Linda M. Carlson is the Director of the Early Childhood Center. Previously, she had been assistant director and a master teacher in the north room of the ECC since 1997. She attended University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and majored in Elementary Education and then completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado, in Early Childhood Education. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education, as an administrator since 1981, and is director qualified in the State of Colorado. Linda trained students in the Early Childhood Education Children’s Place at Front Range Community College in Westminster, CO for several years. She also has training in the CARES Project through the University of Colorado at Denver. Linda’s passion is literacy and seeing the light in children’s eyes as they make the connection of the world of “letters and sounds”. She reminds staff and parents frequently, to “be in the moment” and to view life through the simplicity of a child’s eyes and mind. When giving a tour of the center, Linda points out to parents the thrill of having the Human Development and Family Studies students involved in teaching in the center, due to fact they bring so much new energy to the children and their families on a daily basis.

Priscilla Patti is the Associate Director for the Early Childhood Center (ECC) and the master teacher for the north classroom in the morning. She has had the privilege of teaching in the ECC and working with students from the Human Development and Family Studies Department for over fourteen years. She has completed her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Colorado State University. While working at the ECC, Pris returned to school and received a Teaching License in Early Childhood from the School of Education here at CSU. She continues to have a close relationship with the School of Education by mentoring student teachers in her classroom as a cooperating teacher. Last year she was the University Supervisor for student teachers in the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. In her classroom, children engage in hands-on sensory activities. She plans around children’s interests that are related directly to their real life experiences, building on what they know and what they want to know more about. Activities are age-appropriate, individually appropriate, and socio-culturally appropriate. She values and understands the relationship between herself and the parents, striving for a collaborative, supportive, and respectful partnership. Her greatest reward is when a student, either pre-school- or college-aged, shares their passions and, by doing so, motivates and inspires others.

Barbara Stutsman is a Master Teacher in the Transitional classroom. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Indiana University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado, all but a dissertation for a doctorate in education at UNC and is currently pursuing a second Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Colorado State University. Barbara taught for 10 years before returning to academia for the doctoral work. Her experiences there and in her personal life led her to work in a non-profit organization serving families who have young children with special needs. Barbara is a Touchpoints trainer for the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County and is passionate about best practice for young children. Barbara will complete her program of study in May, 2009. In her current studies she is specializing in family therapy, couples therapy, and family play therapy.

Lacey O’Connor is a Master Teacher in the North classroom. She has received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has nine years of experience working with children. She also has experience providing respite care to children and young adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. She is certified in non-violent crisis intervention and trained in conflict resolution. She believes that every child has a learning style as unique and individual as they are, and she tries to present concepts and material in a way that is both meaningful and fun for every learner.

Miho Akizuki is a Master Teacher in the South classroom. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies. She grew up in Japan. She enjoys working with children because their imagination and creativity makes her smile.

Tamara Medland is a Master Teacher in the south room of the Early Childhood Center. She has completed her coursework for a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Colorado State University. Tamara also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and a Bachelor of Science in HDFS with an emphasis in children and families. Tamara has a strong background in both elementary education and university level instruction and has been trained extensively in developmentally-appropriate interactions with children. Thus, her pedagogical philosophy is child-centered, focusing on the development of the whole child- physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Working with young children, helping to shape their experiences, and providing a positive influence in children’s lives every day brings Tamara great joy and she is excited to begin working with a new age group in the 2 ½ to 4-year-old classroom this year!

Janice McFadden is the Administrative Assistant in the Early Childhood Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication from CU-Denver and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education also from CU-Denver. She has completed some coursework in the PhD Program in Higher Administration from the University of Denver. She has worked as an academic advisor, CSU instructor, ESL teacher, student services administrator and international student administrator for more than 20 years. She loves the variety and excitement of working in the ECC. She says, “There is never a dull moment around here! The staff here is wonderful and the children are a delight to be around.”