My association with Meekins goes back to 1984 when my son, David, entered the Meekins 2-year-old class. Meekins remains, to this day, his favorite school. Two years later my younger son, Gregory, became a part of Meekins as well. Co-oping was our way of life and we loved it. During the 1988-89 school year I had the opportunity to teach the Meekins 2-year-old program. At the end of that school year my husband, Rick, was transferred to Rochester, N.Y. We lived there for four years.
While in Rochester, I developed educational programs for church youth groups (ages 5 to 7). I also designed and implemented a read aloud program for 2-year-olds at the public library in our town. We moved back to Virginia in 1994 and I began to teach the 4-year-old class that fall – and I still am! I have to say that I have fun every day. I love children of all ages but the fourth year has always been a favorite time. The children are growing and learning so much and so quickly that it’s a pleasure to be with them. I enjoy the challenge of opening new doors for these children and I appreciate the education that they give me.
I have a BS degree in Education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and have attended workshops, seminars and conferences focusing on early Childhood Education with various organizations, NVCC and at UVA. I also take full credit college courses on a regular basis. These courses address many early childhood issues and keep me up to date on current legislation, trends in early childhood education and current thoughts on developmentally appropriate practices. In the past, I have tutored in an intensive summer reading program for children who have difficulties reading. Now, I tutor a few children year round. I focus on early readers and reading readiness.
My husband, Rick, retired from Eastman Kodak. He is on his second career with The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. My sons, David and Gregory, are young men now who fondly remember their first educational experiences at Meekins. Meekins is a great place to be and I truly feel lucky to be a part of it.
