The Gardner School of Schaumburg

What is your educational background, and what inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harper College. Although I initially pursued a degree in forensic psychology, my path shifted after spending time observing in an elementary school classroom, which was an experience that made it clear my true calling was in education. I truly believed in the power of early exposure to education and positive role models. I taught in the public-school systems in both Arizona and Illinois, before moving into Early Childhood and eventually administrative leadership.

How long have you been with TGS, and what excites you most about being part of this school community?
I started with TGS in August of 2018 and what excites me the most about being a part of this community is watching generations grow and thrive within our hallways. Seeing babies grow into confident kindergarteners, watching the little ones become proud older siblings, and receiving holiday cards from families who have graduated or moved away for years to come really makes you feel like you’ve had a lifelong impact.

What do you love most about working with children during their early years of development?
My favorite part about working with young children is being able to experience the “lightbulb moment” after a hard to learn skill or being able to watch the mastery of gross motor milestones like walking and talking.

What is the most rewarding part of your day at TGS?
As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to leave your child in the hands of someone else. I find it rewarding that those who were once strangers begin to feel like family. We get to be part of huge moments in their lives: first days of school, first steps, transitions into older programs, making lifelong friends, graduating…it’s so special!

Share the name of a teacher who inspired you and describe how they influenced your approach to education.
One of my favorite and most inspiring teachers was a professor from college, Dr. Mo. She was my outdoor education teacher and encouraged me to study abroad in Costa Rica for a summer. It was so far out of my comfort zone but taught so me so many lessons in taking risks, trusting my own gut, and believing that there is a lesson/learning opportunity in everything.

Why do you believe quality early childhood education is important for a child’s development?
Like building a house, I believe in setting a foundation. Early childhood education allows for the framework to be built, that can later be added to with each new year of school. There is always something that can be taught and learned from every experience, and we want to establish lifelong learners who are ready to take on the world.

How would you comfort and reassure new parents who may feel nervous about leaving their child in someone else’s care for the first time?
Reassuring new parents about leaving their child in someone else’s care for the first time can be challenging, as it’s a big question of trust. I try to assure them that as a parent myself; I understand the magnitude and remind them of the quality of our program and qualified staff. We make sure to offer them opportunities to walk around and familiarize themselves with our school before the first day and encourage them to communicate with us about their thoughts and questions.

How do you partner with parents to support their child’s growth and learning journey?
I believe that partnering with parents to support a child’s growth and learning journey involves building a strong, collaborative relationship where we can work together in the child’s best interest. We do our best to make this happen by offering consistent and regular updates, setting goals together, building trust and rapport, celebrating success, and providing support.