Newbridge Academy for Kids (Newbridge Academy) officials announce the appointment of Rachael Goldbaugh as Executive Director of Wheeling’s newest childcare center. Newbridge Academy brings to the community new open spots for childcare, full-day preschool, after-school programming for elementary-aged children, and summer programming. Located at the gateway to downtown Wheeling the academy is currently undergoing a complete renovation and is slated to open in late summer.
Goldbaugh is a native of rural, upstate New York. She has spent the last 20 years working with children and their families in various capacities. Twelve years ago she moved to West Virginia for work and met her husband Chris Goldbaugh, a Wheeling native. They have been married for nine years and together are raising a 13-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son in Wheeling. Goldbaugh currently serves as the Children’s Director at Newbridge Church, formerly the Vineyard Church in Wheeling.
“We are so excited for the positive impact that Newbridge Academy for Kids is about to have on the Ohio Valley, and there couldn’t be a more perfect person to lead the charge than Rachael. She has led masterfully for the past four years as our Children’s Director at Newbridge Church, and with multiple years of childcare experience and a joyful love of children, she will bring the Academy to life and make it a place where everyone will want to be,” said Chris Figaretti, Lead Pastor of Newbridge Church.
“It has always been a passion of mine to not only work with children but to also support their families. My two siblings and I were raised in a two-working-parent household. Our parents were so supportive and worked very hard, but it still took a village to ensure we were set up for success,” Goldbaugh said.
“In my time as the Children’s Director, I have had the privilege to walk with so many families in their parenthood journeys and have gotten to share in their joys, triumphs, and even struggles. Opening Newbridge Academy and being able to offer more childcare spots during the day or after school support for families is an honor. We hope to help fill the need for childcare in the Wheeling area. We want to be here to support a parent’s opportunity to work or attend school,” Goldbaugh shared.
“I have friends who have to turn down amazing employment opportunities because of lack of childcare,” continued Goldbaugh. “To be able to open a secure, innovative childcare center that is being designed specifically for children to grow and thrive, and for parents to be assured their children will have an incredible day in a nurturing environment, gives me such joy. It is a privilege to be a part of this project and support our Ohio Valley community in this way. My husband and his family grew up here. We love our city and all that Wheeling has to offer families. My family is very grateful to be a part of it.”
Preregistration and employment interest inquiries is now open at https://www.newbridge.academy
“We are looking forward to building our team and filling this amazing new facility with the life that only children bring with the love of learning,” Goldbaugh said. “We encourage anyone interested in employment and families needing childcare to fill out an interest inquiry on the website. We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media at Newbridge Academy for Kids for all of the latest information.”
Newbridge Academy is expected to offer substantial help for businesses seeking consistent employees and for working families seeking much-needed quality care and socialization for the area’s children. It is a nonprofit childcare center and committed to building the foundation for the brightest future for children, families and the entire community.
Newbridge Academy will be located at the gateway to the city in the newly renovated historic building located at 1000 Main Street. “With all the renovations going on in this part of town, including the historic Suspension Bridge, the Bridge Tavern, the Capitol Theater, Stone Center Lofts, The Doris on Main, and the scheduled new Visitors Center, Newbridge Academy will offer convenience, and a state-of-the-art, state-compliant, licensed childcare in this newly revitalized section of Wheeling. The project is being funded with historic and new market tax credits, City of Wheeling American Rescue Plan Act funds, a HUD Congressionally Directed Spending Award, the generous congregation of Newbridge Church, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors,” stated Figaretti.
Electronic donations may also be made through the website. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available. Checks may be mailed to 647 Warden Run Road; Wheeling, WV 26003. Interested donors and sponsors are asked to call (304)242-0463 or visit https://www.newbridge.academy .
