Ms. Kathy
Hi, my name is Kathy. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development and family life (HDFL) from the University of Kansas. Doors opened for me to do a Preschool Practicum in the HDFL Department, which led to a Preschool Teaching Certificate. After graduating, I was offered the opportunity to take Montessori Preschool training with the Montessori Institute of America, and the next year, I finished Elementary Montessori Training with the Association Montessori Internationale. So many doors opened for me in the field of Early Childhood Education, I began to see it as my calling.
For 15 years, I worked with the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii, where I trained preschool teachers from all over the world. We also did outreach in other countries as part of the training program, and started preschools or helped in already-established preschools. In 2004, I moved back to the St. Louis area to help with family.
In September 2011, I started working at The Centre at Conway. I am a lead Montessori preschool teacher, which is a mixed-age grouping of 3- to 6-year-olds.
People tell me my strengths are finding creative ways and resources to present concepts to the kids. I love reading good, quality books to the kids and exposing them to well-written, beautifully illustrated “food” for their minds and souls. I enjoy the creative process of making preschool concepts hands-on, and I think I can talk to children this age at their level.
In my spare time, I like to take care of animals. I have several pets, nothing exotic though. My dog used to be my “personal trainer,” but he is getting up there in age now, so we stroll a lot. I am still involved with the University of the Nations and help with their teacher training program either in-person or via Skype. Through technology, I am able to keep in touch with a lot of my former students and colleagues. I am also very involved with my church. Cooking, and getting together with friends and extended family is always something I am up for.
One of Montessori’s quotes I find myself using a lot is: “The world is so full of so many wonderful things [to teach the children], why would we ever need fantasy!” (My paraphrase).
