Ruth Crawmer
Hi, I’m Ruth, owner of all 3 Crawmer's locations 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. With two children with severe food allergies, I can understand the frustration of parents trying to find childcare and maintain and allergy free environment. 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:
-10 yrs Crawmer's Critterz Owner/Director
-6 yrs personal nanny
-4 yrs teachers’ assistant
-2 yrs Sunday school teacher
-Mother of 4 Children; 13 yrs, 10yrs, 6yrs and a 2 yr old.
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 since 2000
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
152 clock hours of ECE Credits
Preschool Certified
School: High Pointe Preschool, Director & Crawmer's Owner
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 12 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 since 2002
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
100 clock hours of ECE Credits
Preschool Certified
School: Hampton Park I, Director
& Crawmer's Co-Owner
Jessica Stickrod
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: Lead Preschool Teacher and Art Education Teacher since July 2007
Training:
Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Preschool Certified
24 ECE Hours Completed
School: High Pointe Preschool
Beau Batts
Hello, I'm Mr. Beau! I was born in New Hampshire and my family moved to Central Oregon 10 years ago. While attending Redmond High School, music became a big interest and passion of mine. This led to playing the drums for several different bands, bringing me all over the US and Canada. I enjoy playing guitar, bass, mandolin, and viola. My interest in music brought me to study Jazz at the community college. It is my goal to expand my knowledge of music theory and composition. Another interest I pursue is carpentry; which includes my past experience as a cabinet builder, manufacturer and installer. There is great satisfaction to in performing a job well done in any occupational trade that allows freedom of artistic expression. This is one of the things that drew me into teaching.
Combining my experience with construction trades and music, I plan to teach our students the array of skills from building to music. My interest in education began with the positive impact teachers had on me through out my schooling. It grew when I realized my natural ability and desire to teach and help others. Struggling with ADD, my school career was extremely challenging. Only now am I finding ways to cope with this common, yet very disruptive, disorder. This has been a wonderful motivation for me to teach in a way that students, who are like me, can actively learn.
While in High School, I took human development classes. This involved volunteer time with children at the local elementary school. Volunteering for a few summers at the boys and girls club also gave me valuable experience in working with students.
I look forward to meeting you, so we can build a good rapport and make the most of your child's time spent at school.
Position: Music & Rhythm Arts Teacher
Since October 2008
Training:
CDA in Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
92 Hours of ECE Complete
School: High Pointe Preschool
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 bookkeeping. 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.
Food allergies are particularly important to me. Did you know that depending on which factories and which countries ingredients are made in, determines if the ingredients include wheat as the base ingredient or corn. This can be a scary reality for students with severe allergies.
Having found out I am wheat and gluten intolerant, reading ingredient lists and finding out where things are made and their contaminates has become a priority for me as a cook. I look for all of our foods to be made or grown in the US to ensure the quality food standards and cleanliness have been met for the best protection of our students with these dietary concerns.
Position: Culinary Cook & Food Director
since June 2007
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Preschool Certified
35 ECE Hours Completed
School: High Pointe Preschool
Melissa Dawley
In February of 2008 I began volunteer work in my daughter's preschool class at Crawmer's. Working side by side with Jess Stickrod for nearly two years, I learned many valuable lessons in positive redirection, curriculum and engaging students in play.
When a teaching position came available in the 2's and 3's class I was excited to be able to take my "bag of tricks" I learned from Jess and try them out. After a few days working with the 2's and 3's I quickly learned their energy level is like nuclear energy! Some of the tricks worked well and others had to be reformulated to make sense for the high energy learner.
I have two daughters of my own, 4 and 1; so working with children is not something new to me. In addition, I am working on my CDA (Child Development Associates) teaching credential. Currently approximately half of my classes are completed.
Teaching at Crawmer's is a fun and rewarding experience. The families, students and teaching staff are all focused on seeing our students succeed. Being a part of such a healthy and energetic environment has made work fun for me. Come and check out our rocking school for 2's and 3's. Promise, you will not be disappointed! :)
Position: Two's School Lead Teacher
Since February 2008
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR and 1st aid
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Food Handlers Card
66 ECE Clock Hours
School: Hampton Park II, 2/3 Campus
Jess Zollman
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 background 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 spending anytime I can with them.
My dream is to go to college to become a pediatrician, for which I begin classes fall 2008.
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
Since June 2008
Training:
CDA in Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
190 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Hampton Park I, Infant Campus
Heather Adams
My Name is Heather Monastero. I grew up in a small town on the Oregon Coast, near Tillamook.
Before moving to Bend, an old employer had told me that I should consider going back to a job in childcare because she watched me interact with children through community functions.
From working with friends and their children, to going to work for childcare facilities, this is the most wonderfully rewarding job there is. I have worked with various ages of children since my first job in childcare 11 years ago now. I have been an aide in toddler and pre-school age groups as well as working with infants. By far, my favorite age group is the infants; the age I have worked with the past 2 years.
My old employer was right. Working with children is what I was designed to do and have found it brings me great joy. It is so moving to see the children that you teach everyday, grow right in front of you. Seeing them look up at you and smile while you are feeding them or changing their diaper is so precious and it makes my day every time.
Working here at Crawmers Critterz is great! The staff are wonderful, fun loving people, that enjoy their job just as much as I do. Crawmer's is different from other places I've worked or been to. The instant you walk in the door you have the feeling of a family atmosphere; knowing and feeling people care about you as well as your children. I am so thankful to get the opportunity to teach and help your little ones grow here at Crawmer's.
In my spare time I love being outdoors going on walks and hikes with my husband and spending time with my family.
Previous Experience:
Two years as lead infant teacher in a childcare center, prior to Crawmer's.
Position: Infant Teacher
Since January 2010
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
66 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Hampton Park I, Infant Campus
Kayla Bluhm
Hello, I’m Ms. Kayla! I am new to Crawmer’s and have grown to love every second of being here. It is such a pleasure to come to work and see all the excited faces, so eager to learn.
The program here are Crawmer’s is so connected. The parents, teachers, and students alike have made transitioning to a new environment so easy and I feel very welcomed! I am extremely happy to see the trust the parents have in the program and know that each teacher, individually and as a whole, brings so much to the school.
About me? I grew up in Central Oregon and will most likely never leave. There’s always an adventure here waiting for me! In my spare time I enjoy camping, white water rafting, hiking, dancing, and photography. A date for my husband and I usually consists of a day at the dog park with our two furry children.
I am energetic, crazy, spontaneous and outgoing. I have always been connected to children due to their genuine nature. A child is ready to learn anything that you are willing, and sometimes not so willing, to teach them.
I am blessed to be part of a program that allows me to represent positive learning in your child’s life. It’s wonderful knowing that there are teachers here at Crawmer's ready to help give all the opportunities that life has to offer to our little ones.
Position: Sub Teacher (in 1st 90 Days)
Since May 2010
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
School: Hampton Park I & II
Liz Skelly
My name is Elizabeth Skelly but you can call me Liz. I am a native central Oregonian and love it here still.
After going to college in Portland for Early Education and Family Studies, I returned here to Bend to get married and raise a family. I now have two beautiful boys, Payton age 7 and Parker age 3.
After working as an assistant director and teacher in Redmond for the last five years, I have made the long awaited jump to Bend to join the team at Crawmers. My passions are music, art, snowboarding, mountain biking, reading, dancing, and of course children. I love being creative and having fun and sometimes I forget that I'm not a kid anymore even though I celebrated my 30th last year! I look forward to teaching and learning from children and feel lucky to have them in my life.
Previous Experience:
Five years as a preschool teacher, two years as an assistant director in a childcare center, prior to Crawmer's.
Position: Sub Teacher (in 1st 90 Days)
Since June 2010
Training:
AA Degree in ECE
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
School: Hampton Park I
Sterling Crosson
Hi! I’m Mr. Sterling! My family and I moved to Bend a few years ago from Southern California. My wife and I met while working at Disneyland, and now we have three beautiful children, all Crawmer’s Critterz graduates! Our youngest just graduated this past June, 2010!
For years, I have been told I am really good with kids, my skills finely honed during my 8 year stint in the Character department at Disneyland, and from having a brother and sister who are 14 years younger than I. Using my acting and improvisational experience learned in Community Theater and on the Disney stage, I have found I can engage children in active learning through imaginative play. I have found that it is pretty exciting (and tiring) to not JUST entertain kids, but to teach as well.
Everything our students experience is an opportunity for me to tell them more about their world. From looking at bugs in the backyard, to reading a story, to playing dress-up, I love getting down to their level, and seeing the world how they see it- full of possibility and adventure.
Previous Experience:
Eight years as a Disneyland Character
Father of 3 elementary age children
Position: Sub Teacher (in 1st 90 Days)
Since May 2010
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
School: Hampton Park I & II
Sarah Barker
Position: Infant & Toddler Teacher
Substitute Teacher
September 2009
Training:
BA in Education, Minor Human Biology
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
66 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Hampton Park I & II
Eric Fancher
Working on my Master’s degree in Elementary/ECE (since June of 2008) I can’t wait to be done in early 2010; I have always had an interest in working with younger children, as I pretty much just a child at heart. Like Beau, I like to bring about some right brain activities to the children. Creativity and play go hand in hand with my teaching style.
Away from work I love all kinds of sporting activities; including playing baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf, snow boarding, and wake boarding. Play the guitar is something I enjoy. I bring my guitar to school with me and have an awesome time playing music and creating new songs with the kids. I don’t have any kids of my own yet, but in another 7 months that’s going to change as my wife and I are preparing to have our first (she wants a girl, I’m impartial). Wonder if the baby will like guitar too…?
Growing up my family lived 15 miles northwest of Portland, excluding my college years. Recently, my wife and I just moved to the Bend area back in September of 2008. My prior experience includes an array of substitute teaching at all primary and secondary levels for the two years prior to moving here.
Teaching at the Hampton Park II -2’s school has been an excellent experience, one where engaging in childish play doesn’t seem out of place.
Position: Substitute Teacher Since November 2008
Training
(Finishing) Masters Degree in Teaching
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
Bachelors in Business
66 clock hours of ECE Credits
Position: Substitute
Stephani Bryant
I began at Crawmer's Critterz in March of 2008 and still work as a substitute staff member. I am infant-toddler certified but work full-time at T-mobile in Redmond. Knowing all the families at Crawmer's it is fun to come and step in as staff members have vacation days or PTO.
In my free time I like getting new tattoo's, hanging out with my friends and camping. Getting to hang out with my little friends at Crawmer's is wonderful and I'm always excited to get the call to come in.
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
53 ECE Clock hours
Position: Infant Teacher, Sub
Since March 2008
Linda Crawmer
My name is Linda, and I work for my son as substitute teacher here and there as needed. Between subbing for Russ I am a full time grandmother of six (soon to be seven) 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
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
School: High Pointe,
Hampton Park I & II