CURRICULUM VITAE
Heather B.
Dennis
Education
Purdue
University, School of Consumer and Family Sciences West Lafayette,
Indiana May 2001
Bachelor’s of Science Child Development and Family
Sciences
Areas of specialization:
Human Development
Developing and implementing programs for children and
families
Race, Gender, Multi- culturism
The Center for
Montessori Teacher Education, Adrian, Michigan June 1998
Infant and Toddler Montessori Credential
Studied under Virginia (Ginny) Varga
Professional
Experience
A New Leaf,
Nashville TN
Teacher, September 2007 to present
Nido Montessori Infant and Toddler Community, Nashville,
TN
Program
Director August 2005 –August 2006
•
Developed and implemented
loving and warm Montessori Program for children 18 months to three
years of age
•
Communicated daily with
parents regarding child’s progress and
development
•
Created advertisements,
admission packets, enrollment contracts and daily parent –
teacher communication forms
•
Prepared and implemented a
budget
•
Applied for Federal, State,
and Local permits
•
Met Federal, State, and
Local guidelines for an in-home childcare setting
Montessori Centre, Nashville,
TN
Toddler
Teacher April 2002-August 2004
•
Restructured, implemented
and lead a developmentally appropriate Montessori toddler
environment
•
Trained teachers and
teaching assistants in the Montessori Method
•
Communicated with
administration and coworkers to strengthen
programs
•
Guided and observed
children, ages 14 months through 3 years, using the Montessori
Method
•
Assessed growth and
progress of children and formally reported to families and
agencies.
•
Worked intimately with
families to better serve the child
•
Prepared and lead Assistant
training workshops
Christopher Montessori Associates, Nashville , TN
Montessori Teacher Training Program April
2002
•
Prepared and delivered
lectures on Brain Development and the Prepared Environment, Child
Development: The Developing Toddler, and Observation
Techniques
•
Lead a training session on
developing toddler materials, observation, classroom
management
•
Presented Montessori
Toddler Materials to interns
Abintra Montessori School, Nashville, TN
Toddler Guide August 2001- April
2002
•
Worked intimately with
parents and families to better serve the child
•
Collaborated with a
teaching team of three guides and two
assistants
•
Guided and observed
children, ages 14 months through 3 years, using the Montessori
Method
•
Assessed growth and
progress of children and formally reported to families
Rising Star Montessori School, Lafayette
IN
Administrator
and Teacher August 1995-May 2000
•
Trained and oriented new
employees in the Montessori Method
•
Supervised classroom
assistants and support staff
•
Organized and lead staff
meetings
•
Planned and lead Parent
Education Classes
•
Worked with families and
social service agencies to create Individual Educational Plans for
children with special needs
Professional writing and
presentations
•
M: The Magazine for
Montessori Parents Between Parent, Toddler and Teacher
Tips and Techniques for Effective Three way
Communication Premier Issue January/February
2006
•
NANAEYC Conference Spring
2003 – presenter The Essence of Toddlers
Volunteer
Experience
•
Lafayette Crisis
Center
o
Crisis and Referral
Hotline
♣
Trained in Active Listening
Techniques
♣
Suicide awareness and
prevention
♣
Assisted Callers in
Identify Options and setting plans for
action
o
Rape Survivor Advocacy
Program
♣ Educated in
Indiana Laws regarding Rape
♣
Accompanied Survivors to
Hospital for Examinations
♣
Supported and educational
Survivors and Families on the healing
process
Additional
Training
•
Adult, Child, and Infant
First Aid and CPR Certified