"When she had her children, Julie was the mom/friend that endlessly inspired me. I watched as she raised her children with confidence, creativity and unabashed joy.  I marvelled at her ability to delight in their innocence and nourish them while choosing with complete confidence her own path in raising them without reservation.  While I sheepishly worried, compared and concerned myself about what others thought and wished I could be more decisive about what was best for my kids - she just ‘knew’.  Her house was full of love, learning and a simple, natural approach that made it all look easy. As I’ve raised my own boys I find myself hearing Julie in my head and have recounted her words to other moms many times.  She told me once that her youngest was struggling with math and she noticed it was affecting his confidence. So instead of doing what many parents would do (including me) which would be worry, try to find additional help and make comparisons with other kids, she said, 'I just put it away for an entire year.  When he worked on it the next year he was ready, he aced it and his confidence soared.' What an incredible (and unique) thought process to actually pay attention to our kids individual readiness for learning.  

Shannon

"Julie has the ability to make even the most nervous child feel comfortable.  Her genuine love for children shines through in her friendly and caring personality.  Julie sees potential in every child and she seems to know just how to bring it out.  Julie’s time spent teaching and volunteering at DVJC and DVHS was a blessing to the students and to the families."