Instructor:
, Phone: E-mail: aspenkdobbins@gmail.com aspen@inclusiveartsvermont.org |
Instructor Level
| Specialist II |
Education
| Bachelor's degree in professional writing Professional certificate or license in Waldorf Early Childhood Education Teaching Certification | |
| When I was teaching I attended yearly conferences through WECAN and workshops as well as a summer training at Sophia's Hearth. I also attended a few short professional development opportunities with Northern Lights (under my former name Kathleen (Katie) Dobbins) and other professional development trainings with the Burlington School district as a paraeducator and I have also completed the Relias 40 hour Registered Behavior Technician Training Course (although I chose not to sit for the BACB) | |
| has received formal instruction in adult education or in the facilitation of learning for adults. |
Work Experience
| Inclusive Arts Vermont, Essex Junction, VT 3/25/2024 - present Development Associate ● Writes grant proposals in collaboration with Executive Director and Program Directors ● Plans and implements fundraising events in collaboration with fundraising committee ● Maintains and manages donor database including gift tracking and acknowledgement ● Collaborates with Executive Director to create postal and digital campaigns for annual appeal Yoga and Fitness Instructor Burlington VT 08/2023 - present Plans and instructs 6+ hrs per week of yoga and other fitness classes for adults Compassionately communicates individualized anatomical cues and variations for a range of abilities Burlington School District, Burlington, VT 12/2018 to 06/2020 Early Ed. Paraeducator ● Implemented communication and language development with Pex, TouchChat, and basic ASL ● Supported the developmental growth of children through play-based activities ● Encouraged self-directed problem solving and experimentation ● Facilitated language development and behavior management Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, VT 07/2016 to 06/ 2017 Kindergarten Teacher ● Composed songs and stories to facilitate growth and language development ● Promoted problem-solving through applied principles of child development ● Created community of support with the parents through parent evenings and communication ● Established environment for strengthening compassion and imagination ● Inspired a love and respect for nature through seasonal circles and outdoor exploration ● Assessed observations to foster an environment that meets the needs of each child ● Delegated through positive channels of communication with my assistant Upper Valley Waldorf School, Quechee, VT 08/2008 to 06/2013 Pre-K Teacher 2011-2012 and Parent-Child Teacher 2011-2013 ● Supported parents in compassionate parenting ● Encouraged sensory development through parent-child interaction ● Established warmth and a loving rhythm with plenty of indoor and outdoor play ● Created toys for a developmentally appropriate, exploratory learning environment ● Created songs, stories and seasonal circles to support growth and development ● Implemented positive, open channels of communication with parents and assistant Kindergarten Assistant Teacher and Afternoon Caregiver 2008-2011 ● Supported lead teacher in establishing a rhythm, led in her absence and in the afternoons ● Created handwork activities and a peaceful rest environment ● Prepared food and maintained classroom ●Guided parents in helping their children with successful transitions I am also an independent writer and artist and have been a homeschool teacher, summer camp counsellor, Youth Advocate, and co-director of a garden for youth in West Philadelphia. | ||||||||||
| 5-10 years instructing adults. | ||||||||||
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Additional Information
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| Child Development (Early Childhood) Families and Communities (Early Childhood) Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) Healthy and Safe Environments (Early Childhood) Professionalism and Program Organization (Early Childhood) Observing and Assessing (Early Childhood) | |||||||||||||||||
| Specific Curricula: | Advanced Specialized Care Recognized Community of Practice Facilitator | ||||||||||||||||
| Training Topics | How Children Develop Influences on Development Child Development Theory Brain Development Temperament Resiliency Physical and Intellectual Development Social/Emotional Development Addressing Challenges Supportive Interactions Special Education Early Intervention Building Relationships with Families Family Systems Respectful Communication Parenting Parent Involvement Community Resources Networking and Collaborations Home Visiting Indoor Learning Environments Outdoor Learning Environments Observation/Assessment Curriculum Development Early Literacy Health and Safety Physical Activity | ||||||||||||||||
| Compassion, Patience and Unconditional Positive Regard. |
Logistics
| Statewide, *Inquire with Instructor, Chittenden County |