MEET THE FOUNDER
Michelle Appel
My career as an educator has spanned over 25 years time. From a young age, I had a connection with children and always pursued work and education in the field of early childhood.
I earned a BA Degree in Child Development from California State University Northridge and an MA Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, specializing in Early Childhood Education.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
Early in my career, I recognized the important role of mentors in my own development as an educator. An undergraduate professor, Barbara K. Polland, first introduced me to concepts of emergent curriculum, problem solving, and conflict resolution - which became the foundation for my teaching philosophy. My initial encounter with the Reggio Emilia Approach was through Beatrice Prentice, the Director at one of the first preschools where I taught. Then, while pursuing a Master’s Degree and after exploring different teaching styles at various preschools in the Los Angeles area, I began working at First Presbyterian Nursery School in Santa Monica, California.
TEACHING CONSULTANT
For 16 years, I found a home as an educator at First Pres. Under the Directorship of Mary Hartzell, I learned the value of community and collaboration in education and was exposed to numerous opportunities for professional development, refining my knowledge and skill in implementing the Reggio Emilia Approach in the classroom. Through my role as both a teacher and learner, I have consulted with other schools, worked as a mentor teacher, cofounded my own preschool, as well as presented work at and attended numerous workshops and teacher conferences, including a study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIST
In addition to working with educators, I've had the pleasure to work closely with parents, therapists, and classroom companions to strategize and facilitate behavioral success for young children at school and at home. I also had the true honor and privilege to learn directly from Mary Hartzell's unique approach to parenting, and continue to support parents, nannies, and educators to engage children in participatory, creative, reflective, and developmentally appropriate behavioral practices.
CURATOR OF INSPIRED LEARNING
As an experienced Reggio inspired teacher, my high image of children as co-constructors of their own learning - capable of developing their own theories and contributing to the shared knowledge of their community - fuels my belief that everyday experiences offer rich learning opportunities! I believe that the teacher's role is to facilitate a process of investigation and inquiry - weaving observations, context, and identity into an emergent curriculum. Over several years of working with the Reggio Emilia Approach, I've learned to incorporate a variety of materials and mediums into the classroom, exposing children to creative techniques that give life to their theories and ideas. Ultimately, I view the development of authentic relationships among peers, adults, materials, and the environment, as the foundation for lifelong learning.
In Memory
This space is reserved in honor of Mary Hartzell, a remarkable human and pioneering educator who passed away on 10.29.2018. A mentor and role model to countless children, parents, teachers, and colleagues, Mary touched many lives through her work as a child development specialist, parent educator, preschool teacher and Director.
Please follow the links below to learn about Mary and savor the nuggets of wisdom she left behind as her legacy.
https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/expert/parenting-advice-from-mary-hartzell-med
https://goop.com/wellness/parenthood/parenting-and-disciplining-with-love/