Jo Elmer

Hi! I’m Jo (she/her) It is such a joy to be joining Charlotte Children’s Center!

I Grew up in Vermont and have, since very young, loved being around and

working with children. This began with the arrival of my younger brother and

sister when I was 8 and 11 years old. My first paid work was with children

starting with babysitting, then working at a day care center and running

childcare groups for Quaker Meetings. I was a camp counselor and a teachers

aid at an art studio for children’s art classes, I have worked in preschool and

after school settings and eventually ran my own Summer Art Camp for

children ages 4-14. I recently spent 8 years living in California working with

at-risk youth and have gained a great sense of purpose in having the

opportunity to support people, while they are still very young, to know how

precious and important they are. I have discovered that bringing true quality

to work is an important key to a beautiful life, it is where we get to bring who

we are to each other, to build ourselves and our community. I have a deep

appreciation for nature and the reflection it constantly offers us as the

intricate classroom of life that it is. I love swimming and picnics, I love truthful

and evolving conversations, I adore the spontaneous honesty of young

children and how they remind us of the most important things in life, like

connecting with each other, allowing our playful nature, being able to observe

without judgment and being-true-to-who-you-are. I look forward to getting to

know the children and families of Charlotte Children’s Center and learning

and growing along with all of you!