I am originally from Michigan and immigrated to the country of Texas in 1998, when my husband, Jim, got his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Michigan and was hired to teach with the Texas A & M University. Jim also does the TAMU Chemistry Road Show all across Texas. We have lived in the Brazos Valley ever since.
My son, Justin, is working as an archival librarian in Austin, Texas at the Dolph Brisco Center for American History. Back in Michigan, I have a dear granddaughter, Destiney Lynn, and my grandson-in-heart, Kris, who are loving parents to my sweet great-granddaughters, Gracie and Paislee.
I received my BA in Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education, and Language Arts from the University of Michigan and went on to teach for over 15 years in the field of early childhood education. I completed graduate coursework in beginning reading and remedial reading instruction at Eastern Michigan University. I received my Masters degree in Library and Information Sciences from the University of North Texas, specializing in Youth Services.
I have recently retired from working as a storyteller and family literacy librarian with the Clara Mounce Public Library after fifteen years (2004-2019).
I still do storytelling in schools, libraries, and museums and am a member of the Tejas Storytelling Association.
I am now a registered trainer with the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System certified in the following areas:
Child Growth and Development
Development Through Play
Emergent Literacy: Reading and Writing
Language and Communication: Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary
Supporting Skill Development
I am also the program coordinator for the Brazos Valley Literacy Coalition
My email is: bobbeepenningtonworks@gmail.com
If you are interested, I have another blog that tells my personal story in a more in-depth way: S.T.R.O.N.G. Women