Ruth Crawmer

Hi, I’m Ruth, owner and director of the preschool program here at Crawmer’s Critterz.  Being a mother of four children, I can understand the frustration of searching for infant or preschool programming for your child.  When my oldest was one year old, I under went the same process and share in your bitter experiences.  My goal is to provide a place your son or daughter looks forward to each day, where they have friends and a place you can trust.  All the other things you find out about us and our motivation are just additional pieces we’ve added to enhance our program. 

Who am I?  I am an energetic free spirited adult.  Free time for my husband and I includes ballroom dancing, west coast swing (club style), and salsa dancing.  In the summers biking, hiking, camping, white water rafting and sign language interpreting is what I enjoy most.  Whether at home with my family, in preschool with my class or on vacation, I love to play!  Don’t be surprised to walk into the classroom and see me playing “crazy ballerina” with my students, or telling a tall tale or using puppets to make a point about behaviors.  Play is what I do well.  In addition, I have a strong musical background both in vocals and band so I use this to teach music and rhythm in the summer session of school.  I take great pride in seeing my students graduate into kindergarten being the brightest in their elementary classes. 

Credentials:   
              
-Portland Community College                
-Central OR Community College           
-CPR 1st/Aid
-Abuse and Neglect Certified Reporter
-Restaurant Grade Food Handler
-Criminally Background Checked
-Infant Certified Teacher
-Major American Sign Language
-Arts & Child Development

Experience:

-7 yrs Crawmer's Critterz Owner/Director

-6 yrs personal nanny

-4 yrs teachers’ assistant
-2 yrs Sunday school teacher

Additional Classes:  Guidance and behavior management, curriculum, child development, infant/toddler curriculum, families and other social systems, professional and personal development, child passenger safety art experiences for preschool children, synthesizing brain research, cooking up nutrition, mandatory reporting, the heart of a young child, grant writing, business classes, Oregon child care basics 1 & 2, social and emotional health, human growth and development, health, safety and nutrition.

Position:  Owner and Director since 2000

Russ Crawmer

Running an infant program may seem like the last thing a lot of people
would want to be involved in.  After becoming infant certified, continuing towards a degree, and being a Dad of 4 children for 11 years, I've learned it really does take the right kind of person to make it work. You have to allow yourself to be a kid again. You can't be afraid to talk to your 3 month old like they know what's going on, give them 6 more months, they'll get it!

We work ASL (American Sign Language) into our schedule each day to give infants an awesome jump start on communication. I've had a 14
month old argue milk vs water in ASL, pretty funny! I spend most of my time on the floor, making funny faces, talking like cartoon characters, or dancing around the room like an animal! There are so many missed opportunities with our busy lives that cause our children to miss out on all the excitement life holds. Children need a proper balance of direction, self expression, exploration, guidance, nutrition, and examples of healthy communication and role models to thrive.

My wife an I have been married for 11 years and love working together. The children see us dance, play, sing, and yes, even see some romance! From our daily schedule to the stories or dramas we act out, these children are all looking for their own place in the story of life and I am so blessed to
be here.

Position:  Co-Owner and Teacher since 2002

The drive from Indiana to Oregon was a grueling 36 hour journey, but well work the trip.  I grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, home of Purdue University.

After high school I decided to explore my love of art and children by continuing my education at Purdue and pursued a degree in Art Education and Art History.  After completing student teaching in K-12 art classes and graduating early (December 2006), I took on a short term job as a preschool teacher in Lafayette.  This experience allowed me to discover a different age group than I was exposed to in my student teaching... and I fell in love!

I quickly realized this age group's amazing creative abilities and unique zest for life, which I found to be both refreshing and inspiring.

Then a magical place, called Crawmer's Critterz, brought me to Bend, Oregon. Here I am able to fulfill my life-long dream of not only teaching, but playing, discovering, painting , laughing and pretending.  The students here never fail to make me laugh with their hilarious jokes and interesting views on life.  I feel so lucky to have found a place where curiosity is encouraged and imagination rules!

Position:  Assistant Preschool Teacher and Art Teacher since July 2007

Donna Wells

Hi, I'm Donna Wells, Ruth's Mom.  Oregon has been home for me most of my life.  It was here I met and married my husband of 33 years, Kevin, and raised our two daughters.

After graduating from High School, I attended Oregon State University; where I took classes in Office Administration and Home Economics.  My work experience has been business related and most recently working in a CPA office as a staff accountant and for a church doing book keeping.  February through April I volunteer for the Tax-aide program here in Bend, helping people prepare their income taxes and file on-line. 

During my spare time my five grandchildren are the top priority, spending time helping with their school and extra curricular activities.

I enjoy my new "retirement" job at Crawmer's Critterz very much and find that the children are creative, fun loving and a real joy. You will find me in the kitchen helping to prepare food, setting up for lunches or snacks and assisting the teachers with whatever task is at hand.

Position:  Assistant since June 2007

Shauna Snider

Hello! I'm Miss Shauna. I am currently working with the 2-5 year olds at
Crawmer's Critterz, and LOVING it!
  
  I grew up in Portland, and made my way over here when I was 10. I
have lived all over central oregon, and finally decided on Bend. I love
the art and entertainment, along with the nice people and small town
feel.
  
  I am so grateful to have this opportunity while seeking a degree in
Early Childhood Education. I have never been so excited to come to work
everyday, and felt so fulfilled when I leave everyday.
  
  The kids at Crawmer's are so curious and eager to learn, just like
myself. We, so far, are forming great relationships and I can't wait to
see what impact I have on their lives, but mostly what impact they have
on mine.

Position:  Preschool Assistant Teacher since October 2007

Amy Dofelmier

Bio to come

Position:  Substitute Teacher since March 2008

Stephanie Bryant

Bio to come

Position:  Infant Teacher

Since March 2008

Jess Zollman (pix to come)

All of my life I have been a part of taking care of children.  Growing up, my mom ran an in home daycare.  In addition, I have seven brothers and eight sisters... a total of 16 kids in my family!  So teaching is just in my backgroup and upbringing.

Working with the older infants, I have the opportunity to see them walk, climb, run, learn about art, nature and friends. Playing and teaching my students give me joy and are my life's passion.  I enjoy speding anytime I can with them.

My dream is to go to college to become a peditrition, for which I begin classes fall 2008. 

Position:  Substitute Teacher since June 2008

Kristin Ball

I have been working with children for many years in various situations and absolutely love it!  Nothing is more fulfilling in my life than imparting knowledge to a child.  Seeing that light in their eyes that tells me they have just grabbed a hold of what I was trying to teach is energizing.  I realized what a passion I have for teaching while I was in India working with children, teaching English and basic hygiene.  In addition, I have spent six months as a teacher's aid and one year as the head teacher of the 3's class in a Center in Redmond, Oregon.  As the head teacher I prepared fun, engaging and education lesson plans daily. 

Besides that I am just a fun loving, friendly and energetic person who lives life and people! I enjoy keeping a welcoming and clean classroom atmosphere that is conductive to learning.  Teaching my students is what I love!  

Position:  Substitute Teacher since June 2008

Linda Crawmer (pix to come)

My name is Linda, and I work for my son substitute teacherhere and there as needed.  Between subbing for Russ I am a full time grandmother of five (soon to be six) grandchildren and mother of two sons. 

After graduating High School, I went on to pursue a degree as a police officer.  Just before finishing my degree, I decided to take a job in a hospital and I changed my career path as I found I loved working with people. 

Still, working with people is where my heart is, so I help out when needed at Crawmer's two locations.  It warms my heart to see the students smile and get involved with their teachers.  The kids here just really enjoy coming to school and it makes coming to work a real joy.

Position:  Substitute Teacher since June 2007