During this episode Michelle speaks to us about the importance of respectful Caregiving. How we speak to, touch, and interact with the child can do so much to help form a healthy, bonded relationship between the child and the caregiver. Respectful caregiving is meant to encourage the child’s participation and to empower the child to eventually take an active role in their self and boldly care. 

With an MEd and as a trained Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, Michelle has worked in early childhood education for more than twenty years. She taught parent/child and preschool classes at Monadnock Waldorf School for thirteen years. She spent two years as the primary caregiver for infants/toddlers at Sophia's Hearth Family Center and has had the pleasure of teaching a mixed age kindergarten at the Hartsbrook School. She holds a bachelor's degree from Anna Maria College in early childhood education and master’s degree in education from Lesley College. She completed her Waldorf Teacher Training from Sunbridge College and has completed course work in the Birth to Three Specialization Program at Sophia's Hearth Family Center. Michelle has stepped away from teaching for the time being to help care for her infant grandchild, along with supporting Sophia’s Hearth one day a week as Co-director of childcare. Michelle enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time in nature. She has three grown children whom she enjoys spending time with most of all.