Meet the Kindergarten Team

Welcome to Camp KINDergartenWelcome to the first episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the podcast from the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team. In this episode, the kindergarten teachers introduce themselves, reflect on meeting students at Begindergarten, and share what families can expect as the school year begins.In this episode, you'll hear about:Meet the Kindergarten TeamJocelyn Smith, Kindergarten Lead TeacherAmanda Hartigan, Kindergarten Lead TeacherAdriana Estrada, Kindergarten Associate TeacherVeronica Whitlock, Kindergarten Associate TeacherA Partnership Between School and HomeThe kindergarten team shares its belief that education is a partnership.Families are invited to stay connected with the team throughout the year as children begin their kindergarten journey.What's AheadA preview of the next episode, focused on dealing with first-day jitters and helping both children and parents navigate the beginning of school.Meet the TeamJocelyn Smith is a kindergarten lead teacher who joined Chadwick in 2018. Her educational background includes child and family studies, educational media and technology, school librarianship, and elementary education. Her professional experiences have included working with children and families and advocating for children's educational needs.Amanda Hartigan is a kindergarten lead teacher beginning her 24th year in education and her 11th year at Chadwick. Her teaching experience includes kindergarten, first grade, multi-age K–1, and Montessori education. She has taught kindergarten at Chadwick for 10 of her 11 years at the school.Adriana Estrada is a kindergarten associate teacher with more than 10 years in education and eight years at Chadwick. She holds a multiple subject credential with BCLAD certification and has experience working with English language learners and in special education.Veronica Whitlock is a kindergarten associate teacher in her sixth year at Chadwick and 11th year in education. She previously taught as a first grade associate and spent five years as a Montessori preschool teacher.Coming Up NextEpisode 2: Dealing with First-Day JittersThe team will talk about what children—and parents—may experience on the first day of kindergarten and how families can prepare for the transition.CreditsAround the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gay, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.Thank you for joining us around the Kinder Campfire.