Hey, Pagosa Springs. Meet Ben Fox, the new executive director of Wings Early Childhood Center.
Fox joined Wings last fall when the much-loved Sienna Hunter left to care for her three sons. He brings more than a decade of leadership experience in child- and family-serving organizations and a deep-rooted passion for building sustainable, community-based resources for children.
In eight months, Fox has expanded the Wings teaching staff, supporting teachers to earn advanced program certifications. The school is implementing a nationally accredited curriculum and growing the nature-based learning environment. The children enjoy an enhanced fresh food program of nourishing breakfasts and lunches prepared by an experienced cook and kitchen manager in the school’s on-site kitchen.
“One of my many goals is to develop Wings into a regional model in the Four Corners for our nature-based early childcare program,” Fox said. “In an effective preschool environment, every child, their families and our community work together to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Wings Early Childhood Center has five classrooms serving children from ages infant to 5 years old. It provides the only licensed infant and toddler care center in Pagosa Springs. Some 75 percent of families served receive tuition assistance, enabling parents to participate in the work force while trusting that their children are receiving safe, enriching care.
Before coming to Wings, Fox worked in child and adult protection and supported Pagosa’s foster parents. He later started an evidence-based care coordination program to support youth and families with complex needs, helping children avoid youth detention or long-term mental health hospitalization.
Fox holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is a former Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail continuously from Georgia to Maine.
Fox and his wife, Julie, have lived in Pagosa Springs for eight years. Their 3-year-old son attends Wings. They are avid supporters of the Thingamajig Theatre Company, new members of the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs, and active with several other nature and family-related organizations.
When he’s not at work, you might find Fox on a hike in Turkey Springs, playing with his family in the hippy dip, or roasting and drinking coffee.
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