Kitchell recently completed the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s H’man ‘Shawa Early Childhood Development Center in Northeastern Maricopa County, about 35 miles northeast of Phoenix. The 15,500-square-foot building accommodates infants, preschool, pre-k and kindergarten children with nine classrooms. H’man ‘Shawa, translated from Yavapai, means ‘the little children.’ Integrated into the daily curriculum for all children are elements of local and native culture, including Yavapai language instruction.

Members of the Fort McDowell Tribal Council, including President Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, students, families and Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh were on hand for the grand opening festivities of the facility, which was funded by the Tribal Government. The project, a BITCO-Kitchell joint venture, represented a return to the Fort McDowell Yavapai community for Kitchell which has helped remodel and expand the Tribe’s nearby casino, commonly known as “The Fort.”