Mary Blouin Auffert
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Comfortably retired.
If you had a super/magic power what would it be? Why?
I would like to be able to time travel so I could see first hand some of the people and places in history. The use of a Tardis for this purpose would be kind of cool.
What are your parents doing when you’re at school?
My dad is playing his piano and my mom is watching from afar.
What’s your favorite thing about preschool?
Learning along with the preschoolers.
What do you wish for?
A peaceful world (and licorice snaps!)
Mary brings 20 years of teaching experience, including a variety of preschool settings and includes working with children with special needs and autism, and has been with BPCP since 2006. Mary has a degree in elementary education, costume design, and vocal performance. In addition to teaching at BPCP, Mary teaches circus and clown classes at Xelias Aerial Arts Studio in NE Minneapolis. In the summer, she can be found at the Midtown Farmers' Market selling children's and women's clothing she designs through her company, Orange Fishy Design. Also a professional vocalist, she serves as the Musical Theater Director for Unity Children's Musical Program.
Laura Bigelow
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A teacher, gardener, explorer, author extrodinaire.
If you had a super/magic power what would it be? Why?
I would like to be able to read minds. It would be so helpful!
What are your parents doing when you’re at school?
Playing with their dogs or napping in their recliners.
What’s your favorite thing about preschool?
The students, especially when they’re giggly
What do you wish for?
I wish for everyone to be happy, healthy, safe, and respected.
Laura has over ten years of experience teaching and developing programs for youth and families. She has degrees in education, landscape architecture, and environmental design. Laura has been an elementary school special education teacher and after school program coordinator. She has worked closely with youth and families experiencing homelessness and family violence in the Twin Cities. Laura likes creating and leading trainings for professionals and parents on a variety of topics, because we're never done learning! Laura and her family were past members of BPCP and fell in love with the community. She is very excited to move into a teaching role and can't wait to meet the students and families. In her free time, Laura enjoys gardening, camping, and long walks in the woods. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband (Jim), two children (Riley and Etta), and two dogs (Donut and Oreo).