Heidi Bliss (Mrs. Bliss)

Position: Co-Director

Date of hire: August 1998

My favorite children's book/story:

I have different "favorite" books for different reasons. I like books that make the children laugh and ponder. Some of my favorites include Someday is Not a Day of the Week, Joseph had a Little Overcoat, Whatever Wanda Wanted, and The Prince Who Wouldn't Go to Bed.

Fun facts about me:

I produce "Stories on Stage" through the Peninsula Youth Theatre; working with young people ages 12–18. This is a volunteer position and I have been serving in different capacities for PYT for the past 20 years. Toddlers and teenagers are some of my favorite people!

Why did you decide to work with preschoolers?

My friend, Caroli Johnson, thought I might be a good addition to the "Lunch Staff" at a previous preschool. From there, I started taking Early Childhood Education classes, earning teaching certificates and before I knew it, I was off to the "teaching races." I get so much joy from connecting with the children!

What do you love the most about teaching/working with little ones?

The best part of teaching is the laughter, hope and trust that comes with connecting and accepting every child for who they are and where they are in their growth and development. The reciprocity of those relationships is what keeps me teaching after all these years.

From your perspective, what makes the Children's Center so special?

The long standing relationships of this staff and the way we treat each other is the "special glue" that keeps us together. We respect each other and we respect our parent community. The bonds that we, as a group, have cemented through the years truly transfer to the children. They hear us laugh and they watch us listen, providing role models for kind, caring and responsive relationships.