We were lucky to catch up with Susana Sullins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

From a very young age I was labeld a problematic child. My parents never listened to anyone that labeled me as problematic instead they supported me in every way they could always believing in me and making sure my education was not a close mind education but instead an open mindset. The way I was raised and how I always had a voice and an opinion gave me the security I needed to become a teacher of young children and to advocate for them and their families.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Early childhood education is a field that sometimes it’s looked as baby sitting or playing with babys all day.

I think Early childhood education is the foundation of success for child development. The early years of learning are the stepping stone for a successful adulthood. That’s why I made the decision to persue a career in Early childhood education and it’s been 10 years since that happened.

I experienced the day care world as a teacher and also as part of the management team but realized I wanted to be in this field to help children as a whole and not just on the educational aspect.

That is when I found the Head Start program and the wonders of being a family advocate. Helping children in the classroom and outside the classroom has a huge impact. If a child has a safe home then they will be successful at school. I became a Head Start teacher four years ago and fell in love with the program. Because I am bilingual I have been able to stablish positive relationships with so many children and their families.

It’s and eye opening experience every year. I invite people to learn more about the impact of early childhood education and the impact of the Head Start program.

I’m proud of being a voice for young children. My favorite quote is from Dr Seuss “A person is a person no matter how small” I am currently working on become an adult trainer and coach and my plan is to help educators and parents understand that children have valid thoughts and feelings from a very young age.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Loosing a parent as a teenager is tough. When I lost my mother I was very young. My family was broken but we where strong enough to move to the other side of the World and start a new chapter in our life’s from the ashes of the foundation of our family.

I see the same in many families that I work with who struggle tremendously and find hope when they listen to my story. Sometimes it’s nice to hear someone say I understand life is hard. You got this.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back in time. I would persue the same profession. But I would also try to focus on the political aspect of it and the vision around early childhood education itself. I think the World needs to understand is not baby sitting is crucial developmental learning.