Meet "Miss Liz" Bartenbach!  Liz is the Lead Teacher for our toddler group.

Liz has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Suffolk College in England. She has also attended various Waldorf workshops and conferences.

I first met Liz back in 2003 when, as the Director of Little Friends, I hired her as an assistant teacher. Liz has continued her employment there for the past nine years, working primarily with toddlers.  She and I are thrilled to be reuniting at BLOOM. I will share a portion of a letter I wrote to her back in 2005:

"...I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your dedication, hard work and good humor throughout the last two years at Little Friends.  You have moved seamlessly from age group to age group, loved by children and parents alike. You absolutely give your all every day...You are an absolute treasure..."

Liz lives in Middletown with her two children, Jessica and Justin (17 and 15 respectively) and their dog, Meg, who considers herself to be Liz's third child (see photo, exhibit A).  Liz is an avid soccer player, enjoying both indoor and outdoor soccer.  She also coached the Gaudet (Middletown middle school) girls soccer team for two years.

I asked Liz a few questions for our spotlight:

BS: What do you love about working with children?

LB: I love watching them grow and knowing I've touched their lives forever.  Also, the children are always enthusiastic and loving, and every day is different!

BS: What are your hopes for BLOOM?

LB: I know that BLOOM can thrive as the "go to" place for parents to enroll their children, knowing that they will be cared for in a nurturing and meaningful way.

BS: What do you want future BLOOM parents to know about you?

LB: I am conscientious, hard working and able to communicate well with children and adults alike.  As a parent I know first hand how difficult it is to leave your child in someone else's care each day.  

BS: What is on your "bucket list"?

LB: To go to Australia, though I am afraid of snakes and I hear they have some nasty ones there!  To open up a drive thru "fish and chips" place with my best friend.

BS: What is your favorite quote?

LB: Today it is "Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.  You could be missing out on the joke of the century." -Dame Edna Everage

In short, in Liz you will find a compassionate, hardworking, experienced caregiver who never takes herself too seriously.