Appleseed Childhood Education names first executive director
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The nonprofit organization that supports the only licensed child care center in Rensselaer as part of its broader mission to increase affordable child care in the area has hired its first executive director.
Anthony Butler joins Appleseed Childhood Education after serving in a variety of teaching and ministry leadership roles, the Jasper County nonprofit said in a news release.
“I am excited to serve our community in this role and to build on the work Appleseed has begun,” Butler said in the release. “It is truly remarkable to see our place support itself through Appleseed, and I am excited to build on our collective success.”
Appleseed Childhood Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was established in 2020 as community leaders sought to fill a void of licensed early childhood education centers in the community, Inside INdiana Business reported. In 2023 it teamed up with Franciscan Health Rensselaer to open Appletree Rensselaer, the first licensed early childhood education center in the city of about 5,700 people.
The center, located on the hospital campus, provides weekday care for up to 70 children, ages 6 weeks through 5 years old. It is operated by Right Steps Child Development Centers, a nonprofit organization based in Lafayette.
Butler has roots in the Rensselaer community. He has worked as a substitute teacher and instructional aide at Rensselaer Central Primary School. He served as bridge pastor at First Presbyterian Church, director of religious education at St. Augustine Catholic Church, and director of campus ministry at Saint Joseph’s College.
He also served as executive director of Dominican Volunteers USA in Chicago.
Butler holds a doctorate in ministry, a master’s degree in theology and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Appleseed Childhood Education had previously been run by a volunteer board of directors. Board President Zyan Miller welcomed the appointment of Butler as the nonprofit continues to develop.
“The addition of an executive director shows Appleseed’s ongoing commitment to our Appletree center and the community,” Miller said in the news release. “We are excited to have Dr. Butler lead Appleseed into its next phase of growth.”