Staff
JC Schools Parents as Teachers Staff
Alice Messenger, Preschool Parent Educator
"Seven Silly Eaters" by Mary Ann Hoberman is one of Alice's favorite children's books because it was her daughter's favorite book for a long time. She says, "The rhyme and whimsical tale made for great memories as we shared it together every night for months."
Amber Ekholm, Parent Educator
One of Amber’s favorite books is “Grumpy Monkey” by Susanne Long. She enjoys this book because it can teach young children that it’s okay to just allow emotions to exist and it’s okay not to have a good day as long as you don’t hurt someone’s feelings. Many children love to bang their chest and say “I’m not grumpy!” along with the main character of the book.
Ashley Gentges, Parent Educator
Ashley's favorite children's book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. She says, "There are many things I love about this book! The illustrations are one of my favorite things. I also like that there are several different themes throughout the book to help kiddos learn about topics like the days of the week and counting. It shows that change can be a beautiful thing, just like the process of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly!"
Christy Brooks, Parent Educator
One of Christy's favorite children's books is "I Love You Through and Through" by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak. She says, "This is a sweet book to read with your babies. I enjoy this book because with each page you can interact with your baby with kisses and acting silly."
Grace Massman, Parent Educator
Grace’s favorite book growing up was “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Helen Oxenbury because of the repetition and the excitement of finding the bear at the end of the book. Reading it now, she loves the illustrations and the fun sounds you get to make when the family goes through the different obstacles.
Jasmin Angel, Parent Educator
Jasmin selected "El dinosaurio Daisy se pierde (Daisy Dinosaur Gets Lost)" by Steve Smallman because it was her daughter's favorite. Jasmin says, "When she first saw it she loved the color and the illustrations on it. She loved for me to read it to her when her baby brother was born; it teaches a valuable lesson about siblings in a fun way."
Jessica Jobe, Teens as Parents Coordinator/Parent Educator
One of Jessica's family's favorite children's books is "Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle. She says "This book is full of wonderful illustrations and teaches the value of friendship with rhythm and rhyme."
Shelly Stumbaugh, Parent Educator
Shelly enjoys bringing the "Tummy Time" high-contrast book from Little Comet on home visits. She says, "Many babies look at the pictures intently and it's perfect for tummy time since it folds out and can stand up. Many families seem to really like it."
Tomi Startzman, Parent Educator
One of Tomi's favorite children's books is "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister. She shares that she liked it growing up because "it talks about being different and sharing that unique part of you with others."
Unique Robinson, Parent Educator
Unique has loved “Corduroy” by Don Freeman since she was a little girl! She can recall the first time she went to the mall and not only saw an escalator for the first time, but was able to ride one! At that moment she knew that books connected us to the outside world!