The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh is excited to introduce our families and community to Cierra Bekich, our new Associate Director of Early Childhood in the South Hills!
Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Cierra brings her expertise and years of experience in early childhood education to the JCC.
Cierra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. With more than a decade of experience, Cierra served her community directing programming for children’s museums, teaching in synagogue pre-kindergarten classrooms, and most recently directing an early learning center at a branch location to a larger school, much like our own South Hills site here in Pittsburgh. She says she and her family were looking for the same welcoming environment they were leaving behind in Naples and were so happy to find that at the JCC in Pittsburgh.
“Everyone has been so warm and welcoming here. I love it,” Cierra said.
Cierra comes to Pittsburgh with three children and her husband who lived in the city for 11 years. Their youngest will attend ECDC this fall.
Landing in Pittsburgh was no accident. They moved to be closer to family and to receive better medical treatment for her oldest son who was born with a congenital heart defect. Cierra is passionate about advocating for cardiac-related medical issues to help raise awareness and support families just like hers.
“Pittsburgh in itself has this ability to create such a strong sense of pride and welcoming, so that’s why we wanted to raise our children here. We wanted that home-y and prideful feeling.” Cierra said.
Cierra and her family are BIG fans of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. She loves spending time in the Strip District with her family on the weekends and is always looking for recommendations to check out in the city! She is eager for the school year to begin and has already hit the ground running with professional development week and our incredible team of early childhood professionals. She can’t wait to meet and welcome families to a new school year.
