Hanna B. Kitchens

Education

Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Relations: University of Connecticut, Storrs, 1997 (Thesis: Democracy and the Preschool Setting)

Bachelor of Arts in English with minor in Psychology: University of Louisiana, Monroe, 1991

Certifications

Level 2 Infant and Family Specialist (pending): Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health

Mentor and Postpartum Doula (pending): Birthing From Within

Childbirth Educator: Lamaze International

Newborn Infant Massage Instructor: Gentle Touch Program, Teresa Ramsey, Director

Parent Educator: Parents as Teachers Program, Prenatal to age Five and Working with Teen Parents

Infant Massage Instructor: International Association of Infant Massage

Professional Experience

Program Coordinator: The Learning Center, My Urban Toddler, Saline, MI. April 2007–Present

  • Design format and descriptions for all classes
  • Hire and supervise all facilitators
  • Coordinate calendar for each session of classes
  • Co-develop marketing plan and advertising schedule

Parent Educator: First Steps Washtenaw, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor, MI. September 2001–Present

  • Conduct personal home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum
  • Conduct developmental screenings and recommend referrals as needed
  • Serve as a liaisons between families and the area community resources
  • Coordinate and facilitate groups for families with children ages birth to five
  • Facilitate infant massage classes

Childbirth Educator: Lamaze of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI. September 2003–February 2006

  • Designed and taught 5-week childbirth preparation series
  • Participated in program-wide curriculum development
  • Participated in local and regional conferences and workshops

Professional Development Consultant: Reggio Emilia Staff Development Project, Merrill Palmer Institute, Detroit, MI. October 1998–May 2001

  • Coordinated and performed field advising for Detroit Area Head Start teaching teams
  • Conducted small group meetings once a month for each group of agency teams
  • Organized and conducted monthly meetings for participants and administrators

Child Care Coordinator: College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. October 1997–September 1998

  • Development and implementation of new toddler program (12–36 months)
  • Hired, trained and supervised five member staff of co-teachers, assistants and students
  • Participated in weekly center wide meetings and training programs
  • Offered parent support and conferences on various concerns and areas of interests

Head Teacher: Child Development Laboratory, Merrill Palmer Institute, Detroit, MI. August 1996–June 1997

  • Lead teacher in infant/toddler room (12–24 months)
  • Supervised six member staff of co-teachers, assistants and students
  • Conducted all parent/teacher conferences; liaison between parents and staff
  • Established resource relationship with Merrill-Palmer Infant Mental Health Program

Program Coordinator: “Parenting Apart” Divorce Education Program, Cooperative Extension and School of Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs. May 1995–August 1996

  • Coordinated and supervised state mandated divorce education program
  • Coordinated regional, monthly series of three-session workshops at three sites
  • Supervised class instructors and assigned placement
  • Accountable for annual budget of $75,000
  • Accountable for detailed paper trail between program and court systems

Public Service

  • Member: Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) of Washtenaw County. 2006–present
  • Committee Member: Safe Sleep Curriculum, Washtenaw Area Council for Children. 2005–present
  • Advisory Council Member and Group Facilitator: Postpartum Depression Support Group of the Greater Ann Arbor Area. 2005–present

Professional Affiliations

  • Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health
  • International Association of Infant Massage
  • Autism Society of Washtenaw County