Over 20 Years in Child Development
Jackie Rioux
Jackie has been in the child development field for over twenty years, most recently with Knight Hall School in West Hartford, Connecticut where their 126-year-old tradition of delivering a quality child-care experience is still in practice. Prior to joining Knight Hall, Jackie served as Assistant Director of the preschool at the former world-renowned Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, Connecticut for twelve years.
Her vast experience includes all phases of child-care and development programs including starting programs from scratch. She has had much success in creating learning and cognitive development programs throughout her career and is widely recognized as a leader in her field.
Jackie holds a B.A. in Child Development from Central Connecticut State University.
Jo-Ann Parylak
Jo-Ann received her degree in Early Childhood Education in 1988. In 1989, she began working for the Newington Children’s Hospital as a teacher in the preschool. During her ten-year career at Newington, Jo-Ann fostered a reputation as a creative storyteller. She is a member of four storytelling organizations: The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, The Connecticut Storytelling Association, The National Storytelling Association, and the Healing Story Alliance.
In 1999, Jo-Ann joined the staff at Knight Hall School in West Hartford, CT. When she is not busy at work or leading a workshop, Jo-Ann donates her time to the community. She has worked with the International Festival of Arts and Ideas (learn more) in New Haven, CT in activities for children. She also conducts private mentoring. As a tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, she teaches adults how to read.
About the Artwork & Design of the Book :
We’d also like to give a big shout out to designer Heidi Graf who designed and created all of the artwork for the book. Heidi has a world-class resume of creative artwork including assignments with Disney, Weekly Reader, Pendant Publishing and a host of children’s educational magazines. Please visit her website to learn more about her incredible talent.
