On
August 1st, the new Little School at Duke opened its doors to a entire
fresh group of teachers and administrators. This new team is spending
the month creating their beautiful rooms, learning about TLS, and
most importantly, grooving as a family. One of the
leaders of this new family is an old friend to TLS, Kris Ketchum. I asked
Rachel to introduce us to Kris:
"Kris K. what can I say. Kris has been a part of The Little School vision since it’s inception in 2004. But I, Rachel Bachenheimer, have known Kris since I was 18 years old (a long, long time ago:) as the afternoon teacher in her 4’s and 5’s class. Many years later I worked with her at CCSA (Child Care Services Association) where she was the Infant/Toddler Specialist. Now I am so excited and feel so lucky to work with her again where she is Program Director of The Little School at Duke! Here is a little bit about our wonderful Kris Ketcham." -Rachel
"Kris K. what can I say. Kris has been a part of The Little School vision since it’s inception in 2004. But I, Rachel Bachenheimer, have known Kris since I was 18 years old (a long, long time ago:) as the afternoon teacher in her 4’s and 5’s class. Many years later I worked with her at CCSA (Child Care Services Association) where she was the Infant/Toddler Specialist. Now I am so excited and feel so lucky to work with her again where she is Program Director of The Little School at Duke! Here is a little bit about our wonderful Kris Ketcham." -Rachel
* How did you find your way to TLS?
One lovely day in 2004 I received a call from two ladies requesting my assistance in opening up the highest quality child care center ever developed. I met Christa, Jennifer and Mary at Christa's home where we sat at the kitchen table broadening The Little School's dream. The biggest and "most professional" advice I gave these women was, "If you build they will come" and boy they haven't stopped building yet! Over the years I continued to be their Infant Toddler Specialist, starting at Davis Road moving our way through Waterstone. When the Duke site became a vision Christa and Jennifer asked me join the team exclusively, which meant I would not be driving North and South on I-40 across the State everyday. Now I am walking between the North and South buildings at the Duke Campus.
* What was the most interesting trip you have taken?
My Peru trip where I traveled down the Amazon hiking the rain forest, meeting Villagers and teaching one day in a school house. I was in areas where there was no running water, electricity and homes without all four walls or rooms. It was an experience of a lifetime!
* What movie or work of fiction has had the biggest impact on you? Why?
JAWS!!!!!!!!!! I was a fish growing up, especially since I grew up on Long Island, and when I watched that movie I became afraid of what was lurking in the water. Not to mention the movie was based on a vacation spot called Amity Island and I lived close to Amityville (don't even mention the Amityville horror story)
* If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Never miss a chance to nap, Play freely and/or Love unconditionally!
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
I would rather be a joyful simpleton for sure, because I believe strongly in Peace, Love and Happiness! Life is too short so I try not to sweat the small stuff!
* If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
My Cats Bou Bou and Kit Cat for they are spoiled, loved, spoiled, well taken care of, spoiled and well spoiled!
* What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
A CHP Motorcycle Cop! I loved the TV show CHIPS about two motorcycle cops in California and that is all I wanted to be at that age. I even rode my banana seat bicycle up and down the streets of NY keeping them safe from fearful motorists (of course I thought I was much faster than I actually was but being a dreamy kid that is all I needed)
* What words do you live by?
Two sayings I live by "They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" (regarding my job as a mentor, coach and director of teachers) And "It is not quality for a day; it is quality forever" (regarding caring for children).
Wow, how exciting. If there are ever opportunities to open a school in the Fuquay/Holly Springs area, we are on board. Check us out at http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/
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