April Manning, Director of the St. Joe’s Child Development Center, developed a penchant for teaching at an early age. “I was completely smitten with my first grade teacher, Mrs. Roberts. I came home every day and played school after school. I knew then that I wanted to teach, and I have really never looked back. Children are an absolute joy in this world.” She taught kindergarten in the public school system for 13 years and is trained in Positive and Conscious Discipline, a member of the Child Advocates of Kentucky, and the Ready for K Alliance.
Mentoring the new teachers who work at the CDC, says April, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. “I can continue to have an impact on young children and their families by coaching and shaping the new teachers in their journey to become the best educators they can be through learning, reflection and growth. And in this role, my impact is even greater than the four walls of one classroom.” April has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute Indiana, and a Master of Education from the University of Louisville.