Wonder & Wisdom Welcomes New Children's Program Director

by June Pitchel Cook (Hardwick Gazette, May 2010)

Dana Karuza from St. Johnsbury will begin her duties as children's program director at Greensboro Wonder & Wisdom in June with the 2010 Summer Journeys Program. She is replacing Drex Wright, who resigned earlier this year. Karuza has been an education director for more than 20 years and has a strong background in environmental education and curriculum development. She holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Montana in resource conservation with an emphasis on outdoor and environmental education. Her experience encompasses both traditional and alternative school environments. Currently, she is a paraeducator. She has eight years of experience as a home-school parent and was part of a cooperative affiliated with Waldorf.

Karuza comes to Wonder & Wisdom with a strong working knowledge of non-violent communication, which Wonder & Wisdom children refer to as "giraffe language." "Ginger", the giraffe, is a mainstay in the Wonder & Wisdom classroom.

The organization's philosophy very much matches what she has been looking for, Karuza said. She feels providing relationship-based experiences and providing experiences for children "in their own time, not pushing" is essential in the learning process. "I have worked with children for 20 years, "Karuza noted, "and through my ears as an educator what is effective and beautiful is to let go of our own agendas and be active listeners. When I have been able to do that, teaching has been the most rewarding thing I could do."