The earliest years are where a child learns to trust, connect, and feel safe. At New Horizon Academy, dedicated early childhood mental health specialists are on staff readily available to support children, teachers, and parents; at no added charge!
As a member of the Education Team, I have the opportunity to promote secure relationship skills within teachers that help develop the capacity of all children to form close relationships; experience, regulate, and express emotions; and explore the environment and learn.
Education – University of Wisconsin-Madison and Adler Graduate School
Favorite Teacher: My High School Psychology Teacher
Favorite Childhood Toy: Anything in nature and being outside
Favorite School Subject: Anatomy
Favorite Childhood Book: “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen
“I’m inspired daily to support caregivers in understanding the power of Connection because children don’t say, ‘I’m having a hard time, can we talk?’, instead children say, ‘Will you play with me?’”
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In my role as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, I have the opportunity to be part of the network of caring adults that fosters safety, learning, and joy development for the little people entrusted to our care. Building deep connections, thinking outside the box, and seeing children thrive are the best parts of my job!
Education: Bachelor’s degree at St. Cloud State University and master’s degree at Erikson Institute
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Anderson, 1st-3rd grade
Favorite Childhood toy: Dress up clothes and fort-building materials
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Childhood Book: “Goosebumps” series by R.L. Stine
“We all do better when we all do better” -Paul Wellstone
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I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have every day to support our school leadership, teachers, and children. Early relational experiences set the foundation for all future development and by supporting a child’s caregivers, we support child development.
Education: Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota
Favorite Teacher: My high school French teacher
Favorite Childhood Toy: American Girl Dolls
Favorite school subject: Social Studies
Favorite Childhood Book: The Puppy Place Series
“Every interaction is an opportunity for a child to feel safe, seen, and capable. Ordinary moments can shape extraordinary futures.”
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A child’s earliest relationships do so much more than bring joy to the present moment; they shape how they learn, connect, and navigate challenges for the rest of their life. When parents and teachers learn to truly understand a child’s unique cues and emotional needs, they are helping lay the groundwork for all future development.
True to our mission of opening new horizons of self-esteem and potential for the little people entrusted to our care, New Horizon Academy is proud to be one of the first early childhood education providers with dedicated early childhood mental health specialists right on staff. By utilizing evidence-based, relationship-focused strategies, our team is here to support children, families, and teachers from the very start.
Our Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist team supports children and families across all New Horizon Academy locations.
Support from our dedicated specialists is a part of the New Horizon Academy experience, never treated at a separate add-on.
Every child is different, and that’s exactly what our specialists are here for. Whether your child is navigating a big transition, working through big feelings, or has needs that call for extra coordination, our team partners with you to build support around your child for their participation in group childcare.
You don’t need to request anything, though you’re welcomed to! Our specialists are already part of daily life at the center, supporting school leadership, teachers and children as a natural part of how we care for every child. If you ever have a specific concern, you’re always welcome to reach out to your school leadership.
Our specialists focus on children from birth through school age.
