Michelle Rhodes, PhD, God’s Garden Director
480-460-0081
directorgodsgarden@horizonchurch.com
Michelle has been the Director at God’s Garden since Fall of 2015. She came to God’s Garden with over 12 years of experience working in early childhood education. She has a PhD in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Child Development, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Michelle has many years of experience teaching, training, and mentoring early childhood professionals. Michelle has knowledge of adult learning styles, AZ Early Childhood Education Regulations, Theories of Early Childhood Development and Education, Curriculum Development, Child-Guidance, Assessment, Standards, and Guidelines for Best Practices of High Quality Programs.
Michelle has taught and worked with diverse young children and their families, including preschool age children and children with autism for over 12 years. She has not only worked directly with children in licensed preschool centers, but she has also worked with children and their families in various community settings, including Leaps and Bounds, a family-interactive kindergarten readiness program for families with preschool aged children.
Grounded in Piaget’s theory of Constructivism, she believes that both children and adults “learn by doing” and thus hands-on experiences are crucial to student learning and growth. Thus, her area of focus includes an emergent, play-based, child-centered curriculum.
Above all, she is an advocate for children and families. She strives to improve and make a difference in the lives of young children and their families by preparing professionals to work with young children and their families. She is a mother of two daughters (Josephine - 12 years and Lola – 9 years). Michelle loves to spend time with her family and she has a passion for spending time outdoors - jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, roller skating, cycling, etc.
Denise Tobin, God's Garden Director's Assistant
480-460-0081
msdenise4@cox.net
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Interests/Hobbies: Shopping, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
Years at God’s Garden: 2
www.godsgarden.com
VIDEO - AUwHF #041 - Gods Garden
AUDIO - AUwHF #041 - Gods Garden
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