“I Love Children…”

I love children.

I really, really do.

I love the way they play. I love the way they sing and dance. And I especially love watching them figure things out as they learn.

That love of children is what first led me to Syracuse University, where I earned dual degrees in early childhood and elementary education. It is also what has guided more than 35 years of work in early childhood education.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching in parent co-ops, nursery schools, university lab schools, childcare centers, private preschools, and public education settings. I have worked with children and families from remarkably different backgrounds and circumstances—from children experiencing poverty to those of extraordinary privilege, children with special needs, children just days into life in a new country, and children representing cultures and communities from around the world.

Every one of those experiences taught me something about children. But they also taught me something equally important:

The adults matter, too.

The relationships between the people who lead, teach, communicate, solve problems, and care for children have an enormous impact on the environment we create for them.

After 13 years in the classroom, I decided to extend my reach. I became a trainer, instructional coach, curriculum and program developer, director of training, preschool director, and even a life coach. Each role gave me a different perspective on what helps adults work well together—and what can get in the way.

In 2018, I brought those experiences together and began working nationally as an early childhood consultant and trainer. Today, I have the privilege of supporting leaders and teams in Head Start programs, private and public preschools, and early childhood organizations across the country.

That work is at the heart of Team Agreements.

I help early childhood professionals strengthen communication, navigate conflict, build healthier workplace relationships, and create clear agreements about how they want to work together.

Because when the adults work better together, everyone benefits—especially the children.

Have a question or want to talk about how Team Agreements could support your organization? Email me directly.