Teachers

Susan Rawls, M. Ed, has been in the field of education for 30 years. Prior to being the director of St. Mary's, Susan taught in the Chesterfield County School system and at a private church preschool. She has served in leadership positions in the Richmond Early Childhood Association, an affiliate of NAEYC, is a member of Richmond Area Directors, an affiliate of ELL, and is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, organization for outstanding educators in their field. Her commitment to providing quality preschool education is evident in her excellent leadership style, her ability to stay informed of current educational trends and her desire to bring out the best in children, teachers and families.

“If a child is to keep his inborne sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in” - Rachel Carson

“Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.”  - Charles R.  Swindoll

"Children see magic because they look for it.” -Christopher Moore

"A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. " - Rachel Carson

“Children are funny little people. Watching them interact with each other is pure joy!”

“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” Malaia Yousafzai

“You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing? What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run about all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again.” - Rousseau 1762

“I like being part of a child's first experience away from home and helping them tell their story.”

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

“The constant smiles on the children’s faces are the best thing about preschoolers!”

I love how every day is different when working with children. My favorite part, however, is seeing a child's eyes light up and a smile spread across their face when they discover something for the first time!

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” William Ward

“When we treat children's play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that's to be found in the creative spirit. It's the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.” - Fred Rogers

"Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child's eye - it is very beautiful." - Kailash Satyarthi

“It’s delightful when your imaginations come true, isn’t it? “ – Annne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)

"Inside every child is a rainbow waiting to shine."