*** Just A Little About Me***

33 YEARS AND GOING STRONG!

* * *  YOUNG STAR RATING   3 STARS  * * *  

Hi, my name is Gwen. The children in my center call me Nana. Over the years, I respond better to Nana but Gwen will work too. I have been doing child care for 33 years. I received my ITS Associate Degree from Northeaster Technical College in Green Bay and my Inclusion Credential (Inclusion refers to children with special needs). I also have my Infant Toddler Credential.

I am a single parent of four very awesome young adults. I have been raising my children and working with other families for over 39 years. My oldest daughter is a massage therapist and married to a Doctor of Chiropractic, and living in our area. They have three beautiful little girls, which makes me a Grandma Nana! I love it. What a great team they make. My second oldest daughter is woking in a daycare, living with her husband, a computer wiz in Eau Claire. Next is my son has served our wonderful contry in the Army. He has finishing up and has come home because of health issues. His motto is, "For those I love I will sacrifice." I am so PROUD of him an appreciative of all those who are fighting the good fight for Freedom for the USA!!!  Last is my youngest son who is enjoying life. I am truly blessed and enjoying the transition with my children in becoming wonderful young adults. I am looking forward to a great future with them.

I started doing in-home childcare after working at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for eight years. When I had my fourth child it was hard to find child care for all four.  I had always wanted to stay home with my children, but wasn't sure how. I realized I could do this by starting an in-home child care business. It was the best decision for me. After three years of doing In-Home, I unfortunately was not able to work things out with my husband and I divorced. After the divorce is when I became a Christian. What a blessing it was in helping me raise my children.  What fun it was. The experiences I had, helped me learn so much more and to have a better understanding of the diversity of the family unit and the problems that may come up.

I was President of Great Rivers Association for the Education of Young Children (GRAEYC), a provider organization, an affiliate of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) from 2005 to 2007. It is a group of In-Home Providers and Centers Providers here in La Crosse. Our Mission is to provide professional support and education for ourselves and others to advocate for children and families.    

I am also a member of Wisconsin Family Child Care, and National Association For The Education of Young Children. I have been on the Parent Advisory Committee for The Parenting Place since 2005 to 2021. In addition, I have volunteer at St. Claire’s Missions here in La Crosse until Dec. 2014. I volunteer at the Kane Street Community Garden 2012 to present. I am a volunteer at RSVP 2018 to present.

Sincerely Yours,

Gwen (Nana)