Staff Biographies |
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“I see children as my equal. They are intelligent, powerful and kind. We need to treat them as if they are an adult that we respect.” |
Kara Cossel’s co-workers describe her as having integrity and a fabulous work ethic. She is kind, thoughtful and a deep thinker.
Kara is an early childhood student at PVCC and will receive her AAS in Early Childhood. Kara’s disposition toward and enthusiasm for learning are huge assets to The Children’s Center.She is the mother of three young boys and is passionate about her work with young children. |
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“I love to watch young children express thier ideas and life experiences through the visual arts! I would like to share my passion for art with everyone I meet. We should never stop learning, exploring, and experimenting with new media. If you can't find the words to express yourself, use your hands, use your eyes...make something!” |
Melanie Akins co-workers describe her as intentional, gentle and competent.
Melanie earned her AAS in Art at PVCC and continues studying her educational coursework while pursuing her B.A. in Early Childhood with an emphasis in Art. Melanie’s daughter, Mariah is a first grader and an alumnus of The Children’s Center.
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“I believe that children are creative, inquisitive, and learn every second of every day.” |
Sami Askew’s co workers describe her as joyful, playful and bringing a grace-filled spirit to her work.
Sami has been a student at PVCC since June 2004 studying foreign languages and increasing her knowledge of children.
She has a wonderful sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice.
Sami is now furthering her education in early childhood by studying for her Associate in Arts in Elementary Education.
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" I believe all children have a right to learn, explore and discover new things everyday. Each child's motivation comes from within. As a teacher, I work hand in hand with children so together we achieve greater knowledge. My role as a teacher is to ignite curiosity, spark wonder and encourage excitement everyday."
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Virginia Araujo;s co workers describe her as intelligent, kind and gentle. Her sensitivity toward each child's development is appreciated by her teaching team.
Virginia
will receive her AAS in Early Childhood from PVCC in May 2008. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and was born in Venezuela. Virginia is the mother of three boys ages 2, 4 and 6
who are also bilingual. Virginia's sensitivity to all children's first language is an asset to our early childhood classroom.
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“I like to consider the relationship between myself, the child, their family and our learning environment. I believe that developing an understanding of and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our community and environment is essential to learning.” |
Rose Geiger earned her BA in Anthropology at ASU and spent the last six years teaching children of various ages in a Montessori environment. Rose is taking classes at PVCC to earn her AZ early Childhood Teaching Certificate. She is excited to join the Children’s Center learning community and share her life long love and joy of learning.
Rose is PVCC's early childhood corrdinator of Field Experiences. |
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“Children are our greatest resource and every one unique.” |
Nancy McNeill’s co-workers describe her as focused and committed to early childhood, strong, responsive and having incredible instincts about children.
Nancy graduated from PVCC with an AAS in Early Childhood Education and has a passion for learning that is evident in her daily work with young children. A preschool teacher in a variety of settings in Arizona over the past ten years, Nancy enthusiastically embraces the opportunity to participate in our special learning community at The Children’s Center. Her insight into the children’s work and play is valued by the parents of PVCC’s youngest learners!
Nancy plans to continue her studies and pursue a BA in Early Childhood through Ottawa University. She has two grown children pursuing their degrees and a teenager in high school.
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“I understand the importance of family and am happy to help parents and children transition between home and school.” |
Ida Ramirez’s co-workers describe her as kind, nurturing, supportive, caring and loving.
Ida has been a cornerstone of the Children’s Center for many years. She has attended classes at PVCC in both Early Childhood and Business. Her kind smile and helping personality invite everyone to see what we have to offer for their children. |
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“ I wish to create wholesome environments which invite children and their families to connect to and engage in the natural world.” |
Rosemary Hooper’s co-workers describe her as playful, spontaneous and a visionary, creative dreamer.
Rosemary came to PVCC as Director of the Children’s Center in 2004 after many years of preschool: first enjoying it with her own children in a parent cooperative preschool and then for ten years as a preschool teacher in a public school. She served another ten years as the preschool facilitator and administrator in a large urban school district in Phoenix. “Rosie” is a passionate advocate for quality programming for young children. She is excited about her work with children, their families and aspiring early childhood teachers. |
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