I’ve been a center director since 2002. I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted this job, but I can’t imagine where else I would rather be!

Education

B.S., College of Business, Arizona State University

M.A. Ed., Early Childhood Education, Concordia University

Fellow, NAEYC Legacy Leaders

Fellow, Harris Institute of Infant/Toddler Mental Health

Why I do this

I am absolutely passionate about brain development and providing the best start possible for young children. Their job is to play. Our job is to complicate the play.

What have you learned from your work?

Nothing worth doing is easy. When I first started in this field, I had the mistaken impression we’d simply play with children all day! But it takes hard work to make it seamless during the day to children. Teamwork is critical and providing opportunities for professional development allows us to focus on growing together!

As center director, do you interact with parents and or children?

Yes to both. I have shared at length about children. Interactions with parents include being part of tours, answering questions on our program, our commitment to quality, helping with a problem, providing (or helping to access) resources, and being part of life’s celebrations and tragedies. Our center feels like a family! Young children learn through relationship. They must have people they love and trust around them.

 When I leave my office for a few minutes to hang out in the classroom, I like to…

Sit on the floor and play with children. Follow their lead and try to extend their conversation. Listen to their opinions and ask questions that spark deep thinking.

Favorite children’s book

“The Kissing Hand” is a story of such love and reassurance between a mother raccoon and her little one starting school the first day. She instills such a level of confidence in the child that he will have a wonderful day and reduces his separation anxiety at her moment of departure. It’s a wonderful story! I could have said, “I’ll Love You Forever,” but I have never read it without crying.

My superpower

Working through issues with children having a tough day. Our teachers are adept at helping children cope through disappointments or temper tantrums, I don’t get to participate all that often. However, occasionally I have the opportunity to help a child move through what I like to call their “amygdala hijack” and return to critical thinking mode. Then, we can discuss the issue of the day.

 How a child feels

Children are just so honest about their feelings, yet they have difficulty understanding how others feel. This is completely developmentally appropriate, but I love the light bulb moment when they are able to see an interaction with another child from all points of view. Honoring a child’s perspective is the best way I know to build strong relationships.

The brain is fascinating!

Social and emotional development occurs in the limbic system of the brain and is pretty much formed by 5 years old. Helping children react appropriately in stressful flight, fight, or freeze situations provide groundwork for their future coping abilities when life just doesn’t go their way. Building resiliency in children is the best gift we can them!

 What young children have taught me

 To appreciate their amazing insights about the world. When I see their honesty, innocence, and wonder, I get a glimpse at the world through their eyes.

 At the end of each school day…

I feel terrific when I think about how passionate our team is to make a difference in the lives of our children and their families. I am proud to be a part of our high-quality program and honored to work with teachers who are passionate about helping young children learn and grow.

 One misconception about Early Childhood Education that we hope to change…

Some folks think of early childhood centers and programs as merely babysitting. Caring for children is a big part of what we do, to be sure. But early childhood education is a specialty area within the education profession backed by the latest research and brain science.

What you’ll find at Risen Savior

Teachers who stay current with the latest quality standards within our profession. To stand with these early childhood professionals, who are driven to their very best for our youngest students, is both an honor and a privilege for me personally.