Meet Michelle:
Hello! Thief River Falls is my hometown and I am proud to be able to have my own children also call it theirs. I have four children, they are out of the house establishing themselves in their own lives. My most fulfilling occupation has been that of Mother. Other jobs I've held include Research Scientist, Earth Science Teacher, Child Care Provider and preschool teacher. I hold several degrees two of which are from the University of North Dakota. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and a Secondary Education Certification in Earth and Space Sciences. I have a Master’s of Education in Science curriculum and instruction for Kindergarten thru 8th grade from Concordia University with an emphasis in the Montessori Method. My future goals include designing a Preschool Science curriculum that helps prepare children for Kindergarten and ultimately teaches children to love the Earth.
Michelle’s Child-Rearing Philosophy:
My mission as a Child Care Provider and teacher is to offer a loving and an emotionally secure, educationally challenging environment in which children can grow to their fullest potential. I believe that children are naturally curious and interested in how their world works. They learn by interacting with the people and objects around them. At The Children’s Garden, play is work, children are allowed to choose activities that satisfy their individual quest for knowledge. The goal of every day is to think, play, and create. I feel it is very important to observe the children in my care and see what exactly seems to be their motivation for learning that particular day or week. My experience supports the results of Maria Montessori. I have discovered through observing and supporting the natural development of the child that the creativity of the child will increase and the child will learn how to problem solve while reinforcing good social and time management skills. By promoting individual expression, each child becomes fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth.
I welcome visits and one-on-one conversations if you have any questions or concerns. I strive to create a place where families are listened to and children are given clear, developmentally appropriate limits; a place full of warmth and kind words, a place full of smiles and hugs.
