CREATED WITH CARE
by
MARIE ROUSSO & WILL MAURER
Marie and Will welcomed their first child into the world at the start of the pandemic, allowing them to experience every moment of their child’s life for the first two years. It was during this time that they were inspired to create The Babbles.
Prior to the birth of their son, Marie and Will spent many years working with children while they put themselves through school. They launched their first company as a couple in 2010, and were featured in the LA Business Journal for their philanthropic business model. Two years later, they sold their company to Cumulus Media.
Will has since enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning Producer of Animation and Visual Effects. Marie has enjoyed a career in the arts, while leading the creative development of the Babbles brand.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
BRIGITTE K. HIX
The social, emotional and cognitive development of young children has been a passion that Brigitte has pursued over her 40+ years of experience working as an early childhood consultant, teacher, director, education coordinator, special needs instructor, trainer, mentor, and curriculum development specialist.
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Below is a list of certifications, credentials and achievements that outline Brigitte's passion and commitment to this field:
DEGREES:
Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; West Chester University
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education; Holy Family University
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CERTIFICATIONS:
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Professional Development Specialist Certification; Higher Education; Council of Professional Recognition
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The Growing Brain, prenatal through 5 years; Certified Trainer
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Critical Competencies, 0 through 5 years; Certified Trainer
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Early Learning Directors Credential
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Special Needs Instructor, 0 through 5; Addressing the Social/Emotional & Cognitive Development of children on the Autism Spectrum
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PA Elementary Education Teacher Certification; Kindergarten through grade 6
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PA Special Education Teacher Certification; PreK through grade 8
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PA Quality Assurance Specialist Certification; Higher Education
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ACHIEVEMENTS:
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Executive Director / Owner of a PA Keys Star early learning center for 30 successful years, licensed by the PA Department of Education for Preschool and Kindergarten.
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Taught Preschool and Kindergarten for 10 years, in an inclusive environment.
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Created programs that provided for underprivileged families, which included subsidized school lunches, free child care, diapers and other necessities.
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Educated and mentored directors, teachers, caregivers and families supporting children's social-emotional development over the past 40 years.
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Provided technical assistance and training to Early Learning Centers who participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) which is administered at the federal level by the USDA and at the state level by the PA Department of Education.
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Observed and evaluated environment, programming and curriculums.
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Developed curriculum across all developmental domains highlighting social and emotional intelligence for Infants through Kindergarten.
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Instructor; research-based design, develop and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum to address a wide variety of needs for school staff from management.
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Member of the Bensalem Township School Board; Bucks County, PA.
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As a College Instructor, I have designed, developed and delivered College credit bearing developmentally appropriate courses for Early Childhood Educators and Directors to address a wide variety of topics:
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CDA National Credentialing Program for Early Childhood Educators
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National Child Development Competency Standards
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School Age Professional Development Credential
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Child Development 0 through 8
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Observation and Assessment
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Early Learning Standards
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Curriculum Development for the Early Years
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Program Management for Child Care Directors
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Theorists contributions to the ECE community
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Jacopo Giacopuzzi
As a soloist and chamber musician, Jacopo has performed recitals at major festivals and venues throughout the United States and Europe. Jacopo is a winner of 14 international competitions including the International Piano Competition San Dona` di Piave, Ibiza International Piano Competition, International Liszt Competition in Los Angeles, and the Beverly Hills National Auditions. He has performed under the direction of world renowned conductors such as Dian Tchobanov, Robert Wills, and others. He has taught at the Conservatory of Verona E.F.Dall’Abaco, worked as a collaborative pianist at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels, and has been invited to serve on competition juries and to give presentations, masterclasses and concerts throughout the US. Jacopo is passionate about using his talents to create music and musical experiences that support children's connection and relationship with the arts.