Owensboro Catholic Schools has named Kelly Heaton as the Preschool Director for the new OCS Early Learning Campus, bringing more than 12 years of educational experience and a background in early childhood education to the role.
Heaton said the opportunity to help build the program from the ground up was a major factor in her decision to pursue the position.
“It’s exciting to be part of something brand new and help build it from the ground up,” Heaton said. “I get to grow alongside the school as it develops. I’ve always loved early childhood education, especially kindergarten, and this leadership role allows me to grow professionally while helping others thrive.”
According to a release from Owensboro Catholic Schools, Heaton has served in a variety of classroom and leadership positions, including assistant principal and differentiated learning specialist at the Owensboro Catholic K-3 Campus. She has also taught kindergarten through third grade at both West Louisville Elementary School and Whitesville Elementary School.
Heaton earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University and later completed a master’s degree in education as a literacy specialist through the University of the Cumberlands. She also completed the Rank I Certification Program through the GRREC ED Elevate Academy with a focus on MTSS behavior support.
Before joining Owensboro Catholic Schools, Heaton taught for six years at Whitesville Elementary School, primarily in kindergarten, before transitioning to West Louisville Elementary School to be closer to home after starting a family.
She later joined Owensboro Catholic Schools as a differentiated learning specialist before moving into an assistant principal role.
Heaton said one of her primary goals for the new Early Learning Campus is creating an environment that supports children academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
“A big focus will be nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually,” Heaton said. “We want Catholic values naturally woven throughout the day through prayer, kindness, respect, Bible stories, and celebrating the liturgical calendar. Young children learn best through examples, so creating a loving, faith-filled culture will be essential.”
Tracy Conkright, chief education officer for Owensboro Catholic Schools, said Heaton’s background and leadership make her a strong fit for the position.
“We are excited to launch the OCS Early Learning Campus this year with Kelly Heaton serving as the Preschool Director,” Conkright said. “Her experience, leadership, and dedication to Catholic education make her an outstanding choice to help shape the foundation of early learning at Owensboro Catholic Schools. We are confident she will have a tremendous impact on our students and families.”
Heaton said she hopes the new preschool program will be welcoming and inclusive for all families.
“We want every family to feel welcomed,” Heaton said. “It will be a place where families experience love, dignity, and acceptance.”
Heaton and her husband, Jake, have been married for 11 years and have two children, Parker and Hazel. The family attends St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
