As the first Early Childhood Education Coach for the lab school, I am multi-passionate about topics that simulate children are too young to understand. I write and create developmentally appropriate curriculum in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, early nutrition intervention and mindfulness. One of my favorite activities to do with our children is year-round gardening and caring for our school plant families!<br>My Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development was completed at SCC. I then transferred to the University to complete my undergraduate in Inclusive early childhood education. I have 30 years’ experience working in the field of education which includes preschool, elementary education, and various school-age youth development programs. For a short time, I was the youth director for a non-profit preschool/youth program where I worked to build partnerships with the community that assisted the needs of underserved youth in Lincoln, NE, and learned a great deal on trauma-informed care.<br>I was born in Englewood, NJ but left the east coast when I was 2yrs old. I have traveled all over the U.S. and grew up mostly in the Midwest. During my early youth, I lived in the United Kingdom for 4 years and am grateful for being able to experience another country’s culture and education system at such a young age. My favorite activity while there was beachcombing the English seashores and developing a natural love for the ocean!<br>I am the mother of 4 boys (Darion, Isaac, Malcolm and Benjamin) and the wife of one husband (Vern). Our boys are very active in competitive sports that mostly include football and basketball, and thrive in athlete leadership. Our family time includes a lot of eat, sleep, sports and repeat!<br>I couldn’t be more grateful to have found my home at Ruth Staples CDL and as a faculty member of the CYAF department. After all of my experiences, I have learned the importance of working for and with others who value your contributions and expertise. I am very honored and proud to be a part of the UNL lab school.