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Connie Carlson
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When I came to Spokane Falls Community College as a student in the fall of 1975
I planned to go into some form of social/human services. As I began taking my courses
toward an A.A. Liberal arts transfer degree, including Introduction to Sociology,
Psychology, and Education classes - three of my favorites -- I discovered a deep
fascination of how we learn and how education (or the lack of it) shapes our society.
I realized that the first five years of life are critical for development and learning.
In the spring of 1976, I began taking Early Childhood courses, and in doing so,
found my life niche! With each field experience I completed, whether at an elementary
school, Montessori environment, or child care center, my interest deepened in how
children grow and learn and how learning affects their lives.
After graduation from SFCC in 1977 with an A.A.S. degree in ECE, I was employed
at the campus Early Learning Center as the Program Coordinator. For three years
I devoted most of my waking hours to children, families and students who worked
at the center. I also began taking courses at Gonzaga University focusing on education
and child psychology. In 1980 I left the Spokane area to continue my learning. By
1984 I had completed my Bachelor level degree and two Masters Degrees with emphasis
on education for children and families. And then I married and started a whole new
life! Over the next few years, I served in a variety of roles including camp director,
teacher traininer, child care provider, clerical and administrative assistant, family
ministries director, library assistant, and even food/beverage demonstrator (to
help get my husband through his graduate studies)!
In 1992 I was selected to direct a church-based child care in Seattle, Washington.
During that time, I rediscovered an earlier passion: working with the adults who
worked with children, as a supervisor, role model and mentor. When our family moved
back to Spokane in 1994, it was an easy decision to apply for a newly created position
at Spokane Falls in Early Childhood Education. By October 1994, I was back at SFCC
where I began the journey, this time in the role of assisting students in the Early
Childhood Education program with their personal and professional goals. My love
of learning has never diminished! Through my role of placing students in quality
field sites, teaching the field experience orientation and STARS courses, and sharing
my vision and passion for learning in area high schools, I feel I can contribute
to the success of others in their endeavors to reach children and families -- while
continuing to meet my own personal and professional goals!
Come to Spokane Falls Community College and let us help you catch a vision for your
life!
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LeighAnna Drake
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LeighAnna Drake, an Early Childhood Education instructor at Spokane Falls community
college, earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from SFCC before
pursing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1995. She then went
on to earn a Masters degree in Early Childhood Development from Eastern Washington
University. She has worked with Head Start as a Family Service Coordinator, and
operated a licensed family child care home for over 18 years. She also has experience
working with OCCP as a family child care licensor. LeighAnna is actively involved
in promoting quality early childhood programs for children, as well as quality teacher
education programs and training. She is involved in a variety of local, state and
national organizations such as NAEYC, WAEPECP, H.O.M.E., and the Child Care Coordinating
Committee.
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Ruth McPherson
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Ruth Mc Pherson, an Early Childhood Education instructor at Spokane Falls Community
College, began her college experience by earning an Associate of Arts degree in
General Studies from SFCC. She then attended EWU earning a B.A. in Home Economics
with honors. In 1980, Ruth receive an M.A. from Whitworth College in Early Childhood
Education. Her early childhood experience includes Family Child Care, Head Start
Home Base, preschool and kindergarten teaching, as well as directing the SFCC Lab
School at the Early Learning Center. Ruth has been active in the Association for
the Education of Young Children, Northwest Gifted Child Association, and Spokane’s
Success by Six. She has a passion for promoting quality child care programs.
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