Favorite Quote(s):
"Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." - Bruce Perry
"It's not our job to toughen our children up to face the work. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless." - L.R. Knost
Favorite Book(s) or Podcast(s): Dharmapunx NYC, Ear Hustle
What do you do at Verner?
I help to fulfill Verner's mission of ensuring that all children - regardless of their abilities, where they live, or the characteristics of their families - have equitable educational opportunities and receive the love, respect, and care they deserve. I work closely with teachers and caregivers to support their ability to create healthy social emotional experiences for young children and provide connection to mental health services.
What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position?
My entire career has been in early childhood mental health, trauma informed care, and developmentally appropriate practices in early education. For the last twelve years, my work has focused intensively on training early childhood educators about the importance of mental health and its impacts on children, families, and coworkers. In addition to working directly with teachers, families, and caregivers, I also participate in research, exploring the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on early childhood educators and on learning environments. With colleagues at Eastern Tennessee State University, I am currently completing a study that examines the effects of an Emotionally Responsive Practice (ERP) training on how teachers interact with children in early head start classrooms.
What do you like about working at Verner?
I am so grateful to work with people who are deeply committed to the field and have genuine compassion for the children and families we serve. It is so rewarding to be surrounded by professionals who care and who recognize the importance of a child's early years. I also really appreciate the authentic relationships I have developed at Verner and how my colleagues have become some of my closest friends.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Weight lifting, trail running, and playing on boats and in water with my family.
What's your archetype?
44% Athlete
38% Intellectual
18% Caregiver
"Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." - Bruce Perry
"It's not our job to toughen our children up to face the work. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless." - L.R. Knost
Favorite Book(s) or Podcast(s): Dharmapunx NYC, Ear Hustle
What do you do at Verner?
I help to fulfill Verner's mission of ensuring that all children - regardless of their abilities, where they live, or the characteristics of their families - have equitable educational opportunities and receive the love, respect, and care they deserve. I work closely with teachers and caregivers to support their ability to create healthy social emotional experiences for young children and provide connection to mental health services.
What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position?
My entire career has been in early childhood mental health, trauma informed care, and developmentally appropriate practices in early education. For the last twelve years, my work has focused intensively on training early childhood educators about the importance of mental health and its impacts on children, families, and coworkers. In addition to working directly with teachers, families, and caregivers, I also participate in research, exploring the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on early childhood educators and on learning environments. With colleagues at Eastern Tennessee State University, I am currently completing a study that examines the effects of an Emotionally Responsive Practice (ERP) training on how teachers interact with children in early head start classrooms.
What do you like about working at Verner?
I am so grateful to work with people who are deeply committed to the field and have genuine compassion for the children and families we serve. It is so rewarding to be surrounded by professionals who care and who recognize the importance of a child's early years. I also really appreciate the authentic relationships I have developed at Verner and how my colleagues have become some of my closest friends.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Weight lifting, trail running, and playing on boats and in water with my family.
What's your archetype?
44% Athlete
38% Intellectual
18% Caregiver
