My journey from upstate New York to Montana began four years ago. I came to Missoula to pursue a degree in business marketing. While pursuing my degree, I worked as a part-time assistant teacher here at Spirit At Play. After four years as a part-time assistant teacher, I am honored to be Hope’s fulltime assistant in the wonderfully energetic Busy Bee classroom.

 

When not at Spirit at Play you can find me exploring the many wonders of Montana or hitting the pavement to hear the sound of my own footsteps.

 

Although my degree is in marketing, I have gotten the opportunity through Spirit At Play to take many early childhood classes. As I continue to learn more about early childhood development, I am constantly in awe of the fantastically freeing world of a child’s mind.

 

My great fondness for children began while I was still a youngster. As a third grader, I would accompany my mother every morning to set up her kindergarten classroom. I loved helping in the classroom. From these humble beginnings, I grew to love working with children, volunteering at summer reading programs, teaching at summer language camps, and working as a beach activity director, and then finding my way to the doors of Spirit At Play.

I look forward to this year with great enthusiasm knowing that along with the children, I will grow a little wiser, more patient, and learn to appreciate the small victories in life.

 

I look forward to this year with great enthusiasm knowing that along with the children, I will grow a little wiser, more patient, and learn to appreciate the small victories in life.

~Janel