Dear Parents,

As some of you may be aware, I was nominated for the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, Women in Business Newcomer of the Year award. I truly appreciate the efforts of Sasha Baluka (Elizabeth’s mom) who wrote a letter about me and created the opportunity for this in the first place. I am so pleased to announce that at yesterday’s ceremony I was awarded the winner of this honor! I feel it is so important to take the

time to acknowledge and thank my dearest family, amazing friends, the best teachers, and the Apple School families/community for the support and contributions that you all make that allow for our school to gain such recognition. You are a continuous driving force of positivity and brightness that I am so grateful for everyday.  I strive to continue the success and growth of our wonderful Apple School!

I want to point out how much I love and appreciate my family, friends, and our Apple School staff and community.  In receiving the Women in Business Newcomer of the Year award by the San Fernando Business Journal, I understand that I have received this recognition, along with the kind words of appreciation I receive from passionate families and friends, for the work that I put into making the Apple School the best that it can be everyday. I want to thank my amazing family for being with me every step of the way. I am truly blessed to have a family like I do, incredibly supportive, loving and an inspirational group of people that always motivate me. I am also surrounded by lifelong friends who have always been supportive and brought such laughter and cheer to me throughout my 30 year career in early childcare.

 The Apple School would not be what it is without the tremendous families and many other terrific parents and groups of people that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. They have helped me to manage the Apple School in the most functional and worry free way. This has enabled me to dedicate so much quality time in growing the school into what it has become. The Apple School staff is filled with a collective group of passionate, hard working and creative set of people that truly are responsible for making the school what it is at its core. Our entire staff puts their focused effort and energy into accomplishing the goals and achievements that the Apple School sets for all our incredible children. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my family, friends, Apple School staff, parents, and community for working as a whole and helping bring this award to our great school. I look at this award as a total effort.  This is not an individual award but rather a tribute to a collective effort. I define it as OURS and I love all of you so deeply for that. Thank you!