I have been an ESL Teacher for 22 years. I first started working with Preschoolers and Kindergartners and sometimes even younger children. Gradually, over the years I advanced up into Elementary and Secondary, as well as University. However, I always touched base with Early Childhood Education in one way or another. About five years ago, I began to work in Pan-American School (where I am right now), as the Early Childhood Coordinator. It was like closing a circle, because I now supervise the same age children that I used to teach when I first started to work. It has been a privelege, as well as very rewarding to work alongside some very talented, warm and dedicated ECE colleagues at Pan-American.

About three years ago, I had the great fortune to go to a NAEYC Conference in Chicago. Going to this conference was a turning point and an eye-opener in regards to my teaching practices. As a result, I have since then become a NAEYC member and an advocate for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). In my opinion, this is one of the most important things that has happened to me professionally. "I strongly recommend it to everybody!" It has changed my perspective completely about working with young children and their families and I am only sorry that I didn't know about DAP when I first started teaching and when my own children were younger.

Talking about my children: I have one daughter and four sons, as well as a stepson. All of my "little ones" are adults - the youngest is nearly 24 and the oldest are 33 and 36.