Teacher Nancy
I've been working with young children and their families since 1985. In addition to my Early Childhood Education training, I have an MA degree in Counseling Psychology and am currently a licensed marriage and family therapist intern (MFTI). As a compassionate and competent listener, I facilitate children and parents to express themselves in a safe environment.
Combining my love of art, music, science, literature, open exploration for children, and the community spirit so prevalent in the co-op, I embrace this model as one of the best learning environments for parents and children alike. It allows for the creation of a rich, hands-on, age appropriate curriculum for young children as well as experiential learning for their parents. I cherish the opportunity to work with parents and children in the same setting, empowering both children and adults to discover their gifts, strengths, self-esteem, and the world of possibilities.
I offer seminars and instruction on a variety of pertinent topics related to child development and parenting skills.
Married since 1971 and the mother of a grown daughter, I love family life and welcome diverse families into the classroom. I love the exuberance, vitality, and resourcefulness of young children, and the passionate involvement and energetic dedication of their parents. This job is a gift!
Teacher Colleen
I received my degree in Childhood Education at Chico State University in 1988 and have been continuously involved with children and families ever since. I have worked as a head teacher at a local, high quality preschool for many years, mentored student teachers from Cabrillo, taught children’s art workshops at state teachers’ conferences and at Live Oak Family Resource Center here in Santa Cruz where I currently facilitate a support/play group for parents of toddlers. My most significant and uniquely educational experience in this field to date has been becoming a parent to my son and daughter. They are my greatest teachers bringing me lessons on patience, humility, clear boundaries, and love.
I enjoy all the fun, educational curriculum that go with the preschool years but truly I believe these years are about getting away from the solitary play of the toddler years and into social play. The preschool years are all about how to make friends, how to fight and forgive, how to speak up for your needs and how to listen to another’s perspective.
I have a passion for personal growth. I see the work of parenting as an avenue to continue the work of becoming your best self because our children deserve the best of us. For parents, I hope to offer inspiration for their journey of self growth, not as someone who knows it all but as a an equal, stumbling and learning by their side.
Teacher Kim
I have been working in the field of education for over 25 years. Throughout my teaching career I have worked with a diversity of students in all kinds of learning environments: from preschoolers in family cooperatives and home daycare, to elementary and high school students in outdoor schools, to parents and classroom teachers in Life Lab training workshops. The common thread in all my teaching experiences has been weaving my enthusiasm and concern for the individual with my deep passion for fostering community to support and inspire students and their families.
Growing up in a family that valued nature, outdoor science became my passion and I graduated from college with a degree in biology and a teaching credential from Chico State University in 1981. I worked for the next ten years in Outdoor Education as a Teacher/Naturalist and Director of residential Outdoor Science Programs. In 1994 I became a Teacher Trainer and Consultant for the Life Lab Science Program where I facilitated hands-on, garden-based science workshops throughout the Western U.S.
The adventure of becoming a parent to my two daughters brought more wonderful teaching experiences. I helped create and run a co-op for four years with my older daughter. I worked as a teacher and an aid at Monarch Community School, a parent participation elementary school, where both my daughters attended. I taught at a home daycare preschool where my youngest daughter attended pre-school. Married since 1989, I value family and all the work and dedication it takes to grow, change and create a meaningful family life.
My role as co-op teacher brings together many of the talents and skills I have developed in my diverse and multifaceted jobs: my rich background in science and gardening, my abilities as parent educator and my experience as a teacher and a parent. Of all the jobs I have had, being a mother is by far the most fulfilling and the most challenging. I bring my heart and my passion to my work. I love the creative process, working collaboratively, fostering meaningful relationships and caring communication, and developing a deep sense of community. To grow and learn along side our children is a great gift.