For 15 years, Dee Dee has been the director of Chapel School preschool. Degrees in both Physical Education and Special Education have proven to be invaluable in her role as Director. During this time, there has been much growth for the program as well as for all staff.

Working with the goal of meeting the needs of all students, the program has shifted to a focus of play, time spent outdoors and incorporates many different types of movement and Mindfulness practices for students. This shift has not only benefited the students, it benefits the teachers as well. Present moment, child guided class time truly meets the needs of the students while centering and grounding the teachers.

Another focus for our students has always been around Social and Emotional Learning. Over the years, Dee Dee has worked with staff on many SEL programs, often incorporating components of several programs together and adding Mindfulness and movement. In 2019, Dee Dee had the opportunity to hear Scarlett Lewis speak about her experience with losing her son Jesse, and about the SEL program she created that is truly guided by her son. Choose Love truly includes everything that students need to create a foundation of successful life skills that academic skills can be built upon. The beautiful pieces of Mindfulness and breath work included in Choose Love are the pieces that allow it to rise above all other SEL programs. Teaching students and staff to breathe and step into the present moment truly allows for a deeper connection to self and with each other during their time together. These pieces also carry over into every aspect of their lives.

Dee Dee’s own personal journey has led her to becoming a Reiki Master for both humans and animals. A collaboration with her niece has led them to a practice which includes Reiki, other Energy bodywork and Animal Communication. Their goal is to give the animals a voice and to offer Energy sharing if the animal wants or needs it. Dee Dee’s path has always led to the same message or belief that less is more, and living in the present moment is a true gift and it is the place to live and grow from. Both young children and animals alike help us all to be and stay present and to embrace life moment to moment.