1. Diane Nickerson-Baylor

4.  I attended Southern University and earn a degree in Early Childhood Education knowing that would not be enough I chose to go back to school after 8 years.  I attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas earning Degree in Organizational Management and I began to work for the Head Start Program as a Teacher after graduating.

5.  I enrolled in Ashford after 10 years realizing that I needed to continue to better myself in the educational ream in my life if I plan to move up within my job. I chose to pursue my Masters in Education, because I had worked in the area for so many years and had a desire to become a Counselor in the public school system after finishing my degree.

6.  I enjoy working in my church as my Pastor’s Asst.  I have my own business that keep me going when I am not at work are at church. I design and make jewelry and arts and craft.  When Alvin and I are together we enjoy eating out at Olive Garden and going to the Star Bucks Coffee Shop, to read and study.

7. The MAED program has supported my achievement toward promotion on my job. I was a teacher for the Head Start program in Caddo Parish for 12 years before entering the MAED program. I am now into my 2 nd year as an Assistant Center Manager of a Head Start Center of 266 children with 32 Teachers and Teacher’s Assistance.

8. The challenge I experienced as a Center Manager was working with someone who did not want to work with me. This was truly my test, everyday there was something different that was wrong with one of my reports. I was responsible for 9 teachers and assistances, to my center manager, I did not walk, talk, or think fast enough for her. Since I have been studying in the MAED program, there are many things that has been brought to my understanding of being a good leader. This experience shape me into the Manager I am today, as a leader I know that I must listen, not be judgmental of others (not that I am), and be willing to help my teachers.

9. The other essential dynamic of self-care is learning to “let go of worry, self-doubt, and beating yourself up for not being perfect. I knew I was not and that no one is perfect so I had to slow down and take care of Diane and do the best I could do. QUOTE Wisdom give rise to courage. Courage give rise to compassion. Compassion give rise to wisdom. -daisaku Ikeda

10. Ikeda, daisaku, Bruno, H. E. (2009). leading on purpose: Emotionally intelligent early childhood administration. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill.