- Creative Curriculum
CORE EXECUTIVE COMPETENCIES
- Organizational Vision & Strategic Planning
- Cross-Department Leadership & Collaboration
- Financial Management & Budget Oversight
- Community Engagement & Membership Growth
- Staff Development & Culture Leadership
- Program Expansion & Innovation
- Accreditation, Compliance & Risk Management
- Family & Stakeholder Relationship Building
- Jewish Communal Leadership
ADDITIONAL EXPERTISE
- NAEYC Accreditation
- Budget Development
- Staff Leadership
- Licensing & Compliance
- Community Programming
Timeline
Director, Early Childhood Center
Jewish Community Center
01.2019 - Current
Children’s Programming Director
St. Stephen Catholic School
01.2015 - 01.2018
Summer Camp Director
Jewish Community Center
01.2015 - 01.2015
Assistant Director, Early Childhood Center
Jewish Community Center
01.2014 - 01.2015
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Jewish Community Center
01.2011 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Ed & Family Studies/ Elementary Ed
University of Utah
Bachelor of Business Administration And Management -
University of Utah