How long have you been with Cadence?
I have been with Cadence for 25.5 years.
Tell us about your career journey – where did you start and what is your position now?
I began as a classroom teacher in 1998 and moved to the Head of Preschool/Prekindergarten in 2000. In 2002, I led the Elementary and Preschool programs and have been in that position since.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is getting to know and interact with all our students. They never fail to put a smile on my face and make me laugh. These small interactions reinforce my conviction that our most important job of fostering social well-being is working. It is a true gauge of where our students are emotionally, then ensuring they are where they need to be for a successful future. Working with our staff to create the best programs and outcomes for each child plays a huge part, as well, on my lists of favorites.
What is unique about your school?
Children’s University is a private preschool and elementary school. We are fortunate to have a campus with over seven acres of land.
CU has three main buildings which house our classrooms, a Great Hall Library, Technology Lab, Science Lab, Maker Space, Broadcast Booth, University Center (UC) Cafeteria/Meeting Space, and Gymnasium. Our outdoor learning environments, also important to our philosophy of learning, include the Nature School, Barnyard (with a llama, goats, pig, bunny and much more), Bird Park, Pioneer Village, Outdoor Gardens, Tree House, and Chess Court.
How do you encourage your team to foster an inclusive environment and to be the best they can be?
Encouraging my team to foster an inclusive environment starts with me setting an example in everything that I do. From being fair in decision-making and daily procedures, to allowing leadership roles in different settings, to celebrating successes large and small, helps guide me in creating a climate and culture of inclusion.
What recommendations do you have for anyone wanting a career in early childhood education?
It is one of the most rewarding experiences to see young children learn, grow, and build character with their teacher’s guidance and trust.
Anyone who wants to teach should know that love for children, patience, organizational skills, flexibility, empathy, and a great sense of humor, are the keys to success.