The Beehive Team
"Being a childcare provider is a work of heart."
Katharine Porter-Barlow
Executive Director
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
- Aristotle
Personal Background
Hello, I'm Katharine, aka Kathie! I am a fun-loving mother of 4 adult children and I have one grandchild. I am originally from California but have resided in Southern Utah for the past 16 years. I love poetry and theater arts. I love writing and memorizing poems. I also have an ardent appreciation and enthusiasm for doing community service and volunteer work. I enjoy making crafts, baking, puzzles, traveling, hiking, exploring the beauty of Zion National Park, and playing card games. I cherish every minute of family time doing just about anything to hang out with my kids.
Professional Experience
Kathie is originally from Southern California where she began working in the field of early childhood education back in 1982. Since then she has accumulated 42 years of professional experience working in education and the childcare field. She began working at Pinecrest Schools in Thousand Oaks, CA where she was promoted to be their esteemed Pre-K Lead Teacher. She has also worked in the public sector as a substitute K-2 Teacher, and later a Lead Preschool Teacher at La Petite Montessori. Her professional experience includes working as a Center Director at highly recognized Early Childhood programs such as: KinderCare, YMCA, and the Warner Brother's Children Center located on the Burbank studio lot. Kathie has a passion for creating and managing Early Childhood programs and has launched other Centers such as Koalaty Care, and Love to Learn in Southern CA.
Education
Ms. Porter has an Associate's Degree in Child Development and Nutrition from Moorpark College, a certificate in Infant and Toddler Studies from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science and Education from Ashford University. She's also completed many college courses in American Sign Language and Spanish. Katharine has been a member of NAEYC since 1988 and has completed numerous professional development courses over the years. She has gone through CGMS Early Childhood Montessori training program and is currently working on completing her master's degree.
Contact Info.
- Office: 435-986-0505
- Text: 435-215-8416
- Email: kathie@blakids.com
Jane Valdez
Program Director
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
— Albert Einstein
Personal Background
Hi! I'm Ms. Jane and I'm excited to be part of the Beehive Team. I am a California native who decided to leave the hustle and bustle of largely populated cities to a brand-new setting here in St. George, Utah, and I am loving it!
On a more personal note, I am an avid reader and writer. I journal everyday and love to write short stories (and some long ones). I also like to sing and play the piano. I am slightly artistic and like to work on crafts. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my daughter. She sings, dances, and does karate as well. One of our favorite things to do is bake. We love to try new baked goods, some turn out great, some…not so great.
I strive to build a positive, caring, and loving community between the staff and the families that we serve!
Experience
I bring almost 20 years of teaching and leadership experience spanning from early childhood education to college courses. I have found that my passion lies in early childhood education and am a strong advocate for strengthening the field. As an early childhood educator, I believe in teaching the whole child using creativity, music, and storytelling. I am a passionate teacher who uses methods of positive reinforcement and praise in the classroom to encourage and uplift children. As a leader, I strive to mentor teachers to reach their full potential and be strong educators and caregivers for the growing children in our care.
Education
I have an Associate's Degree in Child Development and in Liberal Arts from Victor Valley College, a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University, and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute. I also continuously attend professional development training and I am also an active member of NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children).
Contact Info
- Office: 435-986-0505
- Email: jane@blakids.com
The Heart of Our Hive
"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark."
We're hiring!
Bee part of something special. Our hive is growing, and we're searching for enthusiastic educators to join our colony of care.