Washell named to state Board of Early Care and Learning
Article By: Clark Leonard
Dr. Cristina Washell, associate professor and coordinator of the elementary and special education program at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the state .
This role is personal for Washell, whose family immigrated to the United States from Cuba when she was 3 years old. As a child in Chicago, she was involved in Head Start, a federal program for early childhood education, health and nutrition for low-income children and their families.
"This is really close to my heart," Washell said. "I know firsthand the way those programs helped my development."
The board "works to enhance children's early educational experiences to promote their academic, social, emotional, and physical development in partnership with families, communities, the early care and education industry, and stakeholders," according to a press release announcing Washell's appointment.
Washell is eager to build on the board's current work.
"It's not something schools can do by themselves. They need help from families and the community," Washell said. "I realize the impact those early years of education will have on the child's career as a lifelong learner. It sets the child off on the right foot."
Washell has worked at 91ÁÔÆæ since 2010 and has been the program coordinator since 2017.
Outside of her job, Washell takes part in community outreach to develop literacy in Latinx children.
Physical education students assist Habitat
About 15 students and faculty members from the 91ÁÔÆæ's Physical Education Teacher Education program assisted Habitat for Humanity of Hall County with projects in its Copper Glen subdivision April 17.
91ÁÔÆæ assists with government career expo
Students, faculty and staff from 91ÁÔÆæ invested in the next generation of national leaders at the Youth in Government Expo.
Local teachers, business professors collaborate
Roughly a dozen local middle and high school teachers participated in marketing classes at the Mike Cottrell College of Business Feb. 18 to learn more about current marketing trends.
NSTA students volunteer at Family STEM Night
Student volunteers with the 91ÁÔÆæ chapter of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Preservice Chapter participated in Family STEM Night at a local elementary school.