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Faculty

Connie Carlson

  Connie Carlson    
Office: 16/115
Area: Early Childhood Liaison
Phone: (509) 533-3619
Email: conniec@spokanefalls.edu

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!

LeighAnna Drake

  LeighAnna Drake    
Office: 16/133C
Area: Early Childhood Instructor
Phone: (509) 533-3404
Email: leighannad@spokanefalls.edu

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.

Ruth McPherson

  Ruth McPherson    
Office: 16/144A
Area: Early Childhood Instructor
Phone: (509) 533-3621
Email: ruthmc@spokanefalls.edu

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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Spokane Falls Community College - 3410 W. Fort George Wright Dr. - Spokane, WA 99224-5288
For general information call: 509-533-3500 or 888-509-7944
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