aboutjess

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Meet Jessica Steigerwald

I've always been three things: an artist, a teacher and an advocate. Before Butterfly School, I was able to pursue each separately -- through my art projects, through volunteer work with children, and as a lawyer.

As a mother, I have been able (and required) to weave all three together, making it fun and interesting to share ideas and information, helping my children see connections between themselves and the environment. I want them to enjoy life, treat others with kindness and feel confident about making their unique contributions. Butterfly School gives us a good start each day.

My mother worked outside the home, as a teacher and day care center director, when I was a child. Attending my mother's school I had top-notch day care/preschool, the comfort of being near my mother, and a great chance to observe a wonderful teacher "behind the scenes." I loved watching my mother prepare new learning activities, like matching card games. And, ever since I was 4 years old, I loved helping younger students learn.

I've always felt that art was a crucial part of all learning. Seeing colors and pictures delighted me as a child and made learning more fun. I think everyone should have their own way of expressing themselves through art -- just as we all have unique voices and fingerprints. While sharing Butterfly School, it has been exciting to see other adults dust off their crayon and coloring instincts and enjoy sharing art with their children.

While attending Harvard College, I tutored children and created art projects for them. I volunteered with the House and Neighborhood Development program, serving Cambridge elementary school children. After law school at Cornell and Harvard, I was a legal services volunteer and helped homeless women and nursing home residents. I returned to Cambridge to work as an Administrator/Coach for the HAND volunteer program, enjoying the opportunity to coach compassionate volunteers, including tutors and mentors.

Butterfly School grew out of my search for balance as a stay-at-home mom. I did not appreciate how hard it is to be a full-time, at-home childcare provider. Household chores are so time-consuming and uninspiring, they don't leave much creative energy for making wonderful moments with young children. Without consistent leadership, toddler-filled days often devolve into mayhem.

I wanted my children to be able to remember shining hours every day. Over the space of a year we developed a nice balance between flexibility and routine; repetition and surprise; play and learning. I want their experiences to be terrific so I'm always on the alert for new ideas and materials.

In everything I've done, I've been most influenced by my mother. I've had so many teachers but none in my great public schools or in my esteemed college or law schools have come close to having her clarity of thought, creative approach and ability to help someone else's light shine a little bit brighter. She's always supported me and continues to expand my educational horizons. Whether it is sharing Butterfly School activities, brainstorming for a new children's art book, or developing strategies for finding peace of mind amidst motherhood, she's my greatest resource.