Yessenia Vasquez Named Director of the Patton Avenue Learning Center
Reading, PA – Opportunity House announced the appointment of Yessenia Vasquez as Director of the Patton Avenue Learning Center.
A lifelong advocate for children and education, Vasquez is a proud graduate of Reading High School and currently resides in Reading, PA, with her husband of 18 years and their three children. She received her master’s degree in education from Albright College, in May 2025.
Yessenia Vasquez named Director of Patton Avenue Learning Center
Vasquez brings a wealth of experience in the field of early childhood education. For 16 years, she worked at the YMCA, where she began as an assistant teacher and rose through the ranks to become Program Director of Childcare. Her career continued at the United Way of Berks County, where she served as a Community Impact Staff Specialist, working to support and strengthen community-based initiatives.
Throughout her career, Vasquez has demonstrated a deep commitment to early learning standards and quality improvement. “Working at the YMCA, I was proud to be a part of helping our center achieve a Keystone STAR 4 rating,” she noted. “That is the goal for the Patton Avenue Learning Center — to ensure the highest quality care and early education for children in this community.”
The Patton Avenue Learning Center is located in the heart of Oakbrook Homes, one of Reading’s largest public housing communities managed by the Reading Housing Authority. Oakbrook is home to hundreds of families. Opportunity House’s expansion of early childhood services into Oakbrook reflects its deep commitment to providing affordable early childhood education to families to promote long-term stability and success.
The Patton Avenue Center will provide early childhood education service for up children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 p.m.
Returning to serve the Oakbrook neighborhood, where she once lived as a teenager, is both a personal and professional milestone for Vasquez. “I am looking forward to taking my experience in childcare to a community I grew up in,” she said. “Every child deserves a chance at quality childcare. The first five years are so important in a child’s development. I am excited for my team and myself to provide quality care to the Oakbrook community.”
About Opportunity House
Opportunity House provides emergency shelter for over 500 people each year. Their goal is to empower individuals to improve their lives. They do this by providing personalized case management and access to resources for clients to become stably housed. Additionally, they provide permanent housing for over 100 individuals.
About The Second Street Learning Center
A program of Opportunity House, the Second Street Learning Center provides high-quality, affordable early childhood education and childcare to families in Berks County. Accredited and Keystone STARS-rated, the center serves children from six weeks to 13 years old, preparing them for lifelong learning and success in a safe and nurturing environment.