WeeHands classes in Newport Beach

Layla Guerrero holds a Master’s degree in Education from Chapman University. She has over four years of American Sign Language (ASL) education taken at College of the Desert. To broaden her experience of ASL, Layla has participated in multiple ASL workshops offered through the Love 2 ASL School. Layla is a loving wife and mother with an entrepreneurial spirit. When she is not busy teaching sign language or being a mommy to her daughter, she is running her own online boutique, Tulle and the Dragon.

Layla became a certified WeeHands Instructor so she can share all the tips and strategies she has learned.

For more information about Layla's baby sign language classes, call (949) 287-1052 or email: layla@weehands.com

Driven, purposeful & grateful...we like that!

WeeHands allows us to meet both parents and professionals who are incredible. Today, we get to highlight one of those professionals, Jacquelyn Ward, who is an Administrator at PleasanTime Child Care Center in Cambridge, Wisconsin.

Jacquelyn, where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Sun Prairie, WI . I lived in town and the privilege to walk or bike everywhere was super cool. Especially when I was old enough to go alone ( grocery store, dentist, doctor) school was just up the street so that was no big deal. I am the middle child and six total in our family. Having a older sister, younger sister and younger brother there was lots of sharing and occasion fighting. I was a shy, happy gal and enjoyed caring for my baby dolls and then caring for real children when I was older. I was always right by the side of my aunts when they cared for their little ones.

Describe what & how your work serves parents & families 

I am the Administrator/Owner of a group child care center serving children 6 weeks to 12 years, we are licensed for 84 children & opened our doors August 31, 1992. I have been in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years in which I wore many hats of assistant teacher, teacher , head teacher, assistant director and now Administrator /Owner.

What three words best describe how your work? 

Driven , Purposeful & Grateful

What's the biggest lesson learned you've learned

Maintain an attitude of gratitude and continue to be my best. To be extraordinary within the services that are provided to our clients and customers. Maintain the integrity of a program that provides memories that will be in the hearts of the children and families we touch for a lifetime. Be a life long learner by keeping up with reading,  maintaining  & creating connections and education( attending conferences or other training events).

What keeps you interested in what you do?

I feel truly blessed to do something that I feel purpose. I will receive a warm hug ( sometimes from the back . . . which is spontaneous and unexpected), hear my name for the 1st time by a young child learning to speak, or shouted as I enter the room. Also receiving a complement from a customer that PleasanTime Child Care Center, Inc.. is a perfect fit and the excitement of a great decision. This ripple effect of gratitude fills my bucket to overflowing.

The baby resource/product invented: 

Swaddle blanket, nuk both find the special calm for a child when crying. I am not truly impressed by all the noisy toys etc. I do believe the best part of caring for a baby is time spent holding, rocking, playing on the floor

Welcome to Katherine!

Welcome to one of our newest WeeHands Instructors...Katherine Fisher!

Katherine has more than five years’ experience as an Instructor Therapist. She studied Autism Behaviour Science at St. Lawrence College in 2008 and earned a B.A. in Social Sciences at the University of Lethbridge in 2004. Katherine has been studying American Sign Language since 2004.

Katherine's work with Morneau Shepell's Children's Support Solutions focuses on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her role she helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder learn communication and other skills that help them become more independent. Her approach is to recognize each child is different and find a way to unlock their potential. 

Katherine comes from a family of teachers and scientists so this profession came naturally to her. She loves to play the guitar, watch old movies and cook vegan food. She also has a valuable ability to calm down upset young children. Katherine shares, "Helping parents tap into their baby’s capabilities not only exercises these mental pathways but reduces frustration for both the child and the caregivers. As WeeHands says, “Why wait to communicate?” Working with children who have autism, I have seen how augmentative communication opens a new world for them. I am so excited to have this opportunity to help all parents learn to connect and communicate with their little ones!"

For more information about Katherine's baby sign language classes for new parents in the Greater Toronto Area or for child care staff training information, call 1.866.653.2397 or email: childrensupportsolutions@morneaushepell.com

Welcome to Kayla!

Welcome to our newest Instructor, Kayla Brissette!

Kayla Brissette holds a graduate certificate as a Communicative Disorders Assistant from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario as well as a Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has been working with children of all abilities since 2012 and has been studying American Sign Language since 2015. Kayla is excited to share her signing skills, and much more, with families in the community!

Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions helps children reach their full potential by providing accessible and trusted professional support for children who experience difficultly in development. We work in collaboration with families, childcare centres, preschools, daycare providers, and private and public schools. We listen to help identify individual issues and focus on facilitating development, and social and academic growth.

Do you have a group of moms who want to take a signing class but can’t find a location to suit your needs? You may be interested in hosting your own class! Just let us know! Call 416-229-0749 or email: torontofamilyrelations@morneaushepell.com

WeeHands in Peterborough

WeeHands classes are coming back to Peterborough, Ontario!

Robin Omdahl is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has worked with preschool children of all abiliites since 1997. She also holds an American Sign Language Certificate from Sir Sandford Flemirg College. As a graduate of Loyalist College's Early Childhood Education program, Robin knows that a child's experiences in their first five years are critically important to their future success.  Robin is a kind and patient teacher who is excited to share her love of American Sign Language and early education with families in Peterborough.

Robin shares, "I have seen how early signing can help reduce a child's level of frustration when he/she is trying to communicate something but doesn't yet have the spoken vocabulary to articulate it. I want to be able to teach others how to enhance their communication with the children in their care."

Do you have a group of moms who want to take a signing class but can’t find a location to suit your needs? You may be interested in hosting your own class! Just let Robin know! Call 705-740-5443 or email: robin@weehands.com

WeeHands in Connecticut

Welcome to our newest, wonderful WeeHands baby sign language Instructor, Amy Anderson Moncy!

Amy Anderson Moncy is a speech language pathologist who holds a Doctorate in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University as well as a Master of Science (M.S.), Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia. 

Amy shares, "I currently work as a speech language pathologist in an early childhood magnet school. I began using sign language at church in children songs and have incorporated signing into my practice in speech pathology. I've seen how a little one signing "more" has made such a big difference in their interaction with parent. I'm excited about WeeHands and the opportunity to help children and parents share special moments together."

For more information about Amy's baby sign language classes in New London, CT visit her webpage: http://www.weehands.com/profile.php?id=300