How did you get where you are today?

My journey really began with my parents, Art and Mark Adair, and their courage to take a risk and begin a new life in Taos. We moved from Illinois to Taos in 1974 when I was a junior in high school. After graduating from college with a degree in Anthropology, my soon-tobe husband, Greg Jaramillo, and I knew Taos was the place we wanted to raise our own family. Like many, we had the task of dreaming up a way to carve out a living in the place we loved. It was with a leap of faith, that I accepted a job at Taos Valley School as a preschool assistant and after-school teacher. I credit my mentor, Jo Carey, for introducing me to the joy and rewards that come with working with young children. I was hooked. Six years and three children later, I had this crazy idea to start a teacher-run school focused on early education. My family was instrumental in supporting my dream and encouraging me to take the leap. Along with co-founders Michele Hunt and Ellary Simms, Anansi Day School opened it’s doors in August 1993. I attribute the initial success and evolution of Anansi to an entire community of dedicated educators, families and friends. It was a wonderfully creative and inspiring period in my career. After 13 years, I moved on to work as one of the initial consultants and trainers for New Mexico Prek. Again, I had the good fortune to work with amazing women. We traveled the state, supporting early educators in learning and promoting high quality Prek play-based practices. I believe it was as much, if not more of a learning opportunity for me. The shared stories from early educators led to a renewed passion for advocacy on behalf of children, families and the early childhood field. In 2010, I joined UNM-TAOS as the director of the Kids’ Campus and faculty member of the Early Childhood Education Dept. I feel fortunate to have had the support and encouragement of the administration to pursue my advocacy efforts. It has been rewarding to “grow” a program again. I am grateful to work alongside the Kids’ Campus staff who are willing to work collaboratively and embrace new ideas and ways of approaching our work with children and families.