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Shelby Pawlina
Preschool Director & Preschool Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts, Childhood Studies, Tufts University, Medford, MA
- Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
My Friends’ School wardrobe comes with many hats: one hat for my role as a preschool teacher which I have worn since 1995, one for my role as the Preschool Director, and finally one for my favorite job as a parent of a Friends’ student.
My avid return to Friends’ each year is fueled by the school’s dedication to knowing children deeply and supporting them as they explore their challenges and passions. In addition to a strong foundation in academic training, children become aware of themselves as community members and community builders. What could be more essential?
My arrival in Boulder came via a circuitous route from my home state of Massachusetts to Swaziland, Africa where I served in the Peace Corps. A friend once said, “We should all be a beginner at something.” As someone who spends a great deal of time with children, I think it is helpful to be in touch with the learning process along with them. I find that I get the greatest thrill when I am learning new things. Currently, I am a beginner at telemark skiing, knitting, guitar playing and art history.
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Sherry Biskup
Preschool Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & Special Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
My first experience at Friends’ School was in 2002 as a part-time teacher in the three-year-old preschool class. I found it to be everything I was looking for in a preschool: an educational experience focused on the whole child; a curriculum focused on learning through play and encouraging a sense of wonder and discovery; an excellent staff; and terrific resources for children and teachers. I am very excited to now be teaching full-time at Friends’ Preschool beginning the 2003-04 school year. I am continually inspired by the passion and zest the children, parents, and teachers bring to the classroom.
Previously I have supervised a School Age Care (SAC ) Program for the Boulder Valley School District and provided administrative support for The Passage Ways Institute, an organization dedicated to bringing social and emotional learning into the classroom. Before moving to Boulder in 2001, I taught at two play-based cooperative preschools in the Philadelphia area.
In my free time I love to travel, create art, dance, volunteer with teenagers, enjoy the beauty of Boulder, and the city of Denver.
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Christie Stanford
Preschool Teacher
- Bachelor of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
I’ve been fortunate to be teaching in the Friends’ Preschool since 1999. I believe the 3, 4, and 5 year old child is a true pleasure with an enchanting view of the world. My teaching days are full of new beginnings as I am witness to curiosity in action.
My husband, two children and I have been in Colorado since 1998 and we are thrilled! We regularly take advantage of the surrounding beauty by indulging in a myriad of outdoor activities. I especially enjoy running, biking and skiing.
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Julie Hart
Preschool Teacher
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
- Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
My love and incredible fascination with children began when my first nephew was born. As I have watched him grow into an adult, I have seen the impact that teachers, as well as other adults, have had on his life, and I have felt the impact he has had on me. Children are such a wonder and bring so much essence into my life.
After receiving my teaching certification, I moved to Boulder and began searching for a school that embraced the gifts that each child has to contribute to our world. Thus came my introduction to Friends’ School. I began in the fall of 1998 as a Teacher Candidate in a 1st and 2nd grade classroom and currently teach in the Preschool.
Friends’ School has inspired me in so many ways and has restored my faith in the education process. The sense of community and the love and respect for children are an integral part of the success of every child. The commitment of parents and teachers working together to develop remarkable adults from phenomenal children is something I am very proud to say that I am a part of. I look forward to learning even more from fellow staff members and most importantly, from the children.
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Jessie Vanden Hogen
Preschool Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts, Studio Arts, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
- Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
I have been living in Colorado since 1991. After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995, I began teaching preschool and enrichment classes. I started teaching at Friend’s School in 1999. I love learning with children and enjoy how my job changes from minute to minute.
I feel very connected to the staff, parents and children in the Friends’ community. I feel empowered to create an environment where the concepts of head, hand and heart are equally represented. I am honored to teach at a school where children and teachers are respected and whose ideals are close to my heart.
Originally from Wisconsin (yes, I love cheese and the Packers), I spend my free time playing my violin and performing music with various bands, kicking a soccer ball around with friends, and spending quality time with my nephew and niece.
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Kate Johnson
Teacher Candidate, Preschool
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Family, and getting the opportunity to interact with children, has always been an important part of my life. I have a large extended family, with many younger cousins, who I am close with. I also have two younger sisters, adopted from China, as well as an older sister who is about to have her first child.
My father is a teacher and I have had many great teachers over the years who have inspired me to give children the same love for learning and exploration. I am moving to Boulder after graduating college, and am so excited to start this opportunity at Friends' school. I want nothing more than to work with and learn from children on a daily basis. I also look forward to becoming a member of the Friends' community and its amazing learning environment.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, biking, swimming, enjoying the weather, and spending time with friends and family.
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