Who are you? 

I am a mother, a grandmother, a friend, and a cheerleader for children and families.

 

What is the nature of your job? 

Currently, I am the Senior Program Manager for Catholic Charities Kennedy Institute CDC. I work closely with the Director Ms. King in the daily operation of the Center. I retired as the Center Director in 2012 due to health challenges, however, I continue to return as the opportunities arise.

 

What interests/concerns drew you to early childhood work?

As an undergraduate student I completed an internship teaching preschoolers’ nutrition. I realized that children were my passion and that I was good at engaging them in activities. Upon graduation I went right to work seeking positions that allowed me to use my talents working with children. Although I was shy and soft-spoken, working with children gave me a sense of peace and a curiosity that nothing else had. The more I watched children grow and flourish the more I wanted to know. This piqued my interest in children with special challenges and the idea of inclusion. There were many paths traveled but the one constant has been children and families, sharing the joys of the “first.” The first word, the first step, the realization that I can do it, the gleam in a child’s face when he is proud of the accomplishment.

 

Wishes for the future of children? 

I wish that children could experience the joys of childhood. The making of a mud pie, playing red light/green light in front of your house, jumping rope with friends. I wish that the powers that be would see the value of the investment in the lives of our children (our future).

 

What does receiving the Early Educator of the Year Award mean to you? 

This is the greatest honor I can receive. This is not only my honor but that of my parents who trained me to respect others, my family who allowed me the time to invest and my friends who supported me. One of my favorite lines says “If I can help somebody like you told me to, then my living would not be in vain.” It’s wonderful to have my flowers while I can enjoy them.

 

What advice would you have for someone considering becoming an early educator? 

The drive to becoming an early educator should not be just a love for children but a passion to have a positive impact on young developing minds. If we help a parent, we help a child. Children don’t come with a written set of instruction, parents often need guidance to navigate nurturing strong, confident children.