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CHERYL
I’ve worked with children of all
ages over the past 25+ years and I love this little village
of Heffalump. Like a small
village the children are experiencing discovery and learning in many areas
at the same time and at times we have Grandparents, older siblings and
babies in the mix. At Heffalump we appreciate the value of play and work to
nurture the playful soul of each individual. Here children can be children
and adults can have fun too. I enjoy
being part of this co-operative and part of raising children.
In the 2007-2008, after working at Heffalump for 14
years, I took of over the Directorship upon the imminent departure of Peter
Wing, our long time and beloved Director.
Before joining Heffalump I spent 12 years with Palo Alto
Community Child Care (PACCC). My
first job with PACCC was to implement the Get Well Child Care program in
the Infant Toddler centers. From
there, I became Head Teacher in the Infant Room at Sojourner
Truth Center
and I was Assistant Director of Sojourner Truth until my departure in 1992.
I’ve lived in Palo Alto
for 35 years and I have two children and 3 grandchildren
CRAIG
Craig Ward is a Mentor, International Recording artist, Bay Area
Teaching artist and soon to be licensed preschool teacher. Craig is one amongst
this country's very few cultural organizations working with today's youth
aspiring to the artistic excellence offered by music and art. He touches young lives as a positive role
model, serving a deeply felt need with a great potential. Each child has the making to positively
contribute to the communities of our cities. Craig started working with
kids at a young age by helping his mother with her job as a block mother
and raising his son as a single parent. Craig moved to California, and started working with kids at the
Santa Clara County Children's Shelter in 1992 prior to SCCCS's move to
their current site. Craig co-wrote
the song "It's About Us"
with the children and performed for their ground breaking ceremony. That's where he was introduced to Santa
Clara Arts Council, and Arts Connects, soon after the County Office of Education. In 1995, Craig started
working with young adults in music and poetry at the Bill Wilson School. With over 10 years experience working
with teens 13 – 17, Craig is a little new to the 2 – 5 age group. He has
three years experience in a preschool setting. Craig teaches two workshops. "Vocal
Expressions" is where students practice warming up their vocal cords
and sing group songs. They say their
names over the microphone and gain skills that encourage speaking up in
class, which can lead to public speaking. The students come away with fond
memories and an increased vocabulary to remind them that they can use their
words! All they have to do is
try. They also learn skills to work
as a team, and they realize that no matter how different we are, we can
still have fun and interact. "Rhythm in Motion" incorporates
physical body movement, drumming, shakers, and building while learning
about new instruments and creating geometrical shapes and objects, like
letters of the alphabet, triangles, trees, etc. Craig's workshops are fun and
educational, with lots of movement.
"I encourage positive dialogue and strive for a better quality
of life. My goal is working with
parents and kids through music and art.
If you can tap into that creative spirit, you can keep their minds
going in a positive direction and away from destructive or nonproductive
activities."
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