When did you start at UMD?
I started at Children's Place in November of 2015 as the assistant toddler teacher and then became the lead infant teacher a couple of years later.
Why did you choose to work at UMD?
As an alumni I had always wanted to come back to the University at some point in my career as I loved Duluth and UMD while I was attending college. I had always heard wonderful things about UMD Children's Place. When the opportunity arose, I knew I needed to apply for the job.
What do you like most about your job?
I love getting to watch the infants grow from little babies into active one-year-olds. The amount infants change and develop throughout their time with us is absolutely amazing. Then once they leave my classroom, I get to watch them continue to grow throughout the center in the toddler and preschool classrooms. I also love knowing that parents and caregivers trust me to take care of their infants every day. As a mother myself, I know how hard it was to leave my kids with someone while I went to work. Knowing your kids are in a quality child care center with teachers that care so much about the well-being of your children makes it so much easier. The other piece about my job I like is the collaboration we have with our student workers. I love watching them grow and develop just as the children in our care do.
Do you have any advice for students?
Don't be afraid to ask for help, there are many people around campus to guide you through your time here. You are never alone on this journey through college life. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things and meet new people. UMD has so many opportunities to do that. You never know what is out there that may just become your new passion.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Most of my free time is spent watching my two teenagers do the extracurriculars they love. When I am not busy with them I enjoy being outdoors and finding new natural beauty throughout Duluth. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our golden retriever puppy.