Committed To Early Childhood Ed For More Than A Decade, Catherine Bencivengo Named BELC Executive Director

Started as a student teacher at Branford Early Learning Center in 2012, her heart has been with its children, families, and community since.

By Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff

Oct 8, 2026 9:59 AM EDT | Updated Oct 8, 2026 10:02 AM EDT

Catherine 'Cat' Bencivengo’s journey with the Branford Early Learning Center began in February 2012 as a student teacher. Since then, she has been an assistant teacher, head teacher, and assistant director before taking on her new leadership role. (BELC/Catherine Bencivengo)

BRANFORD, CT — She may be the new director, but her presence and dedication to children and their families at the town's longtime early childhood education hub is more than a decade long.

For more than half a century, the Branford Early Learning Center has helped local children and families thrive. The nonprofit childcare and preschool center provides high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care for the children of working parents.

As a state Department of Education-funded agency and NAEYC-accredited center, BELC takes a whole-child approach—supporting children's nutritional, physical, emotional, social, and academic well-being in a warm and nurturing environment.

Now, BELC is entering a new chapter with Catherine Bencivengo stepping into the role of Executive Director.

Bencivengo's journey with BELC began in February 2012 as a student teacher. Since then, she has been an assistant teacher, head teacher, and assistant director before taking on her new leadership role.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity," Bencivengo shared. "I know this center, I know what we're doing well, and now I want to find ways to make us even better. We work as a team; everyone helps each other, and that is what makes us so great."

For Board President Crystal Pelletier, Bencivengo's longtime and profound bond with the Center is what makes her the right person to lead the organization forward.

"Cat stepped up to the plate at a time when BELC needed her most," Pelletier said, noting Bencivengo's determination, leadership, and commitment to the school.

Outside of BELC, Bencivengo is a wife and mom who stays actively involved in her children's schools, activities, and sports, as well as the broader community.

After more than a decade growing alongside BELC, Bencivengo now takes the helm of an organization with deep roots and an enduring mission: to give children the strongest possible start while supporting the families who depend on them.

Pelletier said it's Bencivengo's heart and connection to BELC that makes her special.

"What ultimately makes Cat the right person for this role goes far beyond her ability to lead," Pelletier said. "Her heart is with our children, our families, our staff, and this community."