The Nest Schools Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Nest Schools has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, organizational development, financial planning, technology infrastructure, operational excellence, and legal compliance.

Dedicated to fostering early childhood development, The Nest Schools prioritizes kindness and wellness to build strong foundations for children across diverse regional markets.

Leadership Roles at The Nest Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jessica Van Hoose
  • Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer - Janet Porterfield
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jenny Faler
  • Chief Operating Officer - Haylee Marcuccio
  • Chief Information Officer - Shawn Kiner
  • Chief Legal Officer - T.J. Donahue
  • Jessica Van Hoose - Chief Executive Officer

    Jessica Van Hoose, the Chief Executive Officer at The Nest Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for premium early childhood education programs. Overseeing the expansion of educational services across multiple states, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every facility maintains the highest standards of wellness and kindness. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the curriculum and improve learning outcomes for infants through school-age children. By driving innovation in pedagogical approaches, Jessica Van Hoose guarantees that the organization remains a leader in the childcare sector. The Chief Executive Officer monitors market trends to ensure that the company mission of building strong minds and happy kids remains the primary focus. Through rigorous oversight of regional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term growth and operational stability for the entire network of schools.

    Janet Porterfield - Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Janet Porterfield, the Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer at The Nest Schools, architects the foundational culture of kindness and wellness that defines the organization. As a primary visionary, the Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer shapes the long-term trajectory of early childhood programs to ensure alignment with the core values of innovation and fun. This role involves mentoring leadership teams and fostering a supportive environment for educators across the national footprint. By championing the mission to raise healthy and inspired children, Janet Porterfield directly influences the quality of care provided to families. The Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer evaluates new opportunities for program development while maintaining the integrity of the established educational model. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer sustains the company reputation as a premier provider of early childhood education.
    Janet Porterfield

    Jenny Faler - Chief Financial Officer

    Jenny Faler, the Chief Financial Officer at The Nest Schools, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation necessary to support premium early childhood education. Overseeing the budgeting process and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the strategic goal of expanding the company presence across various states. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from childcare services to optimize operational efficiency and profitability. By implementing robust financial controls, Jenny Faler supports the long-term sustainability of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executives to fund new initiatives that enhance the learning environment for children. Through meticulous management of assets and expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation required to maintain high-quality standards, ensuring that the company remains financially resilient while pursuing the mission of building strong minds and healthy bodies.

    Haylee Marcuccio - Chief Operating Officer

    Haylee Marcuccio, the Chief Operating Officer at The Nest Schools, executes the daily operational strategies that maintain the high standards of early childhood education across the company. Overseeing the management of school facilities and staff performance, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location adheres to the core values of kindness and wellness. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to improve the quality of care for infants and school-age children. By driving operational excellence, Haylee Marcuccio guarantees that the company mission is consistently met in every classroom. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional directors to resolve logistical challenges and maintain a safe, fun learning environment. Through the rigorous application of operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer supports the growth of the organization while ensuring that the daily experience for children and families remains exceptional and aligned with the company vision.
    Haylee Marcuccio

    Shawn Kiner - Chief Information Officer

    Shawn Kiner, the Chief Information Officer at The Nest Schools, directs the technological infrastructure that powers the administrative and educational operations of the company. Overseeing the implementation of digital tools, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data security and communication systems remain seamless across all regional locations. This leadership role involves integrating innovative software solutions to streamline enrollment processes and enhance family engagement. By modernizing the technical framework, Shawn Kiner enables educators to focus on the core mission of fostering wellness and learning. The Chief Information Officer evaluates emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and support the scalability of the school network. Through the strategic deployment of IT resources, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive information while facilitating a connected environment that benefits children, families, and staff members throughout the entire organization.
    T.J. Donahue, the Chief Legal Officer at The Nest Schools, directs the legal strategy and compliance framework necessary to operate premium childcare facilities across multiple states. Overseeing regulatory adherence and risk management, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all school operations meet strict safety and educational standards. This leadership role involves navigating complex legal landscapes to protect the interests of the company, its staff, and the families served. By providing counsel on corporate governance and contractual obligations, T.J. Donahue supports the overall mission of building strong minds and healthy bodies. The Chief Legal Officer manages potential liabilities and ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for excellence and integrity. Through proactive legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer facilitates the smooth expansion of the school network, ensuring that all business activities remain within the bounds of law while fostering a culture of kindness and innovation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Nest Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Nest Schools?
    The Nest Schools is led by Jessica Van Hoose (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Janet Porterfield (Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Jenny Faler (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of The Nest Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Nest Schools includes leaders such as Jessica Van Hoose (Chief Executive Officer), Janet Porterfield (Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer), Jenny Faler (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Nest Schools have?
    The Nest Schools has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Nest Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Nest Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.