Diane "Deedle" Murray teaches the music classes each day at À Propos. She was a percussionist back in the day and is a big fan of beat composition. She previously taught the music classes at another preschool and has been a music teacher at Gymboree Play and Music since May 2004. She loves to incorporate singing, dancing, and instrument exploration as a means of socialization, music appreciation, and pre-math skill use as she introduces meter and various techniques, such as the glissando (vocal slide) and solfeggio (scale). In addition to the music classes, Mrs. Murray teaches enrichment classes, serves as director, and owns and operates A Propos.
In 1992, Deedle received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology (aka Biopsychology), along with a minor in English Literature, from the University of California at Davis. Deedle was the owner of Colorado Avenue Veterinary Hospital from April 1999-May 2006. She has volunteered at Planned Parenthood, TESSA, and the Children's Advocacy Center (now known as Safe Passage). She is a proud member of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church and is active in political issues that matter to her.
Deedle met her husband, Kent, at UC Davis in 1989; they married at a vineyard in Northern California in 1998 and have two fabulous sons: Logan, born October 2002, and Bennett, born February 2006. They live in Cheyenne Canyon with their Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chip, two cats, Simon and Thumbelina, four newts (John, Paul, George, and Ringo), a pet mouse named Chunky Monkey, and hundreds of fish. Kent is a software developer and he enjoys participating in marathons, triathlons, and cycling events.
When she is not having a blast with the children at À Propos, Deedle adores music, live theater, reading, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling. She also enjoys just about any outdoor activity, especially hiking (namely 14'ers), cycling, camping, snowshoeing, and cheering for her gang at their various sporting events (swimming, t-ball, and soccer top the list).
Erin Stewart-Patton, Miss Erin, is our Pre-K teacher. Erin is a Colorado Springs native and lives on the west side with her husband Denny and their two dogs and three cats. Besides children, Erin's interests are: roller derby, bike riding, hiking, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
Erin found her passion for working with children at a young age. She studied Education and Spanish at Cornell College on a music (flute) and academic scholarship. Later she studied Special Education locally at UCCS. She has worked as a Lead Teacher for one and two-year olds and has spent several years as a nanny, teaching preschool to the children under her care. She has a natural way with children and they love her caring and gentle nature. Erin has also enjoyed volunteering working with small groups of students in math and reading for the past three years at Pinon Valley Elementary.
Erin strongly believes in preparing her students for kindergarten by teaching them educational concepts, while also fostering independence, creativity and social skills. As an advocate of the Earth, Erin believes in teaching children to be environmentally conscious. She also believes in promoting literacy and instilling a love of learning. As our Pre-K teacher, Erin will nurture your child's self-expression, independence and readiness for kindergarten.
"Never do anything to diminish the hopes of a child"
Donna Chapman is our preschool teacher. She teaches the 3-4 Year olds in a nurturing, structured, art based environment. She has taught preschool for ten years, both at an elementary school and privately. She absolutley loves this age group, "they amaze me everyday with their quick wit, sense of humor and the innocence in which they view the world".
Donna Grew up in Colorado Springs. She and her husband Allen have 3 wonderful children. Braden 17, Trevan 15 and Brynlee who is 3.
In her spare time she loves to paint, decorate, craft and garden with her family. They grow a large vegetable garden from spring till fall every year. "They think we are just chatting, laughing, getting dirty and eating... they have no idea that we're bonding"!
She enjoys game nights with friends and spending time with their extended family who also live here in Colorado Springs.
apropospreschool.com
